The global competition in messenger RNA (mRNA) platform development has entered a critical phase. Major pharmaceutical companies are investing heavily in new indications for vaccines targeting diseases like influenza and cancer, achieving visible results. In South Korea, the government and biotech firms are collaborating to advance domestic production efforts.
According to industry sources, mRNA cancer vaccines, which have shown potential for personalized treatment, are emerging as a new battleground amid competition surrounding next-generation platforms like antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), bispecific antibodies, and cell therapies. Recently, a personalized mRNA cancer vaccine jointly developed by U.S. pharmaceutical companies Moderna and Merck (MSD) has gained attention as a 'game changer' after positive results in Phase 3 trials for melanoma.
The competition among major pharmaceutical companies utilizing mRNA technology is expected to intensify. Last year, German biotech company BioNTech signed a $1.25 billion deal to acquire its competitor CureVac in an all-stock transaction to expand its mRNA cancer pipeline. This acquisition aims to strengthen research, manufacturing, and commercialization of mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies.
Sanofi also invested in mRNA technology by acquiring the U.S. venture Translate Bio for $3.2 billion in 2021, focusing on developing new mRNA vaccines for influenza and other diseases. Pfizer and BioNTech are advancing their mRNA influenza vaccine into Phase 3 trials, closely following Moderna, which received FDA approval in August for its mRNA-based influenza vaccine, EmplusiVa, marking a first in this category. GSK recently announced Phase 2 results for its mRNA seasonal influenza vaccine candidate and plans to initiate Phase 3 trials.
An industry insider noted, "The fact that mRNA technology has moved beyond COVID-19 to the seasonal influenza market signifies its commercialization stage. If GSK proves competitive in Phase 3 trials, the competition between traditional technologies and mRNA platforms in the influenza vaccine market will intensify further."
The South Korean government's push for mRNA domestic production is also gaining momentum. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has increased the budget for next year's 'Pandemic Preparedness mRNA Vaccine Development Support Project' by 53.4% to 40.5 billion won, up from 26.4 billion won this year. The government previously announced plans to invest a total of 505.2 billion won by 2028 to localize currently imported mRNA vaccines and secure rapid development platforms. The goal is to support development from preclinical to Phase 3 trials, aiming for product approval by 2028.
GC Pharma is a leading candidate for domestic production. The company submitted an Investigational New Drug (IND) application for its COVID-19 mRNA vaccine candidate last month and plans to enter Phase 2 trials this fall. GC Pharma stated, "We aim to establish a proprietary mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform that can be used broadly, not limited to specific vaccine development, and create a structure that allows us to expand into contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) services beyond mere technological independence."
In addition to vaccine developers, movements toward domestic production are also evident in the CDMO sector. ST Pharm has announced its transition from an oligonucleotide CDMO business to an integrated RNA CDMO model, expanding into mRNA and LNP formulation.
Jeong I-soo, a researcher at IBK Investment & Securities, commented, "As global latecomers accelerate their mRNA cancer vaccine development, the demand for CDMO services for early clinical supplies is expected to rise. Interest in domestic companies with mRNA delivery and platform technologies will also increase."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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