AN mRNA VACCINE FORMULATION KEPT WORKING AFTER TWO MONTHS AT BODY-HEAT TEMPERATURES.
A preclinical formulation held onto its biological activity for more than two months at 37°C—and matched fresh material in mouse immune-response tests.
Researchers used machine learning and solid-state screening to find formulations that protected mRNA vaccine particles from heat. A leading recipe retained full measured bioactivity after more than two months at 37°C.
WHAT HAPPENED
Researchers at MIT and collaborators screened combinations of stabilizing compounds, then used machine learning to predict stronger formulations for mRNA wrapped in lipid nanoparticles. Their best dry formulation retained 100% of measured bioactivity after more than two months at 37°C and was projected to last much longer at room temperature.
In mice, reconstituted material generated immune responses comparable to freshly prepared vaccine. That is encouraging preclinical evidence, not a finished vaccine: human trials, manufacturing validation and regulatory review would still be required.
WHY THIS IS HOPESLOP
Cold chains are one of medicine’s least glamorous bottlenecks. A formulation that makes mRNA tools easier to store and ship could widen access far beyond the labs and clinics that can maintain ultracold freezers.
ORIGINAL SOURCENature BiotechnologyRead the original report
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