A new chapter in Indian medicine is being written in Hyderabad. Local startup PopVax is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to create personalised mRNA vaccines, signalling a major leap forward in the fight against complex diseases like cancer.
A New Frontier in Vaccines
The world became familiar with messenger RNA (mRNA) technology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Unlike traditional vaccines that introduce a weakened or inactive germ into our bodies, mRNA vaccines work differently. They carry instructions that teach our cells how to make a specific protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response. This process builds protection against a disease without ever exposing us to the actual virus. Now, Hyderabad-based startup PopVax is taking this revolutionary technology a step further. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, they are focusing on creating 'personalised' vaccines, primarily for cancer treatment.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
Developing a personalised vaccine is an incredibly complex task. Every patient's cancer has a unique genetic makeup, with specific mutations that result in abnormal proteins called 'neoantigens'. These neoantigens can act as markers, helping the immune system distinguish cancer cells from healthy ones. This is where artificial intelligence becomes a critical partner. PopVax uses AI and machine learning algorithms to analyse the vast amount of genetic data from a patient's tumour. The AI sifts through this information to identify the most promising neoantigens that are likely to trigger a strong immune response. This AI-driven process dramatically accelerates the design of a bespoke mRNA vaccine candidate that instructs the patient's body to hunt down and attack their specific cancer cells.
Hyderabad's 'RNA Foundry'
To turn these digital designs into physical treatments, PopVax has launched a new, integrated facility in Hyderabad called the 'RNA Foundry'. Created in collaboration with Stochastic Sciences, this centre brings research, development, and manufacturing capabilities under one roof. This integration is crucial for the rapid creation of personalised medicines. The company has stated its ambitious goal to produce more than 100 personalised cancer vaccine candidates within the next year, with a potential turnaround time of just eight to ten weeks per patient. The facility was built to align with global Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), a vital standard for producing medicines. This development solidifies Hyderabad's growing reputation as a major biotechnology hub in India and globally.
The Startup Behind the Science
PopVax was founded in late 2021 by Soham Sankaran, a computer science graduate from Yale University with a background in machine learning and robotics. Sankaran's motivation was partly personal, inspired by his family's experience with pancreatic cancer decades ago. The company has attracted significant attention and backing from notable investors, including the Gates Foundation and Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin. While the personalised cancer vaccine program is at the forefront, PopVax is also leveraging its mRNA platform for other infectious diseases. In August 2026, it began a Phase I clinical trial in Australia for a broadly protective COVID-19 vaccine candidate.
What Lies Ahead
The road from a vaccine candidate to an approved treatment is long and requires rigorous clinical trials to establish safety and effectiveness. The personalised vaccines developed at the RNA Foundry are currently considered experimental and are not yet approved for routine use. However, PopVax has discussed making these treatments available on a casebycase basis through namedpatient and compassionateuse pathways, subject to regulatory approvals. The cost is also a significant factor, with estimates for a single personalised project being around USD 300,000. Despite these challenges, this initiative represents a monumental step. By combining AI with cuttingedge mRNA technology, PopVax is not just creating a product; it's building a platform that could redefine how we treat cancer and other diseases, positioning India at the vanguard of personalised medicine.
