AP60 is a novel, biomimetic ionizable lipid, identified as the lead compound from a library of 67 aminophosphonate-derived lipids. Inspired by the structure of natural phospholipids, it forms the core component of lipid nanoparticles within the CROSS delivery platform. AP60-based LNPs demonstrate superior efficiency in delivering mRNA and circular RNA to neuronal cells and astrocytes compared to the clinically used MC3 LNP. In a mouse model of spinal cord injury, AP60 LNPs achieved significantly higher protein expression at the lesion site (13.7-fold locally, 4.6-fold intravenously) while concurrently reducing off-target accumulation in the liver by nearly 5-fold. This indicates improved targeting to the central nervous system injury site and a potentially better safety profile. Its cellular uptake is primarily mediated by clathrin-mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis, followed by efficient endosomal escape. By encapsulating therapeutic circular RNAs encoding Sox2, Ascl1, and GDNF, AP60 LNPs enable effective in vivo reprogramming and neuroprotection, leading to significant functional recovery of bladder and locomotor functions after spinal cord injury.

VL422 is an ionizable cationic lipid. It has been used in the generation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of CRISPR complementary single-guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas9 mRNA for gene editing in vitro and in vivo. LNPs containing VL422 and encapsulating Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA targeting the gene encoding angiopoietin-related protein 3 (ANGPTL3), a protein whose loss-of-function decreases LDL, HDL, and cholesterol plasma levels, induce a deletion in a premature stop codon in ANGPTL3 in the livers of cynomolgus monkeys.

Sail Lipid 2308​ is a novel ionizable lipid targeting to spleen developed by Sai Biomedicine.As described on US20250205167A1, Lipid 2308 was designed with a ​​piperidine core​​ (6-membered ring) and asymmetric C17/C11 chains, this lipid achieves unprecedented ​​spleen-specificity​​. It demonstrates dominant spleen accumulation (Spleen RLU: ​​7.8E+06​​, 91.8% of total signal) with a record ​​spleen-to-liver ratio of 112.7​​ (9× higher than 2231). Despite lower protein expression (hEPO: 11,000 ng/mL), near-zero liver uptake (Liver RLU: 66,000) makes Lipid 2308 unparalleled for vaccine/immunotherapy applications targeting splenic immune cells.

Sail Lipid 2231 is a novel ionizable lipid targeting to spleen developed by Sai Biomedicine.As described on US20250205167A1 Lipid 2231 features  a ​​pyrrolidine core​​ (5-membered ring) with biodegradable ester linkages and asymmetric C17/C11 hydrophobic chains. In vivo data shows moderate spleen targeting (Spleen RLU: ​​3.8E+06​​) with a spleen-to-liver ratio of ​​12.767​​. 

​​Lipid 10a-26​​ is an ionizable lipid developed by Orna Therapeutics for lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. It features a biodegradable ester backbone and an ionizable headgroup, enabling efficient encapsulation and delivery of circular RNA (oRNA). Experimental data show that Lipid 10a-26 mediates robust protein expression in hepatocytes and immune cells (e.g., T cells), with strong liver-targeting specificity observed in vivo. Its optimized hydrolysis profile ensures stable oRNA delivery and reduced immunogenicity. For instance, LNPs formulated with Lipid 10a-26 (molar ratio 50:10:38.5:1.5) demonstrate high transfection efficiency in splenic B cells and sustained therapeutic protein production.The lipid’s design balances efficacy and safety, making it ideal for applications like CAR-T therapy and hepatic protein replacement.

AX6​​ is an ionizable lipid in the ​​F32 LNP​​ formulation, engineered by ReNAgade/Orna Therapeutics for targeted mRNA delivery to T cells. AX-6's unique ​​bridged bicyclic/polycyclic core​​ with a ​​tertiary amine group​​ enables pH-dependent protonation and endosomal escape, while ​​C14-C18 hydrophobic tails​​ (optionally branched/fluorinated) enhance bilayer stability and mRNA encapsulation. Demonstrating ​​exceptional T-cell tropism​​, AX6 achieves high transfection efficiency in CD4+/CD8+ T cells (validated in NHP/humanized models) with minimal toxicity. Compared to clinical benchmarks (SM-102, ALC-0315), its rigid core offers superior ​​serum stability​​ and ​​immune-cell specificity​​, positioning it as an ideal candidate for ​​CAR-T/NK therapies​​ and ​​next-gen vaccines​​. The F32 LNP system's proven efficacy (e.g., in vivo B-cell depletion) underscores AX 6's transformative potential for ​​cell engineering​​ and ​​immunotherapies​​.

