1
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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] [MESH Headings] [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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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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Oude Egberink R, van Schie DM, Joosten B, de Muynck LTA, Jacobs W, van Oostrum J, Brock R. Unraveling mRNA delivery bottlenecks of ineffective delivery vectors by co-transfection with effective carriers. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024:114414. [PMID: 39009193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114414] [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: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
The messenger RNA (mRNA) SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of this novel drug modality. Protein expression is the consequence of a multistep delivery process that relies on proper packaging into nanoparticle carriers to protect the mRNA against degradation enabling effective cellular uptake and endosomal release and liberating the mRNA in the cytosol. Bottlenecks along this route remain challenging to pinpoint. Although methods to assess endosomal escape of carriers have been developed, versatile strategies to identify bottlenecks along the delivery trajectory are missing. Here, it is shown that co-incubating an inefficient nanoparticle formulation with an efficient one solves this problem. Cells were co-incubated with mRNA nanoparticles formed with either the efficient cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) PepFect14 or the inefficient CPP nona-arginine (R9). Co-transfection enhanced cellular uptake and endosomal escape of R9-formulated mRNA, resulting in protein expression, demonstrating that both vectors enter cells along the same route. In addition, cells were transfected with a galectin-9-mCherry fusion protein to detect endosomal rupture. Remarkably, despite endosomal release, mRNA remained confined to punctate structures, identifying mRNA liberation as a further bottleneck. In summary, co-transfection offers a rapid means to identify bottlenecks in cytosolic mRNA delivery, supporting the rational design and optimization of intracellular mRNA delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rik Oude Egberink
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Deni M van Schie
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Ben Joosten
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Lisa T A de Muynck
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Ward Jacobs
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jenny van Oostrum
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Roland Brock
- Department of Medical BioSciences, Research Institute for Medical Innovation, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 329, Bahrain.
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4
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Li J, Zhang Y, Yang YG, Sun T. Advancing mRNA Therapeutics: The Role and Future of Nanoparticle Delivery Systems. Mol Pharm 2024. [PMID: 38953708 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has underscored the critical role of mRNA-based vaccines as powerful, adaptable, readily manufacturable, and safe methodologies for prophylaxis. mRNA-based treatments are emerging as a hopeful avenue for a plethora of conditions, encompassing infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases, and rare disorders. Nonetheless, the in vivo delivery of mRNA faces challenges due to its instability, suboptimal delivery, and potential for triggering undesired immune reactions. In this context, the development of effective drug delivery systems, particularly nanoparticles (NPs), is paramount. Tailored with biophysical and chemical properties and susceptible to surface customization, these NPs have demonstrated enhanced mRNA delivery in vivo and led to the approval of several NPs-based formulations for clinical use. Despite these advancements, the necessity for developing a refined, targeted NP delivery system remains imperative. This review comprehensively surveys the biological, translational, and clinical progress in NPs-mediated mRNA therapeutics for both the prevention and treatment of diverse diseases. By addressing critical factors for enhancing existing methodologies, it aims to inform the future development of precise and efficacious mRNA-based therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yong-Guang Yang
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Tianmeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of Ministry of Education, Institute of Immunology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- National-local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- International Center of Future Science, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
- State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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5
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Zhang T, Yin H, Li Y, Yang H, Ge K, Zhang J, Yuan Q, Dai X, Naeem A, Weng Y, Huang Y, Liang XJ. Optimized lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for organ-selective nucleic acids delivery in vivo. iScience 2024; 27:109804. [PMID: 38770138 PMCID: PMC11103379 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Nucleic acid therapeutics offer tremendous promise for addressing a wide range of common public health conditions. However, the in vivo nucleic acids delivery faces significant biological challenges. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) possess several advantages, such as simple preparation, high stability, efficient cellular uptake, endosome escape capabilities, etc., making them suitable for delivery vectors. However, the extensive hepatic accumulation of LNPs poses a challenge for successful development of LNPs-based nucleic acid therapeutics for extrahepatic diseases. To overcome this hurdle, researchers have been focusing on modifying the surface properties of LNPs to achieve precise delivery. The review aims to provide current insights into strategies for LNPs-based organ-selective nucleic acid delivery. In addition, it delves into the general design principles, targeting mechanisms, and clinical development of organ-selective LNPs. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview to provide guidance and valuable insights for further research and development of organ-selective nucleic acid delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhang
