mRNA Technology Revolutionizes Pharmaceutical Industry
The COVID-19 pandemic brought mRNA technology to the forefront, showcasing its potential to rapidly develop and manufacture effective vaccines. As a result, licensing agreement deal values for mRNA-based pharmaceuticals have skyrocketed, increasing by a staggering 800% between 2019 and 2024, according to data and analytics provider GlobalData.
A Turning Point for mRNA Technology
The success of mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines has been a game-changer for the industry. Ophelia Chan, senior analyst at GlobalData, notes that the pandemic highlighted the advantages of mRNA technology, including rapid production, precise immune targeting, and streamlined manufacturing. This has driven investment in mRNA therapeutics to address unmet medical needs.
GSK Lawsuits Shine Spotlight on mRNA Licensing
However, recent lawsuits filed by GSK against mRNA vaccine producers Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna have raised questions about the licensing of mRNA-based pharmaceuticals. GSK alleges that these companies used its technology without proper licenses, sparking a heated debate about patent infringement.
Major Players Invest in mRNA Therapeutics
Despite the legal battles, major players like GSK and Bristol Myers Squibb are investing heavily in mRNA therapeutics. In April, Bristol Myers Squibb entered into a multi-year, $1.87bn strategic collaboration with Repertoire Immune Medicines to develop mRNA-based tolerising vaccines. Similarly, GSK and CureVac signed a licensing agreement worth up to $1.57bn in July.
Predicting Future Growth
GlobalData predicts that the sector will continue to grow, with global sales of innovator mRNA-based drugs expected to rise from $22bn in 2023 to $26.2bn in 2030. As mRNA technology continues to revolutionize the pharmaceutical industry, one thing is clear: the future of medicine has never looked brighter.
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