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<p>Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics emerged as a clinically validated therapeutic approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike conventional small-molecule drugs or biologics, mRNA therapeutics exert their pharmacological effects indirectly by modulating intracellular protein expression and the immune system. However, the clinical demands that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated mRNA therapeutics research and its clinical translation. Therefore, the present study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global mRNA therapeutics research by comparing the pre-pandemic (2015–2019) and pandemic/post-pandemic (2020–2025) periods. A systematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature indexed in the Scopus database was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The research activity increased markedly, with a nearly 13-fold rise in publications on mRNA therapeutics after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the analysis revealed a shift from oncology-oriented studies to vaccine-focused therapeutic research. The foundational studies on nucleoside-modified mRNA and lipid-based delivery systems aligned with large-scale clinical trial evidence. These trials validated the technology by demonstrating reproducible efficacy and acceptable safety profiles. Further, the collaboration patterns evolved from a predominantly US-centered structure to a globally interconnected research network led by the USA, China, and Germany. Overall, these findings provide quantitative evidence of significant shifts in global mRNA research activity and direction during the COVID-19 period.</p>

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Rapid growth and thematic shifts in mRNA therapeutics research catalyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月7日

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  • Prabakaran Annadurai

摘要

Messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics emerged as a clinically validated therapeutic approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike conventional small-molecule drugs or biologics, mRNA therapeutics exert their pharmacological effects indirectly by modulating intracellular protein expression and the immune system. However, the clinical demands that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated mRNA therapeutics research and its clinical translation. Therefore, the present study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped global mRNA therapeutics research by comparing the pre-pandemic (2015–2019) and pandemic/post-pandemic (2020–2025) periods. A systematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature indexed in the Scopus database was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The research activity increased markedly, with a nearly 13-fold rise in publications on mRNA therapeutics after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the analysis revealed a shift from oncology-oriented studies to vaccine-focused therapeutic research. The foundational studies on nucleoside-modified mRNA and lipid-based delivery systems aligned with large-scale clinical trial evidence. These trials validated the technology by demonstrating reproducible efficacy and acceptable safety profiles. Further, the collaboration patterns evolved from a predominantly US-centered structure to a globally interconnected research network led by the USA, China, and Germany. Overall, these findings provide quantitative evidence of significant shifts in global mRNA research activity and direction during the COVID-19 period.