iBB

During past years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising carriers for RNA delivery, with several clinical trials focusing on both infectious diseases and cancer. More recently, the success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines for the treatment of severe diseases, such as acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is partially justified by the development of LNPs encapsulating mRNA for efficient cytosolic delivery. In a collaborative work with researchers from Hovione Farmaciência SA and INESC-MN, Pedro Fonte from iBB published an invited review paper in Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery addressing the production and formulation of LNPs by using microfluidic devices, the status of mRNA-loaded LNPs therapeutics and explored spray drying process, as a promising dehydration process to enhance LNP stability and provide alternative administration routes. It is foreseen this work may contribute to advances in the field in the upcoming years.