New lipid nanoparticle platform delivers mRNA to the brain through the blood-brain barrier

Scientists at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have developed a lipid nanoparticle system that can deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) to the brain via intravenous injection – a challenge that has long been limited by the protective nature of the blood-brain barrier. The system takes advantage of natural transport mechanisms within the blood-brain barrier that move nanoparticles across the blood-brain barrier. The findings, in mouse models and isolated human brain tissue, show the potential of this system for future treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, brain cancer, and drug addiction.