Researchers closing in on genetic treatments for hereditary lung disease, vision loss

Researchers from Oregon State University, Oregon Health and Science University, and EnterX Biosciences, Inc. in Portland, Ore., have developed a type of lipid nanoparticle that can reach the lungs and the eyes, an important step toward a genetic therapy for hereditary conditions like cystic fibrosis and inherited vision loss. "These nanoparticles filled with fatty lipids can encapsulate genetic medicines like mRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editors, which can be used to treat and even cure rare genetic diseases," said Yulia Eygeris, one of the scientists involved in this study.