New Methods for the Synthesis of mRNA Cap Analogues

mRNA is an essential biomolecule that is ‘translated’ into protein which is another type of biolmolecule that is essential to life. All mRNA has what is called a cap. The cap portion of the mRNA is necessary for initiating the translation process. To make the capped mRNA for therapeutic applications, such as mRNA vaccines, the cap must first be prepared chemically. The industrial partner synthesizes different types of caps and attaches them to mRNA. These capped mRNAs are then evaluated as novel mRNA therapeutics such as mRNA vaccines. The industrial partner has been using traditional approaches for cap synthesis; however, there are limitations to this methodology such as multiple and challenging purification steps, the formation of side products and low yields. The academic partner will develop new and more efficient synthetic routes to existing and novel cap analogs. This will enable the industrial partner to prepare the capped mRNA therapeutics more efficiently and at a lower cost.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott Taylor

Student:

Partner:

Northern RNA Inc.

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Waterloo

Program: