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Review
. 2022 Nov;12(11):2581-2588.
doi: 10.1007/s13346-022-01146-1. Epub 2022 Mar 15.

Role of drug delivery technologies in the success of COVID-19 vaccines: a perspective

Affiliations
Review

Role of drug delivery technologies in the success of COVID-19 vaccines: a perspective

Hagar I Labouta et al. Drug Deliv Transl Res. 2022 Nov.

Abstract

The triumphant success of mRNA vaccines is a testimony to the important role drug delivery technologies have played in protecting billions of people against SARS-CoV-2 (or the Corona Virus Disease 2019; COVID-19). Several lipid nanoparticle (LNP) mRNA vaccines were developed and have been instrumental in preventing the disease by boosting the immune system against the pathogen, SARS-CoV-2. These vaccines have been built on decades of scientific research in drug delivery of mRNA, vaccines, and other biologicals. In this manuscript, several leading and emerging scientists in the field of drug delivery share their perspective on the role of drug delivery technologies in developing safe and efficacious vaccines, in a roundtable discussion. The authors also discussed their viewpoint on the current challenges, and the key research questions that should drive this important area of research.

Keywords: COVID-19 vaccine; Drug delivery; Lipid nanoparticles; Microneedles; Polymeric formulations.

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Conflict of interest statement

H.I.L, Y.G, S.S.N, and T.K confirm that they have no competing interests. M.R.P. is an inventor of microneedle patents, is a paid advisor, and is a founder/shareholder of companies developing microneedle-based products (Micron Biomedical). This potential conflict of interest has been disclosed and is managed by Georgia Tech. O.M.M is a consultant for AbbVie Deutschland GmbH, for PARI Pharma GmbH, and an advisory board member for Coriolis Pharma GmbH. PC is a co-founder of Acuitas Therapeutics, Precision NanoSystems, and NanoVation Therapeutics and has financial holdings in Acuitas and NanoVation. R.L. served on Alnylam’s founding scientific advisory board, is also a co-founder of Moderna, and holds equity in both companies. For a list of entities with which R.L. is, or has been recently involved, compensated, or uncompensated, see https://www.dropbox.com/s/yc3xqb5s8s94v7x/Rev%20Langer%20COI.pdf?dl=0

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