About APFRTV

Empowering Innovation through RNA Science under One Health

The Asia-Pacific Forum on RNA Therapeutics and Vaccines (APFRTV) is a pioneering initiative under the One Health Organization that is committed to revolutionizing the development and application of RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. By uniting experts from human, animal, and environmental health sectors, APFRTV provides a comprehensive platform to address the global health challenges that arise at the intersection of these fields. This multidisciplinary approach fosters collaboration across scientific, medical, and policy domains to harness the power of RNA science for a healthier future.

At APFRTV, we believe that the health of humans, animals, and the environment is intrinsically connected. This recognition forms the foundation of our One Health approach, which is integral to the research and innovations we support. We aim to harness the potential of RNA technologies—such as mRNA vaccines, RNA-based therapeutics, and RNA interference therapies—to address a wide range of health challenges including infectious diseases, cancer, genetic disorders, and emerging zoonotic threats.

Our work is centered around advancing RNA science and translating that knowledge into practical applications, from developing vaccines for pandemics to creating novel therapies for cancers and genetic diseases. Through this forum, APFRTV aspires to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and empower stakeholders across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to drive RNA science innovation.

Our Vision: Our vision is to integrate RNA science as a key pillar of health solutions that address the complex and interconnected challenges facing human, animal, and environmental health. APFRTV aims to lead the development of innovative RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines by advancing the scientific understanding of RNA biology and facilitating its application in both clinical and veterinary medicine.

We see a world where RNA-based technologies play a transformative role in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases, particularly those with global significance. Our goal is to provide an interdisciplinary platform that enables cross-sector collaboration, fosters innovative research, and enhances the accessibility and sustainability of RNA technologies.

Our Mission: APFRTV’s mission is to accelerate the advancement and integration of RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines within the One Health framework. We are committed to:

• Promoting Interdisciplinary Collaboration: APFRTV fosters collaboration among scientists, researchers, clinicians, veterinarians, and policy leaders, creating synergies between different disciplines to address health challenges across species and environments.
• Supporting RNA-Based Innovations: We focus on advancing RNA-based therapies and vaccines for infectious diseases, cancer, genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and other critical health issues.
• Expanding One Health Integration: By promoting a One Health approach, APFRTV advocates for the application of RNA technologies not only in human medicine but also in veterinary and environmental health, recognizing that health challenges are often shared across species.
• Training the Next Generation of Researchers: APFRTV invests in developing the future leaders of RNA science by offering training programs, workshops, mentorship, and funding opportunities for young researchers and early-career scientists.

Core Objectives:

1. Build Interdisciplinary Networks: By connecting researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders from diverse sectors, APFRTV helps to cultivate collaborative networks that foster innovative solutions to global health issues.
2. Advance RNA-Based Therapies: APFRTV is at the forefront of supporting the development of RNA-based therapies targeting a wide range of diseases affecting humans and animals, including cancer, infectious diseases, and rare genetic disorders.
3. Promote RNA Vaccine Platforms: The forum promotes the development of mRNA vaccines and other RNA vaccine platforms, particularly for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness.
4. Advocate for One Health Integration: APFRTV actively supports the integration of One Health principles, promoting the use of RNA technologies to address health challenges that affect humans, animals, and the environment.
5. Support Early-Career Researchers: By providing access to funding, training, and networking opportunities, APFRTV empowers young researchers to contribute to the future of RNA science and its application in healthcare.

Key Focus Areas:

1️⃣ mRNA & Self-Amplifying Vaccines: RNA vaccines, particularly mRNA vaccines, have garnered significant attention due to their potential to rapidly respond to emerging infectious diseases and pandemics. APFRTV is committed to advancing mRNA-based vaccines for a variety of diseases, including infectious diseases, cancer, and zoonotic threats. We also focus on self-amplifying RNA vaccines, which have the potential to offer longer-lasting immunity with lower doses.

2️⃣ RNA-Based Therapeutics: The therapeutic applications of RNA technologies are vast. APFRTV supports research and development in siRNA, miRNA, antisense oligos, and RNA aptamers as promising tools for targeted therapies. These therapies have the potential to treat a range of conditions, including genetic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and cancer, offering a new paradigm in precision medicine.

3️⃣ RNA Delivery Systems: Efficient delivery of RNA therapies and vaccines is a major challenge. APFRTV supports the development of innovative RNA delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles, viral vectors, and polymeric carriers, to improve the stability, efficacy, and targeted delivery of RNA-based therapeutics. These systems are critical for enabling the successful translation of RNA technologies into clinical practice.

4️⃣ Ethical & Regulatory Issues: As RNA technologies rapidly evolve, there are important ethical and regulatory considerations that must be addressed. APFRTV plays a key role in facilitating discussions around the ethical implications of RNA-based therapies and vaccines, ensuring that development and deployment follow appropriate bioethical standards. We also work with regulatory bodies to establish frameworks for the approval of RNA-based therapies and vaccines.

5️⃣ Zoonotic Disease Response: RNA-based solutions are particularly effective in responding to zoonotic diseases—diseases that can spread between animals and humans. APFRTV focuses on developing RNA-based interventions for pandemic preparedness and zoonotic disease prevention, recognizing the crucial role that RNA technologies play in combating outbreaks that affect both humans and animals.

6️⃣ Comparative & Veterinary Medicine: RNA technologies are not limited to human health. APFRTV recognizes the value of RNA-based solutions in veterinary medicine, where they can be used for disease prevention, animal health, and improving food security. We support cross-species applications of RNA technologies and the development of RNA-based vaccines and therapies for livestock and companion animals.

7️⃣ AI in RNA Drug Discovery: Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in accelerating the discovery of RNA-based drugs and vaccines. APFRTV encourages the integration of AI-driven tools for designing RNA-based therapeutics, predicting drug interactions, and optimizing RNA delivery systems. These technologies enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of RNA research and bring us closer to novel treatments and vaccines.

Join APFRTV: By joining the Asia-Pacific Forum on RNA Therapeutics and Vaccines (APFRTV), you become part of a growing global community dedicated to advancing the potential of RNA science in transforming health solutions across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Whether you’re a scientist, researcher, clinician, veterinarian, biotechnologist, or policymaker, APFRTV offers a collaborative platform to share knowledge, form partnerships, and drive groundbreaking innovations in RNA-based therapeutics and vaccines.