The Alliance for mRNA Medicines (AMM) and the Society for RNA Therapeutics (SRT) have partnered to develop the scientific programme for ASCENT 2026, bringing together two organisations focused on advancing RNA-based medicines.

The collaboration will see SRT contribute its scientific expertise to AMM’s annual meeting, ASCENT, which takes place in Coronado, California, from October 28-30, 2026. The organisations said the partnership is intended to strengthen engagement between researchers, biotechnology companies, pharmaceutical firms and investors working across the RNA therapeutics sector.

RNA-based medicines have emerged as one of the most closely watched areas of drug development in recent years, with advances spanning vaccines, gene editing, protein replacement therapies and treatments for rare diseases. Industry groups and scientific organisations have increasingly sought to create forums where research, development and commercialisation discussions can take place together.

Under the agreement, AMM and SRT will jointly select speakers and topics for scientific sessions focused on translational research in RNA therapeutics and innovation in RNA therapeutics and delivery technologies.

The meeting will also introduce a new poster session, providing researchers and companies with an opportunity to present emerging data, discuss new approaches and engage with potential collaborators.

John Cooke, president of the Society for RNA Therapeutics and director of the Center for RNA Therapeutics at Houston Methodist Research Institute, said the partnership would help bring together different parts of the RNA ecosystem.

Cooke said: “This partnership is a natural fit to enable the entire RNA sector to work together for solutions to the current needs of the industry. AMM represents the industry and academic institutions building mRNA medicines. SRT represents members of the scientific community advancing the underlying science. Providing a venue to bring together and unify both communities at ASCENT 2026 creates something neither organization could offer alone: a meeting where cutting-edge science and commercial translation happen in the same room.”

The RNA therapeutics field continues to expand beyond its early focus on vaccines, with developers exploring applications across oncology, rare diseases, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. Advances in delivery technologies, manufacturing approaches and regulatory frameworks are also helping to support broader adoption of RNA-based platforms.

Clay Alspach, executive director of the Alliance for mRNA Medicines, said the collaboration would create additional opportunities for scientific exchange.

Alspach said: “By combining AMM’s convening power across the mRNA industry with SRT’s RNA research expertise and community, ASCENT 2026 will offer an even stronger platform for showcasing innovation and accelerating progress for patients.”

The organisations have also opened a call for scientific abstracts ahead of the meeting, with submissions invited until August 1, 2026.

ASCENT 2026 is expected to attract scientific leaders, biotechnology and pharmaceutical executives, policymakers and investors involved in the development of RNA therapeutics and related technologies.