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mRNA Research

New molecules, inspired by space shuttles, advance lipid nanoparticle delivery for weight control
Microscopic view of lipid nanoparticles.

Like space shuttles using booster rockets to breach the atmosphere, lipid nanoparticles equipped with the new molecule more successfully deliver medicinal payloads.

(Image: Courtesy of Penn Engineering)

New molecules, inspired by space shuttles, advance lipid nanoparticle delivery for weight control

Penn Engineering researchers have invented a new way to synthesize the key chemical components of lipid nanoparticles that help protect and deliver medicinal payloads.

From Penn Engineering Today

Penn Vet launches mRNA Research Initiative
Microscopic view of DNA.

Messenger RNA’s (mRNA) flexibility offers promising therapeutic and preventative solutions for a wide array of veterinary pathogens. Penn Vet is unlocking this potential by harnessing mRNA technology for the development of tailored veterinary vaccines.

(Image: Adobe Stock)

Penn Vet launches mRNA Research Initiative

The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine today announced the mRNA Research Initiative to advance veterinary vaccine science.

Martin Hackett

What makes a breakthrough? ‘Eight steps back’ before making it to the finish line
Drew Weissman, Virginia M-Y Lee, Katalin Karikó, and Carl June.

(From left to right) Breakthrough Prize recipients Drew Weissman, Virginia M-Y Lee, Katalin Karikó, and Carl June at a reception on Feb. 13.

(Image: Courtesy of Penn Medicine News)

What makes a breakthrough? ‘Eight steps back’ before making it to the finish line

Four of Penn’s Breakthrough Prize recipients, Carl June, Katalin Karikó, Virginia M-Y Lee, and Drew Weissman, were honored at a reception on Feb. 13.
Researchers breathe new life into lung repair
Artist's interpretation of human lungs and a virus.

Respiratory diseases like influenza and COVID-19 drive inflammatory responses that can cause long-term damage to the lungs and can be difficult to treat. Now, by using techniques that deliver mRNA via lipid nanoparticles, researchers led by Andrew Vaughan of the School of Veterinary Medicine were able to greatly enhance modes of repair for damaged blood vessels in the lung, leading to improved oxygen saturation.

(Image: iStock/Mohammed Haneefa Nizamudeen)

Researchers breathe new life into lung repair

A collaborative effort from teams across Penn culminates in new techniques to repair lung tissue after damage from flu and COVID-19.
Breaching the blood-brain barrier
Researchers Mike Mitchell and Emily Han examining a microfluidic device used to make LNPs by mixing lipids and mRNA.

Michael Mitchell (left) and Emily Han (right) examine a microfluidic device used to make LNPs by mixing lipids and mRNA. 

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Breaching the blood-brain barrier

A team of researchers in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences has devised a method to deliver mRNA into the brain using lipid nanoparticles, potentially advancing treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and seizures.
Could a single shot heal heart disease?
A medical professional takes the blood pressure of a mature patient.

Image: iStock/Prostock-Studio

Could a single shot heal heart disease?

Experts at Penn Medicine are researching novel treatments for heart disease, including CRISPR gene editing technology, CAR T technology, and mRNA injections.

Rachel Ewing

A space for lifesaving, collaborative work
rna lab opening group photo From left to right: J. Larry Jameson, Liz Magill, Drew Weissman, Katalin Karikó, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Kevin B. Mahoney, Jonathan A. Epstein, and James Hoxie.

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A space for lifesaving, collaborative work

Gov. Josh Shapiro, President Liz Magill, and others from the University community celebrated the new home of the Penn Institute for RNA Innovation.

Lauren Hertzler

‘A booster for all of us’
Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman and a crowd of people at Penn Medicine.

Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman were named winners of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine on Monday, Oct. 2. The Penn Medicine community came together to celebrate the duo.

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‘A booster for all of us’

The Penn Medicine community gathered Monday afternoon, toasting to Penn’s new Nobel laureates.

Lauren Hertzler

A wrong number, a cryptic message, and a big Nobel win
kariko and weissman at nobel press conference

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A wrong number, a cryptic message, and a big Nobel win

Nobel Prize winners Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman share their thoughts on their newly minted honor at a University press conference.

Kristen de Groot