Exelead Biopharma

Exelead is a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in complex injectable drug formulations, with a primary focus on lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology. The company provides end-to-end services ranging from preclinical development to commercial-scale manufacturing for genomic medicines, including mRNA vaccines and siRNA therapies. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Exelead was acquired by Merck KGaA in 2022 to bolster its Life Science business's capabilities in the rapidly growing mRNA market. Their expertise is critical for the stabilization and delivery of nucleic acid-based therapeutics, having played a significant role in the production of COVID-19 vaccines.