Experts in mRNA convened at the Global Vaccine Forum (GVF) 2025 to weigh the present and future of vaccine technology, including emerging innovations in self-amplifying mRNA (sa-mRNA) and drug delivery platforms. “Breakthroughs in mRNA and next-generation vaccine platforms are revolutionizing how we prepare for and respond to global health challenges,” Jerome H. Kim, International Vaccine Institute (IVI) director general, told the audience in Seoul, South Korea, June 19.

The U.S. FDA approved 14 drugs in May, a decline from 20 in April and 22 in March. That brings the year-to-date total for 2025 to 84 approvals, the second highest on record for this period, just behind the 89 approvals recorded in the first five months of 2024.