Enzychem Lifesciences to Enter mRNA Vaccine CMO Business

A researcher is focusing on COVID-19 treatment research at the Central Research Institute of Enzychem Lifesciences in Jecheon, Chungbuk. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Chunhee Lee] Engchem Life Sciences is entering the messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccine contract manufacturing organization (CMO) business.

Engchem Life Sciences announced on the 4th that it plans to build a fully automated, digital, and cloud-based mRNA vaccine factory within 12 months on approximately 17,500㎡ of land in the 2nd Life Science Complex in Osong, Chungbuk. Through this, the company aims to produce and supply 100 million doses of mRNA vaccines by 2022 and establish sovereignty in mRNA vaccines.

Engchem Life Sciences plans to build a state-of-the-art production plant through collaboration with a global engineering company that has the technology and experience in establishing mRNA vaccine production facilities. To this end, it has been continuously consulting with global mRNA vaccine developers, lipid nanoparticle formula developers, mRNA capping technology companies, and concept design firms. Additionally, to respond to the crisis of the spread of the COVID-19 virus including variants, the company is also pursuing CMO contracts with global mRNA developers.

A company representative explained, "Engchem Life Sciences has successfully developed and produced EC-18, one of the few lipid new drugs worldwide, and thus combines the special strengths of research and development capabilities and in-house production capacity of lipids, which are essential raw materials for mRNA vaccine production. We will strive to achieve the goal of producing and supplying 100 million doses of mRNA vaccines in 2022."

Engchem Life Sciences established MESSERNA Co., Ltd. for the mRNA vaccine business and completed registration as a foreign-invested company on the 22nd. Earlier, at the shareholders' meeting held on March 31, the company amended its articles of incorporation to add vaccine research, development, manufacturing, and sales, as well as CMO, contract development organization (CDO), contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), and contract research organization (CRO) to its business purposes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.