Global mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market 2025 – 2034

Reports Description

As per the mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market analysis conducted by the CMI Team, the global mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market is expected to record a CAGR of 6.9% from 2025 to 2034. In 2025, the market size is projected to reach a valuation of USD 8.59 Billion. By 2034, the valuation is anticipated to reach USD 15.69 Billion.

mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Overview

mRNA cancer vaccines represent a transformative advancement in oncology, using messenger RNA to instruct the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Unlike traditional vaccines, these are often personalized—designed based on a patient’s specific tumor mutations, allowing for highly targeted immune responses. By encoding tumor-associated antigens into mRNA, the vaccines train the immune system to attack only cancerous cells while sparing healthy tissue. This precision, combined with rapid manufacturing timelines, makes mRNA vaccines a promising tool in cancer therapy.

The global mRNA cancer vaccine market is rapidly growing, fueled by rising cancer incidence, breakthroughs in immunotherapy, and strong investment from both biotech firms and governments. Leading companies such as BioNTech, Moderna, and CureVac are conducting clinical trials for melanoma, lung, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. The use of lipid nanoparticles for delivery and AI for neoantigen selection is improving vaccine effectiveness. With growing regulatory support and positive trial outcomes, mRNA cancer vaccines are poised to become a key component in the next generation of cancer treatments.

mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Key Growth Drivers

The mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Trends have tremendous growth opportunities due to several reasons:

• Rising Incidence of Cancer: Cancer is expected to continue to expand as a global burden with the World Health Organization estimating there will be more than 28 million new cancer cases per year by 2040. Consequently, there is a need for new clinical strategies. mRNA cancer vaccines offer an attractive mechanism to develop and deliver highly personalized treatments that can specifically address tumor mutations. Furthermore, unlike some other therapeutics, mRNA cancer vaccines can be designed and delivered to individual patients very quickly. In this regard, mRNA cancer vaccines act as a precision tool in the context of oncology. As cancer is growing, particularly in aging and developing populations, the need for novel therapeutics that demonstrate efficacy, are target-appropriate, and are scalable is increasing and this places mRNA cancer vaccines in a position of strength within the global oncology therapeutics arena.

• Advances in Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is changing cancer treatment by utilizing the body’s immune system to destroy tumors. mRNA vaccines fit harmoniously within this viewpoint by having the ability to provide genetic instructions that will help immune cells identify cancer cells as their target. Significant advances in T-cell engineering, checkpoint inhibitors, and antigen delivery have improved the specificity and efficacy of immunotherapy platforms. As we learn more about tumors and their immunologic responses, the complementary advances in mRNA cancer vaccines are creating a pathway for improved efficacy and ultimately less side effects. As advances in immunotherapy continue, mRNA therapy platforms will emerge as the next generation of cancer therapies and rightly open up investment interest from the biopharmaceutical industry and public health.

• Rapid Development Ability: One of the driver factors of mRNA technology is speed and flexibility. As soon as you identify a cancer antigen, you can synthesize mRNA sequences in short order as there are no live virus cultures or lengthy protein expression processes involved. As evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, mRNA vaccines can be rapidly developed and scaled. In oncology, it is advantageous to rapidly develop and personalize vaccines based on a patient’s tumor. Initiating a more rapid manufacturing workflow also reduces cost and time-to-market; these are often key aspects of competitive advantages to traditional cancer therapeutics.

• Integration with AI & ML: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are fundamentally changing drug discovery and vaccine design, including mRNA cancer vaccines. These technologies can sift through and analyze vast datasets, including tumor genomics and patient immune profiles, to identify ideal antigen targets and predict immune responses. Additionally, the AI algorithms used to optimize mRNA sequence designs can improve translation efficiency, stability, and the R&D process as a whole. Machine Learning tools can enhance how clinical trials are designed, such as by stratifying patients or predicting response to treatment. Combining AI and mRNA technologies can facilitate faster, more efficient, and more individualized cancer vaccine development and offers unique contributions to progress and precision in oncology therapeutics.

mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Key Threats

The mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market has several primary threats that will influence its profitability and future development. Some of the threats are:

• High Development Costs: The development of mRNA vaccines, for cancer or infectious diseases, involves extreme costs from research or preclinical development through clinical trials and for regulatory approval. mRNA vaccine programs involve individual complexities in a manufacturing process and delivery method (e.g., lipid nanoparticles) that can make production costs higher than traditional vaccines. Personalized mRNA vaccines involve further costs as they need to be produced specifically for the patient based on their unique tumor profiles. Smaller biotech companies may find these financial obligations challenging or impossible to manage without third-party financial support or partnerships. Although large pharmaceutical companies can handle these costs, the overall cost-risk ratio still poses an issue, especially if the trial results do not demonstrate expected levels of efficacy or effectiveness and therefore may be unlikely to see further adoption in cost-sensitive clinical environments.

• Competition with Established Therapies: Despite their theoretical advantages, mRNA vaccines sit within a highly competitive landscape with established cancer therapies (i.e., chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and monoclonal antibodies). Traditional (non-mRNA) cancer therapies have undergone clinical and real world validation for decades, and their use is often well-covered by third-party payers. When treating patients with cancer, physicians tend to opt for modalities that they know well and have risk profiles that are familiar to them in order to minimize risk to their patients and their practice. This preference means that vaccines are often met with significant barriers to enter the market for even highly efficacious approaches to treating cancer. Existing treatments have strong positions for the care they provide in institutional protocols and repayment schemes, which can dissuade or actively resist the adoption of new technology. Even if mRNA vaccines can demonstrate better efficacy or safety, it will still be difficult to displace entrenched modalities and care delivery in health care systems that are resistant to advanced healthcare infrastructure or adapt new healthcare technologies rapidly.

mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Opportunities

• Technological Advances: The advancement of the technology around mRNA cancer vaccines is certainly increasing their potential. Important advances in the design of nanoparticle delivery systems, thermostability, and self-amplifying RNA are resolving previous issues related to degradation and cell uptake. Also, advancements in bioinformatics today allow us to design very specific & effective antigens and improve receptor binding and specificity which improves immunogenicity. Advances in automation and the use of modular manufacturing platforms not only reduce the time and cost of producing the vaccine, but they also support quicker clinical translation. These advancements are enhancing the efficacy and safety of mRNA vaccines, and they are increasing the potential across a wider range of tumor types. Moving forward, as innovation matures, we expect the technical improvements to drive increased market penetration and rapid uptake of mRNA cancer therapies globally.

• Increased Funding Availability: Investment in mRNA technology has surged post-COVID-19, and the oncology sector is a prime target for capital infusion. This increased funding interest stems largely from government agencies, venture capitalists, or pharmaceutical companies funding mRNA cancer vaccine research because it is scalable and has proven potential through application to infectious diseases. Emerging funding sources include grants, public-private partnerships, and collaboration with partners to help fund mRNA cancer vaccines or overcome costs and regulatory process barriers that are often many millions of dollars. The U.S. Cancer Moonshot and Europe’s Horizon 2030 are two significant funding initiatives that are promoting the development of next-generation cancer therapies and have made substantial funding commitments. The existence of these funding sources will accelerate innovation support and early clinical trials while eliminating certain barriers for new entrants, thus creating a robust and competitive market for investment in mRNA cancer vaccines.

mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Category Wise Insights

By Cancer Type

• Melanoma: Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. Recent advancements in treatment include the development of mRNA vaccines designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and target melanoma cells by presenting tumor-specific antigens. A significant breakthrough occurred in April 2023, when Moderna and Merck announced that their personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, mRNA-4157/V940, in combination with the immunotherapy drug KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab), achieved the primary efficacy endpoint in a Phase 2b clinical trial involving patients with high-risk melanoma. This combination therapy demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in recurrence-free survival compared to treatment with KEYTRUDA alone, highlighting the potential of mRNA vaccines in enhancing cancer immunotherapy.

• Lung Cancer: Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) is the most common form of lung cancer, and mRNA vaccines developed to target it aim to trigger a personalized immune response by presenting tumor-specific antigens to the body’s immune system. A notable recent development occurred in August 2024, when a patient in the UK became the first to receive BioNTech’s investigational mRNA cancer vaccine, BNT116, which is designed to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells expressing common tumor markers. This milestone marks a promising step forward in the use of mRNA technology for the treatment of NSCLC.

• Prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is a common cancer affecting the prostate gland in men, and mRNA vaccines targeting this disease are designed to stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack prostate-specific antigens, with the goal of controlling or eliminating tumor growth. In October 2023, BioNTech expanded its late-stage oncology portfolio by launching a Phase 2 trial of its individualized mRNA-based neoantigen-specific immunotherapy candidate, BNT122, in a new cancer indication. Although the specific type of cancer was not disclosed in the announcement, BNT122 has previously been studied in prostate cancer, suggesting potential continued exploration of its use in this context.

• Pancreatic cancer: Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive disease with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. mRNA vaccines targeting pancreatic cancer are designed to induce immune responses against tumor-specific neoantigens, offering a potential avenue for improving patient outcomes. In April 2024, BioNTech released three-year follow-up data from a Phase 1 trial of its individualized mRNA cancer vaccine candidate, autogene cevumeran (BNT122), in patients with resected pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The results showed sustained immune responses and delayed tumor recurrence in some patients, highlighting the promise of mRNA-based immunotherapy in managing this challenging cancer.

• Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer affects the colon and rectum, and mRNA vaccines developed for this disease aim to stimulate the immune system to target tumor-specific antigens, thereby helping the body recognize and destroy cancer cells. In October 2023, BioNTech expanded its late-stage clinical oncology portfolio by initiating a Phase 2 trial of its mRNA-based individualized neoantigen-specific immunotherapy candidate, BNT122, in a new cancer indication. Although the specific cancer type was not disclosed in the announcement, BNT122 has previously been studied in colorectal cancer, suggesting a continued interest in exploring its potential effectiveness for this challenging malignancy.

By Application/Use Case

• Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines: Therapeutic cancer vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells, with mRNA-based vaccines specifically encoding tumor-specific antigens to generate a targeted immune response. In May 2024, the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) launched a program to offer personalized mRNA cancer vaccines to patients participating in clinical trials. The first patient received a BioNTech-developed vaccine intended to prevent tumor recurrence following surgery or chemotherapy, marking a significant step forward in the integration of personalized mRNA therapies into cancer treatment.

• Preventive/Prophylactic Cancer Vaccines: Preventive cancer vaccines are designed to stop cancer from developing by targeting viruses or genetic mutations associated with increased cancer risk, and mRNA-based versions offer the advantage of rapid development to address emerging cancer threats. As of June 2024, there have been no specific announcements about mRNA-based preventive cancer vaccines, but the proven success of mRNA technology in therapeutic cancer vaccines has generated growing interest in adapting this approach for preventive applications in the future.

By Delivery Mechanism

• Lipid nanoparticles: Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are tiny lipid-based carriers that encapsulate mRNA, protecting it from degradation and enabling efficient delivery into cells. They are the most commonly used delivery system for mRNA vaccines due to their effectiveness and safety. By shielding the fragile mRNA, LNPs ensure it reaches the target cells intact, allowing for proper protein expression and immune activation. In April 2023, Moderna and Merck demonstrated the power of LNPs in their mRNA-4157/V940 vaccine, which showed significant improvement in recurrence-free survival among melanoma patients. This success underscores the crucial role LNPs play in advancing mRNA-based cancer immunotherapies. Their continued development is key to improving vaccine efficacy and expanding mRNA treatments for various cancers.

• Polymer-Based Carriers: Polymer-based carriers are synthetic polymers designed to deliver mRNA into cells, offering benefits like enhanced stability and the possibility for targeted delivery. Although they are less commonly used than lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymer carriers provide customizable chemical structures that may help overcome delivery challenges. As of June 2024, there have been no major announcements specifically about polymer-based carriers in mRNA cancer vaccines. However, ongoing research is exploring their potential to improve mRNA delivery efficiency and therapeutic outcomes. These carriers could become important tools in advancing mRNA vaccine technology in the future.

