Articles & Issues
- Language
- English
- Conflict of Interest
- In relation to this article, we declare that there is no conflict of interest.
- Publication history
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Received February 13, 2026
Revised March 26, 2026
Accepted April 8, 2026
Available online September 25, 2026
- Acknowledgements
- Circular RNA · Backsplicing · RNA therapeutics · Biomanufacturing · AI-driven design
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This is an Open-Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync/3.0) which permits
unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Latest issues
Biomanufacturing of Synthetic circRNAs for Therapeutic Applications
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-026-00723-1
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are covalently closed single-stranded RNA molecules generated through canonical or noncanonical
backsplicing events and have garnered attention as innovative therapeutic platforms owing to their exceptional
stability and low immunogenicity. Here, we highlighted the diverse functions of circRNA, including microRNA sequestration,
scaffolding of RNA-binding proteins, and cap-independent protein translation mediated by internal ribosome entry
sites (IRESs) or N6-methyladenosine (m6A), all of which contribute to disease modulation and sustained protein expression.
Recent advances in circularization strategies have enabled the production of high-purity synthetic circRNAs with
precisely controlled translational efficiency and reduced immunogenicity. We highlighted a variety of preclinical studies
which demonstrated the robust and durable efficacy of circmRNA vaccines, protein replacement therapies, circular interfering
RNAs (ciRNAs) for gene silencing, and circular guide RNAs (cgRNAs) for genome editing and circRNA aptamerbased
PKR inhibition. Nonetheless, challenges persist in standardizing large-scale manufacturing processes, preventing
off-target effects, and comprehensively evaluating immunological responses and safety profiles. This review proposes
a future perspective incorporating automated purification, high-throughput screening, and artificial intelligence-driven
design to accelerate the clinical application of circRNA-based therapeutics.

