Messenger RNA, or mRNA, is found in every cell of the human body. Its carries instructions from your DNA to make proteins, which help your body stay healthy and fight sickness.
mRNA medicines use the natural process found in the body. They give cells clear instructions to make a specific protein that helps fight a disease.
No. Once the protein is made, the mRNA quickly breaks down and safely leaves the body, while the protein continues to fight off disease.
Like all medicines, mRNA medicines can cause certain side effects. However, because they replicate natural processes in the body, mRNA treatments may have fewer side effects than other treatments like chemotherapy.
In 1960, an American scientist first discovered the body naturally produces billions of mRNAs. Since then, researchers have worked to research and develop safe and effective mRNA medicines.
mRNA medicines are being developed to treat or prevent infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare genetic diseases. For example, more than 120 clinical trials are testing mRNA medicines across lung, breast, prostate, skin, pancreatic and brain cancers.
Yes. Like all medicines, mRNA treatments and vaccines undergo robust and comprehensive clinical testing, rigorous scientific review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and ongoing safety monitoring.
Multiple mRNA vaccines are fully approved by FDA to protect against COVID-19. In addition, there are late-stage clinical trials of mRNA therapies in many areas of unmet medical need including cancer and rare diseases. In 2025, Baby KJ was the first patient to receive an mRNA-encoded gene-editing therapy for a rare disease.
mRNA research is happening across the globe. Following decades of government investment and private sector innovation, Operation Warp Speed catalyzed the mRNA sector in the US. Europe, Asia, Australia and other places around the world also have active and growing mRNA research, development, and manufacturing.
Yes, the US government cancelled more than $500 million in mRNA research funding. Public health and national security leaders have wanted that these cuts, along with other policy changes, weaken national security and biotechnology leadership.
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