Ethris and Lonza have announced a collaboration to develop room-temperature stable, spray-dried mRNA-based vaccine formulations designed for mucosal delivery, in an effort to address global challenges in respiratory disease prevention.

The work will be carried out at Lonza’s Center of Excellence in Bend, Oregon, which specializes in bioavailability enhancement and inhaled drug delivery. All formulations will be developed in accordance with current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) standards.

Backed by funding from the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), the collaboration is part of Ethris’ broader strategy to advance mucosal mRNA vaccines that do not require cold-chain storage and can be delivered needle-free. The first candidate in development targets influenza, aiming to generate a localized immune response at the site of infection.

Spray-dried formulations of mRNA offer potential benefits beyond stability and ease of distribution. They are also being explored for their ability to elicit mucosal immunity, which may help reduce virus transmission—particularly relevant for respiratory viruses that enter through the nose or lungs.

Under the agreement, LONZA will apply its spray-drying and particle engineering capabilities to Ethris’ proprietary stabilized non-immunogenic mRNA (SNIM RNA) and stabilized lipid nanoparticle (SNaP LNP) platform. The Bend site team will work to ensure that the mRNA remains stable and active within LNPs while achieving the physical properties necessary for delivery to the respiratory tract.

“Lonza’s support and leading expertise is an asset and provides unique support as we progress development of our mRNA vaccine technology under the CEPI grant,” said Dr Carsten Rudolph, chief executive officer at Ethris.

“Together, I believe we are well positioned to create promising non-invasive mucosal vaccine candidates that could potentially transform how respiratory diseases are prevented globally.”

Jan Vertommen, vice president and head of commercial development, advanced synthesis at Lonza, added: “Spray-drying represents a well-established technique that addresses solubility and other manufacturing and stability challenges. however, its application in the field of DNA and RNA-based products represents a highly innovative approach, with another level of complexity introduced by the presence of LNPs. combining the expertise of the Lonza bend site’s particle engineering team with the innovative SNIM RNA of Ethris, there is great potential to target unmet medical needs in the field of non-invasive vaccine delivery.”