The rapid rise of mRNA and RNA-based vaccines is one of the most transformative developments in modern medicine. While the world saw their power during the COVID-19 pandemic, these technologies are now moving far beyond the headlines and reshaping how we think about cancer, autoimmune disease, and even personalized medicine. While mRNA vaccines may seem like a recent breakthrough, the technology behind them has been in development for over two decades, with researchers now finding new applications beyond COVID-19.

For pharmaceutical teams, especially those in learning and development, staying ahead of this shift is more than just a necessity—it’s a strategic advantage.

mRNA vaccines and their role in COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic served as a critical tipping point for the acceptance and widespread use of mRNA vaccines. Prior to the pandemic, mRNA technology was largely experimental, with limited real-world application. However, within months, mRNA vaccines were developed, tested, and rolled out to billions of people worldwide. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA in December 2020, just 11 months after SARS-CoV-2 was sequenced, setting a record for vaccine development.¹

This achievement was revolutionary: mRNA vaccines proved effective, could be rapidly adapted to new strains, and could be manufactured at scale, marking a turning point for the entire vaccine landscape.²

What made the technology so impactful during the pandemic was its ability to deliver a piece of the virus's genetic material directly into cells, prompting them to produce a protein triggering an immune response. Unlike traditional vaccines, which often use weakened or inactivated virus particles, mRNA-based vaccines rely on the body’s own cellular machinery to produce the targeted antigen, creating a faster and more flexible development process.³

The future of mRNA and RNA-based vaccines

The potential of mRNA and RNA-based vaccines extends well beyond COVID-19, with growing interest in their application for other infectious diseases. Much like COVID, viruses such as influenza and HIV are being targeted by mRNA technology, offering faster, more flexible solutions than traditional vaccine methods. The ability to rapidly develop mRNA vaccines means that, should new strains or entirely new pathogens emerge, we could see swift, efficient responses to global health threats.⁴

The utility of mRNA technology is now being explored in areas beyond infectious disease. One of the most promising applications is in cancer vaccines. Over 120 clinical trials focused specifically on mRNA-based cancer vaccines are currently underway, targeting cancers like lung, breast, and melanoma. While not all cancer trials involve vaccines, these trials aim to teach the immune system to recognize tumor-specific antigens using mRNA technology, which could lead to more effective and precise treatments for cancer.⁵ For example, in 2023, Moderna launched a Phase 3 trial for its mRNA-4157 cancer vaccine in combination with Keytruda to treat melanoma. This trial demonstrated a 44% reduction in recurrence or death compared to immunotherapy alone, marking it as one of the most promising examples of mRNA’s potential in cancer treatment.⁶

In addition to cancer vaccines, mRNA technology is also being researched for autoimmune diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. These mRNA-based therapies are designed to modulate the immune system in ways that traditional treatments cannot, offering hope for patients with chronic conditions.⁵

Self-amplifying RNA and vector-based platforms

While mRNA vaccines have gained the most attention, other vaccine platforms—such as self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) and viral vector vaccines—are also gaining traction. These platforms offer unique advantages, like the ability to replicate themselves within the body (saRNA) or deliver genetic material via vectors (such as those used in the Oxford-AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines). These approaches are being explored for diseases such as malaria and Zika, signaling a broadening of the scope of RNA-based technologies.⁷

• saRNA: This type of RNA is engineered to replicate itself within the body, amplifying the effect of the initial dose. This could mean lower doses are required for the same immune response, and it might open the door to new ways of addressing diseases that require strong immune stimulation, such as cancer.⁷

• Vector-based platforms: These use viral vectors to deliver genetic material into cells, similar to mRNA vaccines, but with a slight variation. Adenoviral vectors, for instance, have been used in vaccines like the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. These platforms are now being explored for the prevention of other diseases like malaria and HIV, which have been historically difficult to address with traditional approaches. For instance, the Oxford-AstraZeneca platform is now being repurposed for malaria vaccines, with early-stage trials showing promise in improving long-term immunity in children.⁸

Both platforms not only improve existing vaccine approaches, but also pave the way for personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to individual genetic profiles. This creates a need for continued learning across pharma, from R&D to regulatory and medical affairs.

