Interview: North is not just a direction - it's the pinnacle of progress.
From its Canadian roots to global recognition, Northern Lipids® has helped shape the evolution of lipid-based drug delivery and gene therapy technologies.
Read: ca. 4 min
Tell me about the history of Northern Lipids®?
Mike Parr: Northern Lipids® was originally founded in 1991 by a group of researchers in the Pieter Cullis Lab at the University of British Columbia in Canada. The business then went on to establish itself as a leader in the field of lipid-based drug delivery systems. Originally, Northern Lipids focused on the manufacture and sales of LIPEX® lipid-formulation equipment, and the custom synthesis of R&D lipids. The business then evolved into a leading CDMO providing liposome and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) GMP drug product services.
Evonik recognized the potential of this technology and acquired Northern Lipids® (which later became Transferra Nanosciences) in 2016, deliberately investing in a promising area of nucleic acid-based therapeutic approaches.
Since its inception, Northern Lipids® has been at the forefront of the CDMO market, offering integrated services for the development, scale-up, and production of LNPs and liposome-based formulations. Their work has contributed to advancements in various therapeutic areas, including oncology, vaccines, and nucleic acid therapies such as mRNA, DNA, and siRNA. Today, the site also continues to produce stock and custom LIPEX®-branded lipid formulation manufacturing equipment.
How it all started: Before LIPEX® got incorporated into Northern Lipids® in 1991, the company was literally being run out of a garage. In 1989 when this photo was taken, the company operated under the name "Lipex Biomembranes".
What does the brand Northern Lipids® stand for?
Mike Parr: The brand's standing is built on a rich history of scientific excellence and a deep understanding of membrane biophysics and drug delivery mechanisms. By choosing Northern Lipids®, customers are assured of Evonik's integrated solutions, high-quality products, and a partnership that strives to exceed expectations in the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical landscape.
The Northern Lipids® brand continues to resonate with early adopters who saw lipid-based formulations as the future of innovative therapeutics.
Global Head of Strategic and Technical Marketing at Evonik
Why is Evonik continuing to use the Northern Lipids® brand?
Mike Parr: Northern Lipids® is a recognized name for high quality CDMO services. The name continues to resonate with early adopters who saw lipid-based formulations as the future of innovative therapeutics during a major period of growth in the field worldwide that started 30 years ago. These early adopters have now become established players in the market. Some who started in that era formed new companies in LNP-based gene therapies and other novel areas.
Where do you see Northern Lipids® going in the future?
Mike Parr: Today, under the Evonik brand, Northern Lipids® continues to offer a robust portfolio of CDMO services, supporting the pharmaceutical industry from feasibility studies through to commercial supply, and catering to the needs of emerging therapeutic fields such as drug combinations and immunotherapies.
Any anecdotes or stories associated with the Northern Lipids® brand?
Mike Parr: The name Northern Lipids® recognizes its Canadian roots and is a nod to our country’s nickname “The Great White North” which was popularized by a long-running skit on the Canadian TV sketch comedy show SCTV in the 1980s.
Thank you for your time!
