RNA (Ribonucleic Acids) is an essential molecule for life, present in all living cells, including animals, plants, fungi, viruses, bacteria, and archaea. More specifically, messenger RNA (mRNA) acts as a courier, carrying genetic instructions from DNA to produce proteins necessary for cellular and bodily functions. Other types of RNA, such as small RNAs (miRNA or siRNA), play specific roles, including gene regulation and antiviral defense, making them key targets for innovative therapies.
Brought into the spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic, but in development long before for various diseases, RNA therapies are revolutionizing the pharmaceutical industry. Due to their high design flexibility, RNA therapies are currently being developed to address a wide range of conditions, including various types of cancer, vaccinations against different viruses, and treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and even obesity.
The governments of Quebec and Canada have each invested millions of dollars in two major initiatives aimed at developing Quebec’s RNA sector: the Projet Mobilisateur ARN and DNA to RNA (D2R).
On April 30, 2024, Pierre Fitzgibbon, Quebec’s Minister of Economy, Innovation, and Energy, announced a $20.3 million investment to support a large-scale initiative worth nearly $40 million, aimed at establishing a new industrial sector for RNA-based therapies. This initiative, called the Projet Mobilisateur ARN, has led to the creation of five projects to strengthen Quebec’s RNA therapy ecosystem.
D2R is a research initiative led by McGill University in Montreal, supported by a significant $165 million investment from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) and other partners. Its mission is to develop innovative RNA therapies based on genomics by integrating cutting-edge technologies and a clinical accelerator to make these treatments widely accessible. D2R’s research focuses on infectious diseases, oncology, and rare diseases.
Key Sectors
RNA Bioproduction
RNA bioproduction refers to all the processes required to manufacture synthetic RNA on a large scale for medical applications such as vaccines, gene therapies, or innovative treatments for various diseases. This process relies on advanced technologies to produce high-quality, purified, and functional RNA molecules while meeting strict safety and efficacy standards. Bioproduction includes several key steps, such as enzymatic RNA synthesis, quality control, and encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles for effective administration. RNA biofabrication products include mRNA vaccines, siRNA, and phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers, designed to treat multiple conditions such as certain cancers, rare diseases, and infectious diseases.
Numerous bioproduction companies operate in Quebec, including Moderna and RNA Technologies and Therapeutics (RNA T&T). Moderna has opened a new vaccine production facility in the Biotech City in Laval. The facility will eventually be capable of producing up to 100 million doses of mRNA vaccines per year, strengthening Canada’s capacity to respond to future health and pandemic emergencies. In Quebec, Moderna will manufacture vaccines for COVID-19 and a variety of mRNA vaccines targeting various respiratory viruses, such as seasonal influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, pending regulatory approval. RNA T&T is a private company specializing in the design, optimization, and small- to medium-scale production of RNA. It also focuses on developing innovative RNA-based technologies and therapies.
RNA-Based Therapies
Since 2024, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) in Montreal has been conducting the first trials of RNA-based anti-cancer treatments. This new experimental treatment is being tested in combination with immunotherapy in patients with stage II or III non-small cell lung cancer who have undergone surgery. This form of lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer. The trials have been made possible through the mobilization of the MUHC, Jonathan Spicer, Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Department of Surgery at McGill University, and the collaboration of several clinical teams.
MUHC patients are among the first in the world to participate in these randomized clinical trials evaluating this RNA-based therapy, developed through a partnership between Merck and Moderna. This therapy, known as V940 (mRNA-4157), is a personalized neoantigen therapy based on mRNA technology. Once the tumor is removed, it undergoes molecular sequencing in a laboratory to identify genetic mutations specific to the patient’s tumor, which are not present in their germline DNA. The analysis also detects mutation-derived proteins, known as neoantigens. Using this information, an mRNA is developed with sequences matching these neoantigens. The resulting V940 is then injected into the patient to activate their immune system, allowing it to seek out and eliminate any remaining cancer cells in different areas of the body.
