Pioneering mRNA Delivery Innovator Robert Langer Receives 2022 BBVA Award

Robert Langer’s pioneering innovations in messenger RNA delivery and nanoparticle encapsulation have been instrumental in advancing biomedicine, earning him the 2022 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award.

Recognizing a Biomedical Pioneer

Robert Langer, a prominent figure at MIT, has been honored with the 2022 BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award in Biology and Biomedicine for his groundbreaking work in messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and delivery technologies. This recognition highlights his pivotal role in the rapid development of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines.

Sharing this prestigious award with Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman from the University of Pennsylvania, Langer’s contributions include pioneering nanoparticle encapsulation methods that facilitate the introduction of mRNA into the body. Meanwhile, Karikó and Weissman were instrumental in discovering how to modify mRNA molecules for therapeutic use.

Early Innovations and Overcoming Skepticism

Langer’s journey began in 1976 when he published the first evidence demonstrating that micro- or nanoparticles could effectively encapsulate nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, for delivery into the body. Initially met with skepticism, this technology has since become essential for the development of mRNA vaccines and a range of other therapeutic interventions. Without the protective encapsulation provided by these nanoparticles, mRNA—and similarly, other large molecule-based therapies—risk degradation within the body.

“Before 1976, many doubted the feasibility of this technology. Even after its initial publication, I faced significant skepticism; my first nine grant applications were rejected, and no engineering department would offer me an assistant professor position.”

Expanding Therapeutic Horizons

Over the years, Langer, alongside numerous researchers, has propelled advancements in micro- and nanotechnology across various therapeutic domains. These include cancer treatment, diabetes management, cardiovascular health, mental health disorders like schizophrenia and opioid addiction, as well as pain management solutions. Today, Langer stands as one of the most cited scientists globally, boasting an h-index of 301—among the highest in scientific literature—and is a co-founder of several companies, including Moderna, known for its mRNA vaccine development.

The BBVA Foundation Award Ceremony

The award ceremony took place in Bilbao, Spain, hosted by the BBVA Foundation, where Langer, along with Karikó and Weissman, shared a prize totaling 400,000 euros.

The BBVA Foundation is dedicated to fostering knowledge through research and cultural creation across five strategic areas: environment, biomedicine and health, economy and society, basic sciences and technology, and culture. The Frontiers of Knowledge Awards span eight categories and honor research and cultural contributions that possess significant originality and theoretical importance. Since its inception in 2009, the BBVA has recognized over a dozen MIT faculty members and has also awarded the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) at MIT for its efforts in development cooperation.