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Han Yin
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yu Li
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Haiyin Yang
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Kun Ge
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Hebei Province, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002 China
| | - Jinchao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis of the Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology of Hebei Province, College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding 071002 China
| | - Qing Yuan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Environment and Life Science, Center of Excellence for Environmental Safety and Biological Effects, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Xuyan Dai
- Apharige Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Beijing 102629, China
| | - Abid Naeem
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuhua Weng
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Yuanyu Huang
- Advanced Research Institute of Multidisciplinary Science, School of Life Science, Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine and Biotherapy, Key Laboratory of Medical Molecule Science and Pharmaceutics Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Xing-Jie Liang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
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6
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Du Y, Guo HL, Su X, Guo M, Li B, Wang H, Gao X, Yuan Q, Teng Y, Wang T, Zheng B. Surface nanocoating-based universal platform for programmed delivery of microorganisms in complicated digestive tract. J Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 673:765-780. [PMID: 38905998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2024.06.093] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Microbial therapies have promising applications in the treatment of a broad range of diseases. However, effective colonization of the target region by therapeutic microorganisms remains a significant challenge owing to the complexity of the intestinal system. Here, we developed surface nanocoating-based universal platform (SNUP), which enabled the manipulation of controlled release and targeted colonization of therapeutic microbes in the digestive tract without the utilization of any targeting molecules. The system controlled the decomposition time of SNUP in the gut by regulating different modification layers and modification sequences on the microorganism's surface, so that the microorganism was released at a predetermined time and space. With the SNUP nanomodification technology, we could effectively deliver therapeutic microorganisms to specific complex intestinal regions such as the small intestine and colon, and protect the bioactivity of therapeutic microorganisms from destruction by both strong acids and digestive enzymes. In this study, we found that two layers SNUP-encapsulated Liiliilactobacillus salivarius (LS@CCMC) could efficiently colonize the small intestine and significantly improve the symptoms of a mouse model of Parkinson's disease through sustained secretion of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This surface nanocoating-based universal platform system does not require the design of specific targeting molecules, providing a simple and universal method for colonized microbial therapy, target theranostics, precision medicine, and personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Du
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Hao Lin Guo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102401, China
| | - Xin Su
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Mingming Guo
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Bowen Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Hua Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiaoning Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Qing Yuan
- Department of Urology, The Third Medical Center, Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), General Hospital, Beijing 721399, China
| | - Yue Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
| | - Tao Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Bin Zheng
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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7
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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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8
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Anchordoquy T, Artzi N, Balyasnikova IV, Barenholz Y, La-Beck NM, Brenner JS, Chan WCW, Decuzzi P, Exner AA, Gabizon A, Godin B, Lai SK, Lammers T, Mitchell MJ, Moghimi SM, Muzykantov VR, Peer D, Nguyen J, Popovtzer R, Ricco M, Serkova NJ, Singh R, Schroeder A, Schwendeman AA, Straehla JP, Teesalu T, Tilden S, Simberg D. Mechanisms and Barriers in Nanomedicine: Progress in the Field and Future Directions. ACS NANO 2024; 18:13983-13999. [PMID: 38767983 PMCID: PMC11214758 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00182] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, steady progress has been made in synthesizing and characterizing engineered nanoparticles, resulting in several approved drugs and multiple promising candidates in clinical trials. Regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency released important guidance documents facilitating nanoparticle-based drug product development, particularly in the context of liposomes and lipid-based carriers. Even with the progress achieved, it is clear that many barriers must still be overcome to accelerate translation into the clinic. At the recent conference workshop "Mechanisms and Barriers in Nanomedicine" in May 2023 in Colorado, U.S.A., leading experts discussed the formulation, physiological, immunological, regulatory, clinical, and educational barriers. This position paper invites open, unrestricted, nonproprietary discussion among senior faculty, young investigators, and students to trigger ideas and concepts to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Anchordoquy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Natalie Artzi
