Africa: First mRNA Flu Shot Approved By FDA Bodes Well for Improving Drugs of the Future - Though a Few Hurdles Remain Before mNRA Can Move Beyond Vaccines
[The Conversation Africa] Vaccines have been reliably and affordably protecting people from diseases worldwide for centuries. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, however, vaccine development was still a long and idiosyncratic process. Traditionally, researchers had to tailor manufacturing processes and facilities for each vaccine candidate, and the scientific knowledge gained from one vaccine was often…
On August 5, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first mRNA flu vaccine for adults aged 50 or older, marking a significant milestone in the rapidly advancing field of mRNA drug development. This achievement brings hope for more efficient and affordable treatments across various diseases, though some challenges remain before mRNA technology can be fully harnessed.
As a biochemist and researcher at UMass Chan Medical School, my work focuses on improving mRNA's role as a drug delivery mechanism. Understanding how mRNA-based drugs interact with the immune system and their degradation in human cells is crucial for developing safe, long-lasting treatments for diverse diseases.
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is composed of four building blocks - A, C, G, and U - which convey genetic information and direct protein synthesis. In mRNA drug development, two essential components are needed: mRNA molecules that encode specific proteins, and lipid molecules, such as phospholipids and cholesterol, that encase them. These lipid-nanoparticle complexes, known as lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), protect mRNA from degradation and help deliver it to target cells.
Once inside cells, mRNA instructs cellular machinery to produce the desired therapeutic protein. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are prime examples, using mRNA to produce a harmless spike protein that trains the immune system to recognize and prepare for potential infection. For mRNA drugs, this approach offers significant advantages over traditional drugs, as they are easily programmable and have predictable properties when produced using the same methods.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
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