For years, the focus of genetic medicine was on DNA. However, the success of mRNA vaccines during the pandemic has put the spotlight on RNA-based therapies. RNA molecules, which act as messengers from our DNA, can be manipulated to carry out specific commands, such as instructing our cells to produce a protein that fights a virus or even correct a faulty gene.
This new frontier in medicine is incredibly versatile. It offers a fast way to develop new vaccines and provides a direct, non-permanent method to deliver therapeutic instructions to the body. Research is now exploring its use in treating rare genetic diseases and even common illnesses.
Are we at the beginning of an era where RNA, not DNA, holds the key to the most significant medical breakthroughs?
MBH/PS