At the peak of COVID-19, the pharma industry’s push for an mRNA drug for emergency use became known as the most notable intervention in recent history. The success of mRNA vaccines can be attributed to the utilisation of lipid-based nanoparticles, which played a crucial role in enabling this groundbreaking achievement and bolstering the field of nanomedicines.
Nanoparticles, ranging from 1 to 100 nanometres, are smaller than human hair, which is typically several hundred micrometres in diameter. There are three main types commonly used, polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The majority of the research at present is focused on LNPs.
Encouraged by the success of Pfizer and Moderna’s vaccine, several other companies and researchers are working to develop different modes of drug delivery using nanoparticles. One such company is Australia’s Vaxxas. The firm has developed a platform called ‘Nanopatch’ that utilises lipid nanoparticle-coated projections to deliver vaccines directly to immune cells in the skin, potentially improving vaccine efficacy and eliminating the need for refrigeration during distribution. In March 2023, the firm reported positive phase 1 results from nanopatch, paving the way for needle-free/self-administered vaccines.
Australian biotech behemoth CSL is also trying to get on board with this technology. In 2022, CSL, partnered with US-based Arcturus to develop and commercialise infectious disease vaccines using Arcturus’ self-amplifying mRNA technology and LUNAR lipid nanoparticle delivery platform.
This story is from the BioSpectrum Asia June 2023 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the BioSpectrum Asia June 2023 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Promega unveils GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager for illuminating protein dynamics in real time
US-based Promega Corporation, a life-sciences research partner dedicated to providing intuitive tools that empower scientists to innovate, has unveiled the new GloMax Galaxy Bioluminescence Imager.
Singleron and Bioscreen to enhance access to single cell multi-omics solutions for Indian researchers
Singleron Biotechnologies, a leading innovator in single cell multi-omics solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Bioscreen, a renowned distributor of advanced life science products in India.
Eppendorf brings CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine
Eppendorf has announced the launch of a CO2 incubator shaker with integrated 180 °C sterilisation routine.
Waters introduces new bioseparations tools to improve development of RNA-based vaccines using LC-MS analysis
US-based Waters Corporation has introduced a comprehensive set of sample preparation enzymes, reagents, and waters_connect software that simplify sequence and modification confirmation of large molecule RNA therapeutics using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis.
Singapore designs novel gene therapy offering hope for epilepsy patients
Researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore are working on a therapy that holds potential in treating patients with epilepsy, a neurological disorder defined by recurring seizures due to abnormal brain activity.
Spider venom heart drug moves to clinical trials in Australia
A University of Queensland (UQ)-led project in Australia to develop the first-ever drug to treat heart attack and protect donor hearts will move to human clinical trials, after receiving $17.8 million in funding from the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
India develops portable ultrasound scanner for sports injury diagnosis
A team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) has developed an indigenous portable Point-of-CareUltrasound (POCUS) Scanner for sports injury diagnosis and management.
Integris appoints medtech veteran Probir Das as new CEO
Integris Healthcare, a global diversified medical technology company, has announced the appointment of Probir Das as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will join effective November 2024 and will be based in New Delhi.
Clarity Pharma promotes Michelle Parker to CEO
Australia-based Clarity Pharmaceuticals has announced the appointment of Michelle Parker as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from October 11, 2024.
Dr Makoto Sugita steps in as President of Nxera Pharma Japan
Nxera Pharma Co., formerly known as Sosei Group or Sosei Heptares, has announced the appointment of Dr Makoto Sugita, as President of Nxera Pharma Japan, and Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Nxera Pharma.