- Brigham and Woman's Hospital, Department of Medicine, Division of Engineering in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02215, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Irina V Balyasnikova
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University; Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Yechezkel Barenholz
- Membrane and Liposome Research Lab, IMRIC, Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 9112102, Israel
| | - Ninh M La-Beck
- Department of Immunotherapeutics and Biotechnology, Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Abilene, Texas 79601, United States
| | - Jacob S Brenner
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Warren C W Chan
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Rosebrugh Building, 164 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
- Terrence Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, University of Toronto, 160 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Italian Institute of Technology, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Agata A Exner
- Departments of Radiology and Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, United States
| | - Alberto Gabizon
- The Helmsley Cancer Center, Shaare Zedek Medical Center and The Hebrew University of Jerusalem-Faculty of Medicine, Jerusalem, 9103102, Israel
| | - Biana Godin
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine College (WCMC), New York, New York 10065, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M, College Station, Texas 7784,3 United States
| | - Samuel K Lai
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Twan Lammers
- Department of Nanomedicine and Theranostics, Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging, Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
- Penn Institute for RNA Innovation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - S Moein Moghimi
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, U.K
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, U.K
- Colorado Center for Nanomedicine and Nanosafety, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Vladimir R Muzykantov
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, The Perelman School of Medicine, The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
- Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, 69978, Israel
| | - Juliane Nguyen
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Rachela Popovtzer
- Faculty of Engineering and the Institute of Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002 Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Madison Ricco
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Natalie J Serkova
- Department of Radiology, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Ravi Singh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, United States
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101, United States
| | - Avi Schroeder
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 32000, Israel
| | - Anna A Schwendeman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, United States
| | - Joelle P Straehla
- Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02115 United States
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Cambridge Massachusetts 02139 United States
| | - Tambet Teesalu
- Laboratory of Precision and Nanomedicine, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Scott Tilden
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
| | - Dmitri Simberg
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, United States
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9
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Bender V, Fuchs L, Süss R. RP-HPLC-CAD method for the rapid analysis of lipids used in lipid nanoparticles derived from dual centrifugation. Int J Pharm X 2024; 7:100255. [PMID: 38766478 PMCID: PMC11101883 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2024.100255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The use of lipids as suitable excipients for drug carrier systems has been established for years. Liposomes or lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in general have been shown capable of delivering both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting vaccines have significantly increased interest in the potential for these lipid-based systems, which can carry different types of therapeutic RNAs. LNPs used for the transfection of RNA are usually a multi-component mixture of phospholipids and other lipids. Essential components are positively charged or ionizable lipids such as DOTAP or SM-102, but also uncharged helper lipids such as cholesterol, DOPE, DSPC, DMG-PEG2000 or DSPE-PEG2000. Due to the differences in charge, simultaneous detection is a challenge. Here, we present a reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography charged-aerosol-detector method (RP-HPLC-CAD method) using a C-18 column for the simultaneous determination of charged and uncharged lipids. Our method has been validated according to the ICH-Q2 (R2) guideline for accuracy, precision, specificity and working range, including the limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), as well as the calibration range. We were able to show satisfactory results in both precision and accuracy. The working range also shows great potential with a calibration range from 9.375 to 1000 μg/ml, LODs <1.85 μg/ml and LOQs <6.16 μg/ml. This method represents a fast and reproducible procedure for quantifying the lipids mentioned. In combination with the novel approach for the production of LNPs using dual centrifugation (DC), it offers the possibility of extremely rapid production of RNA-loaded LNPs, and the immediate analysis for their lipid components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Bender
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstraße 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Leon Fuchs
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstraße 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Regine Süss
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Freiburg, Sonnenstraße 5, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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10
