“Unlocking the Potential of mRNA within a Collaborative European Ecosystem”

EXPERT hosts final project workshop as part of the 4th mRNA-Based Therapeutics Summit Europe

On January 28th, as part of the Pre-Conference mRNA Technology & Innovation Day at the 4th mRNA-Based Therapeutics Summit Europe, EXPERT brought together more than 50 leading researchers in the field of mRNA-based therapeutics to highlight and discuss the project’s results . Launched in 2019, the project set out to transform cancer treatment through the development of mRNA-based therapies. The workshop highlighted the project’s key findings and focussed on connecting the consortium with potential partners and investors to maximise its impact and bring these innovations to clinical trials and closer to market readiness.

mRNA-based therapeutics in cancer research

Cancer remains one of Europe’s leading causes of death, underscoring the urgent need for innovative therapies. The EXPERT project addressed this challenge by leveraging messenger RNA (mRNA), a molecule instrumental in protein production. mRNA-based therapies harness the ability of mRNA to activate the body’s own immune system by turning “cold” tumour cells into “hot” tumour cells, recognisable by the immune system.

Despite the potential of mRNA, its application in therapeutics presents significant challenges. The molecule is inherently fragile, making it prone to degradation and difficult to deliver effectively to target sites. The EXPERT consortium tackled these challenges by developing a lipid nanoparticle, capable of protecting and delivering mRNA directly to the target site. This breakthrough technology developed and patented by consortium member etherna is among the project’s key findings.

The platform technology, developed by EXPERT, comprising of a complex mRNA payload triggering a strong T-cell response, and a lipid nanoparticle, suitable for protecting and delivering the mRNA, offers a potentially cost-effective and versatile therapeutic solution, not only for cancer but also other types of diseases. This technology will be further developed by etherna and another company for the treatment of non-melanoma skin cancer. However, to bring this innovation, and other results of the project, to the patients, interdisciplinary partnerships and continued investment are essential.

Collaboration on RNA-based therapeutics in Europe

EXPERT is but one of many EU-funded research projects focussing on RNA-based therapeutics, as the EU is actively building an ecosystem to support the development and commercialisation of RNA therapeutics. The workshop brought together an impressive array of experts from different EU research initiatives, including Yscript, cmRNAbone, Sinpain, FORCEREPAIR, ncRNAPain, circTRain, and b-smart. By fostering interproject collaboration, the event highlighted the collective expertise within Europe’s mRNA research community.

Looking ahead

The workshop concluded with a panel discussion highlighting the challenges and opportunities in the mRNA field. Based on learnings from the EXPERT project, the panel, led by coordinator Professor Raymond Schiffelers, from UMCU, discussed how to tackle obstacles successfully within the framework of EU funded projects, and developed a number of recommendations for the set-up of the new EU framework programme, focussing on the need for scientific flexibility.

As the EXPERT project comes to a close, its achievements, despite initial challenges, highlight the power of collaboration in addressing one of the most pressing healthcare challenges of our time. By building on these foundations, Europe’s mRNA research community is set to deliver life-changing therapies that will benefit patients worldwide.

We would like to thank the work shop leaders for their presentations, and the panellists as well as the audience for the insightful discussion.

Workshop Leaders: Raymond Schiffelers (UMC Utrecht); Florence Lambolez (etherna); Iraida Loinaz (CIDETEC); Sanja Sale (EURICE GmbH) Additional panellists: Chantal Pichon (INSERM); Christian Plank (Ethris)