enhancing rna technology for the next generation of vaccines and therapeutics

During the COVID-19 pandemic, RNA vaccines were developed and rolled out to the population to end the spread of the deadly virus, preventing 5 million deaths. These vaccines were highly effective at preventing illness but came with side effects such as muscle pain, headaches or fever; moreover, repeated vaccinations were necessary to maintain their protective effects. More importantly, the vaccine rollout did not reach every corner of the globe, as high manufacturing costs and limited supply hindered it. Therefore, my project aims to enhance the existing RNA platform, ensuring that vaccine responses are more durable, minimising side effects, and improving the accessibility of vaccines. The primary approach to tackle this will involve using self-amplifying RNA (saRNA), a variant of RNA that enables our bodies to synthesise more of the RNA from the initial dose administered. This alternative will allow us to reduce the vaccination doses, as our bodies will serve as the factories for the RNA vaccines. Consequently, by producing equivalent quantities of RNA, many more people will receive vaccines, thereby cutting manufacturing costs and increasing vaccine availability. Furthermore, the "replicating" nature of saRNA extends the molecule's half-life. This provides our immune system with more time to develop stronger protection against the virus, potentially minimising the need for multiple vaccinations. During the project, I will also strive to enhance the quality of the saRNA by refining the conditions under which it is produced. This will involve modifying the reaction to minimise unwanted byproducts and thereby reduce the adverse side effects currently associated with the vaccine. Optimising RNA technology is essential for designing the next generation of vaccines against future pandemics and preventing infections caused by viruses or diseases that currently lack effective treatments.