1
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Shi R, Liu X, Wang Y, Pan M, Wang S, Shi L, Ni B. Long-term stability and immunogenicity of lipid nanoparticle COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is affected by particle size. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2024; 20:2342592. [PMID: 38714327 PMCID: PMC11085994 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2024.2342592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) technology has been rapidly applied for the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, naked mRNA itself is inherently unstable. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) protect mRNAs from extracellular ribonucleases and facilitate mRNA trafficking. For mRNA vaccines, antigen-presenting cells utilize LNPs through uptake to elicit antigen-specific immunity. There are reports on the impact of various physical characteristics of LNPs, particularly those with sizes less than 200 nm, especially 50 to 150 nm, on the overall stability and protective efficacy of mRNA vaccines. To address this, a single change in the size of LNPs using the same mRNA stock solution was assessed for the physicochemical characterization of the resulting mRNA-LNPs vaccine, along with the evaluation of their protective efficacy. Particles of smaller sizes generally disperse more effectively in solutions, with minimized occurrence of particle precipitation and aggregation. Here, we demonstrate that the vaccine containing 80-100 nm mRNA-LNPs showed the best stability and protection at 4°C and -20°C. Furthermore, we can conclude that freezing the vaccine at -20°C is more appropriate for maintaining stability over the long term. This effort is poised to provide a scientific basis for improving the quality of ongoing mRNA vaccine endeavors and providing information on the development of novel products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruimeng Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Xueli Liu
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Hebei Research Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Inspection, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Yajuan Wang
- Research and Development Department, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Meilu Pan
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Hebei Research Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Inspection, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Shaoqin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Lin Shi
- Pharmacology Laboratory, Hebei Research Institute of Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Inspection, Shijiazhuang, PR China
| | - Beibei Ni
- Research and Development Department, CSPC Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Shijiazhuang, PR China
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2
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Currie J, Dahlberg JR, Lundberg E, Thunberg L, Eriksson J, Schweikart F, Nilsson GA, Örnskov E. Stability indicating ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography method for modified mRNA. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 245:116144. [PMID: 38636193 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Modified messenger RNA (mRNA) represents a rapidly emerging class of therapeutic drug product. Development of robust stability indicating methods for control of product quality are therefore critical to support successful pharmaceutical development. This paper presents an ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography (IP-RPLC) method to characterise modified mRNA exposed to a wide set of stress-inducing conditions, relevant for pharmaceutical development of an mRNA drug product. The optimised method could be used for separation and analysis of large RNA, sized up to 1000 nucleotides. Column temperature, mobile phase flow rate and ion-pair selection were each studied and optimised. Baseline separations of the model RNA ladder sample were achieved using all examined ion-pairing agents. We established that the optimised method, using 100 mM Triethylamine, enabled the highest resolution separation for the largest fragments in the RNA ladder (750/1000 nucleotides), in addition to the highest overall resolution for the selected modified mRNA compound (eGFP mRNA, 996 nucleotides). The stability indicating power of the method was demonstrated by analysing the modified eGFP mRNA, upon direct exposure to heat, hydrolytic conditions and treatment with ribonucleases. Our results showed that the formed degradation products, which appeared as shorter RNA fragments in front of the main peak, could be well monitored, using the optimised method, and the relative stability of the mRNA under the various stressed conditions could be assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Currie
- Innovation Strategies and External Liaison, Pharmaceutical Technology and Development, Operations & IT, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jacob R Dahlberg
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ester Lundberg
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Thunberg
- Early Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jonas Eriksson
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Fritz Schweikart
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunilla A Nilsson
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eivor Örnskov
- Advanced Drug Delivery, Pharmaceutical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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3
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Doan TNK, Davis MM, Croyle MA. Identification of film-based formulations that move mRNA lipid nanoparticles out of the freezer. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2024; 35:102179. [PMID: 38606144 PMCID: PMC11007537 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2024.102179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 vaccines consisting of mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) encoding the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein antigen protected millions of people from severe disease; however, they must be stored frozen prior to use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the compatibility and stability of mRNA LNPs within a polymer-based film matrix. An optimized formulation of polymer base, glycerol, surfactants, and PEGylated lipid that prevents damage to the LNP due to physical changes during the film-forming process (osmotic stress, surface tension, spatial stress, and water loss) was identified. Surfactants added to LNP stock prior to mixing with other film components contributed to this effect. Formulations prepared at pH ≥ 8.5 extended transfection efficiency beyond 4 weeks at 4°C when combined with known nucleic acid stabilizers. mRNA LNPs were most stable in films when manufactured in an environment of ∼50% relative humidity. The optimized formulation offers 16-week stability at 4°C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang Nguyen Kieu Doan
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Madison M. Davis
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Maria A. Croyle
- College of Pharmacy, Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- John R. LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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4
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Reitemeier J, Metro J, Bohn PW. Detection of aldehydes from degradation of lipid nanoparticle formulations using a hierarchically-organized nanopore electrochemical biosensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 261:116457. [PMID: 38850733 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Degradation of ionizable lipids in mRNA-based vaccines was recently found to deactivate the payload, demanding rigorous monitoring of impurities in lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations. However, parallel screening for lipid degradation in customized delivery systems for next-generation therapeutics maintains a challenging and unsolved problem. Here, we describe a nanopore electrochemical sensor to detect ppb-levels of aldehydes arising from lipid degradation in LNP formulations that can be deployed in massively parallel fashion. Specifically, we combine nanopore electrodes with a block copolymer (BCP) membrane capable of hydrophobic gating of analyte transport between the bulk solution and the nanopore volume. By incorporating aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), enzymatic oxidation of aldehydes generates NADH to enable ultrasensitive voltammetric detection with limits-of-detection (LOD) down to 1.2 ppb. Sensor utility was demonstrated by detecting degradation of N-oxidized SM-102, the ionizable lipid in Moderna's SpikeVax™ vaccine, in mRNA-1273 LNP formulation. This work should be of significant use in the pharmaceutical industry, paving the way for automated on-line quality assessments of next-generation therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius Reitemeier
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Jarek Metro
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States
| | - Paul W Bohn
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, United States.
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5
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Hashiba K, Taguchi M, Sakamoto S, Otsu A, Maeda Y, Ebe H, Okazaki A, Harashima H, Sato Y. Overcoming thermostability challenges in mRNA-lipid nanoparticle systems with piperidine-based ionizable lipids. Commun Biol 2024; 7:556. [PMID: 38730092 PMCID: PMC11087515 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06235-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as promising platforms for efficient in vivo mRNA delivery owing to advancements in ionizable lipids. However, maintaining the thermostability of mRNA/LNP systems remains challenging. While the importance of only a small amount of lipid impurities on mRNA inactivation is clear, a fundamental solution has not yet been proposed. In this study, we investigate an approach to limit the generation of aldehyde impurities that react with mRNA nucleosides through the chemical engineering of lipids. We demonstrated that piperidine-based lipids improve the long-term storage stability of mRNA/LNPs at refrigeration temperature as a liquid formulation. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis and additional lipid synthesis revealed that amine moieties of ionizable lipids play a vital role in limiting reactive aldehyde generation, mRNA-lipid adduct formation, and loss of mRNA function during mRNA/LNP storage. These findings highlight the importance of lipid design and help enhance the shelf-life of mRNA/LNP systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Hashiba
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan.
| | - Masamitsu Taguchi
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Sachiko Sakamoto
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Ayaka Otsu
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Maeda
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Ebe
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Arimichi Okazaki
- Nucleic Acid Medicine Business Division, Nitto Denko Corporation, 1-1-2, Shimohozumi, Ibaraki, Osaka, 567-8680, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Laboratory for Molecular Design of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-Ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan.
