MPS5305 · Design and manufacture of mRNA therapeutics

Overview

This unit provides the opportunity to develop practical and computational capabilities across the design, optimisation and manufacture of mRNA medicines. You will gain experience with contemporary approaches used to design and evaluate mRNA constructs and with laboratory technologies applied to mRNA synthesis, purification, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulation and mRNA-LNP characterisation. Throughout the unit, you will develop an integrated understanding of how molecular design, manufacturing conditions and analytical outcomes influence product performance and quality. The unit structure will also enable the cultivation of critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to interpret experimental data, troubleshoot development challenges and make professionally informed decisions in individual and team-based pharmaceutical development contexts.

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook lists an examination for this unit.

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

Learning outcomes

1. Implement the scientific principles underpinning mRNA vaccine development, inclusive of mRNA construct design, RNA modalities, delivery systems, manufacturing processes and quality requirements.
2. Apply mRNA design and optimisation principles to develop constructs with improved stability, translational efficiency, therapeutic performance and manufacturability.
3. Evaluate, optimise and de-risk mRNA constructs using computational and AI-enabled tools.
4. Select and justify appropriate RNA modalities and delivery systems for particular therapeutic objectives and within developmental constraints.
5. Demonstrate key mRNA manufacturing operations, including in vitro transcription, mRNA purification and lipid nanoparticle formulation, using appropriate laboratory practices.
6. Critically analyse and justify how construct design, material attributes and manufacturing process parameters influence mRNA product quality and performance.
7. Interpret and integrate computational, experimental and analytical data to evaluate product quality, troubleshoot development challenges and recommend appropriate design, process and control strategies.

Workload

• Workshops: 3 x 3-hour sessions, 6 x 2-hour sessions and 1 x 4-hour session (Total: 25 hours) • Applied: 5 x 3-hour sessions (Total: 15 hours) • Laboratory: 5 x 3-hour sessions (Total: 15 hours) • Assessment: 7 hours • Online Modules: 12 hours • Self-directed study: 70 hours

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.