72 CHEMICALS KNOWLEDGE HUB Issue 2 / October 2025 LIFE SCIENCES pharmaceutical companies can utilize the specialized knowledge, scalable manufacturing capabilities, and cost-effectiveness of CDMO. Developing mRNA therapeutics or vaccines in-house requires significant investments in infrastructure, equipment, and regulatory approvals, which can be time-consuming and expensive. CDMOs have the infrastructure and expertise to produce mRNA at scale, allowing biotech and pharmaceutical companies to accelerate their time to market. For instance: - In September 2023, Merck became the first Contract Testing, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CTDMO) to offer fully integrated services for all critical stages of mRNA development, manufacturing, and commercialization. This expansion includes new GMP-grade mRNA drug substance manufacturing sites in Darmstadt and Hamburg, Germany. - In August 2023, Moderna partnered with Lonza to enhance the production of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics, leveraging Lonza’s extensive CDMO services to meet the growing global demand. - In August 2023, the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), and the Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB) co-organized “Taiwan Bio-Manufacturing Corporation.” This CDMO was registered and established with an initial total capital of ~USD 186 million (TWD 6 billion). In its first phase, the company focused on constructing factories in Zhubei to produce mRNA vaccines, nucleic acid drugs, protein drugs, and cell therapeutics. - In April 2023, BioCina, a prominent contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced the receipt of a ~USD 3 million (AUD 5.0 million) grant through the Federal Government’s Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Grants program. This funding was expected to support collaboration with industry partners to advance enabling technologies for the production of precision mRNA vaccines. - In 2020, Moderna signed a 10-year partnership with Lonza, enabling the rapid manufacturing of millions of doses of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine to meet global demand. The mRNA synthesis and manufacturing market is witnessing technological changes due to advances in biological synthesis, automation, and delivery methods. Enzymes such as RNA polymerase, lipid nanoparticle encapsulation, and in vitro transcription (IVT) are essential for mRNA synthesis. Immobilization technologies and enhanced capping processes are additional components that enhance the scalability and efficiency of mRNA production. This combination of technologies is essential to keep pace with the ever-increasing demand for vaccines and mRNA-based therapies, which have been enhanced, growing the market and encouraging further research. Advancements in drug delivery technologies present a significant opportunity for the mRNA synthesis and manufacturing market by enhancing the efficacy and application range of mRNA-based therapies. Innovations in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have become crucial, as they efficiently encapsulate mRNA, protecting it from degradation and ensuring its effective cellular delivery, with ongoing improvements leading to better stability, reduced toxicity, and enhanced cellular uptake. Polymeric nanoparticles offer controlled release and targeted delivery of mRNA, which can improve therapeutic outcomes and broaden the scope of treatable conditions. Additionally, advancements in targeted delivery systems, such as ligand-receptor interactions and antibody-based approaches, enable more precise delivery of mRNA to specific cell types or tissues, enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness and reducing side effects. Technologies for cell-specific delivery, including cell-penetrating peptides and aptamer-based systems, further allow for targeted treatment of diseases such as cancer or genetic disorders, increasing the appeal of mRNA therapies. Moreover, the development of long-acting formulations that provide sustained release of mRNA reduces the need for frequent dosing, improving patient compliance and treatment outcomes. These advancements collectively drive the expansion of mRNA applications and create substantial growth opportunities in the mRNA synthesis & manufacturing market. MarketsandMarketsTM
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