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6
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Buckland B, Sanyal G, Ranheim T, Pollard D, Searles JA, Behrens S, Pluschkell S, Josefsberg J, Roberts CJ. Vaccine process technology-A decade of progress. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024. [PMID: 38711222 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
In the past decade, new approaches to the discovery and development of vaccines have transformed the field. Advances during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed the production of billions of vaccine doses per year using novel platforms such as messenger RNA and viral vectors. Improvements in the analytical toolbox, equipment, and bioprocess technology have made it possible to achieve both unprecedented speed in vaccine development and scale of vaccine manufacturing. Macromolecular structure-function characterization technologies, combined with improved modeling and data analysis, enable quantitative evaluation of vaccine formulations at single-particle resolution and guided design of vaccine drug substances and drug products. These advances play a major role in precise assessment of critical quality attributes of vaccines delivered by newer platforms. Innovations in label-free and immunoassay technologies aid in the characterization of antigenic sites and the development of robust in vitro potency assays. These methods, along with molecular techniques such as next-generation sequencing, will accelerate characterization and release of vaccines delivered by all platforms. Process analytical technologies for real-time monitoring and optimization of process steps enable the implementation of quality-by-design principles and faster release of vaccine products. In the next decade, the field of vaccine discovery and development will continue to advance, bringing together new technologies, methods, and platforms to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Buckland
- National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Gautam Sanyal
- Vaccine Analytics, LLC, Kendall Park, New Jersey, USA
| | - Todd Ranheim
- Advanced Analytics Core, Resilience, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Pollard
- Sartorius, Corporate Research, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Sue Behrens
- Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Processing, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Stefanie Pluschkell
- National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Jessica Josefsberg
- Merck & Co., Inc., Process Research & Development, Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Christopher J Roberts
- National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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7
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Zhang X, Mille-Fragoso LS, Kaseniit KE, Call CC, Zhang M, Hu Y, Xie Y, Gao XJ. Post-Transcriptional Modular Synthetic Receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.03.592453. [PMID: 38746461 PMCID: PMC11092781 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.03.592453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Inspired by the power of transcriptional synthetic receptors and hoping to complement them to expand the toolbox for cell engineering, we establish LIDAR (Ligand-Induced Dimerization Activating RNA editing), a modular post-transcriptional synthetic receptor platform that harnesses RNA editing by ADAR. LIDAR is compatible with various receptor architectures in different cellular contexts, and enables the sensing of diverse ligands and the production of functional outputs. Furthermore, LIDAR can sense orthogonal signals in the same cell and produce synthetic spatial patterns, potentially enabling the programming of complex multicellular behaviors. Finally, LIDAR is compatible with compact encoding and can be delivered by synthetic mRNA. Thus, LIDAR expands the family of synthetic receptors, holding the promise to empower basic research and therapeutic applications.
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8
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Baseggio J, Zverev A, Pinato O, Vico A, Fernandez JE, Singh SK. Container Closure Integrity of a Glass Prefillable Syringe in Deep Frozen Storage Conditions. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:1248-1256. [PMID: 38070774 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.11.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Development of novel pharmaceutical drug modalities has created a need for frozen storage and transportation. Accurate and easy assessment of container closure integrity (CCI) in frozen conditions remains a challenge. Thus, container closure systems (CCS) suitable for low temperatures have been primarily restricted to vials despite the growing popularity of prefillable syringes (PFS) for parenteral administration. A new dye ingress test method, suitable for testing at low temperatures, was developed and applied to PFS across a range of deep-frozen temperatures. The method is versatile and can easily be extended to other common CCS formats over a wide range of temperatures including storage on dry ice (-80 °C). This new method was paired with an orthogonal technique, laser-based CO2 headspace gas analysis, to evaluate the CCI of a glass PFS at temperatures from -50 °C to -80 °C. Both test methods showed comparable results and consistent CCI failure below a temperature of -70 °C. The primary mode of failure was the plunger-to-barrel interface, likely attributable to dimensional changes and loss of elasticity. This study demonstrates the temperature dependent CCI behavior of glass PFS and underscores the importance of thorough characterization of package integrity for deep frozen drug products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Baseggio
- EMEA Technology Excellence Center, Stevanato Group, Piombino Dese, Italy
| | - Anton Zverev
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA, United States of America.
| | - Odra Pinato
- EMEA Technology Excellence Center, Stevanato Group, Piombino Dese, Italy
| | - Anthony Vico
- US Technology Excellence Center, Stevanato Group, Boston, MA, United States of America
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9
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Nogueira SS, Samaridou E, Simon J, Frank S, Beck-Broichsitter M, Mehta A. Analytical techniques for the characterization of nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 198:114235. [PMID: 38401742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Nanotechnology-assisted RNA delivery has gotten a tremendous boost over the last decade and made a significant impact in the development of life-changing vaccines and therapeutics. With increasing numbers of emerging lipid- and polymer-based RNA nanoparticles progressing towards the clinic, it has become apparent that the safety and efficacy of these medications depend on the comprehensive understanding of their critical quality attributes (CQAs). However, despite the rapid advancements in the field, the identification and reliable quantification of CQAs remain a significant challenge. To support these efforts, this review aims to summarize the present knowledge on CQAs based on the regulatory guidelines and to provide insights into the available analytical characterization techniques for RNA-loaded nanoparticles. In this context, routine and emerging analytical techniques are categorized and discussed, focusing on the operation principle, strengths, and potential limitations. Furthermore, the importance of complementary and orthogonal techniques for the measurement of CQAs is discussed in order to ensure the quality and consistency of analytical methods used, and address potential technique-based differences.
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10
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Hu M, Li X, You Z, Cai R, Chen C. Physiological Barriers and Strategies of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Nucleic Acid Drug Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2303266. [PMID: 37792475 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202303266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNPs) are currently the most promising vehicles for nucleic acid drug (NAD) delivery. Although their clinical applications have achieved success, the NAD delivery efficiency and safety are still unsatisfactory, which are, to a large extent, due to the existence of multi-level physiological barriers in vivo. It is important to elucidate the interactions between these barriers and LBNPs, which will guide more rational design of efficient NAD vehicles with low adverse effects and facilitate broader applications of nucleic acid therapeutics. This review describes the obstacles and challenges of biological barriers to NAD delivery at systemic, organ, sub-organ, cellular, and subcellular levels. The strategies to overcome these barriers are comprehensively reviewed, mainly including physically/chemically engineering LBNPs and directly modifying physiological barriers by auxiliary treatments. Then the potentials and challenges for successful translation of these preclinical studies into the clinic are discussed. In the end, a forward look at the strategies on manipulating protein corona (PC) is addressed, which may pull off the trick of overcoming those physiological barriers and significantly improve the efficacy and safety of LBNP-based NADs delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdi Hu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Zhen You
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Rong Cai
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Chunying Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, Beijing, 100190, China
- Sino-Danish College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, Beijing, 100049, China
- The GBA National Institute for Nanotechnology Innovation, Guangzhou, 510700, China
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11
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Driscoll DF, Bistrian BR. Pharmaceutical Considerations and Metabolic Fate of Parenteral Lipid Nanoparticle Dosage Forms. J Pharm Sci 2024:S0022-3549(24)00155-2. [PMID: 38685453 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The physical stability of parenteral dispersions for delivery of drugs to patients is of particular clinical importance, given their general overall superior bioavailability compared to other routes of administration. Although official pharmacopeial methods for lipid injectable emulsions have been established for triglyceride oil-in-water dispersions (i.e., "mini-emulsions") through USP Chapter <729>, no pharmaceopeial guidance exists for lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-based "micro-emulsions". At present, there are several LNP-based drugs approved for clinical use, including mRNA vaccines. Moreover, the increased interest in using mRNA as a platform technology for an array of potential therapeutic drug candidates increases the importance of developing appropriate methods to ensure their physical stability, safety and efficacy. For all dispersions and by various detection mechanisms (e.g., electrical, mechanical, mathematical), the fusion or growth of droplets/particles in the large-diameter tails of the particle size distribution (PSD) signals the onset of instability. Consequently, the measurement for LNP dispersions will require the use of a modified optical detection design in order to extend the lower particle detection limit into the "relative" large-diameter tail of the PSD for both light extinction and light-scattering methods based on single-particle optical sensing techniques. Fortunately, the technology is currently available and capable of providing the requisite quantitative analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Driscoll
- Stable Solutions LLC, Easton MA; UMASS Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA.
