The genetic material of mRNA-based vaccines (e.g., COVID-19 vaccines) and therapeutics is packaged in lipids [1]. Merck launched a new, high-purity synthetic cholesterol product nine months ahead of schedule. Cholesterol is one component from which lipids are made.
There are both animal-derived and synthetic versions of cholesterol on the market. SAFC®, Merck’s new synthetic cholesterol product, has high purity, scalability, and consistent quality. It is more than 99 % pure, offers high batch-to-batch consistency, and is scalable under commercial GMP. Merck is one of the few companies in the world capable of producing the volumes required to manufacture lipid nanoparticles and meet the quality requirements for mRNA therapeutics.
The launch of this new product follows the acquisition of AmpTec, a Hamburg, Germany-based mRNA contract development and manufacturing company. By combining AmpTec’s PCR-based mRNA technology with Merck’s expertise in lipid manufacturing, Merck can provide a truly integrated offering across the entire mRNA value chain.
Merck is collaborating with more than 50 companies to help them develop and produce Covid-19 vaccines and treatments by providing custom lipids as well as other key raw materials, processing equipment, and services for mRNA drug and vaccine manufacturing.
- Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- [1] Clever Picture: Comparing COVID-19 Vaccines, ChemistryViews 2021. https://doi.org/10.1002/chemv.202100033
Also of Interest
- ChemistryViews Collection: SARS-CoV-2 Virus – What We Know About Vaccines and Immunity