• Electroporation: Electroporation is a method that applies an electrical field to cells to temporarily increase their permeability, allowing mRNA to enter more effectively. Traditionally used for DNA vaccine delivery, it is now being explored for mRNA applications due to its potential to enhance cellular uptake. Despite its promise, as of June 2024, there have been no significant clinical announcements regarding electroporation in mRNA cancer vaccine delivery. Research is ongoing to determine its safety, feasibility, and effectiveness in this area. If successful, electroporation could become a valuable tool to improve mRNA vaccine performance in cancer treatment.

mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Impact of Latest Tariff Policies

Recently announced U.S. tariffs on pharmaceutical imports will effectively increase the cost of key raw materials in mRNA vaccines such as lipid nanoparticles and enzymes. Suppliers have increased their pricing which, consequently, raises global costs for companies. This affects smaller biotech companies and indirectly limits the more affordable access to potentially innovative cancer vaccines. Further, countries that rely heavily on imports may experience delays in ensuring a rollout. It’s worth adding that tariffs have the potential to disrupt international collaborations on research and clinical trial activity. These pressures on cost could result in slower innovation, specifically in mRNA cancer vaccines.

In the U.K., there are growing concerns about the indirect impact of U.S. and EU trade policy on biotech exports – The U.K. exports approximately £6.6 billion annually in pharmaceuticals to the U.S., and the U.K. could potentially lose investment for future mRNA oncology R&D because of the price for raw materials, which will deter biotech investment. And academic leaders have warned that these tariffs could push biotech strategy horizons away from longer-term strategies focused on vaccines. There may be an additional effect in the long term, to weaken Europe’s potential competitive advantage in personalized immunotherapies. Finally, the ongoing ambiguity regarding potential trade agreements creates further instinctual hesitancy for the industry.

Some countries are facing these external challenges by emphasizing domestic production. For instance, Russia announced plans to create its own mRNA cancer vaccine, which it intends to provide for free to its citizens. The initiative is intended to limit reliance on western imports and ensure improved access domestically.

Report Scope

mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Regional Perspective

The mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market can be divided across different regions such as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA. This is a cursory overview of each region:

• North America: The mRNA cancer vaccine market is dominated by North America with the main driving force being the United States. The strength of the biotechnology infrastructure, high investments into R&D, and the adoption of new therapies by pharmaceutical companies have led North America to dominate growth in this market. North America boasts key players in the market, like Moderna and Pfizer, that add to the overall capabilities of the region. Initiatives by the government, like the Cancer Moonshot program, and expedited FDA approvals foster organisational capacity to develop new cancer vaccines and to do this in a time-efficient, rapid manner. The high prevalence of cancer, along with favourable reimbursement policies and an awareness of personalized medicine, will contribute to the growth of the market in North America. Academic collaborations with biotech companies contribute to a thriving ecosystem, leading North America to become the primary leader in the advancement of mRNA-based therapeutics in oncology globally.

• Europe: Europe is also quickly developing as a notable market in the mRNA cancer vaccine space, with Germany, the UK, and France leading these markets, respectively. Recent strong government funding, an existing skilled workforce in biotech, other given support to biotech and pharmaceutical companies from governmental agencies, and good work with the EMA mean innovation in mRNA cancer vaccines continues to grow in Europe. Germany is especially prominent as an mRNA center with companies like BioNTech, which have established themselves to be leaders in the space and will continue to advance. There are also cross-border research projects due to funding from European programs like Horizon Europe. An obstacle for advancement in mRNA research and development is the complexity of European healthcare systems and how reimbursement differs throughout the countries; Zoetis noted the degree of variability between countries, including price negotiation instances involving Finland.

• Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region is witnessing rapid growth in the mRNA cancer vaccine market due to increasing healthcare investments, a large patient pool, and rising cancer incidence. Countries like China, Japan, South Korea, and India are investing heavily in biotechnology and precision medicine. China, in particular, is accelerating mRNA R&D through public-private collaborations and regulatory reform. Japan’s advanced healthcare infrastructure supports swift clinical translation of new therapies. Although regulatory hurdles and IP protection issues persist, the region’s expanding biopharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and rising demand for innovative cancer treatments position Asia-Pacific as a future growth engine for mRNA cancer vaccines.

