From COVID-19 to Global Health: Challenges and Opportunities in mRNA Vaccine Production

Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have emerged as a powerful instrument in combating infectious diseases, including COVID-19, relying on synthesizing and delivering bioactive mRNA molecules that must remain stable and functional to transcribe target genes and effectively enter host cells. This review briefly examines the synthesis and purification processes of mRNA vaccines and their formulation strategies, production scalability, reg-ulatory frameworks, and global supply chain systems. Several challenges—including molecular instability during synthesis and lipid nanoparticle encapsulation, reliance on specialized equipment, insufficient supply of raw materials and skilled labor, and the need for standardized production quality at scale—are underscored. These concerns are further compounded by fragmented regulatory approval processes and the complexity of maintaining cold chain logistics, particularly in low-resource settings. Addressing these barriers is essential, and emerging solutions include the integration of automation and ar-tificial intelligence to enhance manufacturing efficiency and reduce associated costs. Ad-ditionally, ongoing research seeks to improve the environmental stability of mRNA vac-cines, thereby diminishing reliance on cold storage and broadening accessibility in de-veloping countries. Prospective developments further encompass the globalization of reg-ulatory standards, the concentration of production capacities, and the application of mRNA technology beyond infectious diseases, including cancer and hereditary disorders. Overall, the review emphasizes that resolving manufacturing and logistical challeng-es—together with international cooperation and supportive policy frameworks—is crucial for advancing a new era of mRNA-based therapies accessible to populations worldwide.