mRNA vaccines: A new era of disease prevention

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• November 11, 2021

Advancements in mRNA vaccine technology have opened doors to more rapid and effective vaccine development, potentially leading to cures for genetic diseases like cystic fibrosis and improved cancer treatments. These vaccines could also have positive implications for livestock health and global health security. However, challenges such as resource pressure and potential job displacement in traditional vaccine production need tp be addressed. 

mRNA vaccines context

Advancements in vaccine technology have ushered in a new era of disease prevention. This novel approach uses small molecules known as mRNA (messenger RNA) to train our immune system to recognize and combat disease-causing agents. Unlike traditional vaccines that introduce a weakened or inactivated pathogen into the body, mRNA vaccines work by providing our cells with the blueprint to produce a protein that is unique to the pathogen. For instance, mRNA vaccines developed for COVID-19 contain instructions for our cells to construct the distinctive spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The journey to the development of mRNA vaccines has been a long one, with roots tracing back to the early 1990s. Initial experiments were conducted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where scientists successfully injected RNA into mice. Over the past three decades, researchers have diligently worked to overcome numerous challenges to make this technology a viable option for mass immunization. These challenges ranged from gaining a comprehensive understanding of the intricate processes by which DNA and mRNA molecules synthesize proteins, to developing methods for producing specific mRNA sequences in a laboratory setting.

The successful development and deployment of mRNA vaccines also required ensuring that the synthesized mRNA would elicit the desired immune response in humans. This was no small feat, as it required extensive testing and refinement to ensure safety and efficacy. The successful application of mRNA vaccines in the fight against COVID-19 is a testament to the progress made in this field.

Disruptive Impact

The successful application of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 could mean a future where vaccines for a wide range of diseases are developed more rapidly and are more effective. For instance, human trials are already in progress for mRNA vaccines against HIV, rabies, and influenza. These developments could lead to a significant reduction in the global disease burden, improving the quality of life for millions of people.

For businesses, particularly those in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, the success of mRNA vaccines opens up new avenues for research and development. This development could lead to the creation of new products and services, potentially driving economic growth and job creation. Moreover, businesses outside the healthcare sector could also benefit. For instance, companies in the logistics sector could see increased demand for their services due to the need for specialized storage and transportation solutions for mRNA vaccines, which require ultra-cold temperatures for preservation.

From a governmental perspective, the successful deployment of mRNA vaccines could lead to a rethinking of public health strategies. Governments may need to invest more in scientific research and development to harness the full potential of mRNA technology. Additionally, they may need to develop new regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe and effective use of these vaccines. The success of mRNA vaccines could also influence international relations, as countries collaborate to share knowledge and resources in the fight against global health threats.

Implications of mRNA vaccines: 

Wider implications of mRNA vaccines may include:

• Medicines that can cure genetic diseases with missing proteins, such as cystic fibrosis, by inserting mRNA molecules capable of creating them.
• A potential cure for cancer, allowing doctors to inject mRNA vaccines that can recognize and kill cancer cells with mutated proteins to successfully curb the tumor.
• Vaccines that are more effective against infectious diseases in cattle and other livestock, reducing the rate of transmission and death by common diseases in farms.
• A significant decrease in global health disparities, as these vaccines can be developed and distributed more rapidly in response to emerging health threats.
• Greater international cooperation in public health, leading to improved global health security.
• The increased demand for mRNA vaccines putting pressure on natural resources, as the production of these vaccines requires specific raw materials.
• The shift towards mRNA technology disrupting labor markets, particularly in vaccine production, leading to job losses in these sectors.

Questions to consider

• Do you think mRNA technology can one day cure different forms of cancer? 
• Are there any other infectious diseases that you believe mRNA vaccines can prevent better than traditional vaccines?