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HOUSTON METHODIST ACADEMIC INSTITUTE
Expanding the RNAcore to Encompass the Entire Cycle of Translation The RNAcore began as a core group for the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Progenitor Cell Biology Consortium, producing high-fidelity research and clinical-grade RNA, including mRNA, modified mRNA and noncoding RNA, for the support of fundamental research and clinical applications. In 2015, the Houston Methodist RNAcore was awarded
Fast-forward six years, and RNA therapeutics are on the tip
$4.8 million from the Cancer Prevention and Research
of everyone’s tongue. The development of mRNA vaccines
Institute of Texas (CPRIT) to expand the small RNAcore
against COVID-19 brought worldwide attention to the
supporting basic research and RNA construct development.
transformative potential of RNA-based therapeutics.
At the time, the RNAcore was the first academic entity in Texas to generate the new class of drugs known as RNA therapeutics. The grant funded support of the development and generation of RNA therapeutics, particularly for cancer immunology.
In 2020, CPRIT awarded Houston Methodist with an additional $4 million to expand the RNAcore into a state-of-the-art comprehensive RNA therapeutics facility that further enables academic and biotechnology groups to translate their ideas and innovations into therapies by providing services in