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Next-gen mRNA therapeutics get a new delivery vehicle

Researchers at Nagoya University developed a new delivery vehicle for circular RNA (cirRNA) using a novel lipid nanoparticle, FL0445-LNP, which improves the stability and efficacy of mRNA-based therapeutics. The technology has potential applications in cancer vaccines, genome editing, and protein supplements.

SourceNagoya University·JournalCell Biomaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2026

As measles cases rise, views of MMR vaccine safety and effectiveness -- and willingness to recommend it -- drop

A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds a small but significant drop in the proportion of the public that would recommend getting the MMR vaccine, citing concerns over its safety and effectiveness. The survey also shows declines in perceived safety and effectiveness for other vaccines, such as seasonal flu and Covid-19.

Apriori Bio and A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs Announce strategic partnership to advance next generation influenza vaccines

The partnership aims to co-develop and evaluate next-generation self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) vaccines targeting seasonal and pandemic influenza. Apriori's Octavia platform will be combined with A*STAR IDL's saRNA delivery technology to develop improved H5 influenza vaccines that anticipate infection in humans.

ESMO 2025: mRNA-based COVID vaccines generate improved responses to immunotherapy

Patients receiving mRNA-based COVID vaccines showed improved survival rates and responses to immunotherapy, especially in 'cold' tumors with low PD-L1 expression. The study suggests that these vaccines can reprogram immune responses against cancer, potentially improving outcomes for patients with treatment-resistant disease.

SourceUniversity of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center·JournalNature·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 19, 2025

Broad COVID-19 vaccination makes economic sense, especially for older adults, study finds

A new study by Michigan Medicine University of Michigan researchers concludes that broad COVID-19 vaccination in adults saves the US more money than it spends, with significant economic benefits for those over 65 and middle-aged adults. The model focuses on preventing deaths, hospitalizations, and lost productivity.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 13, 2025

Cost-effectiveness of 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccination in US adults

A modeling study finds that COVID-19 vaccination is more cost-effective for individuals aged 65 and above, with favorable results across different parameter input scenarios. The study's findings support the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' decision to recommend vaccination with the 2023-2024 mRNA vaccines.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 7, 2025

Shaping the future of mRNA based drug delivery

Researchers discovered that subtle differences in molecular structure can significantly affect mRNA-based drug performance. The study found that optimizing stereoisomers of ionizable lipids like ALC-315 could lead to safer vaccines, as the (S,S)-form delivers mRNA efficiently with reduced toxicity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2025

Safety of JN.1-updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines

A nationwide cohort study of 1 million adults found no increased risk of 29 adverse events after vaccination with the updated COVID-19 mRNA vaccine containing the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron JN.1 lineage. The study provides reassuring safety data on the new vaccine, which has been widely adopted in response to the Omicron variant

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 28, 2025

Improving T cell responses to vaccines

Scientists have modified mRNA vaccines to include the cytokine IL-12, enhancing T cell responses and improving protection against diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, melanoma, and listeria infection. The study's findings suggest a promising approach to enhance immune stimulation against cancer and other pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 6, 2025

Study says original COVID-19 vaccination did not stop immune system from fighting variants

A study by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that vaccinated people generated an overall protective immune response to Delta and Omicron strains, with slightly fewer antibodies for the mutated parts of the virus. The research suggests that immune changes due to antigenic imprinting may not be a significant ...

SourceUniversity of Arizona Health Sciences·JournalNature Immunology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 27, 2025

BNT162b2 vaccine not only targets COVID-19 virus, but may also help reduce and control innate inflammation

The BNT162b2 vaccine not only targets the COVID-19 virus but also helps reduce and control innate inflammation to other bacterial and fungal pathogens. By reprogramming innate immune cells, the vaccine reduces pro-inflammatory mediators, providing potential benefits beyond its primary target.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalClinical Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2025

Shin-Etsu Chemical and Hokkaido University develop lipid nanoparticle production system capable of both small-batch, high-mix production and mass production

The companies have created a microfluidic device-based LNP production system that enables precise control over particle size, addressing previous productivity issues. The system can produce various types of LNPs in small-batch or mass quantities, from personalized medicine to vaccines for infectious diseases.

SourceHokkaido University·TypeNews article·DateApr 17, 2025

The Vaccine Innovation Center, Korea University's College of Medicine successfully held the 2025 Vaccine Expert Training Program

The Vaccine Innovation Center at Korea University's College of Medicine successfully held the 2025 Vaccine Expert Training Program, attended by over 380 experts and researchers from various fields. The program aims to foster domestic vaccine R&D experts and promote the development of commercially available vaccines.

Repeated COVID vaccines enhance mucosal immunity against the virus

Researchers found that repeated mRNA vaccines enhance mucosal antibodies in nasal secretions, blocking viral entry and providing sustained protection. The immune responses generated by mRNA vaccines may persist longer than previously thought, offering hope for sustained protection against emerging COVID-19 variants.

SourceVlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2024

Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia create mRNA vaccine to prevent and treat C. difficile

Researchers at Penn Medicine have developed the first mRNA vaccine against C. difficile, a bacterium that causes severe diarrhea and colon damage. The vaccine induces a robust immune response, promotes clearance of existing bacteria from the gut, and overcomes deficits in host immunity to protect against infections.