saRNAs

Self-amplifying RNAs (saRNAs), also known as RNA replicons, represent a next-generation RNA platform for vaccines and gene expression studies. Their advantage over conventional mRNA vaccine platforms relies on the viral replication machinery, which amplifies the mRNA of the encoded gene of interest within target cells. In recent years, saRNA vaccines have been clinically tested with the hope of reducing the vaccination dose compared to the conventional mRNA approach. RNA replicons induce potent humoral and cellular responses with few adverse effects upon a minimal, single-dose immunization. Delivery of replicons is achieved with virus-like replicon particles (VRPs), or in nonviral vehicles such as liposomes or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs).

OZB saRNAs have been designed to produce high expression level of protein with enhanced length of duration. These self-amplifying RNAs (saRNAs) are stabilized with 5’ Cap 1 structure and 3’ poly(A) tail and are optimized to yield improved stability & performance. They are either unmodified, or modified with 5-methyl-Cytidine (m5C replaces U) to reduce innate immune responses.