The Evolution and Impact of mRNA
Following the development of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, biotech and biopharma have been working to create more life-saving solutions with mRNA technology. Learn more about the history of mRNA, and companies utilizing it to develop
What is mRNA?
Used to help create proteins, messenger RNA (mRNA) is a component of living organisms, and a genetic material, which is used as a recipe, carrying instructions from DNA to ribosomes, the cells that build proteins. The human body is made of hundreds of thousands of proteins, which perform a wide variety of functions that keep us healthy and prevent diseases. When proteins are formed incorrectly, or at the incorrect volume, they can cause health complications.
mRNA is unique because once it has served its purpose and carried the protein instructions to the ribosomes, it is broken down by the body. This is promising when developing vaccinations, as it leaves no permanent change to an individual's DNA. Additionally, when compared to traditional vaccines, mRNA removes the need to inject the individual with part of the bacteria or virus, which can cause adverse side effects.
The History of mRNA
In 1965, researchers François Jacob, André Lwoff and Jacques Monod were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discoveries made about “genetic control of enzyme and virus synthesis”. This discovery would later become one of the many building blocks of the research done by the University of Wisconsin about using mRNA in vaccinations in the 1990’s. Original research was done in an attempt to promote an immune system response to cancer cells, but in the 2000’s, research pivoted to mRNA vaccines for infectious diseases like the flu.
In 2012, a breakthrough discovery was made by the Imperial College London on a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine platform. This would become a building block for Moderna in their 2013 clinical trials for a personalized cancer mRNA vaccine. Throughout this time, one of the greatest challenges researchers faced was delivering the vaccine, while preventing it from becoming unstable.
The first mRNA vaccine to be officially approved by the FDA would not happen until August of 2021, with Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccination, which would be quickly followed by Moderna’s in January of 2022.
Understanding the COVID-19 Vaccination
Due to the severity of the COVID-19 virus throughout the pandemic, an mRNA vaccination was an effective possible solution, as it would not have to introduce the virus, even in small volumes, to the individual. The COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations worked by utilizing mRNA to instruct your cells to create the S protein that is found on the surface of the virus. After your muscles begin producing this protein, your body detects it and starts to create antibodies to fight the protein.
The ultimate goal of this vaccination technique is that, if you are later infected with the real virus, your body will already have the antibodies to fight it. Since the mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, once instructions are received and proteins created, the mRNA is broken down by the body.
In comparison, the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine that was available was a vector vaccine. This means that a small volume of material from the COVID-19 virus is injected through a modified version of a separate virus. This ultimately works the same, as the goal is to get your body to produce S proteins, resulting in the production of antibodies. However, mRNA is regarded as a safer vaccination, as it never interacts with an individual's genome.
Companies Making Strides in mRNA R&D
At the moment, the only approved mRNA vaccinations are the COVID-19 vaccines mentioned above, and other vaccinations that have only been approved for specific populations such as the mRESVIA vaccine from Moderna. Following the success of those vaccines, many other organizations have pushed forward with their own vaccinations, with many mRNA vaccines in the midst of clinical trials.
Pfizer and Moderna both have additional mRNA vaccinations in the pipeline. Pfizer is currently in the phase III trial stage for a COVID-19 and influenza combination vaccine. Moderna is developing a similar vaccination, and is showing positive results in phase III of their clinical trial. Additionally, Moderna is in a phase III trial for mRNA-4157, a therapy to be used on head and neck cancer & melanoma. They are also in phase II for mRNA-1647, which would be used to treat cytomegalovirus, the most common infectious cause of birth defects in the United States.
Finally, GSK is working with CureVac to produce an influenza vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine, both of which are in phase II of their clinical trials.
In addition to these, many other companies are working towards creating innovative solutions with mRNA, but many of these have yet to hit clinical trials. It is important to note that the mRNA landscape is constantly evolving, and that not every vaccination in clinical trials will eventually be approved for general use.
Events of Interest for mRNA Professionals
Although mRNA has been around for decades, it has just started to pick up traction in the biopharmaceutical and biotechnology spaces. Due to this, there are less organizations to join as an mRNA professional when compared to other industry trending technologies, such as cell & gene therapy. There are, however, multiple events and tradeshows throughout the year that could be relevant to those interested in advancing mRNA vaccines.
The mRNA-Based Therapeutics Summit, whose fifth annual event takes place in Boston Massachusetts in 2025 claims to be the largest industry focused gathering dedicated to mRNA professionals. The event features speaker sessions, panel discussions, interactive roundtables, and more. Over 65 guest speakers participate, providing insights to the newest developments in the mRNA space.
Another mRNA focused event for the Boston area is The mRNA Conference, which is held in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This event also boasts insightful speaker sessions, covering a variety of topics including mRNA formulation, delivery techniques, personalized mRNA treatments, global manufacturing, and more.
Finally, for those who would prefer to join a group or organization, the Alliance for mRNA Medicines (AMM) offers membership which gives members access to policy leadership, regulatory support, market insights, data resources, and more. For more information, visit the AMM website.
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About HPNE
As the industry needs grow, High Purity New England, Inc. continues to supply the biopharmaceutical industry with a range of innovative products, from drug discovery and development to fill-finish, including their flagship product, custom single-use assemblies, as well as pumps, sensors, bioreactor systems, storage and handling solutions and other single-use solutions. Along with their own manufactured products for the global market, they are also a distributor for more than 18 brands in North America.
