The Future of RNA Therapies: Amid Uncertainty, Quebec Emerges as a Hub for RNA Innovation.
A recent article published in Nature, entitled “How political attacks could crush the mRNA vaccine revolution”, highlighted the political challenges facing messenger RNA (mRNA) technology in the United States, despite its crucial role in the fight against COVID-19. The cancellation last May of research grants related to HIV prevention and pandemic preparedness due to political pressure had already raised serious concerns about the future of RNA-based therapies (mRNA and RNA more broadly) in the United States. Unfortunately, these fears have been confirmed in recent days with the announcement by U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. of the suspension of all government funding.
The Nature article stressed the importance of maintaining consistent support for research and innovation in the field of mRNA, not only for vaccines but also for therapies targeting diseases such as cancer and rare genetic disorders. It also emphasized the efforts of organizations like the Alliance for mRNA Medicines (AMM); a trade group representing more than 75 companies and academic institutions advancing mRNA research, development, and manufacturing; to navigate this complex political landscape.
“The uniqueness of the US retreat raises an unsettling prospect for the scientists and entrepreneurs who launched the mRNA revolution from US laboratories and start-up companies: the future of the technology might unfold elsewhere. Currently, around two-thirds of the mRNA industry’s jobs are based in the United States, according to the AMM. Yet, if current trends persist, a substantial portion of these positions could be lost or relocated overseas. “I think what we’ll see in the next few years is that this tech is ceded to international competitors,” says Alex Wesselhoeft, who directs RNA therapeutics at the Mass General Brigham Gene and Cell Therapy Institute in Cambridge, Massachusetts.”
If the United States were to adopt a scientific withdrawal strategy regarding RNA therapies, other regions of the world would continue to invest heavily in their development and could seize this opportunity to position themselves as new leaders in advancing these promising technologies.
Canada, and particularly Quebec, illustrates this dynamic perfectly. The province benefits from a long tradition of academic RNA research, an expertise that was recognized in 2022 with the federal government’s award of a $165M Apogee grant to McGill University for the DNA to RNA (D2R) initiative. That same year, Moderna announced Montreal as the site of its new mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility, generating tremendous momentum. The Quebec government successfully capitalized on this by launching AReNA, a project of more than $35M aimed at creating a full-fledged industrial sector around RNA therapies in Quebec.
This large-scale project brings together multiple stakeholders, builds on the existing strengths of the ecosystem, and reinforces them through five complementary initiatives that foster synergies between research, institutions, and industry; ultimately positioning Quebec as a global RNA hub.
Today, Quebec’s RNA therapy sector stands out with:
- World-class research institutions and expertise
- Major public and private investments to accelerate RNA innovation and capabilities
- A one-stop shop for RNA-based therapies
- A collaborative industry–university model bridging the gap between R&D and commercialization
- Specialized training programs in RNA
- Access to AI expertise to support the development of new RNA-based medicines
In this time of uncertainty in the United States, Quebec is positioning itself as a stable and committed partner for both local and international industry players seeking opportunities in the development, commercialization, and biomanufacturing of RNA therapies.
Through the AReNA project, our team is actively engaged in promoting and showcasing the unique strengths of Quebec’s RNA ecosystem to international stakeholders, particularly in the U.S. More than just a single point of contact, AReNA aims to position Quebec as a key hub for RNA innovation and production, leveraging our scientific, industrial, and collaborative advantages.
For more information on our RNA sector, visit our page: Collaboration and opportunities
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