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Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) News Brief Summary: June 09-23, 2025


LNP 3d model

Brief Summary


Eli Lilly: Acquired Verve Therapeutics for up to $1.3 billion to advance LNP-based gene editing therapies for cardiovascular disease.

Genprex: Presented research on non-viral diabetes gene therapy using lipid nanoparticle delivery system at the American Diabetes Association conference.

SNS Insider: Published market report projecting lipid nanoparticles market to reach $2.89 billion by 2032, driven by mRNA technology advances.

Nature Nanotechnology: Published study on tailoring LNP adjuvanticity through PEG lipid ratio and phospholipid modifications.

Advanced Science: Published research on KRAS mRNA spleen-targeting lipid nanoparticles synergizing with irinotecan for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.

RMIT University/Osaka University: Discovered that cubosome-shaped lipid nanoparticles achieve 8x better cellular uptake than traditional liposomes.

Nature Communications: Published study on liposomal lipid nanoparticles for enhanced extrahepatic mRNA delivery.

Nature: Published research on multivalent Fluvid mRNA vaccine using optimized lipid nanoparticle formulations.


Detailed News Summaries


1. Eli Lilly Acquires Verve Therapeutics

Eli Lilly completed the acquisition of Verve Therapeutics, a clinical-stage company developing genetic medicines for cardiovascular disease using lipid nanoparticle-based gene editing technology1. The deal values Verve at $1.3 billion, with $1 billion paid upfront and additional milestone payments of up to $300 million. Verve's pipeline focuses on VERVE-102, which uses an improved lipid nanoparticle formulation to deliver gene editing payloads targeting PCSK9 for cholesterol reduction. The acquisition strengthens Lilly's position in gene editing therapeutics and represents confidence in LNP-based delivery systems for cardiovascular applications.

Release Date: June 17, 2025

Related Company Location: Indianapolis, IN, USA (Eli Lilly); Boston, MA, USA (Verve Therapeutics)


2. Genprex Diabetes Gene Therapy Research

Genprex presented breakthrough research on a non-viral approach to diabetes gene therapy using lipid nanoparticle delivery systems at the 2025 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions. The study evaluated nine different lipid nanoparticles prepared with patented LipexSil lipids, identifying formulations that efficiently transfected pancreatic islet cells. The research demonstrated that LNPs could be delivered via the biliary duct to target pancreatic cells, achieving 100-fold higher luciferase activity in the pancreas compared to other organs. This approach offers potential advantages over viral delivery systems, including the possibility of repeat dosing without immunosuppression.

Release Date: June 23, 2025

Authors: József Répási (AldexChem LTD), Mark Berger (Genprex)

Related Company Location: Austin, TX, USA


3. Lipid Nanoparticles Market Growth Projection

SNS Insider released a comprehensive market analysis projecting the global lipid nanoparticles market to reach $2.89 billion by 2032, growing at a 14.15% CAGR from the 2023 valuation of $878.9 million. The report highlights the U.S. market's significant contribution, expected to grow from $333.94 million in 2023 to $1.04 billion by 2032. Key drivers include expanding mRNA vaccine applications, increased investment in nanomedicine, and strong regulatory support for LNP-based therapeutics. Major players identified include Moderna, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, CureVac, and Arcturus Therapeutics.

Release Date: June 10, 2025

Related Company Location: Austin, TX, USA


4. Nature Nanotechnology Study on LNP Adjuvanticity

Researchers published a significant study in Nature Nanotechnology demonstrating how modifications to PEG lipid ratios and phospholipids in lipid nanoparticles can tailor immune responses for mRNA vaccines. The research shows that adjusting these components impacts both the magnitude and quality of vaccine-elicited immune responses, with implications for designing cellular versus humoral immunity-focused vaccines. The study provides mechanistic insights into how LNP biodistribution and cellular uptake correlate with immune response characteristics, supporting rational design approaches for next-generation mRNA vaccines.

Release Date: June 23, 2025

Authors: Máté Vadovics, Wenchen Zhao, Emily F. Daley et. al.

Related Institution Location: University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA, USA)


5. KRAS mRNA Spleen-Targeting Pancreatic Cancer Research


Schematic to explain a dual nanocarrier strategy for enhancing PDAC Tumor Immunity. The schematic illustrates a dual vaccination strategy, hypothesized to enhance the PDAC tumor immunity cycle by integrating endogenous and exogenous vaccination approaches. This strategy employs two distinct nanocarriers to synergistically reinforce CTL activation against PDAC. Endogenous Vaccination: Chemotherapeutic agents such as irinotecan induce ICD, triggering the release of tumor antigens and DAMPs, including HMGB1, ATP, and CRT. These signals promote the uptake of endogenous tumor antigens and activation of APC, which in turn prime CTLs. The proposed use of silicasome-encapsulated irinotecan - incorporating the TLR7/8 agonist 3M-052 - further enhances APC activation and antigen presentation, thereby strengthening the immune response. Exogenous Vaccination: In parallel, spleen-targeting LNPs delivering mutant KRAS mRNA and a TLR7/8 agonist are proposed to augment the immune response by increasing the frequency of CTLs within the spleen. These activated tumor-specific CTLs subsequently migrate to the primary tumor site, where they mediate effective cancer cell killing. By integrating these two vaccination mechanisms, the strategy aims to optimize the cancer immunity cycle, leading to a more robust and sustained anti-tumor immune response.
Fig 1. Schematic to explain a dual nanocarrier strategy for enhancing PDAC Tumor Immunity. The schematic illustrates a dual vaccination strategy, hypothesized to enhance the PDAC tumor immunity cycle by integrating endogenous and exogenous vaccination approaches. This strategy employs two distinct nanocarriers to synergistically reinforce CTL activation against PDAC. Endogenous Vaccination: Chemotherapeutic agents such as irinotecan induce ICD, triggering the release of tumor antigens and DAMPs, including HMGB1, ATP, and CRT. These signals promote the uptake of endogenous tumor antigens and activation of APC, which in turn prime CTLs. The proposed use of silicasome-encapsulated irinotecan - incorporating the TLR7/8 agonist 3M-052 - further enhances APC activation and antigen presentation, thereby strengthening the immune response. Exogenous Vaccination: In parallel, spleen-targeting LNPs delivering mutant KRAS mRNA and a TLR7/8 agonist are proposed to augment the immune response by increasing the frequency of CTLs within the spleen. These activated tumor-specific CTLs subsequently migrate to the primary tumor site, where they mediate effective cancer cell killing. By integrating these two vaccination mechanisms, the strategy aims to optimize the cancer immunity cycle, leading to a more robust and sustained anti-tumor immune response.