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12
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Opsomer L, Jana S, Mertens I, Cui X, Hoogenboom R, Sanders NN. Efficient in vitro and in vivo transfection of self-amplifying mRNA with linear poly(propylenimine) and poly(ethylenimine-propylenimine) random copolymers as non-viral carriers. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:3927-3946. [PMID: 38563779 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb03003b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) based vaccines have been introduced worldwide to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. These vaccines consist of non-amplifying mRNA formulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Consequently, LNPs are considered benchmark non-viral carriers for nucleic acid delivery. However, the formulation and manufacturing of these mRNA-LNP nanoparticles are expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, we used self-amplifying mRNA (saRNA) and synthesized novel polymers as alternative non-viral carrier platform to LNPs, which enable a simple, rapid, one-pot formulation of saRNA-polyplexes. Our novel polymer-based carrier platform consists of randomly concatenated ethylenimine and propylenimine comonomers, resulting in linear, poly(ethylenimine-ran-propylenimine) (L-PEIx-ran-PPIy) copolymers with controllable degrees of polymerization. Here we demonstrate in multiple cell lines, that our saRNA-polyplexes show comparable to higher in vitro saRNA transfection efficiencies and higher cell viabilities compared to formulations with Lipofectamine MessengerMAX™ (LFMM), a commercial, lipid-based carrier considered to be the in vitro gold standard carrier. This is especially true for our in vitro best performing saRNA-polyplexes with N/P 5, which are characterised with a size below 100 nm, a positive zeta potential, a near 100% encapsulation efficiency, a high retention capacity and the ability to protect the saRNA from degradation mediated by RNase A. Furthermore, an ex vivo hemolysis assay with pig red blood cells demonstrated that the saRNA-polyplexes exhibit negligible hemolytic activity. Finally, a bioluminescence-based in vivo study was performed over a 35-day period, and showed that the polymers result in a higher and prolonged bioluminescent signal compared to naked saRNA and L-PEI based polyplexes. Moreover, the polymers show different expression profiles compared to those of LNPs, with one of our new polymers (L-PPI250) demonstrating a higher sustained expression for at least 35 days after injection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Opsomer
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Somdeb Jana
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Ine Mertens
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Xiaole Cui
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Richard Hoogenboom
- Supramolecular Chemistry Group, Centre of Macromolecular Chemistry (CMaC), Department of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Niek N Sanders
- Laboratory of Gene Therapy, Department of Veterinary and Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute (CRIG), Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Altay Benetti A, Tan EYZ, Chang ZW, Bae KH, Thwin MT, Muthuramalingam RPK, Liao KC, Wan Y, Ng LFP, Renia L, Liu J, Chen X, Yang YY, White KP, Pastorin G. Design and Characterization of a New Formulation for the Delivery of COVID-19-mRNA Vaccine to the Nasal Mucosa. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:409. [PMID: 38675792 PMCID: PMC11054997 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12040409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide derived from chitin, possesses biocompatibility, biodegradability, and mucoadhesive characteristics, making it an attractive material for the delivery of mRNA payloads to the nasal mucosa and promoting their uptake by target cells such as epithelial and immune cells (e.g., dendritic cells and macrophages). In this project, we aimed at developing novel lipid-based nanoformulations for mRNA delivery to counteract the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. The formulations achieved a mRNA encapsulation efficiency of ~80.2% with chitosan-lipid nanoparticles, as measured by the RiboGreen assay. Furthermore, the evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (S) receptor-binding domain (RBD) expression via ELISA for our vaccine formulations showed transfection levels in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293), lung carcinoma cells (A549), and dendritic cells (DC 2.4) equal to 9.9 ± 0.1 ng/mL (174.7 ± 1.1 fold change from untreated cells (UT)), 7.0 ± 0.2 ng/mL (128.1 ± 4.9 fold change from UT), and 0.9 ± 0.0 ng/mL (18.0 ± 0.1 fold change from UT), respectively. Our most promising vaccine formulation was also demonstrated to be amenable to lyophilization with minimal degradation of loaded mRNA, paving the way towards a more accessible and stable vaccine. Preliminary in vivo studies in mice were performed to assess the systemic and local immune responses. Nasal bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) wash showed that utilizing the optimized formulation resulted in local antibody concentrations and did not trigger any systemic antibody response. However, if further improved and developed, it could potentially contribute to the management of COVID-19 through nasopharyngeal immunization strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayça Altay Benetti
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117544, Singapore; (A.A.B.); (E.Y.Z.T.); (M.T.T.); (R.P.K.M.)
| | - Eugene Yang Zhi Tan
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117544, Singapore; (A.A.B.); (E.Y.Z.T.); (M.T.T.); (R.P.K.M.)
| | - Zi Wei Chang
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138632, Singapore
| | - Ki Hyun Bae
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Singapore; (K.H.B.); (Y.Y.Y.)
| | - Ma Thinzar Thwin
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117544, Singapore; (A.A.B.); (E.Y.Z.T.); (M.T.T.); (R.P.K.M.)
| | - Ram Pravin Kumar Muthuramalingam
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117544, Singapore; (A.A.B.); (E.Y.Z.T.); (M.T.T.); (R.P.K.M.)
| | - Kuo-Chieh Liao
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore; (K.-C.L.)
| | - Yue Wan
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore; (K.-C.L.)
| | - Lisa F. P. Ng
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138632, Singapore
| | - Laurent Renia
- A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR ID Labs), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138632, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 308232, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Jianping Liu
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (J.L.); (X.C.)
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117544, Singapore
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119074, Singapore; (J.L.); (X.C.)
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117544, Singapore
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117599, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore 138632, Singapore
| | - Yi Yan Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute (BTI), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 20 Biopolis Way, Centros #06-01, Singapore 138668, Singapore; (K.H.B.); (Y.Y.Y.)
| | - Kevin P. White
- Precision Medicine Translational Research Program and Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117596, Singapore
| | - Giorgia Pastorin
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117544, Singapore; (A.A.B.); (E.Y.Z.T.); (M.T.T.); (R.P.K.M.)
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14
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Morla-Folch J, Ranzenigo A, Fayad ZA, Teunissen AJP. Nanotherapeutic Heterogeneity: Sources, Effects, and Solutions. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2307502. [PMID: 38050951 PMCID: PMC11045328 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202307502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Nanomaterials have revolutionized medicine by enabling control over drugs' pharmacokinetics, biodistribution, and biocompatibility. However, most nanotherapeutic batches are highly heterogeneous, meaning they comprise nanoparticles that vary in size, shape, charge, composition, and ligand functionalization. Similarly, individual nanotherapeutics often have heterogeneously distributed components, ligands, and charges. This review discusses nanotherapeutic heterogeneity's sources and effects on experimental readouts and therapeutic efficacy. Among other topics, it demonstrates that heterogeneity exists in nearly all nanotherapeutic types, examines how nanotherapeutic heterogeneity arises, and discusses how heterogeneity impacts nanomaterials' in vitro and in vivo behavior. How nanotherapeutic heterogeneity skews experimental readouts and complicates their optimization and clinical translation is also shown. Lastly, strategies for limiting nanotherapeutic heterogeneity are reviewed and recommendations for developing more reproducible and effective nanotherapeutics provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judit Morla-Folch
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Anna Ranzenigo
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Zahi Adel Fayad
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Abraham Jozef Petrus Teunissen
- Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, 10029, NY, USA
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Icahn Genomics Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
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15
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Kim YU, Cho WJ. Enhanced BSA Detection Precision: Leveraging High-Performance Dual-Gate Ion-Sensitive Field-Effect-Transistor Scheme and Surface-Treated Sensing Membranes. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:141. [PMID: 38534248 DOI: 10.3390/bios14030141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Bovine serum albumin (BSA) is commonly incorporated in vaccines to improve stability. However, owing to potential allergic reactions in humans, the World Health Organization (WHO) mandates strict adherence to a BSA limit (≤50 ng/vaccine). BSA detection with conventional techniques is time-consuming and requires specialized equipment. Efficient alternatives such as the ion-sensitive field-effect transistor (ISFET), despite rapid detection, affordability, and portability, do not detect BSA at low concentrations because of inherent sensitivity limitations. This study proposes a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate-based dual-gate (DG) ISFET platform to overcome these limitations. The capacitive coupling DG structure significantly enhances sensitivity without requiring external circuits, owing to its inherent amplification effect. The extended-gate (EG) structure separates the transducer unit for electrical signal processing from the sensing unit for biological detection, preventing chemical damage to the transducer, accommodating a variety of biological analytes, and affording easy replaceability. Vapor-phase surface treatment with (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and the incorporation of a SnO2 sensing membrane ensure high BSA detection efficiency and sensitivity (144.19 mV/log [BSA]). This DG-FET-based biosensor possesses a simple structure and detects BSA at low concentrations rapidly. Envisioned as an effective on-site diagnostic tool for various analytes including BSA, this platform addresses prior limitations in biosensing and shows promise for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeong-Ung Kim
