UK set to lead global delivery of next-generation mRNA medicines

BIA's new explainer shows how the UK is leading the way in mRNA, a strategic technology of the future.

A new report by the BioIndustry Association (BIA) reveals how the UK is poised to become a global leader in mRNA medicine, an emerging technology that rose to prominence during the COVID pandemic but has vast potential beyond. The importance of this technology has been highlighted by the recent Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine award to Dr. Kariko and Dr. Weissman for their discoveries concerning nucleoside base modifications that enabled the development of effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

Steve Bates, CEO of the BIA, said: "mRNA Revolution: A New Generation of Medicine explains how the UK will lead the way in developing and delivering next-generation mRNA medicines for a wide range of diseases, beyond just COVID-19. This new report explains not only the technology and its potential but lifts the lid on why the UK has the capability, people, and vision to lead the world in delivering the next generation of medicines”.

He added: “The UK is well positioned to gain a significant slice of this new global industry as we have key expertise and capability in the difficult role of developing and manufacturing at scale these new therapeutics. The UK mRNA ecosystem has both a thriving academic community and vibrant small companies and has attracted the investment and engagement of key global companies leading in the space. At the same time, the UK has proven itself to be the fastest regulator, payer, and adopter of the first new vaccines produced from this technology and is an exciting hub for innovation. Crucially the UK has developed industrial strategy to invest in the training of a workforce skilled to pioneer in this new advanced area. By raising awareness of the potential of the UK ecosystem in mRNA technology, we can make the UK a leading player in mRNA research and development.”

The mRNA Revolution report highlights the UK's leading position in the development of mRNA technology, citing its strong foundation in research and development and the presence of several companies developing mRNA-based products. In 2020, the government announced £200 million in funding for mRNA research and development. This funding is being used to support a range of projects, including the development of new mRNA vaccines, the development of mRNA-based treatments for cancer, and the development of new delivery methods for mRNA.

The publication accompanies the inaugural RNA Vaccines and Therapeutics Conference organised by CPI and Imperial College London and held at the Royal Academy of Engineering on 4-5 October 2023, bringing together experts focusing on the rapidly evolving science of encoded RNA medicines. The agenda covers the design, development, formulation, analytics, manufacturing scale-up and distribution of next-generation RNA vaccines and therapies.

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About BIA

The BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the voice of the innovative life sciences and biotech industry, enabling and connecting the UK ecosystem so that businesses can start, grow, and deliver world-changing innovation. Helping biotech and life sciences sector to influence, connect and save. 

Media Contact

For more information, contact Alina O’Keeffe, Head of Marketing and Membership Communications, BIA on marketing@bioindustry.org  

To read the full report, please visit the website www.mrnaexplainer.org