Academic Research on RNA
RNA research is thriving in Quebec, with over 130 research teams spread across six universities (Université de Montréal, McGill University, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Université Laval, Concordia University, Université de Sherbrooke, and the Institut national de la recherche scientifique (INRS)). Many Quebec-based academic researchers are internationally recognized and have made major discoveries in the field of RNA, including Dr. Nahum Sonenberg, Dr. Thomas Duchaine, and Dr. Claude Perreault.
Dr. Nahum Sonenberg, a professor of biochemistry at McGill University in Montreal, is renowned for his groundbreaking discoveries in protein translation, including identifying the eIF4E protein, which binds to the mRNA cap and plays a key role as a rate-limiting factor in the eukaryotic translation machinery. His research focuses on understanding how protein synthesis, a central and essential process in animal cells, is regulated and how this control can be hijacked in pathological contexts such as cancer, viral infections, and neurological developmental disorders. His work has led to significant therapeutic advancements, particularly in gene therapy, cancer treatment, and antiviral therapies.
Dr. Thomas Duchaine, Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry at McGill University, has played a key role in the field of RNA interference (RNAi), a discovery made by his postdoctoral supervisor at the University of Massachusetts, Craig C. Mello, who won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for this breakthrough. Dr. Duchaine’s research focuses on the regulatory functions of non-coding RNAs in cancer development and progression. His lab aims to translate fundamental discoveries about RNAi and microRNA pathways into practical applications for cancer treatment.
Dr. Claude Perreault, a Full Professor at the Faculty of Medicine at Université de Montréal and Principal Investigator at the Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC) since 2005, leads the immunobiology research laboratory. His research focuses on T lymphocytes, essential immune system cells, with the goal of developing a cancer vaccine and preventing immune aging. He co-developed the CryptoMapMC platform for Epitopea, a cancer immunotherapy company.
Key Players
Our Industry Stars
Altasciences
Altasciences is a mid-sized contract research organization (CRO) offering an innovative approach. It provides proven services and optimal flexibility to biopharmaceutical companies of all sizes for early-stage drug development. Its services include preclinical studies, clinical pharmacology, bioanalysis, and various research services. Altasciences is known for its expertise in developing ultra-sensitive bioanalytical tests designed to quantify oligonucleotides in complex biological matrices such as ocular, liver, or brain tissues, specifically tailored for critical parameters in preclinical and clinical studies.
CellCarta
CellCarta is a leading provider of specialized laboratory services in precision medicine for the biopharmaceutical industry. With integrated analytical platforms in proteomics, immunology, genomics, and histopathology, as well as sample collection and logistics services, CellCarta supports drug development at every stage, from discovery to advanced clinical trials. CellCarta offers innovative RNA-related services, including RNA sequencing—from extraction to data analysis with transparent solutions—and gene expression analyses such as qPCR and dPCR.
Quebec Biotechnology Innovation Centre (CQIB)
The CQIB is a collaborative hub bringing together researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors in life sciences to advance new therapies, medical technologies, and digital health solutions. Located on the INRS Armand-Frappier campus in Laval, the CQIB offers nearly 30,000 square feet (2,800 m²) of office and laboratory space. As a life sciences incubator and accelerator, the CQIB provides modern infrastructure for startups, with a scientific equipment park worth over $5 million, mainly dedicated to DNA and RNA analysis. The center currently hosts teams specializing in therapeutic RNA and adjuvant production.
ECOGENE-21
ECOGENE-21 is a nonprofit clinical research organization based in Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, dedicated to expanding access to precision medicine innovations to address unmet health needs. Internationally recognized, the organization has strong expertise in designing, executing, supervising, and monitoring clinical trials while promoting innovations that enhance access to novel, safe, effective, and affordable treatments, including RNA-based therapies.
enGene
enGene has developed an innovative platform enabling localized delivery of various genetic cargoes directly to mucosal tissues and other organs. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of viral gene therapies and integrate gene therapy into mainstream clinical practice beyond rare diseases. Their Dually Derivatized Oligochitosan® (DDX®) technology revolutionizes genetic therapies by targeting mucosal tissues to treat severe diseases. The treatments transform mucosal cells into “therapeutic factories,” producing proteins and RNA in the disease’s microenvironment to ensure a powerful, localized effect.
