In 2016, the WHO approved a new substance class for vaccines based on messenger RNA (mRNA). mRNA-based active substances work by supplying a specific matrix in the patient, whose body then uses this to produce the actual active substance by itself. Current fields of research and development are centred around preventive vaccines, such as those targeting SARS-CoV-2 viruses.

The newly funded “NanoR” project by 4base lab AG has set out to develop new approaches for the testing and quality control of mRNA-based vaccines, with the aim of reducing the error rates for synthesised mRNA and improving their quality. The quality of the mRNA is crucial for its stability and is therefore also responsible for how it behaves and initiates a response in patients. The new method can decisively improve quality control in the pharmaceutical industry, as it allows scientists – for the first time – to compare the half-life of RNA vaccines in the human body with quantifiable data from quality control in vaccine production. In the future, this could open up more opportunities with regard to effectiveness and safety in the development of new vaccines.

The coordinator for the international “smart analytics” ZIM network in Germany is BioRegio STERN Management GmbH. Project manager Dr. Verena Grimm: “The realisation of this innovative project is an important and especially forward-looking step for both 4base lab AG and vaccine manufacturers.”

The “smart analytics” project is funded by the BMWi and currently includes 25 partners from Europe. Other companies are welcome to join as project partners. This will give them access to targeted support so they can submit their own promising applications for research and development under ZIM as necessary.