Meet the moderator - PhD Randi Nordström

The growing relevance of lipid nanoparticles, the transformation of drug delivery systems, and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration – get the reflections from The Scheele Symposium moderator: PhD Randi Nordström, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden.  

Why do you think lipid nanoparticles are such a relevant topic right now? 
The approval of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic marked a turning point, not just for vaccine development, but for intracellular delivery as a whole. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have proven essential for safely delivering mRNA, and their potential now extends to other biological drugs and reaches beyond infectious diseases to e.g. gene editing, cancer therapies, and rare diseases. We’re still early in the LNP journey, with exciting opportunities ahead in improving uptake, targeting delivery, and expanding to other biologics and nucleotide therapeutics.

You’ve followed the field of drug delivery – what major changes have you seen in recent years? 
Over the past decade, drug delivery has undergone a remarkable transformation. We’ve moved from focusing on traditional small molecules to biologics and large-molecule therapeutics, which are reshaping how we approach treatment design and manufacturing. At the same time, advances in nanotechnology, especially mRNA-based therapies, have enabled more precise and responsive delivery systems. The rise of personalized medicine and smart materials is pushing the field even further, allowing for adaptive, real-time drug release tailored to individual patient profiles. It’s an exciting time, and I believe we’re only beginning to unlock the full potential of these innovations.

What do you hope participants will take away from the day? 
What I hope participants take away from the Scheele Symposium 2025 is a deeper understanding of how rapidly pharmaceutical science is evolving—particularly in biological therapeutics and advanced drug delivery. We’re seeing a fundamental shift in how medicines are designed, developed, and administered. This progress is driven by interdisciplinary collaboration, not only across scientific domains like biology, chemistry, and physiology, but also across organizations—from academic labs and SMEs to big pharma, hospitals, and regulatory authorities. The symposium is a unique opportunity to engage with these changes and spark new partnerships. It’s especially meaningful to honor Professor Pieter Cullis, whose pioneering work in lipid nanoparticle technology has laid the groundwork for many of the innovations we’re discussing today. His contributions continue to shape the future of medicine.

What is your role as a moderator at a symposium like this? 
As moderator at the Scheele Symposium 2025, my role is to guide the program, introduce speakers, and help create a dynamic and inclusive atmosphere. I see it as an opportunity to support meaningful dialogue across disciplines and organizations, which is at the heart of pharmaceutical innovation. I’ll do my best to maintain that broader perspective throughout the day—even if it’s tempting to get fully absorbed in the fascinating talks.

Is there a particular topic or talk you’re especially curious to hear more about? 
The organizers have put together a fantastic agenda, and I’m genuinely excited for all the talks. They cover several aspects of the broad LNP field today and they offer a meaningful tribute to Professor Pieter Cullis’s contributions. That said, I’m especially looking forward to hearing Professor Pieter Cullis speak. I’ve followed his work for years, but I’ve never had the opportunity to hear him present in person, so this will be a real highlight for me.