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Harnessing the potential of RNA

RNA technologies rapidly emerged as an exciting drug modality with the potential to treat a wide range of diseases. Although RNA-based medicines are relatively new, their capabilities have quickly evolved with growing knowledge in the space. As a result of these advancements, RNA developers are:

  • Improving the stability of RNA therapeutics by incorporating capping, tailing and point mutations, among others
  • Enhancing RNA delivery using lipid nanoparticles
  • Reducing immunogenicity by introducing modified nucleotides.

As our understanding of RNA therapies has expanded and enabled the production of RNA with improved stability, shelf life and efficacy, many exciting innovations in the RNA therapy space have emerged. In the last five years, the applications for RNA-based therapeutics have rapidly expanded. Once limited to vaccines for preventing infectious diseases, RNA is now being used in the treatment of various cancers, including colorectal, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers1. 

Advancing RNA therapeutics in the future

Developers and manufacturers are continuing to push the boundaries of RNA therapeutics, with exciting developments on the horizon.

Many next-generation vaccines currently in development are targeted towards mucosal respiratory viruses. To date, a large number of these viruses, including influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, endemic coronaviruses and RSV, have not been effectively controlled by vaccines. The barrier of the mucosal surfaces, encompassing mucus, degrading enzymes and clearance mechanisms, represents a significant hurdle in vaccine development, inhibiting delivery and immune stimulation.

Moving forward, it will therefore not only be essential for RNA technology developers to select the right antigen and know the antigen configuration but also to leverage the optimal route of administration. As a result, developers are exploring alternative delivery methods to injection. Inhalation or transdermal patches, for example, could provide an enhanced patient experience with greater ease of use and comfort.

Collaboration to propel RNA therapeutics forward

Realising the potential of RNA to treat a wide variety of disease indications and change the lives of more patients will continue to rely heavily on experts with diverse backgrounds collaborating and sharing knowledge. With further innovation, we can expect to see developers and manufacturers break down barriers and deliver exciting new advancements in RNA production to patients.

In a Q&A discussion with Pharma Focus America, Aaron B. Cowley, Chief Scientific Officer at ReciBioPharm, shares his expert insights on breakthroughs, challenges and opportunities in the RNA space and the rise of novel platforms helping to deliver innovative therapies to patients. He also explores broader dimensions of vaccine development, examining the collective impact of innovative technologies on global health and the role of collaboration and communication.

You can find the article on page 96 of the latest issue.

 

Reference:

  1.  Wang B, Pei J, Xu S, Liu J, Yu J. Recent advances in mRNA cancer vaccines: Meeting challenges and embracing opportunities. Front Immunol. 2023 Sep 6;14:1246682. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1246682. PMID: 37744371; PMCID: PMC10511650.