Ethris Partners with German Center for Infection Research to Develop Next-Generation mRNA Vaccines
Key Insights
Ethris GmbH and the German Center for Infection Research (search) (DZIF (search)) announced a strategic collaboration to develop mRNA-based vaccines for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases (search).
The partnership combines Ethris' proprietary SNIM®RNA (search) and SNaP LNP® (search) technology platforms with DZIF (search)'s translational vaccine research expertise across viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
The collaboration aims to create next-generation mRNA vaccines with enhanced stability, targeted delivery, and variant-ready protection beyond individual respiratory viruses.
Ethris GmbH, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, and the German Center for Infection Research (search) (DZIF (search)) have announced a strategic research collaboration to develop mRNA-based vaccines for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases (search). The partnership combines Ethris' proprietary, clinically-validated mRNA technology platforms with DZIF's translational vaccine research expertise spanning a broad spectrum of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Advanced mRNA Technology Platform Access
Under the agreement, Ethris will grant DZIF (search) access to its Stabilized Non-Immunogenic mRNA (SNIM®RNA (search)) and Stabilized NanoParticle (SNaP LNP® (search)) technology platforms. These platforms enable the delivery of stabilized, low-immunogenic mRNA across multiple administration routes, supporting the development of next-generation mRNA vaccines. Vaccine materials will be manufactured by Ethris' partners, Patheon UK Limited (a Thermo Fisher Scientific (search) company) and Evonik Operations GmbH.
The collaboration provides DZIF (search) with access to advanced mRNA and lipid nanoparticle technologies, backed by industrial-scale, quality-controlled manufacturing to support both preclinical and clinical development. With more than a decade of experience in stabilized mRNA therapeutics, Ethris has demonstrated the clinical applicability of its platform through its lead program, ETH47, which is currently in Phase 2a development.
Moving Beyond First-Generation Vaccines
"First-generation mRNA vaccines fundamentally changed how we prevent infectious diseases (search), but they represent only the first step," said Dr. Carsten Rudolph, CEO of Ethris. "Together with DZIF (search), we are focused on developing a new generation of mRNA vaccines designed to provide broader and more durable protection beyond individual respiratory viruses. By combining enhanced stability with targeted delivery, these vaccines are intended to be variant-ready, and more easily deployed across different healthcare settings."
Dr. Rudolph emphasized the strategic shift from reactive to proactive vaccination approaches: "Our goal is to move vaccination from a largely reactive response to emerging crises toward a proactive, sustainable approach to long-term protection."
Addressing Unmet Medical Needs
Dr. Klaus Schwamborn, Head of Vaccine Development at DZIF (search), highlighted the collaboration's focus on addressing current gaps in infectious disease prevention and treatment. "Our mission is to translate cutting-edge infection research into medical solutions that benefit patients, especially where current prevention and treatment options fall short," he said.
"The collaboration with Ethris provides access to an advanced mRNA technology platform that can be applied to emerging pathogens, antimicrobial resistance, and patient groups with limited vaccine response, while accelerating the path of promising concepts toward clinical evaluation," Dr. Schwamborn added.
Research Infrastructure and Expertise
The DZIF (search) brings significant research infrastructure to the partnership, with more than 700 researchers from 35 institutions across Germany working together to develop new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases (search). The organization focuses on translation—the rapid, effective implementation of research results in clinical practice.
DZIF (search) organizes its projects into nine research areas, each focusing on specific pathogens, diseases, or topics within infection research. These areas include "Emerging Infections," "Healthcare-Associated Infections," "Novel Antibiotics," "HIV (search)," "Hepatitis (search)," "Tuberculosis (search)," "Malaria (search) and Neglected Tropical Diseases," "Community-Acquired Infections at Mucosal Interfaces," and "Infections of the Immunocompromised Host."
Ethris has established itself as a global leader in delivering stabilized mRNAs directly to the respiratory system via optimized formulation and nebulization technologies. The company is rapidly advancing its mRNA pipeline of immunomodulation, protein replacement therapies, and differentiated vaccines.