ORNA lipid 144​​ is a novel ionizable lipid engineered for splenic RNA delivery developed by ORNA Therapeutics, featuring a biodegradable structure with a protonatable tertiary amine headgroup and ester-linked branched C14 alkyl chains. This design enables exceptional spleen-targeting capability, demonstrated by 3-fold higher luciferase expression in the spleen compared to benchmark lipids and near-complete B-cell depletion when delivering anti-CD19 CAR circRNA. It forms highly stable lipid nanoparticles maintaining homogeneous size (60–80 nm) and low polydispersity across diverse manufacturing conditions and buffer systems. Rapid clearance from the liver and spleen minimizes off-target accumulation, while high circRNA encapsulation efficiency (>90%) and pH-dependent endosomal escape make it ideal for immunotherapies and vaccines requiring precise splenic bioavailability and sustained efficacy.

PL-40​​ is a ​​cardiolipin-mimetic ionizable lipid​​ engineered for high-efficiency, antibody-free mRNA delivery to T cells. PL 40 LNPs exhibit a mean particle size of ​​120 nm​​, zeta potential of ​​-5.19 mV​​, and >80% mRNA encapsulation efficiency, with excellent plasma stability (≤5% size change after 6h in serum). Cryo-TEM reveals ​​polyhedral nanoparticles​​ with phase-separated domains, while SAXS confirms tight mRNA packing (d-spacing: ​​~3 nm​​ vs. 6.64 nm in conventional LNPs). AFM demonstrates exceptional rigidity (high bending modulus), enabling T cell-selective uptake via actin-mediated endocytosis (>2× higher than ALC0315 LNPs).In primary human T cells, PL40 LNPs achieve ​​>90% transfection​​ at 0.5 μg mRNA dose and sustain >100× higher luciferase expression than benchmark lipids. When delivering circular RNA, they extend protein expression ​​>5 days​​ with superior spleen tropism (spleen:liver ratio = ​​2.63​​). Crucially, they reprogram T cells into functional CAR-Ts in vivo without antibody conjugation, evading exhaustion markers (no Tim-3/PD-1 upregulation). Therapeutically, PL40-based uPAR-targeted CAR mRNA reduces liver fibrosis (​​collagen↓50%​​, ALT↓50%) and rheumatoid arthritis severity (​​clinical scores↓60%​​) by clearing senescent cells. Humanized anti-uPAR CARs delivered via PL40 show near-complete cytotoxicity (>95%) against uPAR+ cells, underscoring clinical translatability.

TE AA3-Dlin is an optimized lipid nanoparticle (LNP) carrier designed for mRNA-based cancer immunotherapy, enabling precise in vivo dendritic cell (DC) reprogramming to enhance antitumor immunity. TE AA3-Dlin LNP exhibits superior serum stability, maintaining consistent particle size and low turbidity under physiological conditions, while protecting mRNA from degradation, which is crucial for effective delivery. Functionally, TE AA3-Dlin preferentially targets splenic DCs by leveraging ApoE-enriched protein coronas, facilitating efficient cellular uptake and mRNA expression, as demonstrated by enhanced EGFP signals in DCs.This targeting promotes DC maturation, antigen presentation, and membrane-bound IL-15 expression, activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) for tumor rejection. In models like melanoma and colon carcinoma, it synergizes with checkpoint inhibitors, showing minimal toxicity and robust immunological memory.

F10T5 is a tetrahedral tetrahydrofuran (THF)-derived lipid nanoparticle (LNP) engineered with four acid-labile acetal tails, designed for efficient mRNA delivery to the central nervous system. This lipid features a mono-THF core conjugated with branched hydrophobic chains that balance lipophilicity (LogD ≈11) and endosomal escape capability. Preclinical studies demonstrated F10T5 LNPs bypass the blood-brain barrier via meningeal lymphatic vessels (MLVs) after subcutaneous neck injection, showing 40-fold higher brain luciferase expression than FDA-approved SM102 LNPs. Cryo-EM revealed spherical nanoparticles (~170 nm diameter) with 91.9% mRNA encapsulation. In Neuro-2a cells, F10T5 exhibited superior cytoplasmic mRNA release through enhanced endosomal membrane disruption, evidenced by diffuse calcein fluorescence. Flow cytometry confirmed neuron-predicted delivery (8.8% GFP+ neurons vs 1.28% with SM102) in mice, with functional validation in Ai14 transgenic models where Cre mRNA-loaded F10T5 induced tdTomato expression in neurons and glial cells. Safety assessments showed normal hepatic/renal biomarkers and no histopathological abnormalities. The THF core and acetal tail design synergistically optimize lymphatic trafficking, brain penetration, and biodegradability, positioning F10T5 as a transformative platform for mRNA-based therapies targeting neurodegenerative diseases.