A groundbreaking study published in Advanced Science demonstrated a novel immunotherapy approach combining spleen-targeting lipid nanoparticles carrying KRAS mRNA with irinotecan-loaded silicasomes for pancreatic cancer treatment. The research used lipid nanoparticles prepared with Precigenome NanoGenerator technology to deliver KRAS^G12D^ mRNA and TLR7/8 agonist to the spleen, while simultaneously inducing immunogenic cell death in tumors. The dual-platform approach significantly reduced tumor burden and extended survival in mouse models compared to monotherapies, demonstrating synergy between systemic immune reprogramming and local tumor treatment.

Release Date: June 11, 2025

Authors: Lijia Luo, Xiang Wang, Yu-Pei Liao, and Andre E. Nel

Related Technology: Precigenome NanoGenerator for LNP preparation


6. Cubosome Structure Breakthrough for Enhanced Delivery


Microscopy images showing the increased presence of cubosome material found in cells (right) as compared to the liposomes (left). The red represents the nanoparticle lipids, contrasted against the green cellular material. Credit: RMIT
Fig 2. Microscopy images showing the increased presence of cubosome material found in cells (right) as compared to the liposomes (left). The red represents the nanoparticle lipids, contrasted against the green cellular material. Credit: RMIT

Researchers from RMIT University and Osaka University published groundbreaking findings in the journal Small, revealing that cubosome-shaped lipid nanoparticles achieve up to eight times better cellular uptake compared to traditional liposome structures. The study demonstrated that cubosomes, with their complex 3D cubic internal structure, can enter cells through multiple pathways including direct membrane fusion, bypassing cellular barriers that typically degrade nanoparticles. This discovery opens new possibilities for improving mRNA gene therapy delivery efficiency, as current systems show less than 2% successful delivery to target cells.

Release Date: June 16, 2025

Authors: Sue Lyn Yap, Calum Drummond, Charlotte Conn, and Nhiem Tran

Related Institution Locations: RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia), Osaka University (Osaka, Japan)


7. Liposomal LNPs for Extrahepatic Delivery


Fig. 1: Morphological and in vitro transfection properties of LNP mRNA systems formulated using various bilayer lipid to ionizable lipid molar ratios (RB/I).
Fig. 3. Morphological and in vitro transfection properties of LNP mRNA systems formulated using various bilayer lipid to ionizable lipid molar ratios (RB/I).

Nature Communications published research on liposomal lipid nanoparticles designed for enhanced extrahepatic mRNA delivery. The study demonstrated that LNPs with high bilayer lipid ratios exhibit liposomal morphology while maintaining excellent transfection properties. These formulations showed prolonged circulation lifetimes and improved delivery to tissues beyond the liver compared to standard Onpattro-like compositions. The research addresses a critical challenge in the field, as most current LNP formulations primarily accumulate in hepatic tissues.

Release Date: May 3, 2025

Authors: Miffy Hok Yan Cheng, Yao Zhang, Kevin Fox et. al.


8. Multivalent Fluvid mRNA Vaccine Development


A Freeze-Thaw (F/T) effect on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and encapsulation of GFP mRNA LNPs prepared in different buffers (PNS buffer, phosphate-based buffer and Tris-based buffer). B 10% sucrose stabilizes mRNA LNP stored at 4 °C for 2 or 7 days, or upon 1 or 2 Freeze-Thaw (F/T) cycles. mRNA LNP was prepared in Tris/acetate pH 7.4 containing 10% sucrose.
Fig 4. (A) Freeze-Thaw (F/T) effect on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and encapsulation of GFP mRNA LNPs prepared in different buffers (PNS buffer, phosphate-based buffer and Tris-based buffer). (B) 10% sucrose stabilizes mRNA LNP stored at 4 °C for 2 or 7 days, or upon 1 or 2 Freeze-Thaw (F/T) cycles. mRNA LNP was prepared in Tris/acetate pH 7.4 containing 10% sucrose.

Researchers published in Nature a comprehensive study on developing a bivalent Fluvid mRNA vaccine targeting both seasonal influenza and SARS-CoV-2 using optimized lipid nanoparticle formulations. The study evaluated various ionizable cationic lipids and LNP synthesis procedures, identifying top-performing formulations that induced robust immune responses against both viruses. The vaccine demonstrated 100% protective efficacy in mouse models without compromising individual vaccine effectiveness, supporting the feasibility of multivalent mRNA vaccine approaches using advanced LNP technology.

Release Date: June 11, 2025

Authors: Jiin Felgner, Jenny E. Hernandez-Davies, Erwin Strahsburger et al.

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