Feldan Therapeutics
Feldan is a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the development of innovative treatments based on the intracellular delivery of therapeutic compounds. Its proprietary technology, the Feldan Shuttle, uses peptides to efficiently and safely transport various therapeutic agents into cells. This technological advancement opens new possibilities by targeting intracellular mechanisms that are otherwise inaccessible to current treatments. Feldan’s pipeline focuses on diseases affecting the skin and lungs, with a particular emphasis on RNA-based technologies, including phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs).
Galenvs
Galenvs specializes in the development and manufacturing of DNA/RNA oligonucleotides for therapeutic applications. The company provides comprehensive services, from proof of concept to in vitro validation and pilot-scale production. Its expertise includes the design and synthesis of antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), splice-switching oligonucleotides (SSOs), phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs), siRNAs, and sgRNAs, with chemical modifications aimed at enhancing their stability and cellular uptake.
Moderna
Moderna is a pioneer in mRNA medicine, transforming drug development and revolutionizing the treatment and prevention of diseases. For over a decade, the company has operated at the intersection of science, technology, and healthcare, developing therapeutic solutions with unprecedented speed and efficiency—most notably, one of the most effective COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna’s mRNA platform has enabled major advancements in the development of vaccines and treatments for a wide range of diseases, including infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, and autoimmune disorders.
Molecular Forecaster Inc.
Molecular Forecaster combines cutting-edge computational tools with expertise in drug development to overcome the most complex challenges in early-stage drug discovery. The company leverages advanced technologies and multidisciplinary knowledge to enhance research outcomes, from discovering new molecules to optimizing therapeutic targets. Their approach includes the development and application of software designed to create small molecules capable of interacting with RNA, opening new opportunities in therapeutics.
Nanofacile
Nanofacile Inc. accelerates research and mitigates risks in the R&D of gene therapies based on lipid nanoparticles through an advanced yet easy-to-use technology. This technology helps formulation scientists, medicinal chemists, and researchers shorten treatment development timelines, enabling faster access to next-generation therapies for patients. Offering a comprehensive solution, their technology includes encapsulation recipes and a state-of-the-art microfluidic device, simplifying and expediting the preclinical development process.
Neopharm Life Sciences
Neopharm Life Sciences provides a full range of specialized analytical services for the life sciences industry. The company offers quality control testing compliant with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and innovative R&D solutions to accelerate product development and improve individual health outcomes. Their RNA analysis services are specifically designed to meet the evolving needs of the biotechnology and life sciences sectors. They support researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and biotech firms at every stage of the product development lifecycle, from early discovery to market release and beyond. Their services include RNA analysis, identity confirmation, impurity detection, and specialized antisense RNA oligonucleotide analysis.
NMX
NMX is a contract research partner specializing in drug discovery targeting therapeutically relevant biological macromolecules, including RNA. The company provides production services for these macromolecules, such as in vitro RNA transcription, chromatography purification, and small molecule library screening to identify potential ligands. Molecular interactions with target molecules are characterized using various biophysical techniques, including Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), and Differential Scanning Fluorometry (DSF). These approaches enable the selection of the most promising molecules for modulating the targeted biological effect.
Polaris Oligonucleotides
Polaris Oligonucleotides is a contract research organization specializing in the synthesis of advanced oligonucleotides. The company focuses on chemically modified oligonucleotides, oligoribonucleotides, and complex syntheses tailored to biopharmaceutical applications. With state-of-the-art equipment and a team of experienced chemists, Polaris offers custom synthesis of oligonucleotides and nucleobases, providing a broad range of synthetic scales to meet the specific needs of its clients. Their business model is based on delivering optimized solutions for each project, supporting advancements in oligonucleotide science.
Providence Therapeutics (PTx)
PTx is a company specializing in mRNA-based medicines, developing innovative vaccines for cancer treatment and the prevention of hard-to-treat infectious diseases. Their therapies originate from a fully integrated R&D ecosystem, combining target discovery, PTx’s proprietary mRNA platform, next-generation lipid and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology, and a proven mRNA-LNP manufacturing platform. This platform is designed for personalized medicine and can also meet large-scale production needs, including pandemic response.
