‘No limits’ to possibilities of mRNA, says mastermind behind technology
Messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules are single-stranded slithers of genetic code formed of nucleosides, which instruct the human cells to produce certain proteins. The idea is that, when you synthesise mRNA code in a lab, you can instruct the body’s defences to better fight a wide range of diseases.
“There are no limits,” Prof Karikó said. “The potential of mRNA, it’s limitless.”
First stop: RSV and flu
The 67-year-old – who relentlessly explored the technology for decades despite demotions, grant rejections and scepticism from fellow scientists – said RSV and influenza vaccines will probably be the first to be approved as, like Sars-Cov-2 shots, they target viruses.
Several candidates are already in development – a phase three trial of Moderna’s mRNA vaccine was launched in February, while Pfizer and BioNTech began a phase 3 trial of their influenza shot in September.
And in November, researchers in the United States announced that an experimental mRNA vaccine provided broad protection against all 20 known influenza A and B virus subtypes in initial tests in mice and ferrets – potentially opening a pathway to a universal flu shot, which could be rolled out in the event of an influenza pandemic.
“[The results imply] the potential for an easily and rapidly constructed universal vaccine that could be of great use in the event of a pandemic outbreak of a novel influenza virus,” said Prof Estanislao Nistal, a the CEU San Pablo University in Madrid.
‘Paradigm shift’ for cancer
Significant progress has also been made in the race to develop cancer treatments. Last week, Moderna and Merck announced promising results for their phase 2b trial of a personalised mRNA skin cancer vaccine, which is designed to prime the immune system so the body can generate a response to a specific cancer tumour.
Gloss