New report maps UK leadership in the mRNA revolution

2 October 2024, London, UK – The BioIndustry Association (BIA), in partnership with the CPI, is today publishing a new report - mRNA Revolution: A new generation of medicine. 

It comes as over 200 scientists and entrepreneurs, in this rapidly emerging and exciting development in the UK life science ecosystem, gather at the Royal Society of Chemistry for a sell-out two-day event: the RNA Vaccines and Therapeutics Conference 2024. 

This report maps the extent of the mRNA capability across the UK, including SMEs as well as academic and large corporate centres of excellence.  

Steve Bates OBE, CEO of the BIA, commented: 

The UK is at the forefront of rapid advancements in mRNA technology which has already demonstrated its enormous potential in the pandemic. This new report shows the breadth and depth of UK mRNA capability not just across academia and industry but also across the UK.  It provides updates on the latest advances in mRNA technology and features case studies on how it is currently being used, providing a tangible sense of both the benefits of the technology and the UK’s position at the forefront of this innovation.

Chronicling the history of the technology, in addition to explaining the science behind it, this report highlights in simple terms the significant progress made in recent years, while also addressing the key challenges that must still be overcome to fully harness the potential of this transformative technology. 

The report offers practical steps forward that can be taken to unleash the potential of mRNA. These include improving the current mRNA platform and better explaining the value of the technology to investors and policymakers. Furthermore, it is suggested that there should be lobbying for the most favourable possible financial and regulatory environment for mRNA companies to start and grow in the UK, while the development of an mRNA networking community is also advocated. 

Other significant findings from the report: 

• mRNA has the potential to revolutionise the way we treat diseases  
• The UK has become a global leader in the field of mRNA technology 
• Problems manufacturing mRNA on a large scale must be overcome  
• The current skills shortage in the life sciences sector poses a challenge, especially given the specialised nature of the technology 
• An in-depth timeline showing the history and journey of mRNA from its discovery in 1961 to today 
• The diverse range of companies contributing to the UK’s mRNA ecosystem can be visualised through a map provided in the report 

Please contact Albert Maguire-King for further information on 07874 617351 or [email protected]