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RNA-based immunizing agents have enriched the repertoire of technologies used for vaccine development. An analysis of the active clinical trials in early Phase I and Phase I during the year of 2023 illustrates this point. A total of 161 active vaccine trials were registered at clinicaltrials.gov. Information from these trials was used to plot (Chart 1) and (Chart 2) SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 trials were excluded to give more evidence to other disease targets.

The highest number of trials were against viral infections (67 trials). Most have influenza, Herpes zoster, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial virus), and HIV as targets. The commercially available flu vaccines do need improvement and RNA technologies provide hope for better products. Different companies are exploring this space, including Moderna, Sanofi, Pfizer, Arcturus, Seqirus, and GSK.

The commercial success of Shingrix®, the GSK vaccine against Herpes zoster, has led to five companies in China to follow suit with their own products. Moderna is also pursuing the shingles market with an mRNA-based candidate, while Immorna (China) is testing a self-replicating RNA vaccine. Another competitive market is vaccines for respiratory tract infections. RSV is the leading causative agent for lower track respiratory diseases, causing 3.4 million hospitalizations and 950,00–150,000 deaths every year.

Read the full article at: Genengnews