Journal of Toxicology review identifies safety gaps in mRNA technology

A narrative literature review published in the Journal of Toxicology on October 15, 2026, has evaluated six years of scientific research regarding modified mRNA technology. The review, titled “Toxicological Vulnerabilities and Emerging Safety Signals in Modified mRNA Vaccine Technology: A Narrative Review of the COVID-19 Experience,” examines data from 2020 through 2026.

The authors identify several unresolved safety questions, focusing on biodistribution, lipid nanoparticles, the duration and location of spike protein production, myocarditis, neurological and reproductive events, DNA residues, and potential long-term biological consequences. The study is a review of existing literature found via PubMed and Google Scholar rather than a new clinical trial involving original patient data.

Among the 16 authors is Helmut Sterz, identified by Wiley as an independent researcher. Sterz previously served as the chief toxicologist for Pfizer Europe, where he was responsible for animal testing related to drug safety, a role he confirmed before the German Bundestag.