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mRNA Research
Behind the scenes in the lab and the future of mRNA research
Developing new vaccines and novel mRNA delivery methods, coupled with the satisfaction of mentoring and selfless dedication to medicine, inspire the work of scientists at the Weissman Lab.
University of Pennsylvania’s first NFT commemorates mRNA research
Proceeds from the July auction of the non-fungible token—a digital asset—will benefit ongoing research at Penn.
From a pandemic, scientific insights poised to impact more than just COVID-19
Pivoting to study SARS-CoV-2, many scientists on campus have launched new research projects that address the challenges of the pandemic but also prepare us to confront future challenges.
Vaccine-like mRNA injection can be used to make CAR T cells in the body
An experimental immunotherapy can temporarily reprogram patients’ immune cells to attack heart fibroblast cells via only a single injection of mRNA.
From foundational discoveries to profound impact
How decades of mRNA research at Penn made powerful new COVID-19 vaccines possible—and opened a new vista for future discoveries.
Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó receive 2021 Lasker Award
Weissman and Karikó’s mRNA technology is recognized for enabling rapid development of highly effective COVID-19 vaccines
Penn engineers will develop on-demand, on-site mRNA manufacturing
With an NSF grant, Penn Engineering researchers are developing a new manufacturing technique that would be able to produce mRNA sequences in a way that removes the need for cryogenic temperatures.
mRNA COVID-19 vaccines induce T-cell responses in multiple sclerosis patients
Research from Penn Medicine shows mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are effective at inducing T-cell responses in multiple sclerosis patients who receive B cell-depleting Infusions even if their antibody responses are diminished.
2022 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences awarded to mRNA pioneers Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó
Weissman and Karikó are honored for engineering modified RNA technology which enabled rapid development of effective COVID-19 vaccines.
Penn mRNA researchers Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó awarded the 2021 Albany Prize
For their landmark research that set a foundation for the mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó have been selected to receive the prize after decades of work.
In the News
A vaccine for pancreatic cancer?
Drew Weissman of the Perelman School of Medicine comments on the efficacy of a potential pancreatic cancer vaccine.
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Pancreatic cancer vaccine shows promise in small initial trial
Drew Weissman of the Perelman School of Medicine is supportive of findings about a pancreatic cancer vaccine, though he says larger studies are needed to determine effectiveness.
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