What is mRNA?

mRNA molecules are copies of instructions saved in our DNA.
mRNAs are produced in our body to serve as templates (recipes) to produce proteins.

DNA stores instructions for proteins in the nucleus

mRNA is a temporary set of instructions for cells to make proteins

Proteins form the basis of life by performing the functions required by every cell

mRNA has also emerged as both a disruptive and highly promising technology providing access to new class of medicines

Using mRNA as a therapeutic is a cutting-edge approach

mRNA based drugs deliver a defined generic message into the cells to produce any kind of protein

Ability to set instruction for cells allows mRNA therapeutics to be used for any disease

mRNA drugs have potential to transform standards of drug discovery and manufacturing

mRNA consist of the coding region, which contains all the information about protein sequence, and several regulatory elements that stabilize mRNA and guide protein production machinery to mRNA.

These elements include mRNA cap at the 5′ end and polyA tail at the 3′ end of mRNA.

mRNA innovations

The success of mRNA as therapeutic molecule relies on the ability to increase its stability, enhance translation potential, and modulate  immunogenicity.


ExploRNA develops innovative solutions that improve mRNA as a therapeutic modality in all those areas and beyond.

mRNA 5’ cap modifications

Other modifications

mRNA-based therapeutics

mRNA technology has emerged as both a disruptive and highly promising new class of medicines.

The new mRNA technology innovations, combined with the unique know-how of ExploRNA’s scientific team, provide a unique opportunity to harness this cutting-edge technology to revolutionize therapy and prevention of many diseases.

ExploRNA’s two lead development programs are focusing on tumor specific antigen vaccines and the expression of cytokines to promote cytotoxic T cells to eliminate tumor growth.

Modified mRNA has a wide range of applications which represent a significant market opportunity

mRNA has the potential to treat any disease where expression of protein(s) will drive the alleviation of the symptoms or causes of the disease.

Scientific publications

Featured Publications

mRNA 5’ cap modifications

Intellectual property

A strong intellectual property position based on science excellence

International patents

WO2017130151A1

5'-phosphorothiolate mRNA 5'-end (cap) analogs, mRNA comprising the same, method of obtaining and uses thereof

WO2018015845

Novel phosphotriazole mRNA 5'-end cap analogs, composition comprising the same, RNA molecule incorporating the same, uses thereof and method of synthesizing RNA molecule, protein or peptide

WO2021162566

Novel mRNA 5'-end cap analogs modified within phosphate residues, RNA molecule incorporating the same, uses thereof and method of synthesizing RNA molecule or peptide

WO2021162567

Novel mRNA 5'-end cap analogs, RNA molecule incorporating the same, uses thereof and method of synthesizing RNA molecule or peptide

mRNA body and polyA tail modifications can also affect the key biological properties of mRNA.

ExploRNA’s research team has under development multiple innovative ideas that harness chemical modifications of mRNA body and polyA tail for the benefit of mRNA therapeutics.

Publications about mRNA 5' cap modifications