Benchling has launched its first full set of capabilities for designing, modeling, and studying both natural and chemically modified RNA in a single solution.
As the biopharmaceutical industry increases its focus on developing RNA therapeutics, the new RNA solution could help R&D organisations accelerate the delivery of drug candidates.
Following the successful deployment of RNA technology in the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines, biopharma companies have shifted their pipelines to uncover therapeutic opportunities with RNA and mRNA.
Nearly half (44%) of top 50 global biopharma companies are involved in RNA work through their own pipelines, M&A, or strategic alliances, according to GlobalData.
RNA therapeutics include a diverse group of therapeutic molecules that range from mRNA vaccines to antisense oligos, RNA-based gene therapy, and guide RNA-based CRISPR complexes.
The function of these molecules, combined with the ability to adjust key properties through chemical modification or conjugation, has opened up novel ways of treating and preventing diseases.
“We’re at a tipping point for RNA therapeutics, having figured out tough challenges like durability and stability, the industry is now looking for the right tools to accelerate RNA R&D,” said Ashu Singhal, co-founder and President of Benchling.
“Covid vaccines were really just the beginning – as we put more tools in the hands of scientists to help support their RNA therapeutics R&D, this field will really take off.”
