mRNA a promising technology for Asia-Pacific (APAC) vaccine manufacturers, says Merck Study

A new study has termed mRNA technology a ‘game-changer’ for Asia-Pacific (APAC) vaccine manufacturers. The study, sponsored by science and technology company Merck, surveyed nearly 40 manufacturers. Out of which, eighty-seven per cent of those deemed mRNA a promising technology, expecting it to be a key modality in the future. Apart from research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotech companies, vaccine manufacturers across APAC were interviewed throughout the study, informed the firm.

This is based on the perception that the mRNA platform benefits from shorter development times and templated manufacturing processes, proven efficacy, lower biohazard risk for operators, and flexibility in covering different types of diseases and variants. The report touches on the finding that more than 60 per cent of vaccine makers’ surveyed plan to revamp or start new facilities for mRNA manufacturing to meet expected demand. Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, China, and India are among the markets actively exploring to develop mRNA technology. To effectively move mRNA forward, respondents highlighted the need for skilled personnel trained in these new technologies, tech-transfer expertise, liable supply chain, and mRNA-specific regulatory guidelines.