Optimizing RNA Manufacturing for Rapid RNA Therapeutic Development

Fengmei Pi, PhD, Head of RNA Biology, GenScript

Optimizing RNA Manufacturing for Rapid RNA Therapeutic Development

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The recent advancements in RNA therapeutics have brought to light the need for mRNA molecules that possess better stability and functionality in vivo. Unfortunately, the supply of RNA API has become a bottleneck, hindering progress in the field. In this presentation, we will showcase our optimal in vitro transcription (IVT) manufacturing technique for producing high-performing mRNA. Additionally, we will introduce a novel method for preparing circular RNA (circRNAs) to address the short half-life issue of mRNA in vivo, which limits its therapeutic potential. CircRNAs are a unique type of long non-coding RNA that are closed and have covalently linked 5’ and 3’ termini via back-splicing of exons from a single pre-mRNA in nature. A novel method is demonstrated to circularize RNA of interest in vitro and highlight the potential of circRNA to be a promising new class of RNA therapeutics due to their improved stability and longevity.

Fengmei Pi, PhD, Head of RNA Biology, GenScript
Dr. Fengmei Pi is currently the head of RNA Biology of GenScript’s Innovation Center. Fengmei got her PhD in Pharmaceutical Science from University of Kentucky, with expertise in RNA nanotechnology and RNA therapeutics development. She authored more than 20 papers in peer reviewed high impact factor journals, and co-invented multiple patents related to RNA nanoparticles decorated exosomes for targeted delivery of siRNA, mRNA preparation and circular RNA preparations. She has 15+ years’ experience in pharmaceutical development. Her recent research focuses on the chemistry, manufacturing and quality control for mRNA, circular RNA and RNA delivery vehicles.