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De Peña AC, Zimmer D, Gutterman-Johns E, Chen NM, Tripathi A, Bailey-Hytholt CM. Electrophoretic Microfluidic Characterization of mRNA- and pDNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:26984-26997. [PMID: 38753459 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c00208] [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: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are clinically advanced nonviral gene delivery vehicles with a demonstrated ability to address viral, oncological, and genetic diseases. However, the further development of LNP therapies requires rapid analytical techniques to support their development and manufacturing. The method developed and described in this paper presents an approach to rapidly and accurately analyze LNPs for optimized therapeutic loading by utilizing an electrophoresis microfluidic platform to analyze the composition of LNPs with different clinical lipid compositions (Onpattro, Comirnaty, and Spikevax) and nucleic acid (plasmid DNA (pDNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA)) formulations. This method enables the high-throughput screening of LNPs using a 96- or 384-well plate with approximate times of 2-4 min per sample using a total volume of 11 μL. The lipid analysis requires concentrations approximately between 109 and 1010 particles/mL and has an average precision error of 10.4% and a prediction error of 19.1% when compared to using a NanoSight, while the nucleic acid analysis requires low concentrations of 1.17 ng/μL for pDNA and 0.17 ng/μL for mRNA and has an average precision error of 4.8% and a prediction error of 9.4% when compared to using a PicoGreen and RiboGreen assay. In addition, our method quantifies the relative concentration of nucleic acid per LNP. Utilizing this approach, we observed an average of 263 ± 62.2 mRNA per LNP and 126.3 ± 21.2 pDNA per LNP for the LNP formulations used in this study, where the accuracy of these estimations is dependent on reference standards. We foresee the utility of this technique in the high-throughput characterization of LNPs during manufacturing and formulation research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Coll De Peña
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Daniel Zimmer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, United States
| | - Everett Gutterman-Johns
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Nicole M Chen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Anubhav Tripathi
- Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - Christina M Bailey-Hytholt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609, United States
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11
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Guerrini G, Mehn D, Scaccabarozzi D, Gioria S, Calzolai L. Analytical Ultracentrifugation to Assess the Quality of LNP-mRNA Therapeutics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5718. [PMID: 38891903 PMCID: PMC11171944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115718] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The approval of safe and effective LNP-mRNA vaccines during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is catalyzing the development of the next generation of mRNA therapeutics. Proper characterization methods are crucial for assessing the quality and efficacy of these complex formulations. Here, we show that analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) can measure, simultaneously and without any sample preparation step, the sedimentation coefficients of both the LNP-mRNA formulation and the mRNA molecules. This allows measuring several quality attributes, such as particle size distribution, encapsulation efficiency and density of the formulation. The technique can also be applied to study the stability of the formulation under stress conditions and different buffers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Luigi Calzolai
- European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC), 21027 Ispra, Italy; (G.G.); (D.M.); (D.S.); (S.G.)
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12
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Chu R, Wang Y, Kong J, Pan T, Yang Y, He J. Lipid nanoparticles as the drug carrier for targeted therapy of hepatic disorders. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:4759-4784. [PMID: 38682294 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02766j] [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: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
The liver, a complex and vital organ in the human body, is susceptible to various diseases, including metabolic disorders, acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In recent decades, these diseases have significantly contributed to global morbidity and mortality. Currently, liver transplantation remains the most effective treatment for hepatic disorders. Nucleic acid therapeutics offer a selective approach to disease treatment through diverse mechanisms, enabling the regulation of relevant genes and providing a novel therapeutic avenue for hepatic disorders. It is expected that nucleic acid drugs will emerge as the third generation of pharmaceuticals, succeeding small molecule drugs and antibody drugs. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) represent a crucial technology in the field of drug delivery and constitute a significant advancement in gene therapies. Nucleic acids encapsulated in LNPs are shielded from the degradation of enzymes and effectively delivered to cells, where they are released and regulate specific genes. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the structure, composition, and applications of LNPs in the treatment of hepatic disorders and offers insights into prospects and challenges in the future development of LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Runxuan Chu
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tung, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
| | - Jianglong Kong
- Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tung, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
| | - Ting Pan
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
- Department of Pharmaceutics School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, P. R. China
| | - Yani Yang
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
| | - Jun He
- National Advanced Medical Engineering Research Center, China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, 285 Gebaini Road, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China.
