How CDMOs are Adapting to New mRNA Tech Demands
BioSpectrum Asia|BioSpectrum Asia August 2022
From 2020, coinciding with the outbreak of COVID-19, there’s been a steady upsurge in demand for new technologies such as messenger RNA (mRNA). Contract development and manufacturing organisations (CDMOs) are compelled to rapidly expand capabilities to cater to this upsurge. Let’s see how CDMOs have prepared for the new wave of technologies on the horizon, and the challenges they faced in welcoming a new era of such technologies.
Ayesha Siddiqui
How CDMOs are Adapting to New mRNA Tech Demands

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the successful development and utilisation of mRNA vaccines. This has encouraged biopharmaceutical companies to explore and utilise these technologies for other diseases. There are a significant number of new therapeutic programmes that are based on mRNA and lipids, which is encouraging CDMOs to invest in new expertise to deliver end-to-end solutions.

CDMOs have been building new capacity, while simultaneously building out capabilities, to better prepare for the new wave of technologies. Many CDMOs have invested in new processes and resources to safeguard product integrity, minimise waste, enable safe and efficacious supply to patients without delay.

“In the area of mRNA technology, we have seen CDMOs do almost exclusive internal builds, while others are making strategic acquisitions to develop their mRNA capabilities. Many CDMOs, like the Center for Breakthrough Medicines, are expanding to include this dedicated and segregated capacity. It is extraordinarily complex and a different process from other processes CDMOs are currently running, so you must make sure to segregate these operations as much as possible from your existing manufacturing,” said Joerg Ahlgrimm, President and CEO, Center for Breakthrough Medicines, US.

With mRNA-based drugs witnessing a surge in popularity in such a short time frame, companies supporting their development and manufacturing had to adapt quickly as mRNA- based vaccines required cold chain capabilities and more robust aseptic fillfinish technologies.

Weathering the storm

Even though COVID-19 fuelled the growth for the CDMO market, it also brought its fair share of challenges.

This story is from the BioSpectrum Asia August 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 August 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