SM-102

SM-102 is a synthetic ionizable amino lipid that serves as a critical component in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems for mRNA therapeutics. It was developed by Moderna and is most widely recognized as the ionizable lipid in the mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine (Spikevax). SM-102 is designed to be neutral at physiological pH but becomes positively charged in the acidic environment of the endosome. This pH-dependent ionization facilitates the encapsulation of negatively charged mRNA during manufacturing and promotes endosomal escape and cytosolic release of the mRNA within target cells. Beyond its use in vaccines, SM-102 is being investigated for ex vivo applications, such as the serial delivery of mRNA to T cells for the production of next-generation allogeneic CAR-T therapies, where it has demonstrated superior cell viability and yield compared to traditional physical delivery methods like electroporation.

Other names

heptadecan-9-yl 8-((2-hydroxyethyl)(6-oxo-6-(undecyloxy)hexyl)amino)octanoate8-[(2-hydroxyethyl)[6-oxo-6-(undecyloxy)hexyl]amino]-octanoic acid, 1-heptadecyl ester