Available to stream: November 5, 2025 12:00 am - November 19, 2025 12:00 am

THE MESSENGER:
A Story of mRNA

Discover the story behind mRNA technology,
from its early cancer research to its role
in the COVID-19 vaccine, shaping the future of medicine.
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The Messenger: A Story of mRNA delves into the science behind messenger RNA (mRNA) — a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to cells, guiding protein production. Originally studied for gene therapy targeting cancer and infectious diseases like HIV, mRNA technology faced skepticism for decades. The film explores the breakthroughs that led to its use in COVID-19 vaccines, showcasing how these discoveries earned the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine and opened the door to a new era of personalized medicine and innovative treatments.

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The Future of mRNA Technology

Following the screening of the documentary THE MESSENGER, which offers a fascinating look at the people and ideas behind the development of mRNA technology, we will have a moderated panel discussion with leading voices from science, medicine, regulation, and industry.

We are delighted to have the following distinguished panelists join us:

Prof. Katalin Karikó Prof. Leif Erik Sander
Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine, pioneer of mRNA technology Head of Infectious Diseases and Critical Care Medicine, Charité
Dr. Christoph Conrad Dr. Patrick Baumhof
Head of Regulatory Support Unit, BIH (formerly PEI, WHO, BMBF) Senior Vice President Technology & Innovation, CureVac
 Dr. Norman Drzeniek
Physician-scientist at Charité Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology and group of Experimental Immunotherapy @BIH.

The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Norman Drzeniek.

For additional information: https://www.bihealth.org/en/notices/the-future-of-mrna-technology

If you’d like to purchase films for streaming, public screenings, or host a panel, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Previous Events

The Messenger: Special Event – December 12th, 2024

This roundtable brought together leading scientists to discuss mRNA technology’s groundbreaking potential beyond COVID-19, including treatments for cancer and HIV. Experts like Steve Pascolo, Adrian Krainer, Alexandra Calmy, and Mikaël Pittet shared insights into the evolving landscape of mRNA-based therapies. Moderated by journalist Isabelle Moncada, the discussion explored the challenges and future applications of this revolutionary technology. Click here to watch the recording

The Alliance for mRNA Medicines Roundtable – April 1st, 2025

In celebration of the roundtable discussion hosted by The Alliance for mRNA Medicines and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center, this special event brought together leading experts to explore the transformative potential of mRNA science beyond vaccines. Researchers and industry leaders discussed advancements in therapeutic applications — from cancer and rare diseases to regenerative medicine — and examined how continued innovation can shape the future of global health.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a molecule that carries genetic instructions from DNA to cells, guiding protein production. Scientists explored mRNA’s potential for decades, aiming to develop treatments for cancer, HIV, and other diseases. The technology’s flexibility allows for rapid development of therapies by programming cells to produce specific proteins, like those triggering immune responses. Its success in COVID-19 vaccines highlighted its potential, earning the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine and opening doors to personalized medicine and innovative treatments.

Read more about the future of mRNA
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