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The number of mRNA drugs in the clinical pipeline worldwide is rapidly growing, with several hundred mRNA products under development. One of the main benefits of the mRNA technology is that it can be tailored rapidly to different diseases or variants. In addition, mRNA vaccines can be manufactured in a cell-free manner, allowing fast and scalable production. Due to their numerous advantages, mRNAs are soon expected to become a major class of therapeutics. To support the surge in the development of mRNA therapies, analytical approaches must keep pace to ensure the identity, stability, structural integrity, safety, and efficacy of evolving therapeutic mRNA candidates.
This webcast will highlight uses of mass photometry (MP), an emerging technique that provides rapid mass measurements of intact mRNA using light to measure particles in solution. A robust method and considerations for successful data collection are essential for implementation of this technique and routine use for rapid, label-free, single-molecule analysis of RNA identity, purity, aggregation, and stoichiometry.
The speakers will present new research to identify key experimental considerations for reliable mass photometry measurements and ultimately show how MP supports RNA development workflows, including formulation, process optimization, and quality control.
Attendees will:
• Understand how mass photometry can be used to analyze RNA at the single-molecule level
• Learn to assess RNA sample quality, including purity, integrity, and aggregation
• See practical examples of mass photometry in action for mRNA characterization and comparability assessments
Unable to join the live event? Watch on demand. Register now to ensure that you receive information on how to gain access after the live event.
This webcast has been produced by Refeyn, who retains sole responsibility for content. About this content.
Speakers
Lauren Barnes, Senior Scientist, Pfizer
Lauren Barnes is a Senior Scientist at Pfizer, working within the Biotherapeutics and Pharmaceutical Sciences division. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of West Florida and her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Indiana University Bloomington. Her graduate research focused on the analysis of intact viral gene therapy delivery systems using charge detection mass spectrometry. Lauren joined Pfizer in 2022 as a mass spectrometrist within the Analytical Research & Development (ARD) organization. In this role, she has expanded her expertise to include mass photometry, leveraging her background in the analysis of large, intact biomolecular species to develop methods for mRNA quantification using this emerging technique.
Matt Ranaghan, Senior Applications Scientist, Refeyn
Matt Ranaghan is a Senior Applications Scientist at Refeyn where he develops mass photometry solutions for characterizing proteins, nucleic acids, and lipid nanoparticles. He has over 10 years of industry experience in small-molecule drug discovery and developing gene editing technologies. Matt holds a PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Connecticut where he studied the application of photoactive proteins in biophotonic devices.
Moderator
Nikki Forrester, Freelance Science Writer and Editor
Nikki Forrester is a science journalist who covers biology, natural history, climate, and the culture of academic research. She earned a Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology in 2019.