Accelerated Development Of Self-Amplifying mRNA (saRNA) Vaccines Using Microfluidics

The COVID-19 pandemic has unveiled the potential of messenger RNA (mRNA) based vaccines as an ideal platform for pandemic response. RNA vaccines mimic antigen structure and expression similar to natural infection without causing the disease, but allowing body to produce antibody response against future infection.

saRNAs have the potential for antigen sparring since lower doses elicit effective immune response compared to non-replicating mRNA vaccines. saRNAs are inherently more fragile than mRNA and are prone to degradation. Typical high shear manufacturing methods affect the potency.

Herein, we showcased the utility of microfluidics to enable low shear, rapid screening of preclinical candidates and the swift advancement to GMP-enabling studies.