Applied DNA Sciences extends application of Linea IVT platform to saRNA

Applied DNA Sciences announced the expansion of its Linea IVT platform to include the manufacture of self-amplifying mRNA. Launched in July 2023, the Platform was previously optimized for smaller conventional non-amplifying mRNA constructs that currently comprise the bulk of demand for mRNA. saRNA is a promising new form of mRNA therapy engineered to possess a self-replicating capability. Unlike conventional non-amplifying mRNA, saRNA carries the machinery necessary for its replication, resulting in a higher therapeutic index at a lower dose. The Platform combines the Company’s enzymatically produced Linea DNA IVT templates and its proprietary Linea RNA polymerase to provide what the Company believes to be numerous advantages over conventional mRNA manufacturing methods, including the prevention or reduction of double-stranded RNA contamination resulting in higher target mRNA yields; delivery of IVT templates in as little as 14 days for milligram scale and 30 days for gram scale; and reduced manufacturing complexities. The expansion of the Platform is the result of recent RNAP development projects that have enabled the optimization of the Linea RNAP to address the unique challenges presented by saRNA, which are often 3x-5x larger than conventional non-amplifying mRNA with higher sequence complexity. The Company announced on November 9 that it produced and shipped its first Linea DNA saRNA IVT templates to a customer.