An Introduction And Brief History Of mRNA-LNPs

By Elizabeth Klavon

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have significantly advanced drug development by protecting and delivering fragile molecules, particularly in mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. LNPs, which evolved from liposomes, can encapsulate hydrophilic species like nucleic acids and have been key in developing COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. The lipid components in LNPs can be adjusted for specific requirements such as targeting cells, tissues, or organs, and different drug types. LNPs are not just carriers but active participants in mRNA delivery, with their components playing a crucial role in precise delivery of genetic information. This understanding allows scientists to refine mRNA-LNPs design, potentially addressing major challenges in medicine and therapeutics.