Exploring the Possibilities of RNA Therapeutics
BioSpectrum Asia|BioSpectrum Asia April 2022
Fuelled by the successful utilisation of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, RNA therapeutics are expected to make larger strides in the near future. Let’s look at some of the drugs in late stage trials and the trends that will shape the RNA therapies landscape in 2022 and beyond:
Ayesha Siddiqui
Exploring the Possibilities of RNA Therapeutics

The success of the mRNA vaccine against COVID-19 has skyrocketed the development of RNA therapies. In 2021, more than 600 therapies were in development (from preclinical to pre-registration stage), with 73 per cent of therapies in preclinical development; 20 therapies were in Phase III clinical studies (including COVID-19 vaccine). Trials evaluating vaccines for COVID-19 infections predominated but there are also trials initiated for dyslipidemia and hepatitis B infection. The top therapeutic areas being targeted by RNA therapeutics are for rare diseases and oncology, according to a report from Informa Pharma Intelligence.

‘‘The biotechnology industry is in agreement as to the power and benefit of RNA therapeutics. There has been a lot of work done in delivering RNA within various nanoparticles directly into the body. However there’s an untapped, and potentially larger, opportunity in using the cell (instead of a nanoparticle) as the vehicle to deliver, and the factory to produce, a combination of RNA therapeutics right at the site of disease: that’s the power of RNA cell therapy. In contrast to conventional nanoparticle-based RNA therapies, RNA cell therapy may have minimal immunogenicity with repeat dosing. It can also be easily engineered with tissue-specific homing proteins. Compared to conventional DNA-based cell therapies, RNA cell therapy has a predictable half-life and avoids the risk of genomic integration: two attributes that are expected to make it safer. RNA Cell Therapy is also less expensive and enables true combination therapy without vector cargo limits,’’ said Dr Murat Kalayoglu, President and CEO of Cartesian Therapeutics, USA.

This story is from the BioSpectrum Asia April 2022 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the BioSpectrum Asia April 2022 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BIOSPECTRUM ASIAView All
Promega unveils GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager for illuminating protein dynamics in real time
BioSpectrum Asia

Promega unveils GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager for illuminating protein dynamics in real time

US-based Promega Corporation, a life-sciences research partner dedicated to providing intuitive tools that empower scientists to innovate, has unveiled the new GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager.

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024
Singleron and Bioscreen to enhance access to single cell multi-omics solutions for Indian researchers
BioSpectrum Asia

Singleron and Bioscreen to enhance access to single cell multi-omics solutions for Indian researchers

Singleron Biotechnologies, a leading innovator in single cell multi-omics solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Bioscreen, a renowned distributor of advanced life science products in India.

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024
Eppendorf brings CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine
BioSpectrum Asia

Eppendorf brings CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine

Eppendorf has announced the launch of a CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine.

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024
Waters introduces new bioseparations tools to improve development of RNA-based vaccines using LC-MS analysis
BioSpectrum Asia

Waters introduces new bioseparations tools to improve development of RNA-based vaccines using LC-MS analysis

US-based Waters Corporation has introduced a comprehensive set of sample preparation enzymes, reagents, and waters_connect software that simplify sequence and modification confirmation of large molecule RNA therapeutics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis.

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024
Singapore designs novel gene therapy offering hope for epilepsy patients
BioSpectrum Asia

Singapore designs novel gene therapy offering hope for epilepsy patients

Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore are working on a therapy that holds potential in treating patients with epilepsy, a neurological disorder defined by recurring seizures due to abnormal brain activity.

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024
Spider venom heart drug moves to clinical trials in Australia
BioSpectrum Asia

Spider venom heart drug moves to clinical trials in Australia

A University of Queensland (UQ)-led project in Australia to develop the first-ever drug to treat heart attack and protect donor hearts will move to human clinical trials, after receiving $17.8 million in funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024
India develops portable ultrasound scanner for sports injury diagnosis
BioSpectrum Asia

India develops portable ultrasound scanner for sports injury diagnosis

A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has developed an indigenous portable Point-of-CareUltrasound (POCUS) Scanner for sports injury diagnosis and management.

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024
Integris appoints medtech veteran Probir Das as new CEO
BioSpectrum Asia

Integris appoints medtech veteran Probir Das as new CEO

Integris Healthcare, a global diversified medical technology company, has announced the appointment of Probir Das as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will join effective November 2024 and will be based in New Delhi.

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024
Clarity Pharma promotes Michelle Parker to CEO
BioSpectrum Asia

Clarity Pharma promotes Michelle Parker to CEO

Australia-based Clarity Pharmaceuticals has announced the appointment of Michelle Parker as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from October 11, 2024.

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024
Dr Makoto Sugita steps in as President of Nxera Pharma Japan
BioSpectrum Asia

Dr Makoto Sugita steps in as President of Nxera Pharma Japan

Nxera Pharma Co., formerly known as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares, has announced the appointment of Dr Makoto Sugita, as President of Nxera Pharma Japan, and Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Nxera Pharma.

time-read
1 min  |
BioSpectrum Asia Nov 2024