Background and Mechanism of saRNA

Self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) molecule simultaneously encodes both the therapeutic payload(s) and an RNA replicase derived from alphavirus. Once saRNA is inside the cell, the rapidly expressed RNA replicase exponentially ‘copies and pastes’ the payload-encoding RNA, ensuring efficient protein expression.

In comparison to non-replicating linear mRNA, saRNA effectively leverages the unique RNA amplification effect, resulting in:

• Significantly amplified mRNA, leading to higher and longer expression of the therapeutic payload(s), potentially unmet needs in protein replacement therapy.

• Efficient replication producing double-strand RNA, which modestly triggers host innate immunity, enhancing the effectiveness in immuno-related applications, including oncology treatment and infectious disease prevention.