NEW YORK, NY.- Christie’s presents, “The University Of Pennsylvania mRNA NFT: Vaccines For A New Era.” This breathtaking 3d digital work takes the viewer to the molecular level, showing a cutting-edge mRNA vaccine fighting COVID-19. Christie’s New York will offer this NFT online 15-25 July, 2022 (estimate on request). This one-of-a-kind digital piece was designed by the University of Pennsylvania and Dr. Drew Weissman, whose groundbreaking research helped create mRNA vaccines. The NFT comes with a storyboard that explains what the NFT depicts, the University of Pennsylvania-owned mRNA patent documents, and an original letter from Dr. Weissman, whose research produced key innovations that made mRNA vaccines safer and more effective. Proceeds from the auction will support ongoing research activities at the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Medicine.

MRNA vaccines are a new form of technology that has been science’s main tool to fight the COVID virus. Unlike traditional vaccines, which use a weakened or inactive germ to trigger an immune response, mRNA vaccines are designed to teach the body to create a protein that triggers the immune response. This one-of-a-kind NFT features a stunning one-minute 3D sequence that uses color, shape, movement, and sound to show mRNA encapsulated inside of lipid nanoparticles, administered via a vaccine, and working in the body to teach cells to create a protein to help the immune system to fight COVID.

Drew Weissman, M.D., Ph.D. Director of Vaccine Research at The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, said: “More than 15 years ago at Penn Medicine, my colleague Dr. Katalin Karikó and I found a way to modify mRNA to make it safe, effective, and practical for use as a vaccine against COVID-19. Now, we are working on using mRNA to treat or prevent flu, herpes, malaria, certain forms of cancer, and genetic disorders, including sickle cell anemia. I want to thank all who bid in this auction. Your support is essential to help us bring mRNA vaccines and therapeutics to the world.”

Peter Klarnet, Vice President, Senior Specialist in the Books and Manuscripts Department said: "We’ve all heard about mRNA vaccines on the news, now this amazing NFT gives us an unprecedented view of this technology in action. It’s been a privilege to work with the scientists at the University of Pennsylvania, who are doing the work that is saving millions of lives worldwide, and gratifying to know the proceeds from this sale will help Dr. Drew Weissman and his team harness this new kind of vaccine to fight a greater range of illnesses and alleviate even more suffering.”