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13
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Eygeris Y, Henderson MI, Curtis AG, Jozić A, Stoddard J, Reynaga R, Chirco KR, Su GLN, Neuringer M, Lauer AK, Ryals RC, Sahay G. Preformed Vesicle Approach to LNP Manufacturing Enhances Retinal mRNA Delivery. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2400815. [PMID: 38738752 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Complete encapsulation of nucleic acids by lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) is often thought to be one of the main prerequisites for successful nucleic acid delivery, as the lipid environment protects mRNA from degradation by external nucleases and assists in initiating delivery processes. However, delivery of mRNA via a preformed vesicle approach (PFV-LNPs) defies this precondition. Unlike traditional LNPs, PFV-LNPs are formed via a solvent-free mixing process, leading to a superficial mRNA localization. While demonstrating low encapsulation efficiency in the RiboGreen assay, PFV-LNPs improved delivery of mRNA to the retina by up to 50% compared to the LNP analogs across several benchmark formulations, suggesting the utility of this approach regardless of the lipid composition. Successful mRNA and gene editors' delivery is observed in the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors and validated in mice, non-human primates, and human retinal organoids. Deploying PFV-LNPs in gene editing experiments result in a similar extent of gene editing compared to analogous LNP (up to 3% on genomic level) in the Ai9 reporter mouse model; but, remarkably, retinal tolerability is significantly improved for PFV-LNP treatment. The study findings indicate that the LNP formulation process can greatly influence mRNA transfection and gene editing outcomes, improving LNP treatment safety without sacrificing efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Eygeris
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Michael I Henderson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Allison G Curtis
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Antony Jozić
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Jonathan Stoddard
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Rene Reynaga
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Kathleen R Chirco
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Grace Li-Na Su
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Martha Neuringer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Andreas K Lauer
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, OR, 97006, USA
| | - Renee C Ryals
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
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14
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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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15
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D'Atri V, Imiołek M, Quinn C, Finny A, Lauber M, Fekete S, Guillarme D. Size exclusion chromatography of biopharmaceutical products: From current practices for proteins to emerging trends for viral vectors, nucleic acids and lipid nanoparticles. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1722:464862. [PMID: 38581978 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464862] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
The 21st century has been particularly productive for the biopharmaceutical industry, with the introduction of several classes of innovative therapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies and related compounds, gene therapy products, and RNA-based modalities. All these new molecules are susceptible to aggregation and fragmentation, which necessitates a size variant analysis for their comprehensive characterization. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is one of the reference techniques that can be applied. The analytical techniques for mAbs are now well established and some of them are now emerging for the newer modalities. In this context, the objective of this review article is: i) to provide a short historical background on SEC, ii) to suggest some clear guidelines on the selection of packing material and mobile phase for successful method development in modern SEC; and iii) to highlight recent advances in SEC, such as the use of narrow-bore and micro-bore columns, ultra-wide pore columns, and low-adsorption column hardware. Some important innovations, such as recycling SEC, the coupling of SEC with mass spectrometry, and the use of alternative detectors such as charge detection mass spectrometry and mass photometry are also described. In addition, this review discusses the use of SEC in multidimensional setups and shows some of the most recent advances at the preparative scale. In the third part of the article, the possibility of SEC for the characterization of new modalities is also reviewed. The final objective of this review is to provide a clear summary of opportunities and limitations of SEC for the analysis of different biopharmaceutical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina D'Atri
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel Servet 1,4, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel Servet 1,4, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Abraham Finny
- Waters Corporation, Wyatt Technology, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | - Matthew Lauber
- Waters Corporation, Wyatt Technology, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
| | | | - Davy Guillarme
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel Servet 1,4, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, CMU - Rue Michel Servet 1,4, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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16
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He Z, Liu Z, Chen Y. Chemical Design Strategy of Ionizable Lipids for In Vivo mRNA Delivery. ChemMedChem 2024:e202400199. [PMID: 38722488 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202400199] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are the most clinically successful drug delivery systems that have accelerated the development of mRNA drugs and vaccines. Among various structural components of LNPs, more recent attention has been paid in ionizable lipids (ILs) that was supposed as the key component in determining the effectiveness of LNPs for in vivo mRNA delivery. ILs are typically comprised of three moieties including ionizable heads, linkers, and hydrophobic tails, which suggested that the combination of different functional groups in three moieties could produce ILs with diverse chemical structures and biological identities. In this concept article, we provide a summary of chemical design strategy for high-performing IL candidates and discuss their structure-activity relationships for shifting tissue-selective mRNA delivery. We also propose an outlook for the development of next-generation ILs, enabling the broader translation of mRNA formulated with LNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zepeng He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Functional Biomaterials Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhijia Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Functional Biomaterials Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yongming Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory for Polymeric Composite and Functional Materials of Ministry of Education, Guangdong Functional Biomaterials Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Science, Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, Zhengzhou, 450046, China