Engaging misinformation and vaccine fatigue

Despite the proven success of mRNA vaccines, public perception remains a significant challenge. Misinformation and vaccine hesitancy have been key factors in shaping how the public views these vaccines. While scientific studies and real-world evidence have supported the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines, misleading information online and in the media continues to sow doubt.⁹

Additionally, vaccine fatigue is becoming a real concern as more boosters and new vaccine formulations are recommended. People may start to question the necessity of additional doses, especially when faced with the saturation of vaccine-related messaging. Addressing these concerns requires not only clear, transparent communication and up-to-date information, but also ongoing, evidence-based dialogue to keep the public informed and engaged.¹⁰

For pharmaceutical training teams, this highlights a growing need: preparing internal stakeholders to communicate clearly, respond to skepticism, and lead with science-backed messaging.

Regulatory landscape and policy considerations

As mRNA and RNA-based vaccines evolve, regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EMA are actively working to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation. The regulatory landscape is still evolving, and there are ongoing discussions about how to balance innovation with safety. With the rise of self-amplifying RNA and vector-based platforms, regulatory agencies are looking at how to establish clear guidelines for their development and use.

In March 2025, the EMA published  draft guideline outlining quality standards for self-amplifying RNA vaccines, signaling formal recognition of the need for platform-specific regulation. New regulatory frameworks are expected to address the unique challenges posed by these technologies, from ensuring safety in personalized treatments to setting standards for clinical trial design.¹¹

Healthcare and pharma teams (especially those in those in training, quality, and regulatory affairs) need to stay informed about these changes to effectively navigate compliance, internal readiness, and external communication.

Why training is essential for the future

With the rapid development of mRNA technologies and the evolving regulatory landscape, training for healthcare professionals is crucial. Teams must be prepared to understand the science behind mRNA vaccines and communicate effectively with patients and stakeholders. This is especially important when dealing with misinformation, combating vaccine hesitancy, and staying up-to-date with policy changes.

This urgency extends beyond the clinical side. Commercial, scientific, and medical affairs teams must be equipped with consistent, credible training to ensure alignment across geographies and functions. As RNA-based vaccines expand in scope, bridging knowledge gaps across global teams is essential to delivering clear, evidence-based information.

Pioneering a healthier tomorrow

mRNA and RNA-based vaccines have already revolutionized the vaccine space—and they’re only getting started. From enabling rapid pandemic responses to opening new frontiers in cancer care and personalized medicine, these technologies demand that healthcare teams, not just scientists, stay agile and informed.

For those in training, medical affairs, and patient education, now is the time to invest in knowledge, elevate communication, and build the readiness to lead in a fast-evolving therapeutic landscape.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Vaccines and related biological products advisory committee meeting: December 17, 2020. Updated 2020. Accessed July 2025.

2. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Decades in the making: mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Updated 2024. Accessed July 2025.

3. Medical News Today. mRNA vaccine vs. tradiational vaccines. Updated 2022. Accessed July 2025.

4. Choudhary V, Mehta A, Niaz M, Sohoni AP, Nwagwu U, Samad A. From COVID-19 to global health: Challenges and opportunities in mRNA vaccine Pproduction. 2025.

5. Zhang Y, Zang C, Mao M, et al. Advances in RNA therapy for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev. 2025;24(4).

6. Merck. Merck and Moderna initiate Phase 3 study evaluating V940 (mRNA-4157) in combination with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) for adjuvant treatment of patients with resected high-risk (Stage IIB-IV) melanoma. Updated 2023. Accessed July 2025.

7. Vallet T, Vignuzzi M. Self-amplifying RNA: Advantages and challenges of a versatile platform for vaccine development. Viruses. 2025;17(4).

8. University of Oxford. Oxford R21/Matrix-M™ malaria vaccine receives WHO recommendation for use paving the way for global roll-out. Updated 2023. Accessed July 2025.

9. Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Vaccine misinformation outpaces efforts to counter it. Updated 2024. Accessed July 2025.

10. CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy. Pandemic fatigue and vaccine hesitancy continue to affect global public health, new 23-country study in Nature Medicine reports. Updated 2024. Accessed July 2025.

11. European Medicines Agency. Development of a guideline on the quality aspects of mRNA vaccines - Scientific guideline. Updated 2023. Accessed July 2025.