Event preview of the RNA Leaders APAC Congress
Nucleic Acid Insights 2026; 3(6)
DOI: 10.18609/nai.2026.057
As RNA therapeutics extend beyond established vaccine and gene-silencing applications toward wider clinical and commercial adoption across Asia-Pacific, Nucleic Acid Insights turns its attention to RNA Leaders APAC 2026, the Asia-Pacific edition of the RNA Leaders series, taking place in Singapore, September 1–2, 2026. Co-located with the AsiaBio Partnering Forum, the meeting convenes leading scientists, biotech executives, investors, and industry experts. Tailored to the region's distinct challenges and opportunities, the program spans progress in mRNA technology, RNA-based drug delivery systems, oligonucleotide therapeutics, regulatory challenges across Asia-Pacific and Western jurisdictions, and commercialization strategies, with particular attention to developments emerging from the Asia-Pacific region. This preview highlights the key sessions, speakers, and themes shaping the RNA field agenda across Asia-Pacific.
RNA therapeutics: past, present, and future
In a keynote presentation, Muthiah (Mano) Manoharan (Senior Vice President of Drug Innovation and Distinguished Research Scientist, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals) will trace the evolution of RNA-based medicines, the multiple mechanisms underlying approved drugs, and the unique features of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics. The presentation will address progress in both hepatic and extrahepatic delivery, a primary barrier to extending RNAi beyond liver-directed indications, before turning to the challenges and opportunities that will shape the field's next phase.
Building regulatory clarity across Asia-Pacific and the West
A fireside chat will bring together Jack Wong (CEO and Founder, Asia Regulatory Professionals Association) and Mimi Lee (CEO and Founder, OPUS 132) to examine the regulatory frameworks governing nucleic acid therapeutics across Asia-Pacific and Western regions. The speakers will consider how standards might be harmonized to support global development and patient access, and will discuss the challenges and opportunities of navigating diverse regulatory landscapes, including strategies for accelerating approvals while safeguarding the safety and efficacy of emerging RNA-based treatments.
The Asia-Pacific investment landscape for nucleic acids and enabling technologies
A keynote panel moderated by Rhenu Bhuller (Strategic Advisor, Life Sciences and Digital Health) will assess the region's distinct investment opportunities. Carl Firth (Partner, Panacea Ventures), Yvonne Koh (Vice President, Therapeutics, ClavystBio), Fong Ming Koh (Investor Principal, LYFE Capital), and Rosalind Tan (Venture Architect, GRIP) will discuss the potential of nucleic acid therapies and enabling technologies, drawing on Asia-Pacific's emerging biotech hubs, early-stage companies, and regional strengths in clinical trials and manufacturing. The panel will also explore collaborative investment strategies intended to accelerate development pipelines and widen market access across the region.
The future of RNA medicines: transformative next-generation and personalized approaches
A further keynote panel, moderated by Jagadish Sankaran (Senior Scientist, A*STAR), will look ahead to the technologies positioned to broaden the reach of RNA medicine. Muthiah (Mano) Manoharan, Mohamed ElSayed (Executive Director, NATi), and Peter Weinstein (CEO, Vaxxirna) will consider next-generation approaches such as AI-driven RNA design, RNA editing, non-coding RNAs, and circular RNA for complex disease. The discussion will examine how AI is reshaping RNA drug discovery, target identification, and the optimization of therapeutic efficacy, and how these tools may support more personalized, precision RNA-based treatments across Asia-Pacific.
Convening more than 650 participants from major Asian markets alongside global life science leaders, RNA Leaders APAC 2026 offers a cross-section of the science, regulation, and investment shaping nucleic acid development across the region. Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, the meeting extends the opportunity to build the partnerships and dealmaking that support regional growth. As RNA therapeutics, vaccines, and diagnostics move toward wider clinical and commercial adoption in Asia-Pacific, the congress provides a timely forum for the collaboration and knowledge exchange that will underpin the field's next stage.
As a reader of Nucleic Acid Insights, you're entitled to a 15% discount on delegate tickets – just use the code MMBio15! You can find out more about RNA Leaders APAC 2026 here.
Additionally, to find out what other nucleic acid events are upcoming, you can find our online Events Calendar here.