With targeted delivery and potential for improved patient adherence, inhaled mRNA therapies are emerging as the new frontier in respiratory and genetic medicine. A growing pipeline of candidates are laying the groundwork for a new class of precision biologics.
In short:
- There are 29 inhaled mRNA drugs currently in development.
- 44% of all mRNA candidates target infectious diseases.
- There are no candidates beyond Phase II as of April 2025.
- Cystic fibrosis and primary ciliary dyskinesia are the leading respiratory indications being considered for inhaled mRNA therapies.
- Nebulisers are used in the preclinical phase, while soft mist inhalers offer greater precision, portability and scale up continuity from Phase I through to commercialisation.
- Strategic partnerships between drug developers and inhalation device innovators are essential to move the field forward.
INHALED mRNA: A New Market for Drug Delivery
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have become a significant trend in the drug development world. These mighty molecules contain the ‘instructions’ needed for cells to make specific proteins that match with a pathogen’s antigens. The immune system responds by dispatching antibodies and T-cells, an attack which can then be repeated if the patient is infected with the real virus.
