When mRNA vaccines first entered widespread use during the COVID-19 pandemic, they showed that a technology decades in the making could produce effective vaccines on an accelerated timeline. In 2024, we explored the emerging mRNA vaccine landscape, including early research into influenza, cancer, and other diseases. Two years later, much of that work has moved forward.
New mRNA vaccines have reached the market, personalized cancer treatments are advancing through clinical trials, and innovations in vaccine design and delivery are expanding what the technology can achieve. For practices, that means more mRNA products to understand and more patient questions to answer.
From Pandemic Response to a Versatile Vaccine Platform
One of mRNA technology's greatest advantages is its adaptability. Unlike traditional approaches that may involve weakened or inactivated viruses, mRNA vaccines deliver temporary genetic instructions that tell the body's cells to produce a specific protein. The immune system recognizes that protein and develops a response, preparing it to recognize the associated pathogen in the future.
Because those instructions can be modified to target different proteins, researchers can adapt the underlying technology to new diseases without building a new production process. This flexibility has been particularly valuable for COVID-19, where vaccines have been updated to address emerging variants.
New Approvals Beyond COVID-19
The clearest sign of mRNA's growing role is the number of approved vaccines beyond COVID-19. In May 2024, Moderna's mRESVIA became the first FDA-approved mRNA vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), joining Arexvy and Abrysvo as an option for protecting adults 60 and older against lower respiratory tract disease. Its approved use subsequently expanded in 2025 to include adults ages 18 to 59 who are at increased risk of severe RSV illness.
More recently, in August 2026, the FDA approved Moderna's mFLUSIVA, the first mRNA-based influenza vaccine in the United States, for adults ages 50 and older. When we last examined the technology in 2024, this vaccine was still in clinical trials. Because flu strains change each year, mRNA's adaptable design could help manufacturers respond more quickly to changes in circulating viruses.
Beyond these approved products, researchers continue to investigate mRNA vaccines for additional infectious diseases, including HIV and pandemic influenza. Combination vaccines designed to protect against both influenza and COVID-19 are also in development, with the potential to simplify seasonal immunization in the future.
Progress in Personalized Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment has become one of the most closely watched uses of mRNA. Unlike preventive vaccines, therapeutic cancer vaccines help the immune system identify and attack cancer cells, and some can be personalized to the specific mutations in a patient's tumor. For example, in August 2026, Moderna and Merck announced positive results from a Phase 3 clinical trial involving more than 1,000 patients with melanoma.
Researchers are pursuing similar approaches for other cancers, including lung, pancreatic, bladder, and kidney cancers, with additional clinical trial results expected in the coming years. While these developments are promising, it is still too early to know when these treatments may become available or how they will fit into patient care.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter of mRNA Technology
The progress made since 2024 offers a clearer picture of mRNA's potential, but important questions remain. Emerging vaccines and therapies must continue to demonstrate safety and effectiveness in clinical trials, while manufacturers work to improve stability, production efficiency, and distribution. As part of that work, scientists are developing more stable delivery methods that could make mRNA vaccines easier to store, along with new forms of mRNA such as self-amplifying RNA, which may allow for smaller doses and more efficient manufacturing.
In the meantime, the impact for practices is already here. mRNA options are now available for RSV and flu, with more likely to follow. Staying current on new products, eligibility guidelines, and how emerging vaccines fit alongside existing options will help practices answer patient questions with confidence.
Atlantic Health Partners works directly with all major vaccine manufacturers to help practices secure favorable pricing, navigate reimbursement, and stay informed about existing and new products. Reach out to learn more.