In recent years, mRNA therapies have emerged as a revolutionary tool in medicine, gaining attention for their use in vaccine development, infectious diseases, cancer, and rare genetic disorders. However, one area that has remained undiscovered is the use of mRNA therapies for heart diseases.
To address this, the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has launched the Centre for Cardiometabolic mRNA Therapy, marking a significant step towards harnessing the power of mRNA-based therapies to tackle cardiovascular disease in ways that were previously unimaginable.
Behind some of this work is Research Officer and chemist, Dr Mark Vidallon. Under the mentorship of Associate Professor Xiaowei Wang and Professor Karlheinz Peter, Mark’s current research focuses on developing innovative mRNA lipid nanodelivery systems, these tiny fatty droplets carry mRNA safely to the cells and aim to control chronic inflammation and inflammatory cardiovascular diseases.
This project holds immense promise, including the potential to create a vaccine for heart disease, putting an end to heart attacks permanently.
Mark and his student, Haikun Liu, are also working together to find better ways of delivering treatments developed by the Molecular Imaging and Nanotherapeutics team. They're focusing on using ultrasound-responsive materials to target delivery of mRNA treatments, which could greatly improve the way life-threatening blood clots are treated.
The Centre for Cardiometabolic mRNA Therapy represents a pioneering effort to explore the untapped potential of mRNA in preventing and treating cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. With a dedicated team of researchers and innovative approaches, we are committed to offering new hope for patients worldwide, as we continue to push the boundaries of science and work toward a future of better health.