Vaccine Self Amplifying

About Vaccine Self Amplifying

Self amplifying RNA saRNA vaccines are a next generation mRNA technology. Unlike conventional mRNA vaccines, saRNA includes replicase enzymes that copy the RNA inside cells, producing more antigen from a smaller dose. Arcturus developed ARCT 154, the first saRNA COVID vaccine, approved in Japan in 2023. It uses a much smaller dose of RNA than conventional mRNA vaccines. saRNA may produce longer lasting immune responses. However, the replicase protein itself can trigger immune responses. The technology builds on alphavirus replicon research from the 1990s. Imperial College London developed a saRNA COVID vaccine candidate during the pandemic. The lower dose requirement could make saRNA vaccines cheaper and more scalable. saRNA platforms are being developed for influenza, rabies, and other diseases. The technology represents the next evolution of mRNA vaccination.