What’s in store for mRNA therapeutics in 2024?

We’re about to see a seismic shift in mRNA therapeutics as the field erupts with new drugs under investigation. Clinical development projects have grown from just a few dozen before the pandemic to 1,503 programs today, according to clinicaltrials.gov. In 2024, we will start seeing more of these programs hit the market, solidifying the viability of mRNA as a powerful and versatile therapeutic platform. In light of this dramatic change, what else can we anticipate from the field in 2024? Here, we’ll cover a few key predictions.

Better Durability and Immunogenicity

Lately, there’s been a massive trend in the field to generate products that can be administered at a lower dose. In 2024, we’ll see the fruits of these efforts. One strategy to accomplish this is through products that deliver higher protein expression, such as the alternative mRNA cap analogs. Numerous development programs are currently exploring different cap analogs’ cost and manufacturing benefits. In 2024, we will see a wave of data examining the advantages of using specific reagents.

Another way that companies are seeking to improve the therapeutic power of mRNA products is by increasing durability – how long the therapeutic persists in the body. One strategy to accomplish this uses a self-amplifying construct. This approach has already seen success in the self-amplifying COVID-19 vaccine, which recently gained approval in Japan. In 2024, we will likely see a host of powerful new therapeutics like it in development.

More Targeted Products

In addition to improving the mRNA construct itself, 2024 will see new strategies to deliver products precisely where they need to be. In the past, mRNA therapeutics had to be injected directly into the tissue they needed to exert their effects, which was sometimes impractical or suboptimal for patients. The next generation of mRNA therapeutics will reach new heights by being encased in lipid nanoparticles that target the therapeutic specifically to the affected tissue.

Building Global Infrastructure and Improving Equity

Compared to other biological modalities, mRNA therapeutics are relatively simple to manufacture, so building infrastructure to research and manufacture these therapies in more remote or underutilized locations is an attractive option that also improves global equity. The World Health Organization has already opened an mRNA vaccine hub in South Africa. Additional hubs may arise in the coming year to allow for manufacturing and research in other regions of the globe. Moreover, companies not historically mRNA-focused will pivot in 2024, building the infrastructure to develop and manufacture mRNA therapeutics at scale.

A Bright Future for mRNA Therapeutics

mRNA is currently one of the most versatile ways to address both infectious and noninfectious diseases. It’s no surprise that so many programs in phases two and three of clinical development are poised to hit the market in 2024. In the coming year, we’ll continue to learn about the effectiveness of these products across a vast range of disease indications. The data so far are compelling, so it’s likely the year to come will set the field up for a great 2024, 2025, and beyond.