As one of the emerging directions in “programmable medicine,” nucleic acid drugs comprise two main technological branches: small nucleic acids and mRNA. Small nucleic acid drugs, compared to existing small molecules and antibody drugs, offer advantages such as rapid target screening, high success rates in research and development, low likelihood of resistance, broader therapeutic areas, and long-lasting effects. They are poised to become the third major category of drugs after small molecules and antibodies.

On August 16-17, 2022, the First VacFuture 2022 (Guangzhou) Summit on RNA Therapy and Novel Vaccine Industry was successfully held in Guangzhou, attracting 913 professional attendees and featuring 55 guest speakers. Concurrently, the Second VacFuture 2023 (Wuhan) Summit on RNA Therapy and Novel Vaccine Industry is scheduled for June 3-4, 2023, in Wuhan, with over 800 attendees and 40 exhibitors expected. The summit will focus on “Small Nucleic Acid Drug Development” and “mRNA Novel Vaccine Research and Development.”

Hosted by: Fung Sheng Biological

Supported by: Shanghai Biopharmaceutical Industry Association, Hubei Bioinformatics Society, Guangdong Medic Valley

Media Partner: RNAScript

Theme: Focusing on RNA Therapy Breakthroughs to Chart the Blueprint for Next-Generation Vaccine Localization Challenges

Date: June 3-4, 2023

Venue: Wuhan Marriott Hotel Optics Valley

Domestic misconceptions exist regarding the field of oligonucleotides. In terms of molecular weight, oligonucleotides fall between small molecules and large molecules. Compared to traditional small molecule drugs or antibody drugs, nucleic acid drugs may appear to have simpler preparation processes, but there are significant differences at each stage.

Veliter Biomedical Technology Company, established in July 2019, specializes in the development (AD), process development (PD), and GMP production of oligonucleotides, with an annual production capacity of 15 to 20 kilograms.

Time is money. Early-stage AD and PD implementation are crucial for controlling impurities, establishing analytical methods, and optimizing processes, which is markedly different from small molecules. For example, in synthesis, if purification is only performed after synthesis, sometimes it may be an impossible task.

In the early stages, the goal of R&D is to obtain a product, whereas the concept shifts entirely in PD. All synthesis data obtained in R&D become meaningless in PD, which is a significant difference from small molecule and antibody drugs. The characteristic of the oligonucleotide field is that the R&D process is rapid, but once it comes to filing, there is often insufficient time for PD, requiring more time and effort.