Leap to Phase III for personalized melanoma mRNA vaccine inspires patient hopes
By Andrea Zobel


With around 20 million new cancer cases being diagnosed and close to 10 million patients dying from the disease globally every year, the global cancer burden is immense — and growing, with 35 million new cases per year predicted by 20501. The threat to global health of these proportions requires revolutionary solutions, and the development of customized mRNA vaccines to prevent cancer recurrence represents exactly the kind of innovative thinking needed. However, fully utilizing inventive methods of preventing cancer relies on advanced logistics and specialized partners adept at delivering groundbreaking vaccines to patients safely, efficiently, and promptly.
One such innovative personalized mRNA oncological vaccine, developed by researchers at the University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH), has recently successfully completed phase 2b trials and moved to phase 3 after showing a radically reduced likelihood of recurrence of high-risk melanoma in 157 patients2. Oncological mRNA vaccines are also being tested for other indications, including kidney, lung, and bladder cancers. These cutting-edge vaccine projects greatly enhance the scope for mRNA therapeutics and further highlight the need for stable supply chains and streamlined, effective logistics solutions.
Logistical considerations for developing and delivering mRNA cancer vaccines
The vaccine trialed at UCLH, mRNA-4157 (V940), is a neoantigen therapy personalized for individual patients and targeting the neoantigens expressed by their specific tumor. As a customized vaccine is engineered from patient tumor samples and later delivered to the patient in several doses every three weeks, the process relies on working with specialized logistics partners offering complex and efficient storage and transport solutions.

— Andrea Zobel, Senior Director Personalized Supply Chain
Effective risk and quality control
Oncological vaccines are high-value products, custom-made for each patient, and are only replaceable at very great expense. A new dose cannot simply be dispensed as it is patient-specific. Therefore, robust quality control and security measures are crucial to protect these irreplaceable therapies. Competent logistics partners implement robust procedures to safeguard shipments using the latest location monitoring systems and real-time track-and-trace technologies. Meticulous labeling and sealing procedures coupled with highly trained personnel worldwide help prevent delivery issues and costly loss of valuable mRNA vaccines.
Time sensitivity considerations
The efficacy of mRNA cancer vaccines diminishes over time, which is why any delays to their transport have to be minimized. Logistics partners with specialized capabilities prioritize the shortest possible transit times, using tailored transportation and liaising with carriers, local customs officials, and emergency services when necessary. Specialist logistics providers wield real-time location and temperature monitoring systems, which immediately detect any excursions and allow for prioritized handling of affected shipments. Delivering vaccines to their destination faster and more efficiently also accelerates the return on investment (ROI) on these highly potent therapies.
Strict temperature control
Maintaining ultra-low temperatures throughout the supply chain is one of the most critical aspects of mRNA cancer vaccine logistics. Oncological vaccines are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. They require specialized temperature control that can reach -70°C or below, depending on the therapeutic’s individual needs for storage and transportation, to preserve efficacy. This requires specialized cold chain infrastructure and temperature monitoring systems that specialist logistics providers have in place. Using their advanced capabilities and deep understanding of critical parameters, they can ensure that their robust cold chain network protects mRNA oncological vaccines and ensures their viability from the manufacturing facility to the point of administration.
Flexibility and scalability
Following the continued success of trials and approval of therapeutics, the demand for mRNA oncological vaccines is likely to rise significantly. Manufacturing facilities will have to scale their operations considerably and the same will be expected of logistics providers. Specialized logistics partners with flexibility built into their operations can accommodate sudden spikes in demand. Adjusting storage and transport capacity, transportation routes, and distribution channels on short notice is aided by advanced logistics management systems and real-data analytics used by agile specialized logistics companies. Providers with global networks can offer the same quality of logistics services worldwide, ensuring that mRNA cancer vaccines reach patients in the best possible condition whatever their location.
Regulatory compliance
The landscape of regulatory requirements for innovative therapeutics and vaccines is intricate and varies from one country or region to another. Oncological mRNA vaccines, with their complex storage and transport needs, require logistics providers to have a thorough understanding of all relevant regulations related to distributing and storing these innovative therapies in various regulatory environments around the world. This includes compliance with good distribution practices (GDP) and all specific requirements regarding packaging, labeling, and documentation. Choosing a logistics partner with regulatory expertise helps ensure that all necessary approvals are obtained and the entire process of delivering mRNA cancer vaccines is compliant.
Helping to shape the future of mRNA oncological vaccine delivery
With the continued success of mRNA oncological vaccine trials — including the latest UCLH study — this field is rapidly evolving, and manufacturers must actively consider the complex logistics needs of these advanced therapies to ensure success. Specialized logistics providers who stay abreast of global regulatory requirements, invest in innovative shipment monitoring technologies, and have the flexibility to scale their operations to match growing demand, can help cancer vaccine producers shape the future of these life-saving therapeutics and help patients win the fight against cancer.