Recently, RQ3013, an mRNA chimera vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 variants jointly developed by Baoshan-based RNACure, Fudan University, and Walvax was officially approved by the National Medicine Products Administration for clinical trials and will enter phase 1 trials in early September.

RQ3013 is the first Chinese mRNA chimera vaccine to enter clinical trials. It encodes a full-length spike protein that covers key mutations from major variants, including the Omicron variant. Preclinical studies have shown that the vaccine has a favorable safety and efficacy profile and can induce cross-neutralizing immunity against major SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) including Omicron.

The vaccine was developed under a strategic cooperation agreement previously signed by RNACure, Fudan University and Walvax to create an innovative and efficient mRNA vaccine technology platform through a strong alliance between enterprises, universities and research institutes and by giving full play to their respective strengths.

The core technologies of the vaccine ranging from antigen design and mRNA optimization to production process and quality standards as well as the preparation process of main raw materials and excipients are all independently developed.

In the future, the three parties will strengthen cooperation and make continuous efforts in clinical trials, production of key raw materials and excipients, and mass production of domestic mRNA vaccines to establish an independent and controllable technology platform for mRNA vaccine development and commercialization. This is of strategic importance for the response to COVID-19 outbreaks and possible outbreaks of new infectious diseases in the future.