RNA-based medicines revolutionize modern healthcare and provide new solutions to infectious diseases, cancer and global health threats. To explore the future of this rapidly moving field, we spoke with Dr. Kate Broderick, Chief Innovation Officer at Maravai Lifesciences, a specialist in RNA and DNA medical innovation.
Reflecting recent developments, Broderick highlighted the transformative impact of RNA technology. “If you've learned anything over the past five years, I think it's really about respecting the power of RNA-based vaccines, therapeutics and medications,” she said. The Covid-19 pandemic has shown potential for RNA, bringing highly effective vaccines during a record time. Based on its success, RNA drugs are now expanding into new fields, with the first approved RNA drug for RSV paving the way for wider applications.
One of the most promising frontiers is influenza prevention. “The next obvious target is influenza, with multiple companies working on both seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines, which is the area we think will expand significantly,” Broderick explained. Beyond influenza, ongoing research aims to improve the accuracy of RNA and DNA drugs targeting specific cell types. “During COVID, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have primarily targeted the liver, but as research expands, we are looking at ways to direct treatment to lung tissue, brain and other areas, which will greatly expand the therapeutic potential of these drugs.”
RNA technology also has immense promises to address global health challenges. “Malaria is the biggest killer of African children, and despite decades of research, we still lack highly effective vaccines and therapeutics. There is an incredible amount of work being done in the nucleic acid field to develop potential solutions for malaria,” Broderick said. Similarly, RNA-based solutions could bring new hope to the longstanding challenges of HIV vaccine development. This is an area that has struggled for decades to produce effective vaccines.
The concept of universal influenza vaccines is another long-standing goal that RNA technology can help achieve. “Historically, the “Holy Grail” is a universal influenza vaccine that offers a wide range of protection beyond the standard seasonal annual vaccine. The ideal approach is a universal vaccine that can be administered every five years rather than every range each year, providing wider coverage,” she said. As pandemic threats such as avian influenza emerge, RNA adaptability can become an important tool for future preparation.
Beyond infections, RNA-based therapy has advanced into oncology. “One more incredibly exciting area is personalized cancer vaccines and treatments. We have seen some notable clinical data in the treatment of pancreatic cancer and melanoma, both of which are extremely difficult to treat at later stages,” Broderick said. Over the next five to ten years, she envisions a transition from chemotherapy to more targeted, personalized treatments. “The efficacy of some of these RNA-based vaccines is extremely promising and could completely change the way we approach cancer treatment.”
With advances in capabilities, therapeutic applications, and targeting global disease responses, RNA-based medicines are set up to reconstruct the future of healthcare. “It's a really exciting time in this field. I really believe that nucleic acid drugs have the opportunity to revolutionize how we can address some of the most urgent global health challenges,” concluded Broderick.