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Gwangun-ro 20, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Ju Cho
- Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Gwangun-ro 20, Nowon-gu, Seoul 01897, Republic of Korea
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16
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Berger S, Lächelt U, Wagner E. Dynamic carriers for therapeutic RNA delivery. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2307799120. [PMID: 38437544 PMCID: PMC10945752 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2307799120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Carriers for RNA delivery must be dynamic, first stabilizing and protecting therapeutic RNA during delivery to the target tissue and across cellular membrane barriers and then releasing the cargo in bioactive form. The chemical space of carriers ranges from small cationic lipids applied in lipoplexes and lipid nanoparticles, over medium-sized sequence-defined xenopeptides, to macromolecular polycations applied in polyplexes and polymer micelles. This perspective highlights the discovery of distinct virus-inspired dynamic processes that capitalize on mutual nanoparticle-host interactions to achieve potent RNA delivery. From the host side, subtle alterations of pH, ion concentration, redox potential, presence of specific proteins, receptors, or enzymes are cues, which must be recognized by the RNA nanocarrier via dynamic chemical designs including cleavable bonds, alterable physicochemical properties, and supramolecular assembly-disassembly processes to respond to changing biological microenvironment during delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Berger
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrich Lächelt
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna1090, Austria
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 81377Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich, 80799Munich, Germany
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17
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Wang S, Zhu Z, Li J. Pharmacokinetic Analyses of a Lipid Nanoparticle-Encapsulated mRNA-Encoded Antibody against Rift Valley Fever Virus. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1342-1352. [PMID: 38295278 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) could cause an emergency illness characterized by fever, muscle pain, and even death in humans or ruminants. However, there are no approved antiviral drugs that prevent or treat RVFV infection. While therapeutic antibodies have shown promising potential for prevention or treatment in several studies, many studies are ongoing, especially in the field of infectious diseases. Among these studies, the mRNA-LNP platform shows great potential for application, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously, we have obtained a neutralizing antibody against RVFV, which was named A38 protein and verified to have a high binding and neutralization ability. In this study, we aimed to identify an effectively optimized sequence and expressed the prioritized mRNA-encoded antibody in vitro. Notably, we effectively expressed mRNA-encoded protein and used the mRNA-LNP platform to generate A38-mRNA-LNP. Pharmacokinetic experiments were conducted in vivo and set up in two groups of mRNA-A38 group and A38 protein group, which were derived from mRNA-LNP and plasmid DNA-expressed proteins, respectively. A38-mRNA-LNPs were administrated by intramuscular injection, A38 proteins were administrated by intravenous administration, and their unique ability to maintain long-lasting protein concentrations by mRNA-encoded protein was demonstrated with the mRNA-encoded protein providing a longer circulating half-life compared to injection of the free A38 protein. These preclinical data on the mRNA-encoded antibody highlighted its potential to prevent infectious diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Wang
- Institute of Bioengineering, College of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China
| | - Ziling Zhu
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jianmin Li
- ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311215, China
- Laboratory of Vaccine and Antibody Engineering, Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing 100071, China
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18
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Parot J, Mehn D, Jankevics H, Markova N, Carboni M, Olaisen C, Hoel AD, Sigfúsdóttir MS, Meier F, Drexel R, Vella G, McDonagh B, Hansen T, Bui H, Klinkenberg G, Visnes T, Gioria S, Urban-Lopez P, Prina-Mello A, Borgos SE, Caputo F, Calzolai L. Quality assessment of LNP-RNA therapeutics with orthogonal analytical techniques. J Control Release 2024; 367:385-401. [PMID: 38253203 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
The availability of analytical methods for the characterization of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for in-vivo intracellular delivery of nucleic acids is critical for the fast development of innovative RNA therapies. In this study, analytical protocols to measure (i) chemical composition, (ii) drug loading, (iii) particle size, concentration, and stability as well as (iv) structure and morphology were evaluated and compared based on a comprehensive characterization strategy linking key physical and chemical properties to in-vitro efficacy and toxicity. Furthermore, the measurement protocols were assessed either by testing the reproducibility and robustness of the same technique in different laboratories, or by a correlative approach, comparing measurement results of the same attribute with orthogonal techniques. The characterization strategy and the analytical measurements described here will have an important role during formulation development and in determining robust quality attributes ultimately supporting the quality assessment of these innovative RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremie Parot
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dora Mehn
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Camilla Olaisen
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Andrea D Hoel
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | | | - Gabriele Vella
- Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Birgitte McDonagh
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Terkel Hansen
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Huong Bui
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Geir Klinkenberg
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Torkild Visnes
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sabrina Gioria
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy
| | | | - Adriele Prina-Mello
- Laboratory for Biological Characterisation of Advanced Materials (LBCAM), Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sven Even Borgos
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Fanny Caputo
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway; LNE - Centre for Scientific and Industrial Metrology, Trappes, France.
| | - Luigi Calzolai
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), Ispra, Italy.
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19
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Dao HM, AboulFotouh K, Hussain AF, Marras AE, Johnston KP, Cui Z, Williams RO. Characterization of mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles by Electron Density Mapping Reconstruction: X-ray Scattering with Density from Solution Scattering (DENSS) Algorithm. Pharm Res 2024; 41:501-512. [PMID: 38326530 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03671-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to test the feasibility of using Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) coupled with Density from Solution Scattering (DENSS) algorithm to characterize the internal architecture of messenger RNA-containing lipid nanoparticles (mRNA-LNPs). METHODS The DENSS algorithm was employed to construct a three-dimensional model of average individual mRNA-LNP. The reconstructed models were cross validated with cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) to assess size, morphology, and internal structure. RESULTS Cryo-TEM and DLS complemented SAXS, revealed a core-shell mRNA-LNP structure with electron-rich mRNA-rich region at the core, surrounded by lipids. The reconstructed model, utilizing the DENSS algorithm, effectively distinguishes mRNA and lipids via electron density mapping. Notably, DENSS accurately models the morphology of the mRNA-LNPs as an ellipsoidal shape with a "bleb" architecture or a two-compartment structure with contrasting electron densities, corresponding to mRNA-filled and empty lipid compartments, respectively. Finally, subtle changes in the LNP structure after three freeze-thaw cycles were detected by SAXS, demonstrating an increase in radius of gyration (Rg) associated with mRNA leakage. CONCLUSION Analyzing SAXS profiles based on DENSS algorithm to yield a reconstructed electron density based three-dimensional model can be a useful physicochemical characterization method in the toolbox to study mRNA-LNPs and facilitate their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huy M Dao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Khaled AboulFotouh
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Aasim Faheem Hussain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Alexander E Marras
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Cockrell School of Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Materials Science and Engineering Graduate Program, Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Keith P Johnston
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Robert O Williams
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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20
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Wu L, Li X, Qian X, Wang S, Liu J, Yan J. Lipid Nanoparticle (LNP) Delivery Carrier-Assisted Targeted Controlled Release mRNA Vaccines in Tumor Immunity. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:186. [PMID: 38400169 PMCID: PMC10891594 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have attracted extensive attention in tumor immunotherapy. Targeting immune cells in cancer therapy has become a strategy of great research interest. mRNA vaccines are a potential choice for tumor immunotherapy, due to their ability to directly encode antigen proteins and stimulate a strong immune response. However, the mode of delivery and lack of stability of mRNA are key issues limiting its application. LNPs are an excellent mRNA delivery carrier, and their structural stability and biocompatibility make them an effective means for delivering mRNA to specific targets. This study summarizes the research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity. The role of LNPs in improving mRNA stability, immunogenicity, and targeting is discussed. This review aims to systematically summarize the latest research progress in LNP delivery carrier-assisted targeted controlled release mRNA vaccines in tumor immunity to provide new ideas and strategies for tumor immunotherapy, as well as to provide more effective treatment plans for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liusheng Wu
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Xiaoqiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China;
| | - Xinye Qian
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
| | - Shuang Wang
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
| | - Jixian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518036, China;
| | - Jun Yan
- Center of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Disease, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; (L.W.); (X.Q.); (S.W.)
