In the early 2010s, mRNA was still considered a high-risk approach within the biotechnology sector. While the idea of using RNA to direct cells to produce therapeutic proteins had long held theoretical promise, the practical challenges of delivery, molecular stability, and manufacturing at scale limited its commercial viability. At that time, most biotechnology firms remained focused on monoclonal antibodies or small-molecule drugs, and mRNA research was considered more speculative. Still, the potential to develop a platform capable of adapting rapidly to emerging pathogens or rare diseases began attracting attention from a few researchers and entrepreneurs.
One of those individuals was Joseph E. Payne, a chemist with formal training in synthetic organic chemistry and professional experience in pharmaceutical research and development. In 2013, Payne co-founded Arcturus Therapeutics in San Diego, California. He aimed to build a company capable of advancing RNA-based medicines through a structure designed for flexibility and technological innovation. Rather than modeling Arcturus after conventional biotech organizations, Payne helped establish a modular operation to respond quickly to evolving scientific and clinical demands.
Before founding Arcturus, Payne held research roles at Merck Research Laboratories, DuPont Pharmaceuticals, and Bristol-Myers Squibb, where he participated in early-stage drug discovery efforts. By the time Arcturus launched, Payne had accumulated over twenty years of experience across laboratory and management roles, which informed his direction of the company’s scientific programs and operational framework.
Central to Arcturus’s platform is its proprietary LUNAR® lipid nanoparticle delivery system, designed to enhance the intracellular delivery of RNA therapeutics. RNA delivery has been a longstanding hurdle in this field, and Payne’s background in lipid chemistry and nanoparticle formulation shaped the system. Arcturus also developed STARR®, a self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) platform that enables extended expression of encoded proteins, potentially reducing the dose required compared to conventional mRNA platforms.
From its early days, Arcturus combined innovation in RNA science with a strategic approach to partnerships. Under Payne’s leadership, the company pursued collaborations that allowed it to advance its research without significantly increasing internal overhead. One notable collaboration was formed with CSL Seqirus, among others, to advance RNA-based vaccine programs. These collaborations helped the company generate revenue and industry credibility.
Arcturus operated initially with a lean structure, which became a strategic advantage during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The company accelerated development of a self-amplifying mRNA vaccine candidate, later named KOSTAIVE®, which incorporated both the LUNAR® and STARR® technologies. The vaccine was approved in Japan in September 2024 and approved in the European Union in 2025. A joint venture with Meiji Seika Pharma in Japan, known as ARCALIS, supported this international effort.
These authorizations served as milestones in the company’s development and demonstrated the broader applicability of its core RNA platforms. As of early 2025, Arcturus holds over 500 patents and applications across multiple jurisdictions, including the United States, Europe, China, and Japan. The company’s intellectual property portfolio spans delivery systems, saRNA platforms, and a range of RNA-based applications in vaccines and therapeutics.
Throughout Arcturus’s expansion, Payne remained actively involved in both scientific direction and operational decision-making. He has participated in public forums and interviews discussing RNA technologies, often emphasizing the importance of measured development and evidence-based progress. His involvement has extended to contributions in patent filings and scientific publications related to RNA drug development.
The biotechnology industry continues to evolve, increasingly shaped by leaders who combine technical expertise with strategic business capabilities. Payne’s transition from research chemist to CEO reflects this trend. Unlike many executives who move away from technical roles, he maintained involvement in guiding the company’s technology platforms and research priorities. This dual engagement aligned with the company’s focus on innovation-driven growth.
As of 2025, Arcturus Therapeutics is continuing its clinical research and manufacturing expansion. With approved vaccine programs and investigational treatments for rare genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency, the company remains active in developing RNA medicines. Its trajectory has been defined by a combination of scientific focus, calculated risk-taking, and adaptation to shifting global health priorities.
Joseph E. Payne’s role in the founding and evolution of Arcturus Therapeutics reflects broader changes in how biotechnology firms are led and built in the 21st century. His work illustrates the integration of scientific knowledge and strategic leadership in advancing RNA-based therapeutics.