2023-05-01 15:59:01
Highlighted in the fight against Covid-19, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines could soon attack autoimmune diseases and cancers. The appearance of these treatments on the world market should take place by 2030, according to experts from pharmaceutical groups.
The next decade heralded as a turning point for scientific research. Highlighted in the fight against Covid-19, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines could soon attack autoimmune diseases and cancers. The appearance of these treatments on the world market should take place by 2030, according to experts from various pharmaceutical groups.
Beyond cancers, autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases, mRNA vaccines would target influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), cytomegalovirus or Zika virus, according to the specialized magazine Science and Future. In addition to the infectious diseases described above, the American company Moderna would develop an inhaled therapy from messenger RNA against cystic fibrosis.
For these promises to materialize by 2030, the magazine recalled an essential condition, namely that “the funding allocated to research during the health crisis remains at a high level”.
The pandemic has accelerated scientific research
Begun more than two decades ago, scientific research in this field has been greatly accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. “The overall approach to mRNA research and development has made great strides. In one year, we have acquired scientific knowledge worthy of a decade,” confirmed a Pfizer spokesperson to the French monthly.
This source even indicated that Moderna would aim to offer mRNA vaccines against “all kinds of diseases” within the next five years. In fact, a massive and rapid production of this mode of vaccination would be possible thanks to the mode of chemical synthesis that characterizes them, unlike traditional vaccines and their biological manufacture.
Moderna has already confirmed a Phase III melanoma trial to fight skin cancer. The latter, combined with Keytruda treatment, would reduce the risk of death or reappearance of the cancer by 44% compared to the use of the drug alone.
Towards a vaccine adapted to each patient
The American firm has announced its ambition to offer personalized vaccines to cancer patients according to the type of tumor observed. For this, it would rely on the biopsy carried out in order to sequence the genetic material of a patient and to manufacture an appropriate mRNA vaccine.
The latter could then contain up to 34 target proteins, against only one in a traditional vaccine. In February 2023, the Food Drug Administration (FDA) granted “breakthrough therapy” designation to the treatment developed by Moderna, accelerating its potential time to market.
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