RNA REVOLUTION IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

Southeast Asia is emerging as a key hub for RNA innovation. From Singapore’s national RNA strategy to Thailand’s clinical breakthroughs and Indonesia’s platform development, the region is rapidly advancing RNA research, manufacturing and applications. This ebook highlights recent, high-impact developments shaping the future of RNA in Asia.

Singapore:

Anchoring RNA Innovation in South East Asia

Singapore Launches Ambitious S$130M Research Programme

Singapore has launched the S$130 million National Initiative for RNA Biology and Its Applications (NIRBA) to boost RNA-based research and therapies over seven years. Backed by the National Research Foundation, Nirba will unite top institutions like NUS, NTU and A*STAR to study how RNA affects diseases prevalent in Asians, such as cancer and cardio-metabolic conditions. The initiative also includes setting up a dedicated RNA research hub, fostering collaboration and training talent to strengthen Singapore’s biomedical edge and translational capabilities in RNA science.

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Scientists Unveil One of World’s Largest Long-Read RNA Sequencing Datasets to Advance Disease Research

Singapore’s A*STAR GIS has launched SG-NEx, one of the world’s largest long-read RNA sequencing datasets, with over 750 million reads from 14 human cell lines. This resource improves understanding of complex RNA structures like splicing and fusion transcripts, addressing key gaps in disease biomarker detection and precision medicine. It is openly accessible and designed to support RNA-based diagnostics, therapeutics, and analytical tools globally.

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Singapore Launches First-of-Its-Kind mRNA BioFoundry in Asia

Singapore has launched the NATi mRNA BioFoundry, Asia’s first dedicated mRNA production facility, under the S$97 million NATi programme. Located at A*STAR’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute, the facility features automated equipment capable of producing up to 5g of purified RNA daily, enough for around 100,000 vaccine doses. It supports pandemic preparedness and pre-clinical development of mRNA therapies for diseases like cancer and influenza. The facility strengthens Singapore’s biomedical capabilities and offers rapid scalability for future health emergencies.

▶ Facility details

SCG Cell Therapy partners A*STAR to accelerate RNA-based therapeutic development in Singapore

SCG Cell Therapy, A*STAR BTI and NATi have signed an MoU to advance RNA-based therapeutics manufacturing and clinical translation. The collaboration will focus on process development, automation and analytics, with plans for joint laboratories and talent training. This builds on a prior S$30 million initiative between SCG and A*STAR under Singapore’s RIE2025 plan. By combining expertise in GMP manufacturing, RNA technologies and bioprocessing, the partnership aims to strengthen Singapore’s RNA biomanufacturing capabilities and accelerate affordable treatments for cancers and infectious diseases.

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CEPI x RVAC Medicines

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and Singapore-based RVAC Medicines have partnered to accelerate mRNA vaccine manufacturing using RVAC’s next-gen platform and Micropore’s continuous micromixing technology. Backed by US$3 million from CEPI, the project aims to streamline production, reduce costs and improve access which are key goals of CEPI’s 100 Days Mission to rapidly respond to future pandemics. If successful, this innovation could significantly speed up vaccine deployment during outbreaks and support more equitable global distribution.

▶ Partnership news

Thailand:

Leading Clinical Advancement in mRNA

Mahidol University Advances mRNA Malaria Vaccine to Clinical Trial Stage

Mahidol University is preparing to launch the world’s first clinical trial of an mRNA vaccine against malaria. Following successful trials in mice, the vaccine will next be tested on monkeys, then Thai human volunteers, before expanding internationally. Developed by the Mahidol Vivax Research Unit, the vaccine targets Plasmodium vivax, a malaria-causing parasite. This initiative, building on a decade of research and collaboration with Oxford University, aims to advance global malaria vaccine development and inspire further innovation.

▶ Trial update

ChulaCov19 mRNA Booster Vaccine Trial in Australia

Technovalia, Chulalongkorn University and BioNet announced ethics approval in Australia for a Phase 2 trial of the ChulaCov19 BNA159 mRNA vaccine as a COVID-19 booster. Developed in Thailand with collaboration from the University of Pennsylvania, the vaccine showed strong safety and immunogenicity in earlier Thai trials. The new Australian study will test its use as a single booster dose in adults previously vaccinated with approved COVID-19 vaccines. BioNet is also producing a second-generation mRNA vaccine targeting the Omicron variant.

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Indonesia:

Scaling Regional mRNA Capacity

PT Etana Biotechnologies’ Collaboration on mRNA and TB Vaccine Development

PT Etana Biotechnologies Indonesia has signed a collaboration agreement with Chinese firms Walvax and RNA Cure to develop an mRNA vaccine, and with CanSino to develop an inhalable tuberculosis vaccine. Announced during the Indonesia-China Healthcare & Biotech Investment Forum, the partnership reinforces Etana’s commitment to local biopharmaceutical production. Etana is the first ASEAN pharmaceutical company with mRNA capabilities, enabling rapid vaccine development and enhancing Indonesia’s health resilience and independence.

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As momentum builds across Southeast Asia, now is the time to connect with the pioneers behind the RNA revolution. Join us at RNA Therapeutics & Manufacturing Asia 2025, taking place on 5–6 November 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand and be part of the region’s premier platform for RNA leaders, innovators and manufacturers. Discover more: https://www.imapac.com/events/rna-therapeutics-manufacturing-asia-2025