1
|
Fan Y, Rigas D, Kim LJ, Chang FP, Zang N, McKee K, Kemball CC, Yu Z, Winkler P, Su WC, Jessen P, Hura GL, Chen T, Koenig SG, Nagapudi K, Leung D, Yen CW. Physicochemical and structural insights into lyophilized mRNA-LNP from lyoprotectant and buffer screenings. J Control Release 2024; 373:727-737. [PMID: 39059500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.07.052] [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: 06/06/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
The surge in RNA therapeutics has revolutionized treatments for infectious diseases like COVID-19 and shows the potential to expand into other therapeutic areas. However, the typical requirement for ultra-cold storage of mRNA-LNP formulations poses significant logistical challenges for global distribution. Lyophilization serves as a potential strategy to extend mRNA-LNP stability while eliminating the need for ultra-cold supply chain logistics. Although recent advancements have demonstrated the promise of lyophilization, the choice of lyoprotectant is predominately focused on sucrose, and there remains a gap in comprehensive evaluation and comparison of lyoprotectants and buffers. Here, we aim to systematically investigate the impact of a diverse range of excipients including oligosaccharides, polymers, amino acids, and various buffers, on the quality and performance of lyophilized mRNA-LNPs. From the screening of 45 mRNA-LNP formulations under various lyoprotectant and buffer conditions for lyophilization, we identified previously unexplored formulation compositions, e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in Tris or acetate buffers, as promising alternatives to the commonly used oligosaccharides to maintain the physicochemical stability of lyophilized mRNA-LNPs. Further, we delved into how physicochemical and structural properties influence the functionality of lyophilized mRNA-LNPs. Leveraging high-throughput small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM), we showed that there is complex interplay between mRNA-LNP structural features and cellular translation efficacy. We also assessed innate immune responses of the screened mRNA-LNPs in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and showed minimal alterations of cytokine secretion profiles induced by lyophilized formulations. Our results provide valuable insights into the structure-activity relationship of lyophilized formulations of mRNA-LNP therapeutics, paving the way for rational design of these formulations. This work creates a foundation for a comprehensive understanding of mRNA-LNP properties and in vitro performance change resulting from lyophilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Fan
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Diamanda Rigas
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Lee Joon Kim
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94020, USA
| | - Feng-Peng Chang
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Nanzhi Zang
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kristina McKee
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Christopher C Kemball
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Zhixin Yu
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Pascal Winkler
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Wan-Chih Su
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Pierce Jessen
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Greg L Hura
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, CA 94020, USA; Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, University of California Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA
| | - Tao Chen
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Stefan G Koenig
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Karthik Nagapudi
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Dennis Leung
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Chun-Wan Yen
- Synthetic Molecule Pharmaceutical Sciences, Genentech Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Unruh T, Götz K, Vogel C, Fröhlich E, Scheurer A, Porcar L, Steiniger F. Mesoscopic Structure of Lipid Nanoparticle Formulations for mRNA Drug Delivery: Comirnaty and Drug-Free Dispersions. ACS NANO 2024; 18:9746-9764. [PMID: 38514237 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c02610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) produced by antisolvent precipitation (ASP) are used in formulations for mRNA drug delivery. The mesoscopic structure of such complex multicomponent and polydisperse nanoparticulate systems is most relevant for their drug delivery properties, medical efficiency, shelf life, and possible side effects. However, the knowledge on the structural details of such formulations is very limited. Essentially no such information is publicly available for pharmaceutical dispersions approved by numerous medicine agencies for the use in humans and loaded with mRNA encoding a mimic of the spike protein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) as, e.g., the Comirnaty formulation (BioNTech/Pfizer). Here, we present a simple preparation method to mimic the Comirnaty drug-free LNPs including a comparison of their structural properties with those of Comirnaty. Strong evidence for the liquid state of the LNPs in both systems is found in contrast to the designation of the LNPs as solid lipid nanoparticles by BioNTech. An exceptionally detailed and reliable structural model for the LNPs i.a. revealing their unexpected narrow size distribution will be presented based on a combined small-angle X-ray scattering and photon correlation spectroscopy (SAXS/PCS) evaluation method. The results from this experimental approach are supported by light microscopy, 1H NMR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoTEM), and simultaneous SAXS/SANS studies. The presented results do not provide direct insights on particle formation or dispersion stability but should contribute significantly to better understanding the LNP drug delivery process, enhancing their medical benefit, and reducing side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Unruh
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Klaus Götz
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Vogel
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Center for Nanostructured Films (IZNF) and Center for Nanoanalysis and Electron Microscopy (CENEM), Cauerstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Erik Fröhlich
