Experimental approach may eliminate cold storage requirement for mRNA vaccines
MRNA•Researchers used AI to adjust lipid nanoparticles, producing mRNA vaccine formulations that remained stable at room temperature for up to a year or at nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit for two months. The researchers said higher-temperature-tolerant vaccines could reduce storage costs by up to 86%.
1. More stable vaccine formulations
Researchers used artificial intelligence to tweak the lipid nanoparticles that carry mRNA, making the particles more heat-resistant. Vaccines made with the approach remained stable at room temperature for up to a year, or at nearly 100 degrees Fahrenheit for two months. In mice, vaccines stored for long periods produced immune responses equivalent to those of vaccines carried by particles similar to Moderna’s original formulation.
2. Potential cost reduction
The researchers said vaccines that tolerate higher temperatures could reduce storage costs by up to 86%. Study leader Jinbi Tian of MIT said the approach could also apply to therapeutics and advanced drug-delivery platforms.
