DNA to RNA: An Inclusive Canadian Approach to Genomic-Based RNA Therapeutics (D2R)
The power of combining genomics with RNA technology is exemplified by the remarkable and rapid success of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. We are at the beginning of a revolution that will enable the rapid, low-cost development of genome-guided RNA-based medicines for a wide spectrum of diseases. Such diseases include:
- those caused by emerging viruses that threaten our society with pandemics and their associated catastrophic health and economic consequences;
- high-burden diseases such as cancer, the number one cause of death in Canada; and
- rare genetic disorders that are incurable or prohibitively expensive to treat.
The D2R program is anchored in the strength and excellence of researchers at McGill University, McMaster University, Université de Sherbrooke, University of Ottawa and The University of British Columbia. D2R is based on a multidisciplinary work package approach to guide the development of RNA-based drugs to silence or edit genes, replace defective proteins and improve cell-based therapeutics. Novel computational and statistical methods, including big data technologies, analytics and artificial intelligence, will enable these advances. These methods will support the analysis and interpretation of large datasets and drug design. A strong network of clinical and pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry collaborators will conduct proof-of-concept clinical trials and other activities to accelerate commercialization and clinical translation. The research initiative will focus on three disease areas—viral infections, precision oncology and rare genetic disorders—that place an immense burden on human health and the economy and are amenable to the design of RNA therapeutics.
The program will create a nexus for RNA-based drug development in Canada as a hub for partnerships with the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to accelerate progress toward regulatory approval. To successfully deploy these medicines, particularly for underserved and equity-seeking populations, including Canada's Indigenous communities, and for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, the research initiative will create and analyze diverse socio-genomic datasets and investigate and address ethical, legal and societal issues, such as public perception, discrimination and equitable access. These mechanisms will provide a voice for Canadians, through engagement and consultation with patient associations, Indigenous communities and other equity-seeking groups, as well as providing policy recommendations to government.