Codexis has signed an agreement to manufacture siRNA for a partner’s cardiovascular programme using its ECO Synthesis platform.

The US-based company will produce 50 grams of small interfering RNA to support preclinical development of a therapeutic candidate, marking a step beyond early research-scale production.

The partner company was not disclosed, but the agreement centres on generating material for preclinical studies, with the potential for further scale-up depending on programme progress.

Codexis said the project will use its ECO Synthesis manufacturing platform, which is designed to support scalable production of complex RNA therapeutics. The deal reflects growing demand for larger quantities of RNA material as drug developers move beyond early-stage research into broader therapeutic areas.

Small interfering RNA therapies have historically focused on rare diseases, where manufacturing volumes are relatively low. Expansion into indications such as cardiovascular disease is expected to increase production requirements significantly, creating pressure on existing manufacturing approaches.

The 50 gram scale remains modest compared with commercial production, but it represents a move towards larger batch sizes that are more relevant for later-stage development. For Codexis, the agreement serves as an early validation of its platform’s ability to deliver at higher volumes.

Alison Moore, president and chief executive officer of Codexis, said: “We are excited about this relationship as it represents an important entry point into what could become a high-volume opportunity.”

She added: “Engagements like this illustrate our path to growth as we continue to expand partnerships and position the platform for potential commercial-scale applications.”

The company is positioning ECO Synthesis as a potential alternative to traditional chemical synthesis methods, with a focus on maintaining consistency while scaling production. As RNA therapeutics continue to expand into more common diseases, manufacturing efficiency is becoming a key factor in determining commercial viability.

However, the announcement remains an early-stage manufacturing agreement tied to preclinical development rather than a clinical or commercial milestone. The longer-term significance will depend on whether the partner programme advances and requires larger-scale production.

The deal also highlights a broader trend in the RNA therapeutics space, where companies are seeking manufacturing platforms that can support both early development and eventual scale-up without significant process changes.