RNA Technologies and Therapeutics Inc. (RNA T&T)
RNA T&T is a private company based in Montreal, Canada, specializing in the design, optimization, and production of small- to medium-scale RNA (mg to g), including nucleoside-modified mRNA. The company also focuses on developing RNA-based technologies and therapeutics.
RNA T&T is committed to overcoming infrastructure barriers in clinical and translational research in key areas such as vaccine development, gene therapy, stem cell reprogramming, and other non-viral gene therapy applications. The company provides high-quality in vitro-transcribed RNA (such as mRNA and ncRNA) and targeted lipid-based (LNP), hybrid, or nanoparticle-based delivery systems to the biotechnology industry and academic partners.
Rynd Biotech
Rynd Biotech offers a rapid and quantitative diagnostic platform using aptamer technology to detect sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from urine samples. They specialize in point-of-care diagnostic solutions and at-home self-testing. Their technology aims to transform STI management by automating the diagnostic process and facilitating prescription issuance for positive cases.
Solstar Pharm
Founded in 2017, Solstar Pharma has developed a high-precision RNA interference (RNAi) platform, leveraging extensive research experience and unique expertise in small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapies. By utilizing modified nucleotides, their siRNA benefits from enhanced stability and optimized activity against mRNA targets. Solstar Pharma harnesses the power of RNA interference to counteract pathogen replication, such as coronaviruses, and block the production of proteins that promote cancer.
TransBIOTech
TransBIOTech is a college-affiliated technology transfer center (CCTT) established in 1999 and associated with Cégep de Lévis. As a non-profit organization specializing in biological sciences, TransBIOTech is a leader in innovation, providing crucial support to Quebec’s biotechnology companies.
For 25 years, they have accelerated the preclinical development of new therapies by offering cutting-edge expertise in drug discovery, including pharmacology, cell and molecular biology, immunology, biochemistry, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology. Their scientists employ advanced technologies and develop customized models to study RNA-based candidate therapies and assess their efficacy and safety before entering clinical development phases.
Key Players
Our Institutional Leaders
ARN Québec
ARN Québec is a strategic consortium dedicated to RNA research and innovation, aiming to address major global health and environmental challenges in Quebec. This initiative strives to unite RNA research strengths across the province while fostering collaborations within the ecosystem to maximize technological innovation across various sectors.
By actively supporting scientific research and the development of new RNA-related technologies, ARN Québec also contributes to talent development and the acquisition of key skills essential for the next generation of experts in the field. Its ambition is to become a leading reference in RNA science in Quebec while enhancing the province’s international competitiveness in this strategic sector.
Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM)
Affiliated with the Université de Montréal, the IRCM is a medical research center focused on disciplines such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, developmental biology, and proteomics. Its mission is to better understand the causes of diseases to develop innovative or curative therapeutic solutions.
The IRCM hosts two specialized RNA research units led by Dr. Éric Lécuyer and Dr. Martin Sauvageau, both internationally renowned experts in the field.
Dr. Éric Lécuyer’s laboratory studies the biological functions of RNA subcellular localization and how these processes are altered in disease settings.
Dr. Martin Sauvageau’s laboratory focuses on understanding the impact of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and non-coding regions on development, revealing novel RNA-based mechanisms that could be harnessed for clinical applications.
Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (IRIC)
Located at the heart of the Université de Montréal campus, the IRIC operates under a unique model in Canada, bringing together fundamental research, an academic training program, and a dedicated research commercialization team under one roof. This model accelerates both scientific advancements and the rapid translation of discoveries into innovative therapeutic solutions.
Several IRIC researchers are working on RNA-based therapies, including Dr. Claude Perreault and Dr. François Major:
Dr. Claude Perreault and his team investigate T lymphocytes, key immune system cells, to understand their function and strengthen immune defenses. Their research aims to develop a cancer vaccine and prevent immune system aging.
