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mRNA Technology: Opportunities and Future Challenges
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Hamid Kooshki   , Leyli Kooshki * |
| Nanobiotechnology Research Center, New Health Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran , hmdkooshki@gmail.com |
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Abstract: (510 Views) |
mRNA technology is a revolutionary pharmaceutical platform that gained global prominence with the successful development of COVID-19 vaccines. Its core advantages lie in its rapid adaptability allowing swift vaccine design against emerging pathogens and its high safety profile, as it doesn't integrate into the host genome and enables precise antigen production within cells. As a versatile platform, mRNA extends beyond infectious disease vaccines to include cancer immunotherapies, protein replacement therapies (e.g., for hemophilia), and gene-editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9. It holds particular promise for developing nations due to its scalable production process and independence from viral vectors, avoiding associated immunity issues. However, significant challenges remain. Extreme cold-chain requirements (down to -80°C) hinder global distribution, especially in low-income regions. Manufacturing complexities including mass production of mRNA and specialized lipid nanoparticles rely on limited global facilities. Additional barriers include supply chain dependencies, intellectual property constraints, and the need for specialized infrastructure and workforce development. Future progress centers on overcoming these limitations through stability improvements for refrigerator-temperature storage, development of self-amplifying mRNA (dramatically reducing dose requirements), and establishing regional, small-scale production hubs to ensure equitable access. The technology's modular nature also paves the way for personalized cancer vaccines and therapies for rare diseases. In essence, mRNA technology represents a transformative shift in biomedicine, balancing extraordinary potential against practical challenges in distribution, manufacturing, and global equity-with its ultimate impact depending on collaborative efforts to make these advanced therapies universally accessible.
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| Keywords: mRNA technology, Self-amplifying mRNA, Therapeutic vaccine |
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Full-Text [PDF 502 kb]
(346 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Policy Brief |
Subject:
Marine Medicine
Received: 2026/01/7 | Accepted: 2026/01/23 | Published: 2026/01/30
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