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21
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Chheda U, Pradeepan S, Esposito E, Strezsak S, Fernandez-Delgado O, Kranz J. Factors Affecting Stability of RNA - Temperature, Length, Concentration, pH, and Buffering Species. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:377-385. [PMID: 38042343 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.11.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
RNA is prone to both chemical degradation and/or physical instability. Some of the factors affecting stability of RNA in solution are its length, 3' poly A tail and 5' cap integrity, excipients, buffering species, pH of the solution, nucleases, and divalent cations. In this work, we showed the effect of temperature, messenger RNA (mRNA) length, buffering species, pH of the solution, and the concentration of mRNA on its chemical and physical stability. Our thermodynamic analysis of a 4000 nucleotide-long mRNA measured an activation energy of 31.5 kcal/mol normalized per phosphodiester backbone. We found mRNA length to be negatively correlated to its stability. Buffering species and pH of the solution affected mRNA integrity along with affecting the onset temperature of melting obtained by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermograms. It was also found that increasing the concentration of mRNA in solution increased its stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urmi Chheda
- GreenLight Biosciences, Lexington, MA 02421, United States.
| | | | | | | | | | - James Kranz
- GreenLight Biosciences, Lexington, MA 02421, United States
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22
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Neary MT, Mulder LM, Kowalski PS, MacLoughlin R, Crean AM, Ryan KB. Nebulised delivery of RNA formulations to the lungs: From aerosol to cytosol. J Control Release 2024; 366:812-833. [PMID: 38101753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade RNA-based therapies such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) have emerged as new and ground-breaking therapeutic agents for the treatment and prevention of many conditions from viral infection to cancer. Most clinically approved RNA therapies are parenterally administered which impacts patient compliance and adds to healthcare costs. Pulmonary administration via inhalation is a non-invasive means to deliver RNA and offers an attractive alternative to injection. Nebulisation is a particularly appealing method due to the capacity to deliver large RNA doses during tidal breathing. In this review, we discuss the unique physiological barriers presented by the lung to efficient nebulised RNA delivery and approaches adopted to circumvent this problem. Additionally, the different types of nebulisers are evaluated from the perspective of their suitability for RNA delivery. Furthermore, we discuss recent preclinical studies involving nebulisation of RNA and analysis in in vitro and in vivo settings. Several studies have also demonstrated the importance of an effective delivery vector in RNA nebulisation therefore we assess the variety of lipid, polymeric and hybrid-based delivery systems utilised to date. We also consider the outlook for nebulised RNA medicinal products and the hurdles which must be overcome for successful clinical translation. In summary, nebulised RNA delivery has demonstrated promising potential for the treatment of several lung-related conditions such as asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis, to which the mode of delivery is of crucial importance for clinical success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Neary
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Piotr S Kowalski
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; APC Microbiome, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Abina M Crean
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Katie B Ryan
- SSPC, The SFI Research Centre for Pharmaceuticals, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland; School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Ireland.
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23
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AboulFotouh K, Southard B, Dao HM, Xu H, Moon C, Williams Iii RO, Cui Z. Effect of lipid composition on RNA-Lipid nanoparticle properties and their sensitivity to thin-film freezing and drying. Int J Pharm 2024; 650:123688. [PMID: 38070660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
A library of 16 lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulations with orthogonally varying lipid molar ratios was designed and synthesized, using polyadenylic acid [poly(A)] as a model for mRNA, to explore the effect of lipid composition in LNPs on (i) the initial size of the resultant LNPs and encapsulation efficiency of RNA and (ii) the sensitivity of the LNPs to various conditions including cold storage, freezing (slow vs. rapid) and thawing, and drying. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression was employed to identify the optimal lipid molar ratios and interactions that favorably affect the physical properties of the LNPs and enhance their stability in various stress conditions. LNPs exhibited distinct responses under each stress condition, highlighting the effect of lipid molar ratios and lipid interactions on the LNP physical properties and stability. It was then demonstrated that it is feasible to use thin-film freeze-drying to convert poly(A)-LNPs from liquid dispersions to dry powders while maintaining the integrity of the LNPs. Importantly, the residual moisture content in LNP dry powders significantly affected the LNP integrity.Residual moisture content of ≤ 0.5% or > 3-3.5% w/w negatively affected the LNP size and/or RNA encapsulation efficiency, depending on the LNP composition. Finally, it was shown that the thin-film freeze-dried LNP powders have desirable aerosol properties for potential pulmonary delivery. It was concluded that Design of Experiments can be applied to identify mRNA-LNP formulations with the desired physical properties and stability profiles. Additionally, optimizing the residual moisture content in mRNA-LNP dry powders during (thin-film) freeze-drying is crucial to maintain the physical properties of the LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled AboulFotouh
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA; Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Benjamin Southard
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Huy M Dao
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Haiyue Xu
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Chaeho Moon
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Robert O Williams Iii
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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24
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Jones CH, Androsavich JR, So N, Jenkins MP, MacCormack D, Prigodich A, Welch V, True JM, Dolsten M. Breaking the mold with RNA-a "RNAissance" of life science. NPJ Genom Med 2024; 9:2. [PMID: 38195675 PMCID: PMC10776758 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00387-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, RNA therapeutics have gone from being a promising concept to one of the most exciting frontiers in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. The field is now entering what many call a renaissance or "RNAissance" which is being fueled by advances in genetic engineering and delivery systems to take on more ambitious development efforts. However, this renaissance is occurring at an unprecedented pace, which will require a different way of thinking if the field is to live up to its full potential. Recognizing this need, this article will provide a forward-looking perspective on the field of RNA medical products and the potential long-term innovations and policy shifts enabled by this revolutionary and game-changing technological platform.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nina So
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA
| | | | | | | | - Verna Welch
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA
| | - Jane M True
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard, New York, NY, 10018, USA.
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25
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Kramps T. Introduction to RNA Vaccines Post COVID-19. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2786:1-22. [PMID: 38814388 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3770-8_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Available prophylactic vaccines help prevent many infectious diseases that burden humanity. Future vaccinology will likely extend these benefits by more effectively countering newly emerging pathogens, fighting currently intractable infections, or even generating novel treatment modalities for non-infectious diseases. Instead of applying protein antigen directly, RNA vaccines contain short-lived genetic information that guides the expression of protein antigen in the vaccinee, like infection with a recombinant viral vector. Upon decades of research, messenger RNA-lipid nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) vaccines have proven clinical value in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic as they combine benefits of killed subunit vaccines and live-attenuated vectors, including flexible production, self-adjuvanting effects, and stimulation of humoral and cellular immunity. RNA vaccines remain subject to continued development raising high hopes for broader future application. Their mechanistic versatility promises to make them a key tool of vaccinology and immunotherapy going forward. Here, I briefly review key developments in RNA vaccines and outline the contents of this volume of Methods in Molecular Biology.
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26
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Metkar M, Pepin CS, Moore MJ. Tailor made: the art of therapeutic mRNA design. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:67-83. [PMID: 38030688 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00827-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
mRNA medicine is a new and rapidly developing field in which the delivery of genetic information in the form of mRNA is used to direct therapeutic protein production in humans. This approach, which allows for the quick and efficient identification and optimization of drug candidates for both large populations and individual patients, has the potential to revolutionize the way we prevent and treat disease. A key feature of mRNA medicines is their high degree of designability, although the design choices involved are complex. Maximizing the production of therapeutic proteins from mRNA medicines requires a thorough understanding of how nucleotide sequence, nucleotide modification and RNA structure interplay to affect translational efficiency and mRNA stability. In this Review, we describe the principles that underlie the physical stability and biological activity of mRNA and emphasize their relevance to the myriad considerations that factor into therapeutic mRNA design.
