The RNA Revolution

Decades of research dedicated to RNA science made the rapid development and roll-out of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines possible. McGill University played a crucial role in this history of innovation — and more breakthroughs are on the horizon.

Together with our world-leading capacities in genomic science, McGill’s researchers are developing new RNA-based treatments for a range of diseases alongside a global community of scientists. The University is ensuring these therapies protect human health for all by engaging with diverse populations, Indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups, such as the elderly.

Here is a look at McGill’s game-changing research and the people behind the science.

Developing the Medicines of the Future

The global pandemic introduced the world to a new form of vaccines composed of “messenger RNA” (mRNA) which harness the flow of genetic information (RNA or DNA) to treat the root cause of disease. The success of the mRNA vaccines, and the speed of their deveopment, is one example how RNA discovery can revolutionize medicine.

At McGill, diverse and talented research teams are working to understand the role of RNA across different fields, including biology, chemistry, and biomedical sciences. Our researchers are investigating how new RNA-based therapies can treat a variety of diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, cancer and more.

What is RNA?

RNA plays so many roles, it is the unsung hero of the molecular universe.

McGill's scientific contribution to mRNA biology

An effective mRNA vaccine was made possible by some significant contributions from McGill.

The dazzling potential of RNA therapies

McGill's researchers are exploring the potential and the challenges of RNA-based medicines.

mRNA therapies for breast cancer

Targeting mRNA Translation to Effectively Treat Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Supporting Canada's biomanufacturing ecosystem

Revitalizing Canada’s biopharmaceutical industry is an urgent priority. Together with industry and government, McGill is working to build a nexus of RNA-based drug manufacturing in Canada. Scientific expertise, a strong history of start-ups in health research, and countless collaborations with companies including Moderna, Merck, Lilly, Novartis, Roche, Astra-Zeneca, GSK, Takeda, Pfizer, Vertex and Janssen, and others, make McGill an ideal partner in Canada’s drive to develop talent and grow our domestic biomanufacturing capacity.

McGill's Moderna Connection

McGill alum Noubar Afeyan is the co-founder and chairman of Moderna and the founder and CEO of Flagship Pioneering

Mobilizing McGill's mRNA research expertise

With news that Moderna is coming to the Greater Montreal Area, McGill is poised to contribute its established and emerging mRNA research excellence to Canada's biomanufacturing innovation ecosystem.

McGill joins Moderna in battle against global health threats

McGill is the first university in Canada to join global platform to accelerate the development of and expand the impact of mRNA vaccines and medicines.

Developing a strategy to combat rare diseases

Together with Montréal InVivo, the Life Sciences and Health Technologies (LSHT) cluster of Greater Montréal, McGill is pioneering research in Canada in the
in the field of rare diseases (French only)

Health equity through innovation and collaboration

With the promise of new therapies comes the responsibility to achieve diverse representation in research and equitable access to the fruits of that research. McGill is committed to meaningful engagement, improved transparency, and robust systems of accountability. Our priority is to create opportunities that promote and support equity-seeking populations, including Canada’s Indigenous communities, and vulnerable groups such as the elderly.

How mRNA vaccines might change the course of medical history

A commitment to participatory research to address Indigenous health gaps

McGill is committed to an action plan for building healthier futures for Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) peoples living in Canada

Ensuring genetic databases are representative

McGill researchers collaborate on national initiatives to address the health inequities faced by Canadian Indigenous populations when accessing genomic technologies for the diagnosis of genetic diseases.

Building a healthier future for families

Alleviating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children, youth and families a priority for McGill researchers.