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17
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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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18
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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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19
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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: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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20
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Bitounis D, Jacquinet E, Rogers MA, Amiji MM. Strategies to reduce the risks of mRNA drug and vaccine toxicity. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2024; 23:281-300. [PMID: 38263456 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00859-3] [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: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
mRNA formulated with lipid nanoparticles is a transformative technology that has enabled the rapid development and administration of billions of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine doses worldwide. However, avoiding unacceptable toxicity with mRNA drugs and vaccines presents challenges. Lipid nanoparticle structural components, production methods, route of administration and proteins produced from complexed mRNAs all present toxicity concerns. Here, we discuss these concerns, specifically how cell tropism and tissue distribution of mRNA and lipid nanoparticles can lead to toxicity, and their possible reactogenicity. We focus on adverse events from mRNA applications for protein replacement and gene editing therapies as well as vaccines, tracing common biochemical and cellular pathways. The potential and limitations of existing models and tools used to screen for on-target efficacy and de-risk off-target toxicity, including in vivo and next-generation in vitro models, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Bitounis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
- Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Mansoor M Amiji
- Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
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21
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Hsia T, Chen Y. RNA-encapsulating lipid nanoparticles in cancer immunotherapy: From pre-clinical studies to clinical trials. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 197:114234. [PMID: 38401743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems such as RNA-encapsulating lipid nanoparticles (RNA LNPs) have dramatically advanced in function and capacity over the last few decades. RNA LNPs boast of a diverse array of external and core configurations that enhance targeted delivery and prolong circulatory retention, advancing therapeutic outcomes. Particularly within the realm of cancer immunotherapies, RNA LNPs are increasingly gaining prominence. Pre-clinical in vitro and in vivo studies have laid a robust foundation for new and ongoing clinical trials that are actively enrolling patients for RNA LNP cancer immunotherapy. This review explores RNA LNPs, starting from their core composition to their external membrane formulation, set against a backdrop of recent clinical breakthroughs. We further elucidate the LNP delivery avenues, broach the prevailing challenges, and contemplate the future perspectives of RNA LNP-mediated immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffaney Hsia
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan
| | - Yunching Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan; Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 30013, Taiwan.
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22
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De Vos J, Morreel K, Alvarez P, Vanluchene H, Vankeirsbilck R, Sandra P, Sandra K. Evaluation of size-exclusion chromatography, multi-angle light scattering detection and mass photometry for the characterization of mRNA. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1719:464756. [PMID: 38402695 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.464756] [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: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
The recent approval of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) as vaccine to combat the COVID-19 pandemic has been a scientific turning point. Today, the applicability of mRNA is being demonstrated beyond infectious diseases, for example in cancer immunotherapy, protein replacement therapy and gene editing. mRNA is produced by in vitro transcription (IVT) from a linear DNA template and modified at the 3' and 5' ends to improve translational efficiency and stability. Co-existing impurities such as RNA fragments and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), amongst others, can drastically impact mRNA quality and efficacy. In this study, size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) is evaluated for the characterization of IVT-mRNA. The effect of mobile phase composition (ionic strength and organic modifier), pH, column temperature and pore size (300 Å, 1000 Å, and 2000 Å) on the separation performance and structural integrity of IVT-mRNA varying in size is described. Non-replicating, self-amplifying (saRNA), temperature degraded, and ribonuclease (RNase) digested mRNA, the latter to characterize the 3' poly(A) tail, were included in the study. Beyond ultraviolet (UV) detection, refractive index (RI) and multi-angle light scattering (MALS) detection were implemented to accurately determine molecular weight (MW) of mRNA. Finally, mass photometry is introduced as a complementary methodology to study mRNA under native conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle De Vos
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Kris Morreel
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Piotr Alvarez
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | | | | | - Pat Sandra
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium
| | - Koen Sandra
- RIC group, President Kennedypark 6, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium.
