Pen auctions first NFT in honor of modified mRNA developed COVID-19 vaccines
The non-fungible token celebrates Penn Medicine’s groundbreaking mRNA research that helped evolve the COVID-19 vaccine (Photo from Penn Medicine News).
Penn has created his own NFT – non-fungible token – to honor Penn Medicine’s mRNA research, which helped create the COVID-19 vaccines.
NFT, officially called the University of Pennsylvania mRNA NFT: Vaccines for a New Era, is the first NFT created by Penn. NFTs are digital assets in the form of an image, video, audio or text that use blockchain technology to ensure that the asset cannot be duplicated.
Penns NFT is a one-minute 3D animation of the modified mRNA technology that protects someone’s immune system against COVID-19. Penn’s mRNA patent documents and a letter describing new use of mRNA technology are also included in the NFT.
The digital artifact will be auctioned by the British auction house Christie’s from 15 July to 25 July. The proceeds will support ongoing research across the university, according to a press release from Penn Med.
The digital artifact shows Penn Med researchers Drew Weissman and Katalin Karikó’s work to increase the therapeutic potential of mRNA by enabling modified mRNA to enter target cells efficiently and instructing them to produce antigens or other disease-fighting proteins. reported Penn Med.
Senior Executive Vice President of Penn Craig Carnaroli explained the importance of the mRNA research found in NFT.
“[The research is] a type of modified mRNA developed here in Penn that really helped pave the way for this particular mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, and is increasingly seen as one of the world’s greatest scientific achievements, Carnaroli told Reuters.
Christie’s New York Vice President Peter Klarnet believes the NFT is a resource that deserves a high price tag.
“[Christie’s] strongly believe in it [the auction] will bring from low to mid-six figures, and possibly into the seven digits given that the funds will support the mission of Penn Medicine and the work of Drew Weissman [and Katalin Karikó]”Klarnet told Reuters.
Weissman and Karikó have been praised for their contributions to the COVID-19 vaccine, including coverage of Time’s 2021 Heroes of the Year edition, and Weissman continues to hope that their research will be a resource in stopping the spread of other infectious diseases.
“Although the investigations we started over two decades ago have culminated in significant findings and a vaccine against a pandemic-causing virus, work is continuing,” Weissman told the Lasker Foundation. “I am excited to say that my laboratory is pursuing new mRNA vaccines to protect against a number of infectious diseases, such as influenza and HIV.”
