Mainz – leading the charge in mRNA-based technology innovation
Frederike Krinke-Häusler Real Estate Analyst and co-author Mike Peter Schweitzer (biomindz Standortentwicklungsgesellschaft Mainz mbH) on the new era of mRNA-based technology in Mainz.
mRNA – a new era begins
The research and further development of messenger RNA (mRNA) technology has ushered in a new era in the field of medicine and biotechnology. It offers a completely new approach, particularly in the field of vaccine development and cancer therapy.
mRNA is a molecule that occurs in all living cells. Compared to conventional vaccines, mRNA-based vaccines can be produced more quickly, as there is no need for the time-consuming cultivation of viruses. In addition, mRNA technology is versatile and can be modified. It can be used against both viruses and cancer.
Mainz – Hot spot for cutting-edge research in the field of mRNA technology
The city of Mainz, located in the west of the Rhine-Main region and also the state capital of Rhineland-Palatinate, plays a key role in the development of mRNA technology. Mainz has become an internationally renowned center for innovation in mRNA research, in particular thanks to the Mainz-based company BioNTech and the work of the founding couple, Uğur Şahin and Özlem Türeci, together with Nobel laureate in medicine Katalin Kaikó, who made a significant contribution to the development of the first mRNA-based vaccine against COVID-19.
The successful development of mRNA technology in Mainz also stands for the successful transfer of research results into application. An indispensable engine for growth and success!
In addition, there are numerous scientific institutions and research initiatives in Mainz that are involved in the research and further development of mRNA technology. First and foremost, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (JGU), which is working closely with the Mainz University Medical Center and the TRON Institute (1) in the field of immunotherapy and is investigating a novel anti-inflammatory mRNA vaccine for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. The TRON Institute has made a name for itself in the field of translational oncology by developing innovative solutions for the application of mRNA technology in medicine.
Another important project is the research cluster for atherothrombosis and individualized medicine (2) (CurATime), a consortium of various partners from research and industry in the region. The cluster is researching the combination of AI- and mRNA-based approaches to identify disease-relevant mechanisms and develop tailored interventions that can reduce the effects of cardiovascular disease.
The Mainz ecosystem in the field of mRNA technology is complemented by the Leibniz ScienceCampus „NanoBrain“ (3), which focuses on the application of nanomedicine and mRNA technology for the treatment of neurological diseases, and by the participation of Mainz-based companies in the mRNA consortium (KmR) (4) , a consortium of 10 partners from industry and science dedicated to the development of innovative pharmaceutical excipients for drug delivery. These research initiatives show that Mainz is not only an important location for the development of mRNA vaccines, but also for the further development of this technology in other medical fields.
Mainz – a success story
An excellent combination of technological and scientific expertise, proximity to talent, a modern infrastructure and a high quality of life form the basis for success and make Mainz the leading location for the research and development of mRNA-based technologies.
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