Jacob Brenner MD, PhD

Dr. Jacob S. Brenner, MD, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care at the Perelman School of Medicine. He is a physician-scientist specializing in critical care medicine and nanomedicine, with a focus on developing next-generation genetic therapies.

Dr. Brenner’s research centers on the design and application of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platforms for DNA and mRNA delivery. His laboratory has pioneered advances in DNA-loaded LNPs for treating a wide range of diseases, including monogenic disorders, pulmonary conditions, and chronic diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis. His work also investigates the safety and toxicology of nanomedicine, aiming to reduce immune-related side effects and improve therapeutic efficacy.

In addition to his research, Dr. Brenner is actively involved in clinical care, attending in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He is board-certified and fellowship-trained in critical care medicine. He earned his BA in Molecular Biology from Princeton University and completed his MD and PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program at Stanford University. At Penn, he also contributes to education in nanomedicine and medical entrepreneurship.