As the world grapples with the challenges of vaccination, Moderna is revolutionizing vaccine coverage through cutting-edge technologies and strategic public health initiatives. Founded on technological innovation principles and deep scientific expertise, Moderna has leveraged its roots as a tech-driven biotech company to address critical gaps in vaccine coverage for the elderly and vulnerable populations.

“At our core, Moderna is a tech company,” says Moderna’s General Manager for Taiwan and Hong Kong Joyce Lee. “For the first 10 years of our existence, we were solely focused on R&D and innovation. We never underwent a digital transformation – we were digital from the start.”

The integration of AI in all its functions has enabled Moderna to enhance the precision of candidate selection, reduce risks, and increase the success rates of clinical trials. By applying machine learning to molecular sequencing, Moderna’s researchers can rapidly iterate on mRNA sequences, propelling the exploration of new therapeutic candidates.

Last spring, Moderna launched mChat. This generative AI chat tool was internally built based on OpenAI’s API and is now embedded across the company’s business functions. In the fall of last year, Moderna took AI accessibility one step further by launching an online AI awareness course in collaboration with Coursera, offering education to all its employees.

“Our company is so dedicated to AI literacy that any employee that finished the e-learning course is offered the opportunity to join a face-to-face full-day workshop,” says Lee.  “Once we finish the workshop, we also receive a digital badge.” Lee adds that the Taiwan team is consistently among the top AI users globally.

Moreover, the true potential of Moderna’s platform lies in its mRNA technology, which allows for rapid development and deployment of vaccines. This technology is not just about responding to immediate threats like Covid-19 but is also about tackling upcoming public health challenges through mRNA platforms.

“Our mission is to deliver the greatest impact to human health through mRNA medicine,” Lee notes. She likens mRNA technology to the convenience of updating a smartphone app: once a platform is proven effective, new vaccines for similar diseases can be quickly developed under that platform. This approach not only streamlines the production process but also significantly reduces the time required to respond to emerging health threats.

This characteristic of mRNA has enabled Moderna to develop a combined flu and Covid-19 vaccine, which is currently in Phase III clinical trials. Once rolled out, it would be the first multipurpose vaccine for adults.

One of Moderna’s critical strategies is enhancing vaccine access among adults, particularly the elderly. The initiative to combine vaccines for common but serious illnesses into a single administration could dramatically increase vaccination rates and provide comprehensive protection to the most vulnerable segments of the population.

Proactive public health engagement is a cornerstone of Moderna’s model. The company’s ongoing trials and developments in vaccines for respiratory and oncological diseases are poised to offer broad protective measures against a range of pathogens, potentially transforming vaccine administration globally.

Moderna’s commitment to public health is exemplified in its educational campaigns and collaborations with governments to enhance public awareness and acceptance of vaccinations. This commitment ensures Moderna remains a key player in global health, particularly in regions with rapidly aging populations like Taiwan.

During the pandemic, Moderna was a prime partner to Taiwan, working closely with the government to ensure timely delivery of the most updated vaccines. Even now, Taiwan is consistently the first market in Asia to receive the most updated Covid-19 vaccines. Still, Lee says the company can do even more for the people here. 

To promote innovation and broader application of mRNA technology, Moderna last year signed a letter of intent with Academia Sinica to work together with scientists and startup companies. The company also initiated its Moderna Taiwan mRNA Innovation Awards, receiving 35 applications.

“I almost couldn’t believe so many scientists are doing mRNA research here with such broad application,” Lee says. As an example, she names the award’s winner, a bionic lung-on-a-chip system replicating the human body’s microenvironment. “We recognized the top five with incentives, but more importantly with mentors from our headquarters R&D team.”

The mentorship program has proven invaluable for both parties, Lee adds. While the mentees have gained access to experts at the forefront of mRNA development, the industry has gained insight into truly innovative applications, building potential partnerships.

“In the past few years, we’ve managed to build trust with governments and populations, and we plan to do our utmost to uphold that trust and keep bringing innovation that promotes a healthier world,” Lee says.