Blueprints for Better Drugs: The Structural Revolution in Nanomedicine

Chad A. Mirkin; Robert Langer; Milan Mrksich; Adam A. Margolin; Sarah Hurst Petrosko; Natalie Artzi

doi:10.1021/acsnano.5c06380

Blueprints for Better Drugs: The Structural Revolution in Nanomedicine

Chad A. Mirkin^*, Robert Langer^*, Milan Mrksich^*, Adam A. Margolin^*, Sarah Hurst Petrosko, Natalie Artzi^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

Structural nanomedicines are engineered constructs that arrange therapeutic components into well-defined architectures to maximize efficacy. Their multivalent, multifunctional design offers key advantages over unstructured formulations, including targeted delivery, expanded therapeutic windows, and enhanced target engagement. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines exemplify their transformative potential. However, structural precision varies, and more well-defined architectures will streamline optimization, manufacturing, and regulation. Unlike small molecule drugs, nanomedicines within a batch are not identical. Identifying the most effective, least toxic structures will advance our understanding of structure-function relationships and therapeutic mechanisms. This work highlights structural nanomedicines─small molecules, nucleic acids, and biologics─to galvanize the field and drive innovation toward even safer, more effective treatments that benefit patients.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	18889-18901
Number of pages	13
Journal	ACS nano
Volume	19
Issue number	20
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.5c06380
State	Published - May 27 2025

Funding

Research reported in this paper was supported by the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health under awards R01CA257926 and R01CA275430 and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award U54DK137516. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. This work was also supported by The Lefkofsky Family Foundation and Edgar H. Bachrach through the Bachrach Family Foundation. C. Mirkin is a CZ Biohub Investigator. We acknowledge the following individuals for providing feedback regarding this perspective and/or help in preparing figures: E. Berns, J. Bourgeois, A. Cryer, and L. Palmer. R.L.\u2019s website (please refer to the Conflict of Interest statement): https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/9hrpxuzs72iwvmoqze7rx/AA_OoThWVjAex7X_LhwLRcw?rlkey=llza5qcutubtyx34uqrrfy141=1=zcgqc4qp=0 .

ASJC Scopus subject areas

General Materials Science
General Engineering
General Physics and Astronomy

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

10.1021/acsnano.5c06380

Cite this

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abstract = "Structural nanomedicines are engineered constructs that arrange therapeutic components into well-defined architectures to maximize efficacy. Their multivalent, multifunctional design offers key advantages over unstructured formulations, including targeted delivery, expanded therapeutic windows, and enhanced target engagement. The mRNA COVID-19 vaccines exemplify their transformative potential. However, structural precision varies, and more well-defined architectures will streamline optimization, manufacturing, and regulation. Unlike small molecule drugs, nanomedicines within a batch are not identical. Identifying the most effective, least toxic structures will advance our understanding of structure-function relationships and therapeutic mechanisms. This work highlights structural nanomedicines─small molecules, nucleic acids, and biologics─to galvanize the field and drive innovation toward even safer, more effective treatments that benefit patients.",

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AU - Artzi, Natalie

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Blueprints for Better Drugs: The Structural Revolution in Nanomedicine

Abstract

Funding

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

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