Presenter: Fengmei Pi, Head of Product Development and Manufacturing at GenScript

Poster: Advances in Conventional and Self‑Amplifying mRNA Platforms for Next‑Generation Vaccines

Abstract: Conventional mRNA and self‑amplifying RNA (saRNA) platforms have emerged as transformative technologies for next‑generation vaccine development. saRNA constructs incorporate viral replicase elements that drive intracellular RNA amplification, enabling robust and durable antigen expression at substantially lower doses than traditional mRNA vaccines and offering advantages in immunogenicity, cost, and scalability for pandemic response. Recent advances in mRNA vaccine engineering—including optimized cap analogs, refined untranslated regions, and AI‑guided sequence design—have improved RNA stability, translation efficiency, and modulation of innate immune sensing. At the same time, next‑generation lipid and non‑lipid delivery systems are broadening tissue targeting and reducing reactogenicity. Together, these innovations position saRNA and conventional mRNA vaccines as highly adaptable, globally deployable platforms for rapid, potent, and safe immunization in both outbreak scenarios and routine disease prevention.