FOI - mRNA/saRNA/taRNA trials
Published 19 November 2025
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ATI1111 Request
Are there any ongoing or intended mRNA/saRNA/taRNA or similar trials for the UK in any animal species, or any authorisation processes underway or planned that DEFRA/VMD are aware of.
Our reply
There are currently no veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) authorised in the UK containing mRNA/saRNA/taRNA as the active substance, or field trials being conducted.
However, legislation does not preclude manufacturers of mRNA/saRNA/taRNA VMPs from applying for a marketing authorisation, or animal test certificate to conduct a field trial in the future. All marketing authorisation applications are rigorously assessed by VMD for quality, safety (target and non-target animals, user, consumer and environment) and efficacy and the overall benefit-risk balance evaluated. Each VMP is only authorised once it has met robust standards of safety, effectiveness and quality relevant for the product. After authorisation VMPs are monitored for safety and efficacy through pharmacovigilance. The Summary of Product Characteristics for each authorised VMP describes the medicines properties and conditions for its safe and effective use, provides comprehensive information on the medicine’s composition, indications, contraindications, warnings, and precautions for safe use, known side effects and adverse effects, and is updated throughout the lifecycle of the product.
Veterinary vaccines play an import part in: animal health and welfare, disease prevention and control including emerging diseases and preventing the spread of zoonoses and food-borne pathogens; food production and security; helping to combat antimicrobial resistance by reducing disease burden which reduces the need for antibiotics; and play an import role in the One Health approach.
Further information about veterinary medicines currently authorised in Great Britain and Northern Ireland can be found on the Product Information Database (Check if an animal medicine is licensed - GOV.UK).