Phospholipids for mRNA vaccines from Lipoid
Synthetic phospholipids, which are used in the manufacture of mRNA vaccines and currently are the subject of particular public interest, are part of Lipoid’s extensive product range.
As a growing, internationally active company and industry pioneer, Lipoid has been setting standards in the field of large-scale production of pharmaceutical-grade phospholipids for over 40 years. The products are multifunctional excipients characterized by their exceptional performance, quality and superior safety profile. The raw materials are soy, sunflower and egg yolk. Lipoid is based on these pillars: Highest quality, naturalness, environmentally friendly processes, sustainability and social responsibility. Approximately 500 employees ensure the supply of phospholipids worldwide.
A report about Lipoid’s work was broadcast on the German public television station SWR. Especially phospholipids, which are used in the production of the new mRNA vaccines, were discussed. See the full english transcript directly below the video!
Transcript:
Reporter: These are the sources of raw materials for products without which the pharmaceutical industry could not offer a vaccine: For the so-called phospholipids or fats. And this is the company that produces these phospholipids in two plants in Ludwigshafen and, according to its own statements, is the world market leader. Without the products from Ludwigshafen, the mRNA vaccines against the coronavirus would not get to where they need to go in the body; this is only possible with the help of lipids.
Frank Schubert (Managing Director, Lipoid): “In the case of the so-called mRNA vaccines, the mRNA must be packaged, i.e. protected, in order to be transported into the human cell. Here, the mRNA is shown schematically. Enveloped by different lipids. One of these lipids is a synthetic phospholipid produced by Lipoid.”
Reporter: Phospholipids are versatile. They are not only needed for medicines, but are also used in dietary supplements and in the cosmetics industry. Production is complex.
Harald Niederhöfer (authorized signatory, Lipoid): “A production process that can take 8-10 weeks, depending on the complexity of the product. There are some, like our highly purified lipids, that require a dozen steps and are checked again and again in between to make sure the quality is what it should be.”
Reporter: With the new vaccines against Covid-19, demand for the special ingredients “made in Ludwigshafen” has also been rising since last summer. Lipoid has responded and ramped up production. 250 employees are working around the clock every day.
Frank Schubert (Managing Director, Lipoid): “This is a synthetic phospholipid that is used, for example, in COVID-19 vaccines. It’s a highly pure, white powder. That’s the form we offer to our customers. Our pharmaceutical customer then incorporates that into their appropriate drug or vaccine.”
Reporter: The company expects demand for phospholipids to increase even without Covid-19. That’s why Lipoid is planning a third plant at its main site in Ludwigshafen. Over the next ten years, the number of employees there is then expected to double to 500.