Applied DNA Sciences ships first saRNA IVT template generated by Linea platform

Applied DNA Sciences has manufactured and shipped its first research use only quantity of self-amplifying mRNA template generated by its Linea DNA platform to an unidentified preclinical therapeutic mRNA developer. 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. Due to these advantages, interest in saRNA is rapidly growing, as evidenced by 10 active saRNA vaccine clinical trials as of Jan. 20231 and numerous companies engaged in preclinical studies to use saRNA to treat indications ranging from cancer to protein replacement therapies. Like mRNA, saRNA is also produced from a DNA template. The manufacturing of saRNA, however, has proven to be challenging due to the large size and complexity of saRNA and its associated DNA IVT templates. The DNA templates for saRNA are often 3x-5x larger than the DNA templates for conventional non-amplifying mRNA. saRNA can also be challenging to produce efficiently in DNA plasmids, often leading to heterogeneous DNA sequences, low yields, and long manufacturing timelines.