Nucleoside-Modified RNA and Lipid Nanoparticles for “Therapeutic” Use – A Review for Lay People

Nucleoside-modified RNA–lipid nanoparticle (modRNA–LNP) therapeutic technology is new to humans. The COVID-19 modRNA–LNP products are an example of the recent use of this technology in the context of a worldwide immunization program, originally promoted as a means of preventing individuals from succumbing to COVID-19 — the “disease” associated with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Since rapid and, in many cases, mandated global administration of these products, hundreds of millions of adverse events have been reported in pharmacovigilance databases, raising serious questions about their safety. The effectiveness of these products has been shown to wane, with data indicating only a modest benefit over placebo and, in some cases, increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords: Nucleoside-modified RNA–lipid nanoparticle, modRNA–LNP, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2