Spinout Spotlight: Simplifying the future of RNA medicines

RNA medicines gained global recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic through mRNA vaccines, most notably those developed by Pfizer and Moderna.  However, as research accelerates into new therapeutic areas, manufacturing these complex medicines remains a major bottleneck.

Enter RNA Forge, a University of Sheffield spinout created to advance RNA drug development. By creating better manufacturing technologies and offering specialised analytical services, the company is working to ensure that manufacturing challenges don't stand in the way of life-changing treatments reaching patients.

We spoke with Dr. Emma Welbourne, co-founder and COO of RNA Forge, about transitioning from research to leadership, overcoming manufacturing hurdles, and the huge potential of RNA therapeutics.

Hi Emma, can you start by telling us what RNA Forge do?

Dr. Emma Welbourne: RNA medicines came into the public limelight through the COVID vaccines, but there are still significant issues with manufacturing these types of medicines, particularly as research expands.

Essentially, RNA Forge develops technologies and provides services to make RNA drug development better. We focus on making the overall process of manufacturing RNA medicines less complex and developing better equipment for production, as well as offering manufacturing and analytical services to our customers today.

So, what excites you about working in this area?

Dr. Emma Welbourne: The really exciting thing about RNA is that it doesn't just have applications in vaccines for infectious diseases; it has potential across a huge breadth of medicine, from cancer and rare diseases to cell and gene therapies. It can enable better or entirely new medicines for patients who currently don't have good treatment options.

There is also the potential for personalised mRNA medicines, such as personalised cancer vaccines that enable your own immune system to target a specific tumour. As the space matures, how we manufacture these different medicines needs to evolve, and keeping up with that evolution is what drives us.

And what was the core research that led to starting RNA Forge?

Dr. Emma Welbourne: The company grew out of two research groups in the Department of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. One group focuses on process development for manufacturing RNA drugs, and the other develops analytical methods for various nucleic acids.

We initially started as a university-based service because outside parties were interested in our work and wanted our help. Around that time, we were also working on a project funded by Wellcome Leap R3, developing better RNA synthesis, purification, and analytics for pandemic preparedness. That project gave us a clear picture of what equipment was missing in the market. 

Essentially, we wanted to buy equipment that didn't exist yet, so we decided to build it ourselves.

Emma Welbourne, RNA Forge

Did you have any misconceptions about commercialising your work?

Dr. Emma Welbourne: My biggest misconception was probably thinking that I couldn't lead a company. When my former boss, Zoltán, engaged with the commercialisation team and asked the research group who wanted to be involved, I was very keen because I’ve always been driven by the end application and real-world impact of research.

Initially, I only saw my role on the technical R&D side, not the commercial side. But as we went through the process, I decided to take the plunge, take on leading the opportunity, and become COO. I realised these were skills I could learn. Even though I’m still learning on the job, I now have much more confidence in my ability.

What advice would you give to other researchers considering a spinout?

Dr. Emma Welbourne: Get as much support as you can. Engage with the commercialisation team early on, they’ve been fantastic for us. They helped me find a great co-founder with previous business experience, and his guidance has been key.

I’d also suggest tapping into networks like the Northern Triangle Talent Network for mentors, and speaking to fellow founders who are a step or two ahead of you in their journey. They have the best insights into what to expect.

Why did you decide to keep RNA Forge in Sheffield?

Dr. Emma Welbourne: The support from the commercialisation team was essential in guiding us through building a business. Beyond that, a really nice founder network has been growing in Sheffield among both university spinouts and independent startups, making it easy to build a supportive local ecosystem.

On a personal level, Sheffield is a fantastic place to live. I love being so close to the Peak District and enjoying the independent culture. It's a great city for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What’s your long-term vision for the company?

Dr. Emma Welbourne: Our long-term vision is to ensure manufacturing is never a barrier to RNA reaching its full potential across medicine. Our ambition is to make it easier and quicker to get RNA therapeutics to market and into patients.

Connect with RNA Forge on LinkedIn

Written by Tommy Wilson (Marketing and Communications Officer, Research)