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- 1Moderna starts Phase 1 trial of Ebola vaccine▼Moderna begins Phase 1 clinical trial of Ebola vaccine against strain behind DRC outbreak
Moderna has begun a Phase 1 clinical trial of an Ebola vaccine targeting the strain behind the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The early-stage trial will test the vaccine candidate's safety and immune response in a small group of volunteers. The move extends the company's mRNA-based vaccine platform beyond respiratory diseases into outbreak-prone pathogens, drawing attention amid ongoing concern about Ebola flare-ups in central Africa.
- 2RNA biology and therapeutics: emerging mechanisms and future leaders▼RNA biology and therapeutics: emerging mechanisms, technologies, and future leaders
Nature has published a feature on RNA biology and therapeutics, surveying emerging mechanisms, new technologies, and the researchers expected to lead the field. The piece examines advances in RNA-based medicines and highlights rising figures in the discipline, reflecting the sector's growing importance in drug development and biomedical research.
- 3
Messenger RNA vaccines against melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are showing very good results, with new therapeutic vaccine data and combination treatments presented at the ESMO oncology congress. Researchers describe a wealth of promising leads in cancer vaccine development. Elsewhere, Vietnam launched its first nasal-spray flu vaccine for children, and the European Union accepted Sanofi's commitments, sparing the company a fine in a case over disparaging a rival vaccine.
- 4Moderna and Merck say mRNA cancer vaccine cut death, recurrence by 42%●Moderna and Merck say their mRNA cancer vaccine cut death, recurrence by 42%
Moderna and Merck report that their personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, developed for melanoma, reduced risk of death and cancer recurrence by 42% in trial results published in October 2026. The findings mark a significant step for mRNA technology beyond COVID vaccines, and observers are weighing what the results mean for the future of personalized cancer treatment and the companies' next regulatory steps.
- 5UCLA team led by Bill Gelbart wins NIH RNA technology award▼UCLA research team led by Bill Gelbart selected among Phase I winners of NIH Challenge to Advance RNA-Targeting Technologies
A UCLA research team led by Bill Gelbart has been selected among the Phase I winners of the NIH Challenge to Advance RNA-Targeting Technologies. The award recognises work aimed at improving technologies that target RNA, a field that has drawn growing scientific and medical interest since the success of mRNA-based therapies.
- 6
BioNTech is under pressure on two fronts in Germany. The company's works council has publicly criticised toxic working conditions and internal shortcomings at the biotech firm. At the same time, BioNTech reported an update on its mRNA cancer immunotherapy candidate BNT113 for HPV16-positive metastatic head and neck cancer, which commentators describe as the latest setback for the company's oncology programme.
- 7German science academy urges national RNA medicine strategy▼RNA-based medicine: Leopoldina recommends a national strategy for research on new therapies for cancer and rare diseases
The German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has recommended that Germany adopt a national strategy for RNA-based medicine, aimed at accelerating research into new therapies for cancer and rare diseases. The advisory statement calls for coordinated public support to translate RNA science, advances that gained prominence through mRNA vaccines, into new treatments.
- 8Inovio Wins First-Ever FDA Approval for a DNA Medicine▼Inovio Just Won the First FDA DNA Medicine Approval
Biotech company Inovio has secured the first FDA approval for a DNA-based medicine, marking a milestone for the field of genetic medicine. The decision opens the door to a new class of therapies built on DNA technology rather than traditional drugs or mRNA approaches. Investors and biotech watchers are closely tracking what the approval means for the company's future and for DNA medicine more broadly.
- 9
The National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina has drawn attention to programmable medicines, a new class of therapies designed to be programmed or reprogrammed to target specific cells or adjust their effect in the body. The concept is linked to advances in mRNA technology and gene-based treatments, and is being discussed as a potential next step in personalised medicine.
- 10Katalin Karikó Talks Lab Work and Writing●From Lab to Literature: A Conversation With Katalin Karikó
Biochemist Katalin Karikó, whose mRNA research laid the groundwork for COVID-19 vaccines, sits down for a conversation exploring her path from laboratory bench to published writing. The discussion covers her scientific career, her Nobel-recognised work on mRNA therapeutics, and reflections on sharing her story with a broader audience.