RNA Therapeutics at the Forefront: Phase 3 Pipelines in Asia

Introduction

RNA-based therapeutics have rapidly transitioned from concept to clinic, driven by breakthroughs in delivery technologies, clinical efficacy and global health demands. Asia, in particular, has emerged as a critical hub for RNA R&D, with numerous companies advancing their RNA-based therapies into Phase 3 clinical development or receiving Emergency Use Authorization. This list spotlights ten companies and their lead RNA candidates currently in advanced clinical stages.

Company: Abogen, China

Founded: 2019

ABO1020 is a monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Results from a Phase 1 trial showed it was safe and well-tolerated. A Phase 3 trial evaluating its efficacy and safety in healthy adults is warranted.

▶ Source

▶ Abogen

Company: Walvax, China

Founded: 2001

Walvax’s Omicron XBB.1.5-targeting SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from China’s NMPA.

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Company: Suzhou Ribo Life Science, China

Founded: 2007

RBD1007 is a double-stranded siRNA designed to inhibit Caspase 2, targeting vision-threatening conditions like nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It has received Orphan Drug Designation from the U.S. FDA.

▶ Pipeline

▶ HKEX Filing

Company: Sirnaomics, USA & China

Founded: 2007

STP705 is an siRNA therapeutic using polypeptide nanoparticle delivery to target TGF-β1 and COX-2. It is in late-stage development for squamous cell carcinoma in situ (isSCC), among other indications.

▶ Pipeline

▶ Press Release

Company: WestGene, China

Founded: 2021

WGa01 is an RNA-based adjuvant that enhances immune responses when paired with vaccines. It has received Emergency Use Authorization in China.

▶ Source

Company: VisiRNA, China

Founded: 2022

VSA001 silences APOC3 mRNA to reduce triglyceride and TRL levels via LPL-dependent and independent pathways.

▶ Source

Company: VisiRNA, China

Founded: 2022

VSA003 targets ANGPTL3 mRNA and is aimed at treating metabolic diseases such as mixed dyslipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia and NAFLD/NASH.

▶ Source

Company: Daiichi Sankyo, Japan

Founded: 2005

DS-5670 is an mRNA vaccine encoding the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. It is being developed for COVID-19 prevention and has entered Phase 3 development.

▶ Source

Company: Walvax, China & Abogen, China

Founded: Walvax: 2001; Abogen: 2019

AWcorna is an mRNA vaccine encoding the RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. It has received Emergency Use Authorization in Indonesia.

▶ Source

Company: Arcturus Therapeutics, USA with Vinbiocare, Vietnam

Founded: Arcturus Therapeutics: 2013 ; Vinbiocare: 2021

ARCT-154 is a COVID-19 self-amplifying mRNA vaccine with 56.6% efficacy against symptomatic disease and 95.3% against severe cases in a Phase 3 trial.

▶ Nature Study

▶ PubMed

Conclusion

These companies reflect the accelerating progress of RNA therapeutics in Asia, with Phase 3 pipelines advancing across diverse indications including oncology, infectious diseases and metabolic disorders. Their clinical maturity underscores Asia’s growing role in global RNA innovation.

These developments will be further explored at RNA Therapeutics & Manufacturing Asia 2025, taking place on 5–6 November 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand. A dedicated platform for the scientific and biopharma communities to connect, share insights and drive the future of RNA-based therapies.