The World Health Organization (WHO) calls for the expanded use of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology in treating various communicable and non-communicable diseases. At the same time, the organization urges for vaccines that are more temperature-stable, provide longer protection, and are effective against a wide range of strains and variants. On the other hand, the WHO emphasized the importance of building trust in mRNA technologies to improve the current and future uptake of vaccines.
While acknowledging the success of the mRNA-based Covid vaccine, the WHO acknowledges the limitations of this product, calling for continued research to develop vaccines that are more temperature-stable, offer longer protection, and ensure efficacy against a diverse range of strains and variants.
The WHO’s Scientific Advisory Group recently released a report analyzing the potential benefits and limitations of mRNA vaccine technology, following decades of investment in basic science exploring chemical modifications and immune responses to RNA, with potential applications for HIV, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), and therapies and vaccines against cancer.
“The benefits of mRNA Covid-19 vaccines have not been evenly distributed globally, with insufficient research and development capacity, intellectual property barriers, ultra-cold chain requirements, as well as high costs for low- and middle-income countries. Unlocking the potential of mRNA technology beyond Covid-19 vaccines will require robust research to address direct limitations,” said Professor Harold Varmus, Chair of the WHO’s Scientific Advisory Group and former director of the US National Institutes of Health. The report recommends a framework for assessing the value of mRNA technology in developing vaccines and drugs against other infectious diseases, which could also help determine its potential role in addressing cancer and autoimmune diseases.
New Vaccines Under Development
According to the WHO report, phase 3 clinical trials are currently underway for mRNA vaccines against cytomegalovirus (a common virus threatening infants and those with weakened immune systems), influenza A and B, and RSV. There is also ongoing research for vaccines using this technology for tuberculosis, malaria, HIV, as well as non-communicable diseases. The report also calls for additional research to address the potential and limitations of this technology.
“Improving the stability of mRNA vaccines at higher temperatures should be a key target of investment and research efforts. Another key recommendation is ensuring development and access through investment and applying lessons from Covid-19 initiatives, such as the ACT-Accelerator, which worked to ensure access to Covid-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines,” said Dr. Jeremy Farrar, head of scientists at the WHO.
Eradicating Hesitancy and Mistrust
WHO representatives have also called for investments and commitment for equitable access and a more diverse global research ecosystem, which will better address both communicable and non-communicable diseases and improve health outcomes with new safe and effective mRNA vaccines and potential therapeutics for all. Additionally, the report highlighted the importance of building trust and improving communication around mRNA technologies to limit hesitancy, misinformation, and enhance the current and future uptake of vaccines.
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