mRNA

Definition

The carrier of genetic information, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), is protected in the nucleus of the cell. It acts as an encyclopaedia with building instructions for everything the body needs. However, the conversion into proteins takes place in the cell plasma, which the DNA cannot reach. The building instructions are therefore transcribed into a transportable copy called messenger RNA (mRNA for short), which can enter the cell plasma and be converted into proteins there. 

mRNA technology uses synthetic mRNA to produce therapeutic proteins in human cells in a targeted manner. In doing so, mRNA can replace defective proteins and also produce new proteins that are not naturally present in the human body. Chemical modifications and special packaging in lipid nanoparticles improve the stability of the short-lived mRNA and increase the efficiency of the therapy. 

Current applications and opportunities

mRNA therapies are based on the ability to promote the expression of the body’s own or foreign (exogenous) proteins with the help of mRNA. In the case of vaccines, for example, blueprints for viruses are transported into human cells and expressed in order to trigger an immune response. One well-known example is the COVID-19 vaccines, which were developed in a very short space of time and administered millions of times. Other promising areas of application include vaccines against influenza viruses and against RSV (RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus), which are currently in the approval process. Progress is also being made in cancer treatment: The first mRNA-based vaccines are currently undergoing clinical trials. 

mRNA technology offers great opportunities for the economy and society at large as it enables the flexible production of therapeutic agents. This not only makes drugs cheaper to produce, which reduces the burden on the healthcare system, but also allows them to be quickly adapted to emerging infections such as flu or other viruses. The technology is also likely to play an important role in rare diseases and personalised treatments: Thanks to its small size, mRNA can reach almost any genetic target within a cell, and synthetic mRNA can replace defective proteins if it is specifically equipped with healthy genes. Despite initial commercial successes, there is still a great need for research, and starting a company in Switzerland is an attractive option for scientists. 

Challenges

Despite the promising results, mRNA therapeutics still face challenges. The biggest technical hurdle is targeted application in a specific type of tissue. Intravenously administered mRNA tends to accumulate in the liver. Targeting other tissues remains complex, but is a necessity and requires further basic research. Further development of the lipid nanoparticles, which serve as the packaging for the mRNA, as well as optimisation of dosage, are also essential to improve the tolerability and thus the acceptance of the vaccines. Some members of society are sceptical about the technology because of the rapid development of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. 

In addition, there are regulatory challenges, particularly in the case of personalised applications, where the requirements of the authorities go far beyond the standard for biological therapeutics. 

Focus on industry 

mRNA-based technology is an alternative biotechnological production method. Compared to protein-based drugs, the production of mRNA is significantly faster and more flexible, and the yield is higher. The production of small batches takes just two to three weeks, and for laboratory-scale quantities, only a few hours. Companies that already have biotechnological pharmaceutical production facilities and specialists with the necessary expertise can switch to mRNA production relatively easily. However, suitable process knowledge and a process platform are crucial for this step. 

The numerous ingredients for mRNA therapeutics are supplied by many different manufacturers. Knowledge of supply chain management is therefore essential. Employees also require a background in biotechnology and molecular biology as well as expertise in drug development, process engineering and quality management. Although Switzerland has a solid base of well-trained specialists, it is unable to meet demand either during normal times or in times of crisis, which has led to recruitment from abroad. 

International perspective 

Research and development of therapeutic mRNA technologies in Switzerland has made progress but has also faced challenges. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Switzerland made little investment in research and development of mRNA technology and, according to renowned researchers, it was lagging behind its international peers. Then came the turnaround: Between 2021 and 2024, the Swiss National Science Foundation funded the National Research Programme “COVID-19” (NRP 78). Lonza also established production facilities for mRNA vaccines in Visp in collaboration with Moderna in 2020, and Novartis opened a production site for mRNA therapeutics in Schweizerhalle in 2023. However, the research landscape is fragmented and there is a lack of cooperation between the realms of academic research and industry. 

In terms of commercialisation, Switzerland is lagging behind other nations, such as the US and Germany. Currently, mRNA therapeutics do not have any significant economic importance for Switzerland. 

Future applications 

Several medical fields are likely to benefit from the use of therapeutic mRNA. In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA-based vaccines could also be developed for other transmissible viral infections. 

In cancer treatment, mRNA could one day replace viral vectors that transport genetic information into the body. This would eliminate the risk potential posed by viruses in such applications. Research into mRNA vaccines against cancer aims to induce the expression of tumour proteins in the body and thus enable the immune system to specifically identify and destroy the corresponding cancer cells. This would enable personalised treatment approaches. In addition, mRNA could be used in the treatment of genetic diseases and in regenerative medicine by replacing defective genes. Approaches in which synthetic antibodies based on mRNA are expressed directly in the cells are also conceivable. 

mRNA technology is one of the most promising innovations in modern medicine. It offers significant opportunities for both the healthcare sector and the economy. Thanks to its flexibility and efficiency, it could revolutionise and personalise the treatment of diseases such as cancer. As an important location for the pharmaceutical industry, Switzerland is uniquely positioned to play a key role in research and development. This requires closer cooperation between science and industry, targeted and expanded training of specialists and, last but not least, targeted expansion of production capacities.