On November 4, 2024, Singapore made a significant leap in global health preparedness with the official launch of Asia's first dedicated mRNA production laboratory, the NATi mRNA BioFoundry. This advanced facility by A*Star’s Nucleic Acid Therapeutics Initiative (NATi) is designed to rapidly produce essential materials for both pre-clinical trials of vaccines and therapeutic drugs, aimed not only at pandemic responses but also at treating various cancers and diseases.

The establishment of this state-of-the-art lab is a major milestone in Singapore’s quest to become a leading biomedical innovation hub, as highlighted by Tan See Leng, Singapore's Second Minister for Trade and Industry. He emphasized that this lab signifies a pivotal step towards realizing RNA-based therapies right from research to manufacturing within the nation.

The mRNA BioFoundry underwent significant enhancements in April 2024, acquiring two sophisticated machines—a RNA synthesis machine and an encapsulation unit—which superseded previous equipment that relied on more labor-intensive and time-consuming methods. With these upgrades, the lab can now produce an impressive 5 grams of purified RNA daily, translating to approximately 100,000 vaccine doses—an output that previously took a month and a half to achieve.

Professor Andre Choo, deputy executive director of A*Star’s Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), noted that the facility has already begun developing RNA vaccines for influenza variants, including the H5N1 strain. The lab is also exploring high-quality pre-clinical materials for mRNA therapies targeting a range of ailments beyond cancer, such as eye infections and cardiovascular diseases.

This facility is part of the broader $97 million NATi program, which seeks to enhance Singapore's capabilities in nucleic acid therapeutics. The initiative was announced during parliamentary discussions regarding the 2024 budget and is a collaborative effort involving A*Star and Wellcome Leap, an organization focused on global health innovation.

Notably, the NATi mRNA BioFoundry incorporates cutting-edge automation in its production processes. This feature uniquely positions it within a landscape where many existing mRNA facilities still depend on manual operations. The automation allows for rapid scaling of production, ensuring a continuous supply of mRNA for both research and clinical trials.

Dr. Koh Boon Tong, executive director of A*Star’s BTI and NATi, proclaimed that this facility marks a transformative opportunity for Singapore. The goal is to establish a local production chain for mRNA vaccines, not only reducing dependency on imports but also attracting new research endeavors that will further enhance Singapore's healthcare and biomanufacturing sectors.

With this groundbreaking facility in operation, Singapore is set to position itself as a frontrunner in mRNA technology, ready to respond to future health crises with agility and innovation.