On May 8, 2025, significant advancements in vaccine technology were announced, showcasing how innovative approaches could reshape the landscape of vaccine delivery and development. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) revealed it is providing up to US$2.87 million to ACM Biolabs for the preclinical proof of concept of its mRNA delivery technology, the ACM Tunable Platform (ATP), which utilizes Rabies as a model pathogen.
The ATP is a groundbreaking thermostable mRNA delivery vehicle that allows for mRNA storage at 2-8°C, a stark contrast to most existing mRNA delivery systems that necessitate ultra-low temperatures for storage. This innovation is poised to address the significant challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where countries lacking established cold-chain infrastructure struggled to access mRNA vaccines. Kent Kester, Executive Director of Research and Development at CEPI, emphasized the potential impact of this technology, stating, "Removing the need for frozen storage would make mRNA vaccines significantly easier, and cheaper, to ship, store and distribute, particularly in low-resource settings, helping simplify last-mile delivery of mRNA-based vaccines."
ACM Biolabs’ ATP technology not only enhances the stability of mRNA vaccines but may also improve the immune response they elicit. According to Madhavan Nallani, Chief Executive Officer of ACM Biolabs, the ATP platform is engineered to enhance T cell activation and boost antibody response, potentially offering better and more durable immune protection from mRNA-based vaccines. This collaboration between CEPI and ACM Biolabs aims to generate robust scientific validation and improve the global reach of effective and accessible vaccines.
In parallel, researchers at Harvard Medical School, along with the Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness (MassCPR), unveiled an AI model named EVE-Vax, designed to predict and design viral proteins likely to emerge in the future. This tool, described in the journal Immunity, utilizes evolutionary, biological, and structural information about viruses to forecast surface proteins that may occur as pathogens mutate. The EVE-Vax model was successfully applied to SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating that designer proteins triggered immune responses similar to those elicited by actual viral proteins that evolved during the pandemic.
The development of EVE-Vax underscores the ongoing need for effective vaccines as SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, necessitating updated vaccines to combat new variants. This predictive approach could significantly expedite vaccine development processes, offering a proactive strategy against rapidly changing viruses.
Amidst these advancements, the discourse surrounding mRNA vaccines remains complex. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has raised concerns about the safety of mRNA vaccines against COVID-19, leading to legislative discussions in various states regarding potential bans or limitations on such vaccines. This scrutiny comes despite the scientific community's extensive research into mRNA, which has been studied since its discovery in 1961 for its potential in preventing infectious diseases and treating various medical conditions.
Currently, there are three FDA-approved vaccines utilizing mRNA technology: two for COVID-19 and one for respiratory syncytial virus (R.S.V.) in older adults. These vaccines work by introducing strands of mRNA into the body, where they instruct cells to produce proteins akin to those found on the surface of a virus, prompting an immune response. This mechanism enables the body to recognize the protein as foreign and mount a defense against it.
Dr. Jeff Coller, a professor of RNA biology at Johns Hopkins University, explained that while mRNA is naturally programmed to degrade after serving its purpose, the immune system retains a memory of the foreign protein, leading to the production of antibodies. However, as with all vaccines, immunity can wane over time, particularly as viruses evolve.
One of the significant advantages of mRNA vaccines is their rapid development timeline. In the mid-2000s, researchers discovered methods to effectively deliver foreign mRNA into human cells, paving the way for its use in vaccines. This rapid manufacturing capability could revolutionize seasonal vaccine preparations, such as the annual flu shot, by allowing scientists to wait until closer to the flu season to determine which strains are circulating before finalizing the vaccine composition.
Despite the promising potential of mRNA vaccines, concerns about their safety persist. Common questions include whether mRNA can affect a person’s DNA. Health experts clarify that mRNA cannot be converted into DNA, ensuring it cannot be integrated into the genome. While some side effects—such as muscle aches and flu-like symptoms—are common with vaccines, experts assert that the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks, particularly given the dangers posed by actual viral infections.
Moreover, mRNA technology is not limited to infectious diseases. Ongoing research is exploring its application across a wide range of illnesses, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune disorders like Type 1 diabetes, and rare genetic conditions such as cystic fibrosis. For instance, an experimental mRNA vaccine for pancreatic cancer has shown promise in eliciting immune responses in patients post-surgery, potentially improving survival rates.
As the scientific community continues to explore the vast potential of mRNA technology, it remains clear that innovations like the ACM Tunable Platform and EVE-Vax could play pivotal roles in shaping the future of vaccine development and public health. With a commitment to equitable access, CEPI and ACM Biolabs aim to ensure that advancements in vaccine technology benefit populations at risk, ultimately contributing to a healthier global community.
