According to a recent study sponsored by Merck, a German multinational science and technology company, mRNA technology is a “game-changer” for Asia-Pacific (APAC) vaccine manufacturers. Nearly 40 manufacturers participated in the survey.
“Vaccine manufacturers in APAC are looking to build capacity for mRNA technology over the next two to three years while continuing to produce both traditional and modern cell-based vaccines,” said Josephine Cheng, Senior Consultant, Process Solutions APAC at the Life Science business sector of Merck. “Across APAC, governments are investing and supportive of driving therapeutic discovery and manufacturing. With the range of tools we offer, we can better equip vaccine manufacturers to treat the regional and global population.”
The study revealed that a significant majority of the manufacturers, 87%, consider mRNA technology to be highly promising and anticipate its importance in the future. This positive perception is primarily based on several advantages associated with the mRNA platform, including shorter development time and templated manufacturing processes, proven efficacy, lower biohazard risk for operators, and its flexibility in addressing various diseases and variants.
Several countries in the APAC region, namely Japan, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, China, and India, are actively exploring the development of mRNA technology. Furthermore, more than 60% of the vaccine makers expressed a preference for either renovating their existing facilities or establishing new ones dedicated to mRNA production. These manufacturers have expansion plans in place over the next two to three years to support this strategic shift.
To successfully advance mRNA technology, the study participants emphasized several key requirements. These include the need for skilled personnel who are trained in the intricacies of mRNA technology, expertise in technology transfer, a reliable supply chain, and the establishment of mRNA-specific regulatory guidelines.
