Moderna and Recordati Bet on mRNA Beyond Vaccines

Moderna and Recordati partner on an mRNA therapy for propionic acidemia, combining resources to accelerate development

10 Feb 2026

Moderna and Italy’s Recordati have agreed a partnership to develop and commercialise an experimental mRNA treatment for propionic acidemia, a rare inherited metabolic disorder, as the biotechnology sector looks to extend messenger RNA technology beyond vaccines.

The collaboration centres on mRNA-3927, an investigational therapy designed to address the underlying enzyme deficiency in patients with propionic acidemia, a condition that can cause severe metabolic crises and long-term complications. Treatment options are limited, and the therapy remains in clinical development without regulatory approval.

Under the terms of the agreement, Moderna will continue to lead research, development and manufacturing of the drug. Recordati, which focuses on rare diseases, will take responsibility for global commercialisation if the treatment reaches the market.

Moderna will receive an upfront payment of $50mn, with the potential for up to $110mn in additional payments linked to development and regulatory milestones. The US group is also eligible for tiered royalties on future sales. The structure reflects a growing preference in the sector for shared-risk models as development costs rise and clinical outcomes remain uncertain.

For Moderna, the deal supports efforts to show that its mRNA platform can be applied to chronic and rare diseases, not only infectious threats. The company has faced pressure to demonstrate longer-term growth as demand for Covid-19 vaccines has levelled off.

Recordati, meanwhile, gains access to advanced mRNA technology without having to invest heavily in the specialised manufacturing and development capabilities required. Rare diseases offer relatively predictable regulatory pathways and incentives, even though patient numbers are small.

The agreement comes as regulators and companies continue to assess the feasibility of repeated dosing with mRNA therapies, an area where clinical data is still limited. Manufacturing complexity, long-term safety and eventual pricing are also likely to face scrutiny as trials progress.

If successful, mRNA-3927 could provide further evidence that mRNA platforms can be adapted for a wider range of conditions, and may encourage additional partnerships between large biotechnology groups and specialist rare disease companies.