• LAMEA: The LAMEA region is currently in the early stages of mRNA cancer vaccine adoption but offers long-term growth potential. In Latin America, Brazil and Mexico are the key markets, supported by improving healthcare infrastructure and cancer screening programs. In the Middle East, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are investing in advanced medical technologies as part of their healthcare modernization agendas. Africa faces challenges such as limited healthcare funding and infrastructure gaps, but increasing international aid and partnerships are promoting access to new treatments. Overall, LAMEA presents untapped opportunities as awareness, investment, and healthcare capacity continue to grow.

mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Key Developments

In recent years, the mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market has experienced several crucial changes as the players in the market strive to grow their geographical footprint and improve their product line and profits by using synergies.

• In January 2023, Daiichi Sankyo submitted a marketing approval application in Japan for DS-5670, its investigational mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine. Developed as a booster vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19, DS-5670 represents the company’s strategic entry into the mRNA vaccine segment. Upon approval, the product is expected to expand Daiichi Sankyo’s vaccine portfolio and contribute to future revenue growth in the infectious disease market.

• In August 2021, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), becoming the first COVID-19 vaccine to achieve this milestone. Marketed under the brand name Comirnaty, the vaccine is authorized for use in individuals aged 16 years and older. This regulatory achievement significantly strengthened Pfizer’s position in the infectious disease space and solidified its leadership in the emerging mRNA vaccine market.

These important changes facilitated the companies’ widening their portfolios, bolstering their competitiveness, and exploiting the possibilities for growth available in the mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market. This phenomenon is likely to persist since most companies are struggling to outperform their rivals in the market.

mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market Competitive Landscape

The mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market is highly competitive, with a large number of product providers globally. Some of the key players in the market include:

• BioNTech SE
• Moderna Inc.
• CureVac AG
• Gritstone bio Inc
• Translate Bio (Sanofi)
• eTheRNA Immunotherapies
• Arcturus Therapeutics
• AstraZeneca
• RVAC Medicines
• TriLink BioTechnologie
• Merck & Co. Inc.
• Precision BioSciences
• Others

These firms apply a sequence of strategies to enter the market, including innovations, mergers and acquisitions, as well as collaboration.

The mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market is dominated by leading biotech firms like BioNTech SE, Moderna, CureVac AG, Gritstone bio, Inc., and Translate Bio (Sanofi). These companies focus on designing mRNA vaccines that encode specific tumor antigens to stimulate a precise immune response against cancer cells. Their innovative platforms target a range of cancers, including melanoma, lung, and pancreatic cancer, aiming to revolutionize cancer treatment through personalized immunotherapy.

Recent developments have accelerated market growth, driven by strategic partnerships and clinical breakthroughs. For instance, in April 2023, Moderna and Merck reported positive Phase 2b trial results for their personalized mRNA vaccine combined with pembrolizumab in melanoma, showing improved recurrence-free survival rates. BioNTech expanded its mRNA cancer vaccine trials in 2024, advancing multiple candidates toward regulatory review with support from FDA and EMA approvals.

Government support and funding play a crucial role in advancing mRNA cancer vaccines. The U.S. National Cancer Institute awarded grants in 2023 to foster clinical trials and research in this field. Additionally, increased investments in mRNA manufacturing capabilities by companies like Moderna and BioNTech throughout 2025 have enhanced production capacity to meet rising demand. This combined momentum underscores the global commitment to making mRNA vaccines a key pillar in oncology care.

The mRNA Cancer Vaccine Market is segmented as follows:

By Cancer Type

• Melanoma
• Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
• Prostate Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer

By Application/Use Case

• Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines
• Preventive/Prophylactic Cancer Vaccines

By Delivery Mechanism

• Lipid Nanoparticles (LNPs)
• Polymer-Based Carriers
• Electroporation

Regional Coverage:

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico
• Rest of North America

Europe

• Germany
• France
• U.K.
• Russia
• Italy
• Spain
• Netherlands
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• India
• New Zealand
• Australia
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• Rest of Asia Pacific

The Middle East & Africa

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Egypt
• Kuwait
• South Africa
• Rest of the Middle East & Africa

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America