Lipid C3 is an ionizable cationic lipid (pKa = 5.05-5.671).1,2 It has been used in the formation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for the delivery of mRNA in vitro and in vivo.

BHD-C2C2-PipZ, as an efficient ionizable cationic lipid, achieves high encapsulation efficiency and controllable release of mRNA through its unique chemical structure. In PEG-free 3P-LNPs, its electrostatic interaction with tripolyphosphate successfully replaces the steric stabilization effect of traditional PEG, offering a new strategy to circumvent PEG immunogenicity. Its hepatic distribution pattern further indicates that LNP design should take into account the heterogeneity of the organ microenvironment.

Compound 22, as detailed in United States Patent US 2026/0014089 A1, is a bifunctional ionizable lipid engineered for precision drug delivery. Its structure integrates a monosaccharide targeting headgroup, designed to bind specifically to DC-SIGN receptors on dendritic cells, via a sophisticated linker connected to a biodegradable lipid anchor. This design enables it to serve as a key component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), forming a targeted delivery system. By leveraging the specific carbohydrate-receptor interaction, these LNPs are preferentially internalized by dendritic cells, critical for initiating adaptive immune responses. In vivo studies from the patent, such as the biodistribution data shown in Figure 5, confirm effective accumulation in lymphoid tissues like the spleen and lymph nodes. Consequently, this targeted delivery enhances the potency of encapsulated payloads (e.g., mRNA vaccines) by ensuring professional antigen presentation, eliciting a stronger and more specific immune response—evidenced by higher neutralizing antibody titers—making it a powerful tool for next-generation vaccines and therapeutics.

244-9-cis is a novel ionizable lipid disclosed in United States Patent US 2026/0014075 A1, specifically engineered for advanced lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems. Its distinctive molecular architecture features biodegradable ester bonds, which contribute to excellent physicochemical properties such as a near-neutral surface charge (approximately -3 mV) for improved biocompatibility, an optimal pKa of about 6.2 to facilitate endosomal escape, and consistently high nucleic acid encapsulation efficiency exceeding 90%. In vivo studies confirm significantly enhanced delivery to hepatocytes and markedly higher therapeutic protein expression compared to control formulations, positioning 244-9-cis as a promising candidate for next-generation genetic medicines.

EDMPC, a cationic lipid, has an enhanced ability to deliver DNA to pulmonary tissues. EDMPC mediates intralobar DNA delivery to rodents.

C14-306 is a rationally designed ionizable lipid for brain targeting delivery, characterized by a linear 3,3'-diamino-N-methyldipropylamine (306) core conjugated with tetradecyl (C14) tails. This specific architectural configuration, synthesized via epoxide ring-opening amination, yields a molecular structure that optimally balances hydrophobic character and protonation capacity. The C14 alkyl chains enhance membrane integration and LNP stability, while the multiamine core facilitates efficient mRNA complexation and pH-dependent endosomal disruption. When formulated into LNPs with standard helper lipids (DOPE, cholesterol, DMG-PEG2000), C14-306-based nanoparticles exhibit favorable physicochemical properties, including a monodisperse size distribution near 110 nm and high mRNA encapsulation efficiency (>84%). High-throughput in vivo barcoding screening identified C14-306 LNPs as lead candidates for brain delivery, demonstrating a significant tropism for neuronal cells over liver tissue. In validation studies, LNPs incorporating C14-306 achieved a 6.9-fold increase in luciferase mRNA transfection in the mouse brain compared to the SM-102 benchmark, coupled with a substantial reduction in hepatic off-target expression. Flow cytometry confirmed preferential transfection of NeuN+ neurons, and safety assessments indicated no significant blood-brain barrier compromise or induction of systemic inflammation. The efficacy of C14-306 is attributed to its tailored pKa, promoting extended circulation and enhanced endosomal escape within brain cells. C14-306 represents a promising platform for systemic mRNA therapeutics targeting neurological disorders.

Lipid A-12 is an ionizable cationic lipid from Capstan Therapeutics and a close analog of CICL-1 (L829). The structure was modified by the extension of the headgroup linker from a two-carbon (C2) to a three-carbon (C3) spacer compared to CICL-1 (L829).

SM86 is a cationic, ionizable lipid developed by Moderna as a core component of its lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform for mRNA therapeutic delivery.SM-086 is structurally optimized and analogous to SM-102 (used in Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines), with modifications aimed at enhancing mRNA delivery efficiency and safety.SM-86 serves as the primary cationic lipid in three investigational mRNA therapies targeting rare metabolic disorders:mRNA-3927: Restores propionyl-CoA carboxylase activity in propionic acidemia (PA). mRNA-3705: Delivers methylmalonyl-CoA mutase mRNA for methylmalonic acidemia (MMA). mRNA-3210: Provides phenylalanine hydroxylase mRNA to treat phenylketonuria (PKU).