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27
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Reinhart AG, Osterwald A, Ringler P, Leiser Y, Lauer ME, Martin RE, Ullmer C, Schumacher F, Korn C, Keller M. Investigations into mRNA Lipid Nanoparticles Shelf-Life Stability under Nonfrozen Conditions. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:6492-6503. [PMID: 37975733 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
mRNA LNPs can experience a decline in activity over short periods (ranging from weeks to months). As a result, they require frozen storage and transportation conditions to maintain their full functionality when utilized. Currently approved commercially available mRNA LNP vaccines also necessitate frozen storage and supply chain management. Overcoming this significant inconvenience in the future is crucial to reducing unnecessary costs and challenges associated with storage and transport. In this study, our objective was to illuminate the potential time frame for nonfrozen storage and transportation conditions of mRNA LNPs without compromising their activity. To achieve this goal, we conducted a stability assessment and an in vitro cell culture delivery study involving five mRNA LNPs. These LNPs were constructed by using a standard formulation similar to that employed in the three commercially available LNP formulations. Among these formulations, we selected five structurally diverse ionizable lipids─C12-200, CKK-E12, MC3, SM-102, and lipid 23─from the existing literature. We incorporated these lipids into a standard LNP formulation, keeping all other components identical. The LNPs, carrying mRNA payloads, were synthesized by using microfluidic mixing technology. We evaluated the shelf life stability of these LNPs over a span of 9 weeks at temperatures of 2-8, 25, and 40 °C, utilizing an array of analytical techniques. Our findings indicated minimal impact on the hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and polydispersity of all LNPs across the various temperatures over the studied period. The RiboGreen assay analysis of LNPs showed consistent mRNA contents over several weeks at various nonfrozen storage temperatures, leading to the incorrect assumption of intact and functional LNPs. This misunderstanding was rectified by the significant differences observed in EGFP protein expression in an in vitro cell culture (using HEK293 cells) across the five LNPs. Specifically, only LNP 1 (C12-200) and LNP 4 (SM-102) exhibited high levels of EGFP expression at the start (T0), with over 90% of HEK293 cells transfected and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) levels exceeding 1. Interestingly, LNP 1 (C12-200) maintained largely unchanged levels of in vitro activity over 11 weeks when stored at both 2-8 and 25 °C. In contrast, LNP 4 (SM-102) retained its functionality when stored at 2-8 °C over 11 weeks but experienced a gradual decline of in vitro activity when stored at room temperature over the same period. Importantly, we observed distinct LNP architectures for the five formulations through cryo-EM imaging. This highlights the necessity for a deeper comprehension of structure-activity relationships within these complex nanoparticle structures. Enhancing our understanding in this regard is vital for overcoming storage and stability limitations, ultimately facilitating the broader application of this technology beyond vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Gaëlle Reinhart
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, pCMC, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Anja Osterwald
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, DTA Ophthalmology I2O, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Ringler
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, Spitalstrasse 41, Basel CH - 4056, Switzerland
| | - Yael Leiser
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, pCMC, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Matthias E Lauer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Lead Discovery, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Rainer E Martin
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Medicinal Chemistry, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Ullmer
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, DTA Ophthalmology I2O, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Felix Schumacher
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Claudia Korn
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, DTA Ophthalmology I2O, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Michael Keller
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Therapeutic Modalities, pCMC, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
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28
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Di Grandi D, Dayeh DM, Kaur K, Chen Y, Henderson S, Moon Y, Bhowmick A, Ihnat PM, Fu Y, Muthusamy K, Palackal N, Pyles EA. A single-nucleotide resolution capillary gel electrophoresis workflow for poly(A) tail characterization in the development of mRNA therapeutics and vaccines. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 236:115692. [PMID: 37696189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
The 3' poly(A) tail is an important component of messenger RNA (mRNA). The length of the poly(A) tail has direct impact on the stability and translation efficiency of the mRNA molecule and is therefore considered to be a critical quality attribute (CQA) of mRNA-based therapeutics and vaccines. Various analytical methods have been developed to monitor this CQA. Methods like ion-pair reversed-phase liquid chromatography (IPRP-LC) can be used to quantify the percentage of mRNA with poly(A) tail but fail to provide further information on the actual length of poly(A). High-resolution methods such as liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) or next generation sequencing (NGS) can separate poly(A) tail length by one nucleotide (n/n + 1 resolution) but are complicated to implement for release testing of manufactured mRNA. In this study, a workflow utilizing capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) for characterizing the poly(A) tail length of mRNA was developed. The CGE method demonstrated resolution comparable with the LC-MS method. With UV detection and the addition of poly(A) length markers, this method can provide poly(A) tail length information and can also provide quantitation of each poly(A) length, making it a suitable release method to monitor the CQA of poly(A) tail length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deanna Di Grandi
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Daniel M Dayeh
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Keerat Kaur
- Regeneron Genetic Medicines, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Yizhuo Chen
- Regeneron Genetic Medicines, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Steven Henderson
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Youmi Moon
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Arijit Bhowmick
- Regeneron Genetic Medicines, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Peter M Ihnat
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Yue Fu
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA.
| | - Kathir Muthusamy
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA.
| | - Nisha Palackal
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Erica A Pyles
- Protein Biochemistry, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
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29
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Hermosilla J, Alonso-García A, Salmerón-García A, Cabeza-Barrera J, Medina-Castillo AL, Pérez-Robles R, Navas N. Analysing the In-Use Stability of mRNA-LNP COVID-19 Vaccines Comirnaty™ (Pfizer) and Spikevax™ (Moderna): A Comparative Study of the Particulate. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1635. [PMID: 38005967 PMCID: PMC10675537 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Comirnaty™ and Spikevax™ were the first vaccines approved for human use based on modified non-replicating mRNA lipophilic nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) technology, with great success in the treatment of COVID-19. They have been used massively worldwide. One of the major inconveniences of these vaccines is related to pharmaceutical stability issues. Proper transportation, storage, and in-use handling before administration to patients are critical steps since failures can potentially reduce potency. In this research, the in-use stability of Comirnaty™ and Spikevax™ clinical samples was analysed and the results were compared. As changes in the size of the mRNA-LNPs are related to potency, these modifications were analysed by qualitative Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) as a stability-indicating method for control and stressed vaccine samples. Strong stress factors (accelerated light irradiation, manual shaking, and vortex vibration) and conditions that mimic in-use handling (exposure to natural light and room temperature, repeated cycles of injections, and 24 h storage in syringes) were checked. The morphology of the mRNA-LNPs was analysed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to better interpret and support the DLS results. Although the two vaccines are based on the same mRNA-LNP technology, the results demonstrate that they are characterised by very different particle size profiles and behaviours against different handling/stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Hermosilla
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Granada, Fuentenueva Avenue, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.H.); (A.L.M.-C.); (R.P.-R.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (A.S.-G.)
| | - Airan Alonso-García
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Granada, Fuentenueva Avenue, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.H.); (A.L.M.-C.); (R.P.-R.)
| | - Antonio Salmerón-García
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (A.S.-G.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, San Cecilio University Hospital, Conocimiento Avenue, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - José Cabeza-Barrera
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (A.S.-G.)
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, San Cecilio University Hospital, Conocimiento Avenue, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Antonio L. Medina-Castillo
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Granada, Fuentenueva Avenue, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.H.); (A.L.M.-C.); (R.P.-R.)
| | - Raquel Pérez-Robles
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Granada, Fuentenueva Avenue, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.H.); (A.L.M.-C.); (R.P.-R.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (A.S.-G.)
- Fundación para la Investigación Biosanitaria de Andalucía Oriental-Alejandro Otero, Madrid Avenue, 18012 Granada, Spain
| | - Natalia Navas
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Science Faculty, University of Granada, Fuentenueva Avenue, 18071 Granada, Spain; (J.H.); (A.L.M.-C.); (R.P.-R.)
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012 Granada, Spain; (A.S.-G.)
