ARTICLES BY ANNA ROSE WELCH

• The Monster Under The Bed: Defining Potency in the mRNA Space

  2/13/2026

  During the CASSS mRNA Symposium last spring, a seemingly simple, straightforward question was raised: How are we defining and measuring our product’s potency? But as we already know, this is far from a straightforward question — and, dear reader, based on the resulting discussion amongst regulators and panel members, it became clear we have a lot of different definitions on what potency even is in the mRNA space.

• A New Space Race: Reclaiming Efficiency In The mRNA Industry

  1/27/2026

  It goes without saying that efficiency in drug development is tantamount — especially when it comes to getting much-needed clinical data. So, when I asked Allan Shaw about the ongoing trends he anticipates seeing more of in 2026, he immediately pointed to the increasing prominence of overseas development, particularly in nations like Australia and China. 

• Money In The Bank: Why 2025's Setbacks Were The Foundation RNA Needed

  1/5/2026

  I saw 2025 as a year that was foundational for our efforts to learn more about the biology and function of our products. However, there were two developments in particular that, to me, encapsulated the trials, tribulations, and ultimately the success of an industry that is doing its damnedest to answer one of the biggest questions facing us: “Why RNA?”  

• Biology, Specificity, and the Rules of RNA Business Strategy In 2026

  12/22/2025

  Here, in part 3 of this outlook series, we continue our forward-looking conversation with Signify Bio CBO, Renee Williams, who shares why she hopes 2026 is the year we “focus in” on three important factors — namely our biology, our platforms, and our IP — and what this looks like/means strategically.  

• Beyond The Hype: How 2025's Successes & Realities Will Shape mRNA In 2026

  12/16/2025

  Here, in part two of this multi-part series, we hear from Melissa Bonner, CSO of nChroma Bio and Andy Geall, CDO of Replicate Biosciences, who call attention to several developments of the past year they’ve been watching and how they see these developments informing our conversations about and work with mRNA in 2026 and beyond. 

• Beyond The Boom: Market Trends That Defined mRNA In 2025

  12/11/2025

  Here, in part one of this multi-part series, we start by examining several of the overall market trends that took shape in 2025. In particular, we hear from Melissa Bonner, CSO of nChroma Bio, Allan Shaw, CFO of CREATE Medicines (formerly Myeloid Therapeutics), and Andy Geall, CDO of Replicate Biosciences, each of whom called out several defining characteristics that set the stage for the important work we have before us in 2026.

• Striking The Right Balance: The Critical Discussions Driving The mRNA Industry's Next Chapter

  11/25/2025

  Now, I cannot claim that I or any of the panelists at CASSS have or had access to a real crystal ball that will show us the future. However, what did come through these discussions loud and clear is that the future of our industry must include “balance.” Here, I’ll unpack a few ways the theme of “balance” presented itself — and no doubt will continue to present itself in the future — as well as how the panelists see us achieving this necessary balance. 

• Trends In Oligo Scale-Up & Delivery & How They're Impacting Manufacturing

  11/14/2025

  Here, a panel of experts at the RNA Leaders Conference gives a fantastic overview of where we are today and why, as one expert so nicely put it, “This is one of the most fun times to be an oligo scientist or chemist.” 

• Beyond the Hype: Industry Experts on the Reality of mRNA in Cancer Care

  10/31/2025

  When I asked a panel of experts at RNA Leaders why mRNA was best positioned to shine in oncology, I was met with a few expected talking points and — better yet — a few I wasn’t expecting. 

• From Misinformation To Medicine: Forging Bipartisan Support to Reverse Anti-mRNA Policy

  10/9/2025

  In this article, I’ll share some of the progress AMM has made and the barriers the organization/our industry is still facing in our efforts to reverse the policy decisions that have been made against mRNA today. Throughout the panel, the speakers also shared their thoughts on the types of messaging we should be considering and/or have started to see making an impact.