The future of mRNAs?
Synonymous with Covid vaccines, mRNAs had a remarkable public introduction. Shorthand for messenger ribonucleic acid, also referred to as DNA’s sidekick, mRNA proponents are predicting an impressive future.
For 20 years, researchers had confidence that mRNAs could protect against not only the likes of coronavirus, but also a host of deadly diseases that resist traditional vaccines, from malaria to HIV to cancer. Currently, scientists are studying mRNA’s ability to improve flu and shingles vaccines, and to produce first-time vaccines for Lyme disease, HIV and Zika.
In addition to mRNAs for vaccines, research has been underway for cardiovascular applications. Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania recently shared positive data related to the use of mRNA and CAR-T cell therapy to treat cardiac fibrosis in a mouse model. Positive results were announced last year from a company’s Phase 2a study involving injected naked mRNA into the heart of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery.
Hurdles still exist such as promising animal trials that fail in humans, and the logistical challenges of keeping mRNAs refrigerated because they break down so easily. Yet, due to Covid vaccine successes, support has grown from investors, regulatory agencies and the public—all are hopeful that mRNAs will live up to the hype. However, even if some endeavors fizzle out, there is considerable belief that at least a few are bound to “make the world proud.”