Molecular therapies such as messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and gene and cell therapies are transforming modern medicine. These treatments work by delivering genetic instructions into a patient’s cells with special delivery systems.
To get the genetic material, such as mRNA, DNA or other types of nucleic acids, into the body, scientists typically use one of two delivery systems: viral vectors or tiny fat-based “bubbles” called lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The former are modified viruses that have a natural ability to enter cells; however, they can generally be administered only once, and they may trigger unwanted immune responses. LNPs, by contrast, are generated in a lab and are considered safer.
Although LNPs may offer a safer way to deliver molecular cargo to cells, the US Food…