[Edaily Reporter SONG YOUNG-DOO ] NIBEC CO., LTD.(138610)has confirmed the potential of a next-generation peptide-based gene drug delivery platform capable of overcoming the limitations of existing lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Animal studies showed that the platform delivered mRNA to lymph nodes while reducing distribution to off-target tissues such as the liver, and maintained expression for up to 7 days.

NIBEC CO., LTD. announced on the 18th that the results of its research on a next-generation peptide-based mRNA drug delivery platform—conducted in collaboration with the Seoul National University College of Dentistry and the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Health under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency—have been published in the international academic journal *Biomaterials*. *Biomaterials* is an international journal covering biomaterials, drug delivery systems (DDS), gene delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine.

The focus of this study is the “delivery vehicle,” which determines the performance of mRNA therapeutics. mRNA is easily degraded in the body and cannot readily cross cell membranes on its own. Therefore, delivery technology capable of protecting mRNA while transporting it to target tissues and cells is essential.

Currently, the most widely used technology is LNP. While its commercial viability has been demonstrated through COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, it has limitations, including low cell selectivity—which can lead to mRNA expression in off-target tissues such as the liver—and a relatively short duration of expression.

To address these limitations, the NIBEC CO., LTD. research team developed a modular peptide nanocomplex that selectively targets the draining lymph nodes—where the immune response begins—and antigen-presenting cells (APCs).

This approach combines an RNA-binding peptide (RBP), a charge-modulating agent (PGA), and a cell-penetrating peptide (A-CPP) that targets antigen-presenting cells.

In particular, the researchers utilized cell-based phage display to identify a novel peptide that binds to immune cells. Subsequently, through AI-based protein structure prediction and molecular docking analysis, they confirmed the potential for this peptide to bind to the CCR7 receptor, which is involved in immune cell migration. Based on these findings, they established an mRNA delivery strategy targeting lymph nodes.

LNP Levels Drop Sharply After 48 Hours… NIBEC CO., LTD. Platform Maintains Levels for Up to 7 Days

Animal experiments revealed delivery characteristics distinct from those of conventional LNPs. While strong expression signals were observed not only at the injection site but also in the liver with conventional LNPs, NIBEC CO., LTD.’s peptide nanocomposite was primarily distributed locally at the injection site and in the draining lymph nodes.

Differences were also observed in the duration of expression. While mRNA expression from the conventional LNP decreased significantly within 48 hours, mRNA delivered via the peptide nanocomplex maintained expression for up to 7 days.

The study also confirmed the platform’s potential as a vaccine. In a SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine model, it induced neutralizing antibodies at levels similar to those of conventional LNPs, while showing an even stronger CD8+ T-cell immune response. No significant toxicity was observed in serum markers related to liver and kidney function, even after repeated high-dose administration.

The company explained that this study confirmed the potential for the peptide-based delivery platform to serve as a new drug delivery system (DDS) that complements the shortcomings of conventional LNPs rather than simply replacing them.

In particular, the company is highlighting the platform’s scalability, given its ability to incorporate peptides that target specific tissues and cells. It explained that the platform can be utilized not only for infectious disease mRNA vaccines but also for cancer vaccines, mRNA therapeutics, and various gene therapies, such as short interfering RNA (siRNA) and antisense oligonucleotides (ASO).

This study was jointly conducted by NIBEC CO., LTD., the Seoul National University College of Dentistry, and the Vaccine Research Center at the National Institute of Health under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Lee Ju-yeon, Director of the NIBEC CO., LTD. Research Institute; Jeong Jong-pyeong, CEO of NIBEC CO., LTD.; and Park Yun-jeong, Executive Vice President of NIBEC CO., LTD. (Professor at the Seoul National University College of Dentistry), served as corresponding authors and oversaw the research.

Jeong Jong-pyeong, CEO of NIBEC CO., LTD., stated, “This study confirms that the peptide-based delivery platform can serve as a new approach to overcome the limitations of existing LNP-based delivery systems,” adding, “We will continue to advance our peptide platform technology and expand our research, development, and commercialization efforts not only to mRNA-based therapeutics but also to various drug delivery fields.”