Nature Materials, Published online: 28 October 2026; doi:10.1038/s41563-026-02715-2

The therapeutic potential of mRNA had been on the radar for decades but it took an alliance with lipid nanoparticle research to make it a reality. Researchers are now looking for ways to better increase efficacy and reduce side effects to extend the potential of the delivery agents from vaccines to pulmonary and neurological interventions.