Cipla invests in Ethris for mRNA-based inhalation therapies

Cipla on Thursday said that its wholly owned UK subsidiary has signed definitive agreements for equity investment of EUR 15 million in Ethris, a global leader in delivering mRNAs directly to the respiratory system including administration by inhalation.

The investment will facilitate a long-term strategic partnership between Cipla and Ethris for the development of messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapies and fast-track Cipla’s participation in the mRNA space, enabling it to provide access to cutting-edge solutions developed by Ethris for the developing countries.

A collaboration agreement is signed concurrently with the definitive agreement, which paves a path to market Ethris’ innovative portfolio in Cipla’s key emerging markets.

The transaction is expected to get completed within 60 days from the date of signing of the agreement based on regulatory formalities.

"We expect mRNA-based therapies to be one of the key innovation levers for Cipla," said Umang Vohra, MD & Global CEO of Cipla.

"This inhaled mRNA technology is a paradigm shift in the delivery mechanism and this partnership reinforces Cipla’s strength in respiratory therapy in line with our aspiration of attaining global lung leadership,” Vohra added.

"The investment supports the further development of our pipeline and our objective to leverage the power of mRNA-based therapeutics to treat a broad range of diseases,” said Carsten Rudolph, CEO of Ethris.