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30
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Zhang W, Pfeifle A, Lansdell C, Frahm G, Cecillon J, Tamming L, Gravel C, Gao J, Thulasi Raman SN, Wang L, Sauve S, Rosu-Myles M, Li X, Johnston MJW. The Expression Kinetics and Immunogenicity of Lipid Nanoparticles Delivering Plasmid DNA and mRNA in Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1580. [PMID: 37896985 PMCID: PMC10610642 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11101580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a revolutionary technology for vaccine delivery. LNPs serve as an integral component of mRNA vaccines by protecting and transporting the mRNA payload into host cells. Despite their prominence in mRNA vaccines, there remains a notable gap in our understanding of the potential application of LNPs for the delivery of DNA vaccines. In this study, we sought to investigate the suitability of leading LNP formulations for the delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA). In addition, we aimed to explore key differences in the properties of popular LNP formulations when delivering either mRNA or DNA. To address these questions, we compared three leading LNP formulations encapsulating mRNA- or pDNA-encoding firefly luciferase based on potency, expression kinetics, biodistribution, and immunogenicity. Following intramuscular injection in mice, we determined that RNA-LNPs formulated with either SM-102 or ALC-0315 lipids were the most potent (all p-values < 0.01) and immunogenic (all p-values < 0.05), while DNA-LNPs formulated with SM-102 or ALC-0315 demonstrated the longest duration of signal. Additionally, all LNP formulations were found to induce expression in the liver that was proportional to the signal at the injection site (SM102: r = 0.8787, p < 0.0001; ALC0315: r = 0.9012, p < 0.0001; KC2: r = 0.9343, p < 0.0001). Overall, this study provides important insights into the differences between leading LNP formulations and their applicability to DNA- and RNA-based vaccinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanyue Zhang
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Annabelle Pfeifle
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Casey Lansdell
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Grant Frahm
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Jonathon Cecillon
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Levi Tamming
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Caroline Gravel
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Jun Gao
- Centre for Vaccines, Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Sathya N. Thulasi Raman
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Lisheng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Simon Sauve
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Michael Rosu-Myles
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Xuguang Li
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada;
| | - Michael J. W. Johnston
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada and World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Standardization and Evaluation of Biologicals, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada; (W.Z.); (A.P.)
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada
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31
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McCrudden CM, Bennie L, Chambers P, Wilson J, Kerr M, Ziminska M, Douglas H, Kuhn S, Carroll E, O'Brien G, Buckley N, Dunne NJ, McCarthy HO. Peptide delivery of a multivalent mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. J Control Release 2023; 362:536-547. [PMID: 37648082 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.08.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNP) have been instrumental in the success of mRNA vaccines and have opened up the field to a new wave of therapeutics. However, what is ahead beyond the LNP? The approach herein used a nanoparticle containing a blend of Spike, Membrane and Envelope antigens complexed for the first time with the RALA peptide (RALA-SME). The physicochemical characteristics and functionality of RALA-SME were assessed. With >99% encapsulation, RALA-SME was administered via intradermal injection in vivo, and all three antigen-specific IgG antibodies were highly significant. The IgG2a:IgG1 ratio were all >1.2, indicating a robust TH1 response, and this was further confirmed with the T-Cell response in mice. A complete safety panel of markers from mice were all within normal range, supported by safety data in hamsters. Vaccination of Syrian Golden hamsters with RALA-SME derivatives produced functional antibodies capable of neutralising SARS-CoV-2 from both Wuhan-Hu-1 and Omicron BA.1 lineages after two doses. Antibody levels increased over the study period and provided protection from disease-specific weight loss, with inhibition of viral migration down the respiratory tract. This peptide technology enables the flexibility to interchange and add antigens as required, which is essential for the next generation of adaptable mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cian M McCrudden
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Lindsey Bennie
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Philip Chambers
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Jordan Wilson
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Megan Kerr
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Monika Ziminska
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Hayley Douglas
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Sarah Kuhn
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Emma Carroll
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Garrett O'Brien
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK
| | - Niamh Buckley
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Nicholas J Dunne
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK; School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Collins Avenue, Dublin 9, Ireland; School of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Collins Avenue, Dublin 9, Ireland; Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (I-Form), School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland; Advanced Materials and Bioengineering Research Centre (AMBER), Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Helen O McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University of Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; pHion Therapeutics, Catalyst Concourse Building 2, 20 Queens Road, Belfast BT3 9DT, UK; School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Collins Avenue, Dublin 9, Ireland; Biodesign Europe, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
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32
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Hutanu A, Ferreiro ML, van Haasteren J, Höcker O, Montealegre C, Mäser M, Keresztfalvi A, Monti J, Schwarz MA. Electrophoretic characterization of LNP/AAV-encapsulated nucleic acids: Strengths and weaknesses. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:1595-1606. [PMID: 37625008 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The use of nucleic acids (NAs) has revolutionized medical approaches and ushered in a new era of combating various diseases. Accordingly, there is an increasing demand for accurate identification, localization, quantification, and characterization of NAs encapsulated in nonviral or viral vectors. The vast spectrum of molecular dimensions and intra- and intermolecular interactions presents a formidable obstacle for NA analytical development. Typically, the comprehensive analysis of encapsulated NAs, free NAs, and their spatial distribution poses a challenge that is seldom tackled in its complete complexity. The identification of appropriate physicochemical methodologies for large nonencapsulated or encapsulated NAs is particularly intricate and necessitates an evaluation of the analytical outcomes and their appropriateness in addressing critical quality attributes. In this work, we examine the analytics of non-encapsulated or encapsulated large NAs (>500 nucleotides) utilizing capillary electrophoresis (CE) and liquid chromatography (LC) methodologies such as free zone CE, gel CE, affinity CE, and ion pair high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). These methodologies create a complete picture of the NA's critical quality attributes, including quantity, identity, purity, and content ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Hutanu
- Pharma Technical Development, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Miriam López Ferreiro
- Pharma Technical Development, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joost van Haasteren
- Pharma Technical Development, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria Anna Schwarz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Solvias AG, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
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33
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Silva AJD, de Sousa MMG, de Macêdo LS, de França Neto PL, de Moura IA, Espinoza BCF, Invenção MDCV, de Pinho SS, da Gama MATM, de Freitas AC. RNA Vaccines: Yeast as a Novel Antigen Vehicle. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1334. [PMID: 37631902 PMCID: PMC10459952 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11081334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decades, technological advances for RNA manipulation enabled and expanded its application in vaccine development. This approach comprises synthetic single-stranded mRNA molecules that direct the translation of the antigen responsible for activating the desired immune response. The success of RNA vaccines depends on the delivery vehicle. Among the systems, yeasts emerge as a new approach, already employed to deliver protein antigens, with efficacy demonstrated through preclinical and clinical trials. β-glucans and mannans in their walls are responsible for the adjuvant property of this system. Yeast β-glucan capsules, microparticles, and nanoparticles can modulate immune responses and have a high capacity to carry nucleic acids, with bioavailability upon oral immunization and targeting to receptors present in antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In addition, yeasts are suitable vehicles for the protection and specific delivery of therapeutic vaccines based on RNAi. Compared to protein antigens, the use of yeast for DNA or RNA vaccine delivery is less established and has fewer studies, most of them in the preclinical phase. Here, we present an overview of the attributes of yeast or its derivatives for the delivery of RNA-based vaccines, discussing the current challenges and prospects of this promising strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Antonio Carlos de Freitas
- Laboratory of Molecular Studies and Experimental Therapy—LEMTE, Department of Genetics, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife 50670-901, Brazil; (A.J.D.S.)
