Opportunity

The approval and distribution of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines to successfully control the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2021 exposed a major market for vaccine innovation and mRNA-based therapies. The mRNA used for treatment or vaccination is produced with a protecting 5’ cap and a 3’ poly-A tail at each end of the mRNA molecule. Both components facilitate protein production and keep the mRNA stable and safe from degradation. The 5’ cap itself accounts for nearly 45% of raw material costs, and integrating both the 5’ cap and the 3’ tail around the mRNA requires additional production time.  Synthesizing an mRNA vaccine that remains functional and stable without the need for a cap and a long poly(A) tail is attractive for purposes of cost reduction, production efficiency, and future therapeutic development.

Breakthrough in mRNA Vaccine Technology

Researchers at the University of South Alabama have discovered an alternative strategy to the ‘cap’ and ‘tail’ method of synthetic, exogenous mRNA production. This new technology incorporates a novel RNA sequence arrangement at either the ‘cap’ or ‘tail’ ends of a target mRNA. The RNA sequence arrangement enables the mRNA to remain stable and effectively expressed in the body without the use of either the ‘cap’ or the ‘tail’. The biologically functional mRNA developed here decreases the cost and time of production for vaccines and treatments derived from therapeutic exogenous mRNA. The design also potentially reduces the additional steps required when adding the ’cap’ or ‘tail’ to the mRNA molecule, making therapeutic exogenous mRNA production more efficient.

Competitive Advantages

• Therapeutic mRNA transcripts can be produced in a single step without the need for capping and polyadenylation
• Reduced mRNA production time and increased research and development speed for future mRNA-derived therapies
• Significant reduction in material costs allows for greater yield of mRNA

Intellectual Property Status

Patent Pending