Russia has developed an mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine, which is expected to be available for free to patients by early 2025.

About mRNA Cancer Vaccine

• An mRNA cancer ‘vaccine’ is a form of immunotherapy.
• mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines provide genetic instructions that train the body’s cells to produce an antigen.
• These antigens trigger an immune response, teaching the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
• Not a prevention: Unlike traditional vaccines, mRNA cancer vaccines are not designed to prevent cancer but are intended to treat existing cancer patients.
• Advantages:
  • Unlike chemotherapy, which kills both healthy and cancerous cells, immunotherapy selectively targets only cancer cells, thereby reducing harmful side effects.
  • mRNA cancer vaccines are personalized, meaning they target specific tumor antigens in each patient, making them highly customized and potentially more effective.

About mRNA

• Messenger RNA (abbreviated mRNA) is a type of single-stranded RNA involved in protein synthesis. It is made from a DNA template during the process of transcription.
• DNA (the genetic blueprint) remains inside the nucleus of the cell and does not leave.
• The body requires proteins to function properly, including enzymes, hormones, and structural components.
• mRNA carries instructions from DNA to the ribosomes, which are the protein factories of the cell.
• The ribosomes read the mRNA code and assemble the correct proteins needed by the body.
• mRNA consists of four building blocks (A, U, C, G), forming sequences that instruct cells to create proteins.

Working of mRNA  Vaccines

• Traditional vaccines use weakened or inactivated viruses to stimulate an immune response.
• mRNA vaccines work differently by providing genetic instructions to cells, enabling them to produce a harmless piece of the virus (such as the spike protein in COVID-19).
  • India has approved two mRNA vaccines for COVID -19 , GEMCOVAC-OM (Omicron-specific) and GEMCOVAC-19 developed by Gennova Biopharmaceuticals with DBT-BIRAC support, ensuring thermostability and needle-free administration.
• The immune system recognizes this protein as foreign and learns to attack it.
• If the real virus or cancer cells enter the body, the immune system is already prepared to respond and eliminate them.

Significance of mRNA in Medicine

• Precision and Customization: mRNA technology enables the creation of personalized treatments tailored to individual patients.
• Scalability and Uniformity:  Unlike traditional drug production, mRNA follows a standardized process, allowing for mass production with consistent quality.
• Easy Adaptability: Since cells naturally degrade mRNA after use, it allows for flexible dosing and treatment adjustments.
• High Production Capacity: Large-scale production of mRNA is possible in laboratories, ensuring widespread availability.
• Cancer Treatment Potential: mRNA-based cancer vaccines enhance immune response, target tumor-specific mutations, and minimize damage to healthy cells, making them a promising cancer treatment option.