The use of RNA technology as a tool in therapeutics and preventative vaccine development is rapidly growing. The recent successes of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have been driven by advances in in-vitro production of RNA molecules, bioinformatic tools and further development of ionisable lipid nanoparticles (iLNP). In contrast to conventional vaccine types, mRNA vaccines are highly adaptable allowing for changes to the target antigen encoded by the RNA sequence, without changing the standard production process drastically. By leveraging this adaptability, RNA could be used for personalised treatments, rapid vaccine development in the response to evolving pathogens or outbreaks. However, limitations such as iLNP vaccine storage, antigen longevity, and cost of RNA production are areas that require further research to continue advancing mRNA vaccine technology.
In the last year, the New Zealand RNA platform has provided collaborator and clients with over 1000 batches of mRNA. New Zealand’s RNA platform is a standardised mRNA production and quality control pipeline for further development of novel antigens and methodology. This begins with In-vitro transcription of RNA from a DNA template followed by formulation into an iLNP using a microfluidic mixer. Additionally, we also implement quality control measures to evaluate success at each step of the production process. Through our standardised pipeline, we are able to produce high-quality capped and tailed RNA encapsulated in iLNPs with a low polydispersity index and high encapsulation efficiencies (>90%). With this, the New Zealand’s RNA platform aims to build RNA technology capability in New Zealand and be able to provide researchers in the country as well as international collaborators with and eventually transfer this knowledge and technology over to industry allowing for a scalable production of high quality RNA products.