The agreement expands mRNA production in Singapore

RVAC Medicines Pte. Ltd., a messenger RNA (mRNA) technology platform company, and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have signed a research collaboration agreement to jointly explore and develop solutions for mRNA production and analytical capabilities in Singapore.

RVAC and A*STAR will establish a joint laboratory at the A*STAR Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI) to develop a preclinical manufacturing platform that will facilitate the generation of novel raw materials and potentially clinical assets for mRNA vaccine development. and therapeutics targeting infectious diseases and other conditions with unmet needs.

The collaboration aims to provide local ecosystem innovators and global manufacturers access to a manufacturing platform to assist in the development of preclinical assets.

RVAK

RVAC is developing mRNA-based vaccines against infectious diseases such as Covid-19, for which in September 2022 it started the first human clinical trial of the vaccine. Additional RVAC assets in development include respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines and Clostridioides difficile (CDI) infection.

Since its inception in June 2021, RVAC has recruited a team of more than 80 scientists and industry veterans and established research centers in Boston, USA, and Shanghai, China.

“Our collaboration with A*STAR brings together the innovative research and development expertise of some of the world’s leading mRNA researchers,” said Sean Fu, Chief Executive Officer of RVAC.

“We are committed to providing the personnel, equipment and technological expertise, supported by our research and development teams around the world, to this endeavour. Combined with A*STAR’s knowledge and experience, this partnership has the potential to continue to advance mRNA as a new class of drugs.”

Ng Hak Hui, Assistant Executive Director of the A*STAR Biomedical Research Council, said: “Public-private partnerships are a key enabler in translating science into results. A*STAR’s multidisciplinary research and development capabilities in infectious disease, artificial intelligence, analytics and protein engineering, combined with RVAC’s expertise, will advance the development of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics and contribute to improving the health of Singapore and beyond.”