mRNA at a Crossroads: Transformative Medical Breakthroughs Threatened by Policy Uncertainty
A new survey commissioned by the Alliance for mRNA Medicines warns that cuts to biomedical research and threats of anti-mRNA policies risk delays to therapeutic advances in cancer, rare diseases, and other diseases, loss of billions in potential healthcare savings, and place US biomedical leadership and national security in the hands of other countries. In the survey, 80% of industry leaders expressed concern that anti-mRNA policies would cause manufacturing, research, and related jobs to leave the U.S. in favor of pro-innovation environments in Europe and Asia.
Once hailed as the cornerstone of pandemic response, mRNA is now evolving into a revolutionary therapeutic platform poised to reshape modern medicine—if supported by strategic policy and sustained investment. Recent research highlights mRNA’s transition from a vaccine platform into a versatile therapeutic engine, enabling personalized cancer immunotherapies, targeted therapies for rare genetic diseases and chronic illnesses, and rapid responses to infectious diseases. Breakthroughs in on-site manufacturing, delivery mechanisms, and next-generation RNA architectures are accelerating this revolution.
The survey provides a timely assessment of the impacts of policies that are proposed and, in some cases, already implemented like funding disruptions and anti-mRNA policy developments.
mRNA AT A CROSSROADS
Transformative Medical Breakthroughs Threatened by Policy Uncertainty
mRNA innovation is ready to revolutionize health care – unlocking cures, lowering costs, and accelerating breakthroughs. With the right support, the next era of medicine is within reach.
According to a recent survey of over 100 leaders in the field:
A New Era for Medicine
Costs
88% of experts say mRNA innovation will cut healthcare costs and expand cures.
Cures
mRNA is advancing cancer and rare disease therapies using manufacturing and technology to enable personalized treatments with the potential to replace lifelong management of chronic disease.
AI
95% of industry leaders find it ‘critical’ that mRNA innovation advances in parallel with Al.
Policy Uncertainty Threatens these Breakthroughs
DISRUPTIONS
of surveyed mRNA organizations are already experiencing direct impacts from recent policy disruptions and funding cuts.
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
believe mRNA is critical to America’s biotech leadership on the global stage but 81% expect top innovation and talent to leave if other countries gain mRNA advantage.
WORKFORCE
of mRNA jobs are based in the U.S. and 45% of industry leaders anticipate workforce reductions if federal funding for mRNA research is cut.
FUNDING
of mRNA organizations receive direct federal funding but those grants support over 60% of preclinical development – fueling discovery, jobs and breakthroughs.