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34
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Datta N, Johnson C, Kao D, Gurnani P, Alexander C, Polytarchou C, Monaghan TM. MicroRNA-based therapeutics for inflammatory disorders of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Pharmacol Res 2023; 194:106870. [PMID: 37499702 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
An emerging but less explored shared pathophysiology across microbiota-gut-brain axis disorders is aberrant miRNA expression, which may represent novel therapeutic targets. miRNAs are small, endogenous non-coding RNAs that are important transcriptional repressors of gene expression. Most importantly, they regulate the integrity of the intestinal epithelial and blood-brain barriers and serve as an important communication channel between the gut microbiome and the host. A well-defined understanding of the mode of action, therapeutic strategies and delivery mechanisms of miRNAs is pivotal in translating the clinical applications of miRNA-based therapeutics. Accumulating evidence links disorders of the microbiota-gut-brain axis with a compromised gut-blood-brain-barrier, causing gut contents such as immune cells and microbiota to enter the bloodstream leading to low-grade systemic inflammation. This has the potential to affect all organs, including the brain, causing central inflammation and the development of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases. In this review, we have examined in detail miRNA biogenesis, strategies for therapeutic application, delivery mechanisms, as well as their pathophysiology and clinical applications in inflammatory gut-brain disorders. The research data in this review was drawn from the following databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Clinicaltrials.gov. With increasing evidence of the pathophysiological importance for miRNAs in microbiota-gut-brain axis disorders, therapeutic targeting of cross-regulated miRNAs in these disorders displays potentially transformative and translational potential. Further preclinical research and human clinical trials are required to further advance this area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Datta
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Charlotte Johnson
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Dina Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pratik Gurnani
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cameron Alexander
- Division of Molecular Therapeutics & Formulation, School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Christos Polytarchou
- Department of Biosciences, John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, School of Science & Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Tanya M Monaghan
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
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35
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Patel N, Davis Z, Hofmann C, Vlasak J, Loughney JW, DePhillips P, Mukherjee M. Development and Characterization of an In Vitro Cell-Based Assay to Predict Potency of mRNA-LNP-Based Vaccines. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1224. [PMID: 37515040 PMCID: PMC10383996 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines have emerged as a flexible platform for vaccine development. The evolution of lipid nanoparticles as effective delivery vehicles for modified mRNA encoding vaccine antigens was demonstrated by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ability to rapidly develop effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccines from the spike protein genome, and to then manufacture multibillions of doses per year was an extraordinary achievement and a vaccine milestone. Further development and application of this platform for additional pathogens is clearly of interest. This comes with the associated need for new analytical tools that can accurately predict the performance of these mRNA vaccine candidates and tie them to an immune response expected in humans. Described here is the development and characterization of an imaging based in vitro assay able to quantitate transgene protein expression efficiency, with utility to measure lipid nanoparticles (LNP)-encapsulated mRNA vaccine potency, efficacy, and stability. Multiple biologically relevant adherent cell lines were screened to identify a suitable cell substrate capable of providing a wide dose-response curve and dynamic range. Biologically relevant assay attributes were examined and optimized, including cell monolayer morphology, antigen expression kinetics, and assay sensitivity to LNP properties, such as polyethylene glycol-lipid (or PEG-lipid) composition, mRNA mass, and LNP size. Collectively, this study presents a strategy to quickly optimize and develop a robust cell-based potency assay for the development of future mRNA-based vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisarg Patel
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Zach Davis
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Carl Hofmann
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Josef Vlasak
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - John W Loughney
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Pete DePhillips
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
| | - Malini Mukherjee
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., 770 Sumneytown Pike, West Point, PA 19486, USA
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36
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Castellanos MM, Gressard H, Li X, Magagnoli C, Moriconi A, Stranges D, Strodiot L, Tello Soto M, Zwierzyna M, Campa C. CMC Strategies and Advanced Technologies for Vaccine Development to Boost Acceleration and Pandemic Preparedness. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1153. [PMID: 37514969 PMCID: PMC10386492 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11071153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This review reports on an overview of key enablers of acceleration/pandemic and preparedness, covering CMC strategies as well as technical innovations in vaccine development. Considerations are shared on implementation hurdles and opportunities to drive sustained acceleration for vaccine development and considers learnings from the COVID pandemic and direct experience in addressing unmet medical needs. These reflections focus on (i) the importance of a cross-disciplinary framework of technical expectations ranging from target antigen identification to launch and life-cycle management; (ii) the use of prior platform knowledge across similar or products/vaccine types; (iii) the implementation of innovation and digital tools for fast development and innovative control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Monica Castellanos
- Drug Product Development, Vaccines Technical R&D, GSK, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Hervé Gressard
- Project & Digital Sciences, Vaccines Technical R&D, GSK, Rue de l'Institut 89, 1330 Rixensart, Belgium
| | - Xiangming Li
- Drug Substance Development, Vaccines Technical R&D, GSK, 14200 Shady Grove Road, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Claudia Magagnoli
- Analytical Research & Development, Vaccines Technical R&D, GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alessio Moriconi
- Drug Product Development, Vaccines Technical R&D, GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Stranges
- Drug Product Development, Vaccines Technical R&D, GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Laurent Strodiot
- Drug Product Development, Vaccines Technical R&D, GSK, Rue de l'Institut 89, 1330 Rixensart, Belgium
| | - Monica Tello Soto
- Drug Substance Development, Vaccines Technical R&D, GSK, Rue de l'Institut 89, 1330 Rixensart, Belgium
| | - Magdalena Zwierzyna
- Project & Digital Sciences, Vaccines Technical R&D, GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Cristiana Campa
- Vaccines Global Technical R&D, GSK, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
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37
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Jörgensen AM, Wibel R, Bernkop-Schnürch A. Biodegradable Cationic and Ionizable Cationic Lipids: A Roadmap for Safer Pharmaceutical Excipients. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2206968. [PMID: 36610004 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202206968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cationic and ionizable cationic lipids are broadly applied as auxiliary agents, but their use is associated with adverse effects. If these excipients are rapidly degraded to endogenously occurring metabolites such as amino acids and fatty acids, their toxic potential can be minimized. So far, synthesized and evaluated biodegradable cationic and ionizable cationic lipids already showed promising results in terms of functionality and safety. Within this review, an overview about the different types of such biodegradable lipids, the available building blocks, their synthesis and cleavage by endogenous enzymes is provided. Moreover, the relationship between the structure of the lipids and their toxicity is described. Their application in drug delivery systems is critically discussed and placed in context with the lead compounds used in mRNA vaccines. Moreover, their use as preservatives is reviewed, guidance for their design is provided, and an outlook on future developments is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Matteo Jörgensen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Richard Wibel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
| | - Andreas Bernkop-Schnürch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Innsbruck, Institute of Pharmacy, Center for Chemistry and Biomedicine, Innsbruck, 6020, Austria
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38
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Cheng F, Wang Y, Bai Y, Liang Z, Mao Q, Liu D, Wu X, Xu M. Research Advances on the Stability of mRNA Vaccines. Viruses 2023; 15:668. [PMID: 36992377 PMCID: PMC10051489 DOI: 10.3390/v15030668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to other vaccines, the inherent properties of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and their interaction with lipid nanoparticles make them considerably unstable throughout their life cycles, impacting their effectiveness and global accessibility. It is imperative to improve mRNA vaccine stability and investigate the factors influencing stability. Since mRNA structure, excipients, lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery systems, and manufacturing processes are the primary factors affecting mRNA vaccine stability, optimizing mRNA structure and screening excipients can effectively improve mRNA vaccine stability. Moreover, improving manufacturing processes could also prepare thermally stable mRNA vaccines with safety and efficacy. Here, we review the regulatory guidance associated with mRNA vaccine stability, summarize key factors affecting mRNA vaccine stability, and propose a possible research path to improve mRNA vaccine stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiran Cheng
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Center for Reference Materials and Standardization, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Yu Bai
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Zhenglun Liang
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Qunying Mao
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Dong Liu
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Xing Wu
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
| | - Miao Xu
- National Medical Products Administration Key Laboratory for Quality Research and Evaluation of Biological Products, Institute of Biological Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 102600, China
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39
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Patel HK, Zhang K, Utegg R, Stephens E, Salem S, Welch H, Grobe S, Schlereth J, Kuhn AN, Ryczek J, Cirelli DJ, Lerch TF. Characterization of BNT162b2 mRNA to Evaluate Risk of Off-Target Antigen Translation. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:1364-1371. [PMID: 36642376 PMCID: PMC9836996 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
mRNA vaccines have been established as a safe and effective modality, thanks in large part to the expedited development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition to the active, full-length mRNA transcript, mRNA fragment species can be present as a byproduct of the cell-free transcription manufacturing process or due to mRNA hydrolysis. In the current study, mRNA fragment species from BNT162b2 mRNA were isolated and characterized. The translational viability of intact and fragmented mRNA species was further explored using orthogonal expression systems to understand the risk of truncated spike protein or off-target antigen translation. The study demonstrates that mRNA fragments are primarily derived from premature transcriptional termination during manufacturing, and only full-length mRNA transcripts are viable for expression of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himakshi K Patel
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Kun Zhang
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
| | - Rachael Utegg
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Elaine Stephens
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Shauna Salem
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Heidi Welch
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jeff Ryczek
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA
| | - David J Cirelli
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Andover, MA 01810, USA
| | - Thomas F Lerch
- Analytical Research and Development, Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc., Chesterfield, MO 63017, USA.
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