Dr. Drew Weissman, in collaboration with Dr. Katalin Karikó, made groundbreaking advancements in mRNA technology that paved the way for COVID-19 vaccines, earning them the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine. Their partnership began at Penn Medicine, where years of research led to innovations in lipid nanoparticles that allow mRNA to effectively engage the immune system. As work continues on new vaccines, including those against various coronaviruses and flu, Weissman addresses challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and the potential for future pandemics, underscoring the significance of their ongoing research.
In 1997, Weissman arrived at Penn Medicine and met Dr. Katalin (Kati) Karikó, with whom he would later share a Nobel Prize. Eight years of research led them to their discovery that messenger RNA (mRNA) could be modified and delivered in fat droplets called lipid nanoparticles, enabling it to trigger the immune system to fight disease.
As the pandemic's impact lingers, Weissman and his team are working to develop several more vaccines, including a pan-coronavirus vaccine, a universal flu vaccine, and a herpes vaccine.
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