AMG-1541 is a degradable cyclic amino alcohol ionizable lipid optimized for mRNA vaccine delivery using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Formulated typically with DOPE, cholesterol, and PEG-lipids, AMG 1541 LNPs have a diameter of ~85 nm, PDI of 0.107, and encapsulation efficiency of 67%, ensuring stability and efficient mRNA delivery. In vitro, it outperforms benchmarks like SM-102, showing enhanced transfection in cells such as C2C12 and PBMCs. In vivo, intramuscular administration in mice results in robust protein expression within 6 hours and induces potent immune responses, including high antibody titers and Th1-biased T-cell activation, with minimal inflammation. Mechanistically, its β-hydroxyl groups form hydrogen bonds with mRNA phosphate backbones, facilitating endosomal escape. AMG1541 degrades rapidly under enzymatic conditions, reducing long-term toxicity, and is effective for vaccines targeting pathogens like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, making it a promising candidate for clinical applications.

Derived from the natural amino acid homocysteine, CP-LC-1422 is an ionizable cationic lipid that enables robust in vivo delivery of various RNA forms (mRNA, cRNA, and saRNA), driving high protein expression. When formulated into LNPs (50/38.5/10/1.5 molar ratio of ionizable lipid/cholesterol/DOPE/PEG-lipid), it achieves superior spleen-specific targeting compared to commercial options through intravenous administration, while maintaining an excellent safety profile.

Lipid 5D8 is a novel biodegradable ionizable lipid (IL) developed through a combinatorial chemistry strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in mRNA delivery. Synthesized via a one-step, solvent-free Michael addition reaction between amine and thiol monomers, 5D8 features asymmetric lipid tails and a biodegradable ester backbone, ensuring both structural versatility and reduced toxicity. In preclinical studies, 5D8-based LNPs demonstrated exceptional liver-targeting efficiency and mRNA delivery performance. A single intravenous dose (1 mg/kg) achieved 61% CRISPR-Cas9-mediated editing of the TTR gene in mice, reducing serum TTR protein by 90%, outperforming benchmark lipids like C12-200 (51% editing). Moreover, 5D8 enabled efficient delivery of base editors (ABE8.8 and CBE4max), achieving 42% PCSK9 editing (74% serum protein reduction) and correcting hereditary tyrosinemia in mice, significantly extending survival. Beyond gene editing, 5D8 LNPs effectively delivered siRNA (complete serum TTR clearance at 0.05 mg/kg) and enhanced hepatocyte targeting by enriching apolipoprotein E on particle surfaces. Crucially, 5D8 exhibited superior biocompatibility with no hepatotoxicity (normal ALT/AST levels), contrasting traditional LNPs. Its rapid biodegradability and "plug-and-play" design make 5D8 a versatile platform for mRNA therapeutics, holding broad potential for treating genetic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and beyond. This innovation represents a critical advancement toward safer, high-efficiency clinical translation of gene-editing therapies.L

A4B4-S3 is a novel biodegradable ionizable lipid that has been meticulously designed through modular platforms and optimized specifically for mRNA delivery. It serves as a critical component of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and enhances mRNA delivery efficiency by facilitating endosomal escape. The structural design of A4B4-S3 leverages the Passerini reaction, a highly efficient and modular chemical method that enables the rapid generation of diverse lipid libraries. The design focuses on optimizing the methylene units between lipid headgroups and linkages to strengthen hydrogen bonding interactions with mRNA ribophosphate complexes. This enhanced hydrogen bonding allows for more effective release of mRNA from endosomes, thereby boosting delivery efficiency. Concurrently, the structural optimization improves biodegradability, reducing potential long-term toxicity risks. In experimental studies, A4B4-S3 has demonstrated superior gene editing efficacy in mouse liver compared to SM-102, a clinically prevalent lipid used in Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine. It also shows potential for repeat-dose protein replacement therapies, suggesting enhanced stability and safety for long-term treatment regimens. Technologically, A4B4-S3 not only provides a more efficient LNP formulation but also deepens the understanding of the relationship between structure and delivery efficiency. This offers new directions for the development of future mRNA therapeutics. In summary, A4B4-S3 represents a next-generation delivery carrier achieved through rational design and high-throughput screening strategies. Its performance enhancements and biodegradable properties position it as a promising candidate for gene therapies and vaccine applications.

