First mRNA flu shot approved by FDA bodes well for improving drugs of the future – though a few hurdles remain before mRNA can move beyond vaccines

But the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines brought a new approach to vaccine development. An mRNA drug comprises two essential components: mRNA molecules, which code for desired proteins, and the lipid molecules – such as phospholipids and cholesterol – that encapsulate them. From a drug development perspective, mRNA drugs offer significant advantages over traditional drugs because they are easily programmable. More importantly, different mRNA drugs produced by the same set of methods will have similar properties. Self vs. nonselfAnother critical feature of mRNA drugs is their intrinsic ability to stimulate the immune system.