Lipid nanoparticle formulations for targeted local delivery

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Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) can provide a safe, effective and stable delivery system for therapeutic agents such as mRNA. Intramuscular administration of LNP-mRNA vaccines has been used widely in the treatment of infections such as SARS-CoV-2 and intravenous LNP delivery of therapeutic mRNA has also been tested clinically to treat cancer and genetic disorders. This project aims to explore ways to modulate LNP-mRNA formulation for local administration to specific tissues, extending the utility of this powerful therapeutic approach to the treatment of acute local tissue and organ damage in areas of unmet clinical need.Main objectives within the project are as follows:1. Modulate LNP composition to optimise stable encapsulation of specific mRNA molecules2. Characterise the relationship between LNP lipid structure and organ/cell-specific delivery3. Use peptides to target LNPs to specific cells of interest4. Test selected optimal LNP formulations using relevant in vitro and in vivo modelsThe project has been developed to address the first of the EPSRC's Healthcare Technologies grand challenges; developing new therapies: focusing on the need to produce safer, more targeted treatments fit for the demands of the decades up to 2050 and beyond and is aligned primarily with the Advanced Product Design theme within the CDT.