In-Depth: How a scientist laid the groundwork for the mRNA COVID vaccines in San Diego

In-Depth: How a scientist laid the groundwork for the mRNA COVID vaccines in San Diego

When the history of the mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 gets written, there will be an important chapter in San Diego. A series of experiments conducted decades ago at a fledgling biotech company … has earned one scientist a prestigious international award. The journal Nature listed him as a possible contender for the Nobel Prize. It all has to do with a small bottle of clear liquid on Phil Felgner’s desk. Today, Philip Felgner, [Ph.D., professor in residence of physiology & biophysics], leads UCI’s Vaccine Research and Development Center.