Posted on March 10, 2025 by Northern RNA
CALGARY, Alberta (March 10, 2025) – Northern RNA today announced that they have been awarded grant funding from Alberta Innovates to support the development of advanced manufacturing processes for next generation lipids.
The next generation lipid manufacturing effort addresses a critical gap in the global supply of commercial ready lipids, which are essential to produce and delivery medicines. Currently, options for the large-scale production of lipids and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are sparse in Canada; resulting in a reliance on foreign entities for large scale production of these therapeutic modalities. The Canadian public is exposed unnecessarily to health and economic risks in the event of global health challenges. The lipid supply shortage has created significant delays, with commercial clients experiencing 12 to 18 months’ wait times to secure lipid supplies.
Northern RNA’s (NRNA) upcoming manufacturing facility will support the production of novel lipids at scales from pre-clinical to commercial, establishing Canada’s first commercial-scale lipid production facility. With GMP-grade cleanrooms and capabilities for LNP formulation. The facility is set to create significant employment opportunities, contributing to both economic and scientific growth within Canada. With current global demand leading to 12- to 18-month wait times for lipid supply, NRNA’s project will alleviate bottlenecks by offering a reliable, domestic source for both Canada and international partners. This reduces dependency on foreign suppliers and expedites access to essential components for RNA vaccines and other advanced therapeutics. The early commercial success of NRNA’s lipid manufacturing capability is expected to establish the company as a global market leader in current and next generation lipids.
The goal is to develop manufacturing processes, retain the process intellectual property for each proprietary lipid, and, on completion, be able to sell GMP grade, next generation lipids.
“We are thrilled about being awarded this grant from Alberta Innovates” said Thomas Hansen, Co-Founder and Vice President of Northern RNA. “Through this support from Alberta Innovates we are able to develop advanced manufacturing platforms for next generation lipids to meet the rapidly emerging demands of domestic and international clients”.
Northern RNA Inc is committed to making a lasting impact and difference by offering
comprehensive solutions that support every phase of our clients’ needs – from clinical trials to full-scale commercial production. With our biomanufacturing facility located in Western Canada, we are well-positioned to provide GMP-grade products and services at unparalleled quality and precision. We look forward to driving meaningful change and innovation within the industry while
continuing to empower our clients in achieving their goals.
About Northern RNA Inc.
Founded in 2020 to address unmet global demand for the manufacturing of vaccines and vaccine components, Northern RNA is a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in the production of nucleic acid products used in applications including mRNA vaccines, DNA vaccines, mRNA therapies, gene editing, and gene therapies. Our goal is to provide secure, clinical-to-commercial scale, GMP-grade manufacturing for our customers across the globe. For more information about our end-to-end CDMO capabilities, please follow us on LinkedIn or visit us at www.northernrna.com
About Alberta Innovates
Alberta Innovates manages nearly 1,300 projects in a portfolio valued at $1.33 billion. We work with innovators in all sectors of the economy and all corners of the province to drive entrepreneurship, applied research and industry development. With our impact-based funding programs and services, we are transforming energy systems for a net-zero world, promoting the responsible use of land and water, leveraging provincial strengths in agriculture, and contributing to improved health and well-being by harnessing digital tech and data. We are also advancing emerging technologies and strengthening entrepreneurship for a strong and diversified economy. From funding to commercialization, we are Alberta’s innovation engine.
Northern RNA Business Development Contact
Tim Morgan
Director, Business Development
tmorgan@northernrna.com