Researchers Develop mRNA-Based Therapy for Pre-Eclampsia in Mice

A novel lipid nanoparticle system shows promise in treating pre-eclampsia by targeting the placenta, improving maternal and fetal outcomes in preclinical studies.

• Pre-eclampsia, affecting 3–5% of pregnancies, is a leading cause of maternal and fetal complications, including stillbirths and prematurity.
• Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) system to deliver mRNA therapy directly to the placenta in mice.
• The treatment, tested on pre-eclamptic mice, reduced maternal blood pressure, improved placental blood flow, and increased fetal health through the end of pregnancy.
• The study identified an LNP formulation that delivered mRNA over 100 times more effectively to the placenta than existing FDA-approved formulations.
• While promising, further research is required to optimize dosage and test the therapy in larger animal models before advancing to human clinical trials.

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