Future Vaccines and Therapeutics: Approaches to Deliver mRNA and Other Macromolecules

Advanced drug delivery systems are having an enormous impact on human health. We start by discussing our early research on developing the first controlled release systems for macromolecules and the isolation of angiogenesis inhibitors and how these led to numerous new therapies. This early research then led to new drug delivery technologies, including nanoparticles and nanotechnology, that are now being used for treating cancer, other illnesses and in vaccine delivery, including COVID vaccines. In the future it may be possible to create self-boosting vaccines so patients may not need to return for a second dose or boost. In addition, by combining mammalian cells, including stem cells, with synthetic polymers, new approaches for engineering tissues are being developed that may someday help in various diseases. Examples in the areas of cartilage, skin, blood vessels, and other tissues are discussed.