- Institute for Crystallography and Structural Physics, Physics Department, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstraße 3, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Scheurer
- Lehrstuhl für Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie, Department Chemie und Pharmazie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Egerlandstraße 1, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lionel Porcar
- Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble Cedex 9, France
| | - Frank Steiniger
- Electron Microscopy Center, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
VanKeulen-Miller R, Fenton OS. Messenger RNA Therapy for Female Reproductive Health. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:393-409. [PMID: 38189262 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00803] [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: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Female reproductive health has traditionally been an underrepresented area of research in the drug delivery sciences. This disparity is also seen in the emerging field of mRNA therapeutics, a class of medicines that promises to treat and prevent disease by upregulating protein expression in the body. Here, we review advances in mRNA therapies through the lens of improving female reproductive health. Specifically, we begin our review by discussing the fundamental structure and biochemical modifications associated with mRNA-based drugs. Then, we discuss various packaging technologies, including lipid nanoparticles, that can be utilized to protect and transport mRNA drugs to target cells in the body. Last, we conclude our review by discussing the usage of mRNA therapy for addressing pregnancy-related health and vaccination against sexually transmitted diseases in women. Of note, we also highlight relevant clinical trials using mRNA for female reproductive health while also providing their corresponding National Clinical Trial identifiers. In undertaking this review, our aim is to provide a fundamental background understanding of mRNA therapy and its usage to specifically address female health issues with an overarching goal of providing information toward addressing gender disparity in certain aspects of health research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel VanKeulen-Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Owen S Fenton
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
He S, Liu S. Zwitterionic materials for nucleic acid delivery and therapeutic applications. J Control Release 2024; 365:919-935. [PMID: 38103789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.017] [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: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics have demonstrated substantial potential in combating various diseases. However, challenges persist, particularly in the delivery of multifunctional nucleic acids. To address this issue, numerous gene delivery vectors have been developed to fully unlock the potential of gene therapy. The advancement of innovative materials with exceptional delivery properties is critical to propel the clinical translation of nucleic acid drugs. Cationic vector materials have received extensive attention, while zwitterionic materials remain relatively underappreciated in delivery. In this review, we outline a diverse range of zwitterionic material nucleic acid carriers, predominantly encompassing zwitterionic lipids, polymers and peptides. Their respective chemical structures, synthesis approaches, properties, advantages, and therapeutic applications are summarized and discussed. Furthermore, we highlight the challenges and future opportunities associated with the development of zwitterionic vector materials. This review will aid to understand the zwitterionic materials in aiding gene delivery, contributing to the continual progress of nucleic acid therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shun He
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 311121, China; National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mao X, Wang G, Wang Z, Duan C, Wu X, Xu H. Theranostic Lipid Nanoparticles for Renal Cell Carcinoma. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2306246. [PMID: 37747365 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202306246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common urological malignancy and represents a leading threat to healthcare. Recent years have seen a series of progresses in the early diagnosis and management of RCC. Theranostic lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are increasingly becoming one of the focuses in this field, because of their suitability for tumor targeting and multimodal therapy. LNPs can be precisely fabricated with desirable chemical compositions and biomedical properties, which closely match the physiological characteristics and clinical needs of RCC. Herein, a comprehensive review of theranostic LNPs is presented, emphasizing the generic tool nature of LNPs in developing advanced micro-nano biomaterials. It begins with a brief overview of the compositions and formation mechanism of LNPs, followed with an introduction to kidney-targeting approaches, such as passive, active, and stimulus responsive targeting. With examples provided, a series of modification strategies for enhancing the tumor targeting and functionality of LNPs are discussed. Thereafter, research advances on applications of these LNPs for RCC including bioimaging, liquid biopsy, drug delivery, physical therapy, and gene therapy are summarized and discussed from an interdisciplinary perspective. The final part highlights the milestone achievements of translation medicine, current challenges as well as future development directions of LNPs for the diagnosis and treatment of RCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiongmin Mao
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Guanyi Wang
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Zijian Wang
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Chen Duan
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiaoliang Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Department of Urology, Cancer Precision Diagnosis and Treatment and Translational Medicine Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| |
Collapse
|