Dr. François Major’s laboratory specializes in RNA engineering, developing tools to predict RNA tertiary structures from sequences, model microRNA interaction networks, and design RNA-based targeted therapies. These approaches aim to block cancer cell proliferation to treat and prevent cancer.
McGill Centre for RNA Sciences (MCRS)
The McGill Centre for RNA Sciences (MCRS) brings together world-renowned researchers to promote excellence in interdisciplinary RNA sciences at McGill University and its partner institutions. Its mission is to translate RNA discoveries into innovative clinical and technological applications while providing cutting-edge training.
MCRS fosters scientific collaborations through events, team grants, training opportunities, and resource sharing. Joint RNA technology platforms will be developed and operated in partnership with departments, faculties, and clinicians, offering structured training in the Centre’s shared facilities.
RiboClub
Founded in 1999 by researchers from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at the Université de Sherbrooke, RiboClub is dedicated to RNA biology. Recognized as a “Centre of Excellence in RNA Biology,” it aims to provide a stimulating environment for students, encourage knowledge exchange, promote interdisciplinary collaborations, and initiate innovative projects.
RiboClub supports its members with advanced technological infrastructure, a monthly seminar series, and an annual meeting. Its research spans all RNA-related processes, including RNA expression, maturation, transport, and structure.
Key Players
Other Key Organizations
AReNA
CQDM, in collaboration with ARN Québec, Axelys, and Montréal InVivo, launched AReNA, the RNA Hub of Québec, to promote the RNA sector both locally and internationally. AReNA aims to mobilize stakeholders in the RNA therapeutics sector in Québec and encourage collaborations through a multichannel communication strategy, including a strong brand image, an interactive website, social media presence (LinkedIn, X), and a YouTube channel. The website will centralize information about companies, academic organizations, expertise, technologies, and services related to RNA therapeutics in Québec. It will feature a dedicated search engine to easily discover key players and available resources while sharing news and events from the sector. AReNA also plays a catalytic role by organizing an annual series of events to strengthen connections between academia and industry. AReNA will also have a presence at numerous industry and academic events in Québec to promote the RNA sector. Active social media engagement and targeted newsletters will maximize the impact and visibility of Québec as a leader in RNA therapeutics.
The RNA Mobilizing Project
On April 30th, Pierre Fitzgibbon, Minister of the Economy, Innovation, and Energy, announced a funding of $20.3 million to support a mobilizing project valued at nearly $40 million. This project aims to develop a new industrial sector in RNA-based therapies.
The Québec Consortium on Drug Discovery (CQDM) has been mandated by the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, and Energy (MEIE) to coordinate this large-scale structural project, which includes five key initiatives:
- Valorization of university research and entrepreneurship led by Axelys
- Deployment of an RNA-specific training offer through the CASTL School-Factory
- Establishment of service platforms for RNA therapeutics development by IRCM, Université de Sherbrooke, and McGill University
- Funding of promising RNA technologies through CELLULE, managed by CQDM
- Creation of AReNA, aimed at ensuring the global presence of Québec’s RNA sector, founded by CQDM in collaboration with Axelys and Montréal InVivo.
DNA to RNA (D2R)
D2R aims to rapidly expand the therapeutic arsenal of precision medicine by leveraging genomic discoveries and utilizing the flexibility of RNA therapies. The initiative targets the needs of all populations, including marginalized or medically underserved groups.
This initiative seeks to provide genome-guided RNA-based treatments for infectious, rare, neglected, or chronic diseases such as cancer. D2R aspires to become an international leader in research and development of genome-guided, RNA-based precision therapies, integrating advanced computational tools and a clinical accelerator to ensure its discoveries benefit both Canadians and the global community.
Some RNA Statistics in Québec and Worldwide
Over 130
research teams in Québec across six universities (Université de Montréal, McGill University, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Université Laval, Concordia University, Université de Sherbrooke, and INRS)
34
Worldwide, 34 RNA-based therapies are approved in 2024, with 10 in Canada
1,217
RNA-based therapies were under development, ranging from preclinical to pre-registration stages in October 2024
40
The RNA therapeutics market is expected to reach $40 billion USD by 2030