ARW ON RNA
Beyond The Gold Standard(s): Modernizing Oligonucleotide Synthesis
A few weeks ago, I had the chance to sit down with OPT Congress speaker Phil Baran, Richard Lerner Chair Professor, Department of Chemistry, Scripps Research. Baran was slated to (and did) present a keynote on the innovations shaping the next generation of oligo synthesis. Here, I share the biggest takeaways I had from our conversation, touching on how he sees the science of oligo chemistry and manufacturing advancing in the near and far future.
OUR EXPERT NETWORK
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Oligos, mRNA, Or Gene Editing: Where Should You Bet?
Investing in RNA and gene editing requires balancing risk, timing, and scale — understanding how oligos, mRNA, and CRISPR each drive value across a converging biotech landscape.
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A Smarter Switch: Reprogramming CIP Systems With Nanobodies Unlocks New Control Over Cell Signaling
Engineered nanobodies reprogram CIP systems, enabling precise, reversible control of protein interactions, signaling pathways, and gene expression without redesigning core chemistry.
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Can Making mRNA More "Rigid" Unlock The Next Leap In RNA Medicines?
Can stabilizing mRNA structure unlock better performance? New strategies aim to “rigidify” mRNA, improving translation, stability, and manufacturability while reducing variability across conditions.
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Rethinking The Oligonucleotide Backbone: A New Approach To RNA Therapeutic Design
Backbone engineering reframes RNA design, enabling programmable charge, uptake, and delivery — transforming oligonucleotides from fixed structures into tunable, multifunctional therapeutic systems.
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AI Foundation Models For RNA Biology
AI foundation models are transforming RNA biology by learning sequence–structure–function relationships, enabling accurate predictions, scalable discovery, and deeper insight into RNA regulation and design.
WEBINARS
MEET ARW

I’ve spent the past 10 years building relationships across the biologics and advanced therapies industry. In addition to hosting conversations and writing thought leadership articles, my goal as the editorial and community director for Advancing RNA is to find creative ways for the RNA (and broader ATMP) space to discuss, debate, and ultimately define a mature RNA therapeutics industry.
Start the conversation by following me on LinkedIn!
RNA HOT TAKES
- Sticks, Carrots, & Carolina Reapers: Fact-Checking The "Death" Of The US mRNA Industry
- mRNA Hot Takes: Ghost Peppers & Global R&D
- mRNA Hot Takes: Habaneros & Headwinds
- The Trough Of Disillusionment: 2026 RNA Reality Checks
- mRNA Hot Takes: Fighting Complacency And "Alternative Facts" In 2026
- mRNA Hot Takes: Building A Solid Foundation For Your RNA Company & Products
VIRTUAL EVENTS
- Chemoenzymatic Ligation: A New Frontier In siRNA Manufacturing
- Advancements In Targeted LNP Therapy
- Unlocking The Future: Innovations In The mRNA And Oligo Supply Chains
- Process Development Considerations For Next-Gen RNA Therapeutics
- RNA Delivery Reimagined: Innovative Nonviral Strategies Beyond LNPs
- Understanding The Impact Of New Regulatory Guidance
NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE
- 04.08.26 -- Fact Checking The "Death" Of The US mRNA Industry
- 04.04.26 -- Advancing RNA Newsletter Best Of March
- 04.01.26 -- The Evolving CMC Landscape For mRNA-LNPs
- 03.25.26 -- Benchmarking RNA Delivery Performance: Toward Standardized Metrics For Translational Success
- 03.18.26 -- The 2026 RNA Investment Landscape
- 03.11.26 -- RNA Delivery Technologies: Industrial Applications & Emerging Innovations