mRNA

Also known as: messenger RNA therapy

Drugs that deliver mRNA to cells so they produce a therapeutic protein.

Definition

mRNA therapeutics deliver synthetic mRNA — typically in lipid nanoparticles — that instructs cells to produce a target protein. Spawned the COVID-19 vaccines (Comirnaty, Spikevax) and is now in trials for influenza, RSV, cancer vaccines (Moderna mRNA-4157, BioNTech BNT122), rare-disease enzyme replacement, and HIV.

See also

• Mechanism of action — The specific biochemical interaction by which a drug produces its pharmacologic effect.

Other pharmacology terms

• Mechanism of action
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacodynamics
• PROTAC
• ADC
• CAR-T