The first molecule of life is called messenger RNA. Six decades ago, it was identified as the carrier of the blueprints for living cells, but its pharmaceutical potential was underestimated.
In the history of medicine, the development of the first vaccine against Covid-19 was an achievement. Independent contributions of scientists around the world helped build that success.
After completing its biological task, the molecule completely degrades, leaving no trace in the body. The ability to deliver the right immune cells in the body is one of the ways we improved the properties of mRNA. We were able to create effective mRNA vaccines that elicited strong immune responses when administered in small amounts. New vaccine candidates can be manufactured in a few weeks. There was a breakthrough in the fight against Covid-19.
The potential of a vaccine is not limited to the coronaviruses. We want to use this technology to fight two of the world's oldest and deadliest diseases, Malaria and Tuberculosis. Every year there are 10 million new cases of Tuberculosis worldwide. More than 200 million cases of Malaria have been reported in the WHO Africa region in 2020, with most deaths occurring among children under 5 years old.
Our ability to find vaccine targets is boosted by the convergence of medical advances. Science has made progress in understanding how diseases such as Malaria and Tuberculosis can evade the immune system.
Modeling of three-dimensional structures of proteins is possible thanks to the ongoing revolution in ComputationalProtein structure prediction. This is helping us figure out where the best spots for vaccine development can be found.
The ability to quickly test hundreds of vaccine targets is one of the benefits of the technology. Multiple mRNAs can be combined with a single vaccine. It is possible for a vaccine to teach the human immune system to fight against multiple vulnerable targets of a pathogen. We will begin clinical trials for the first vaccine candidates against Malaria and Tuberculosis in 2023. It is possible that this endeavor will change the way we prevent these diseases.
When medical innovations are available on a global scale, they can make a difference. The production of mRNA is complex and involves tens of thousands of steps. A high-tech solution called Bio NTainer has been developed to overcome this problem. This innovation could be used to support vaccine production worldwide. The first facility in Rwanda is expected to open in 2023.
These and other important milestones that could contribute to shaping a healthier future, a future that can build on the potential of mRNA and its promise to democratize access to innovative medicines, are expected to happen in the year 2023. It's time to change.
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