With the global outbreak of COVID-19, the introduction and widespread use of mRNA vaccines against the virus prompted 2020 to become a breakthrough year for mRNA technology platform. By the end of 2019, the total market value of five listed companies focusing on mRNA platforms was about $15 billion. As of August 2021, the asset exceeded US $300 billion (Nature Reviews Drug Discovery). An increasing amount companies and researchers are beginning to focus on mRNA vaccine research.

mRNA Vaccines and Therapeutics Market

The global market for mRNA vaccines and therapeutics is expected to grow from $9.41 billion in 2021 to $15.49 billion by 2026, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% for the period of 2021-2026 (IMARC).

mRNA Vaccine Advantages

mRNA vaccines have many unique advantages, which is the core reason to promote its wide research and application. Easy preparation is one of the top reasons for the emergence of mRNA vaccines. Its active component, RNA, is simple in form and is usually obtained through in vitro transcription with linear DNA as template. During this process, the stability and translation efficiency of mRNA can be improved through codon optimization, nucleoside modification, and an auxiliary delivery system, so as to form a nucleic acid vaccine with high specificity and strong stability. In addition, the safety of the vaccine is also a main factor to promote its wide application. The mRNA does not integrate into the host genome, so there is no potential risk of infection or insertion mutation, and it can be degraded through normal cellular processes.

mRNA Vaccine Production

Many vaccines inject weakened or inactivated pathogenic microorganisms into humans to trigger an immune response. However, mRNA vaccines do not. Instead, mRNA vaccines use synthetic mRNA made in a laboratory to guide our cells in how to produce a protein (or just a protein fragment) that triggers an immune response. If the real virus enters our body, this immune response that produces antibodies is the mechanism to protect us from infection.

The production mRNA vaccines can be divided into three stages.
Step 1: DNA template production. E. coli is commonly used for large-scale expression in vivo, and finally the plasmid carrying the target sequence is extracted and purified.
Step 2: Preparation and transcription of mRNA stock solution, from DNA to mRNA.
Step 3: In the preparation stage, lipid particles are used for encapsulation. The last is the filling and quality control of finished products, and lastly labeling to form the final product.

The development of mRNA vaccines marks a major milestone in the field of synthetic biology. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the potential of mRNA technology for vaccine development, as evidenced by the rapid pace at which vaccines have been developed and approved for emergency use. Looking ahead, mRNA vaccines hold promise for tackling a range of infectious diseases and cancers, as well as for personalized medicine. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, including optimizing vaccine efficacy and safety, improving vaccine storage and distribution, and addressing vaccine hesitancy. By continuing to invest in research and development in this field, we can look forward to a future where mRNA vaccines are routinely used for protecting public health and saving lives.

RNA Synthesis | Synbio Technologies

Synbio Technologies has decades of experience in RNA research and development. Our scientists can use both a chemical synthesis approach and IVT RNA synthesis strategy to meet the unique requirements of every client. Synbio Technologies’ RNA synthesis services include RNA oligo synthesis with various modifications and delivery specifications available, functional siRNA synthesis, miRNA synthesis, and in vitro transcription RNA synthesis. All our synthesized RNA sequences go through a standardized manufacturing process and undergo strict QC review. We proudly offer cost-effective solutions that cater to the diverse requirements of scientists, while maintaining high quality standards.