Does the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine contain SM-102? Is it true that SM-102 is not approved for use in humans?
Answer from infectious diseases expert James Lawler, MD:
Yes, the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine does contain SM-102. And yes, the vaccine is safe.
SM-102 is a lipid molecule. (A lipid molecule is a molecule that does not dissolve in water.) The molecule helps form the lipid nanoparticles in the Moderna vaccine. (A lipid nanoparticle is an extremely small amount of matter that doesn't dissolve in water.)
When used for things other than medicines, SM-102 is sometimes mixed with chloroform. That's why websites like caymanchem.com list warnings for SM-102, because of the chloroform. When mixed in this way, it's not meant to be consumed by people.