THP1 is a tetrahydropyrimidine ionizable lipid for mRNA delivery. THP1 demonstrates higher transfection efficiency comparable to DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3). THP1 LNPs also demonstrates the ability to edit genes in specific liver tissues in a tdTomato transgenic mouse model.

306Oi10 is a branched-chain ionizable lipidoid that has shown significant promise in the generation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for mRNA delivery. Its unique structural and functional properties make it a highly efficient delivery vehicle for mRNA-based therapeutics.

Lipid 48​ is a leading ionizable lipid designed for therapeutic nucleic acid delivery. Its key function is to form the core of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that efficiently encapsulate and deliver cargoes like mRNA and CRISPR guide RNAs into cells. Its optimized structure allows it to remain neutral in the bloodstream for low toxicity but become positively charged in acidic cellular compartments (endosomes), where it disrupts the membrane to release the therapeutic payload. Data from the patent demonstrates its superior profile: it achieves high gene editing efficiency (e.g., ~80% indel rates in vitro and 16.2% in vivo in mouse liver) while maintaining low cytotoxicity (cell viability >80% at effective doses), establishing it as an ideal candidate for gene therapy applications due to its exceptional balance of potency and safety.

L319 (LIPID 319) is a novel ionizable, biodegradable lipid for delivery of short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). L319-LPN displays rapid elimination with pKa of 6.38 and also shows well tolerated up to 10 mg/kg.

ALC 0307 is an ionizable amino lipid developed by Acuitas Therapeutics, serving as the critical functional component in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for targeted therapeutic delivery. As the core cationic lipid in specific LNP formulations (e.g., k-abe for CPS1-Q335X correction), its key feature is pH-dependent chargeability: it remains neutral at physiological pH but becomes positively charged in acidic environments like endosomes. This property enables efficient encapsulation of nucleic acid payloads (>97% efficiency, e.g., base editor mRNA/gRNA complexes) and facilitates endosomal escape via membrane disruption post-cellular uptake.​​ Its optimized structure promotes selective hepatocyte targeting by binding endogenous apolipoprotein E (ApoE), which subsequently interacts with LDL receptors on liver cells. Preclinical studies show rapid clearance (>99.5% plasma reduction in 14 days) and manageable transient toxicity (mild, reversible cytoplasmic vacuolation in hepatocytes, short-term ALT/AST elevation). LNPs containing ALC0307, alongside helper lipids (cholesterol, DSPC, and PEG-lipid ALC-0159), form stable ~73 nm particles with low polydispersity. This combination enables repeatable, liver-directed delivery of gene editing therapeutics with minimized off-target effects, underpinning its use in individualized in vivo gene correction therapies.

TCL053 is an ionizable amino lipid.1 It has been used in the generation of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and has a pKa value of 6.8. LNPs containing TCL053 and encapsulating mRNA encoding the Cas9 nuclease, in combination with LNPs containing TCL053 and encapsulating single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting the Rosa26 locus, have been used to induce CRISPR-mediated gene editing in the mouse gastrocnemius muscle.TCL053 is an ionizable lipid that has received FDA approval for preparing mRNA vaccines. It is a three-tailed ionizable lipid to overcome the disadvantage of nonrepeatable administration of AAV vectors. In addition, combined with limb perfusion administration, TCL053 iLNPs could transiently deliver CRISPR-Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA to multiple muscle tissues, reducing immunogenicity and increasing the safety of iLNPs. It is great progress for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other diseases that require multiple doses.

SM-102 is an ionizable amino lipid that has been used in combination with other lipids in the formation of lipid nanoparticles.Administration of luciferase mRNA in SM-102-containing lipid nanoparticles induces hepatic luciferase expression in mice. Formulations containing SM-102 have been used in the development of lipid nanoparticles for delivery of mRNA-based vaccines.

Lipid 8 iLNPs were used to deliver CRISPR-Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA which targeted to the PLK1 gene. The safety and excellent intracerebral diffusion performance of lipid 8 iLNPs ensured that the survival of murine glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) mice was extended. The median survival was extended by approximately 50% and the overall survival was increased by 30%. The treatment of metastatic adenocarcinoma was executed by the EGFRtargeted lipid 8 iLNPs. These iLNPs possessed the ability of tumor targeting, which could increase the accumulation of CRISPR-Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA within the tumor cells. After a single intraperitoneal administration,
80% PLK1 gene was edited and the overall survival of mice with high-grade ovarian cancer malignant ascites was enhanced by
80% . These results demonstrate the clinical potential of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system can be delivered by iLNPs for treating tumors, and provide new ideas for tumor gene therapy.