mRNA Delivery: Why More Isn’t Always Better
When it comes to mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), the more mRNA they carry doesn’t always mean better delivery. A recent study, "Transfection Potency of Lipid Nanoparticles Containing mRNA Depends on Relative Loading Levels," led by Pieter R. Cullis and Anna K. Blakney from the University of British Columbia, Canada, reveals an intriguing paradox—LNPs with higher mRNA loading levels actually show lower transfection efficiency, both in vitro and in vivo.
Key Findings:
• Optimal Loading is Key: The study highlights that there is an optimal balance in mRNA loading; both overloading and underloading the mRNA cargo can reduce the effectiveness of the nanoparticles in delivering the mRNA into target cells.
•Transfection Potency vs. Payload: This challenges the long-standing assumption that maximizing mRNA payload always enhances the therapeutic potential of LNPs.
Why It Matters: These findings shift the focus from simply maximizing mRNA content to finding the sweet spot that optimizes transfection efficiency. This research opens new pathways for designing next-generation LNPs that ensure potent and efficient delivery, paving the way for more effective mRNA-based therapies.
Read more: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.4c20077
Contract Pharma | Pharma Matters Q&A interview with our CEO, Jarlath Keating
A conversation with Jarlath Keating, CEO of Phosphorex, on the future of LNPs in pharmaceutical innovation.
In recent years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a groundbreaking technology in the pharmaceutical world, revolutionizing the delivery of complex therapeutic molecules like RNA and DNA.
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
The State of Possible Conference is the premier event for the Massachusetts life sciences industry. Over the course of the day, attendees from the lab to the C-suite are exposed to engaging panel discussions and informative keynotes on what’s next in both the science and business of biopharma. The event program covers the Massachusetts life sciences ecosystem, as well as a forward-looking view on how Massachusetts will retain its position of global leadership.
The 4th LNP Formulation & Process Development Summit returns to Boston, as the only industry summit dedicated to unveiling the hottest pre-clinical and clinical data, overcoming the greatest challenges within the LNP IP space and uncovering the most innovative LNP formulations for extrahepatic delivery of cell therapies, gene therapies, mRNA therapeutics and beyond!
Join ASGCT in New Orleans, May 13-17, 2025 for the premier event in cell and gene therapy, the ASGCT 28th Annual Meeting!
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Pharma, biotech and drug delivery industries gathered at the 14th annual PODD event to assess delivery needs, information on deals and and latest trends in innovative drug delivery technologies. This included small molecules, biologics, combination products, connected devices, cell and gene delivery and more.
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Basic research advances fundamental knowledge and predictions that form the scientific foundation for progress in applied science. Discovery research leads to new scientific ideas, theories, applications, and ways of thinking that form the basis of growth and development in different fields. Generating this critical knowledge is the first step toward inventing new tools, sparking therapeutic innovation, and enabling a more rapid and successful delivery of novel drugs to the market.
Press Announcement: Phosphorex and NOF Corporation launches Innovation and Training Center in Hopkington, MA....