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23
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Bessler L, Groß J, Kampf CJ, Opatz T, Helm M. Reversible oxidative dimerization of 4-thiouridines in tRNA isolates. RSC Chem Biol 2024; 5:216-224. [PMID: 38456039 PMCID: PMC10915967 DOI: 10.1039/d3cb00221g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of non-canonical nucleoside structures in RNA of biological or synthetic origin has encountered several recent boosts in attention, namely in the context of RNA modifications, and with an eye to RNA vaccines. New nucleoside structures introduce added functionality and function into biopolymers that are otherwise rather homogenous in their chemical structure. Here, we report the discovery of a presumed RNA modification that was identified by combination of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) with stable isotope labelling as a dimer of the known RNA modification 4-thiouridine (s4U). The disulfide-linked structure, which had previously been synthetically introduced into RNA, was here formed spontaneously in isolates of E. coli tRNA. Judicious application of stable isotope labelling suggested that this presumed new RNA modification was rather generated ex vivo by oxidation with ambient oxygen. These findings do not only underscore the need for caution in the discovery of new RNA modifications with respect to artifacts, but also raise awareness of an RNA vulnerability, especially to oxidative damage, during its transport or storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Bessler
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Jonathan Groß
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Christopher J Kampf
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Till Opatz
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Duesbergweg 10-14 55128 Mainz Germany
| | - Mark Helm
- Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz Staudingerweg 5 55128 Mainz Germany
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24
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Zhai J, Cote T, Chen Y. Challenges and advances of the stability of mRNA delivery therapeutics. NUCLEIC ACID INSIGHTS 2024; 1:101-113. [PMID: 38903876 PMCID: PMC11189690 DOI: 10.18609/nai.2024.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
mRNA therapeutics have garnered significant attention in the biomedical realm, showing immense potential across a spectrum of applications from COVID-19 to cancer treatments. Their ability to trigger precise protein expression, particularly in genome editing, is pivotal in minimizing off-target effects. At the core of mRNA therapy lies a dual-component system, comprising the mRNA itself and a delivery vehicle. The breakthrough success of novel COVID-19 vaccines has catapulted lipid nanoparticles to prominence as the preferred delivery vehicle. However, despite their US FDA approval and efficacy, lipid nanoparticles face a significant challenge: poor stability at room temperature, which limits their applications in various geographic regions with disparities in infrastructure and technology. This review aims to dissect the issue of stability inherent in lipid nanoparticles and other mRNA delivery platforms such as polymer-based materials and protein derivative materials. We herein endeavor to unravel the factors contributing to their instability and explore potential strategies to enhance their stability. By doing so, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the current landscape of mRNA delivery systems, highlighting both their successes and limitations, and paving the way for future advancements in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Trystin Cote
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Yupeng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
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25
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Birdsall RE, Han D, DeLaney K, Kowalczyk A, Cojocaru R, Lauber M, Huray JL. Monitoring stability indicating impurities and aldehyde content in lipid nanoparticle raw material and formulated drugs. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2024; 1234:124005. [PMID: 38246008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2024.124005] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are designed to protect and transport sensitive payloads or active pharmaceutical ingredients as part of new therapeutic modalities. As a multi-component particle, a high degree of quality control is necessary to ensure raw materials are free of critical impurities that could adversely impact the drug product. In this study, we demonstrate a reversed phase liquid chromatography method hyphenated with a single quadrupole mass spectrometer (RPLC-MS) as an alternative platform to methods that incorporate evaporative light scattering or charged aerosol detectors in the detection and quantitation of critical impurities associated with LNPs. The proposed RPLC-MS method offers an increase of up to 2 orders of magnitude in dynamic range and 3 orders of magnitude in sensitivity in the analysis of impurities associated with LNPs compared to conventional detectors. Access to complementary mass data enabled the detection and identification of stability indicating impurities as part of stress studies carried out on an ionizable lipid. In addition to confirmation of peak identity, complementary mass data was also used to assess residual aldehydes in raw material and formulated LNPs in accordance with regulatory guidance. Following derivatization using 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine, aldehyde content in the ionizable lipid raw material was determined to exceed the reporting threshold of 0.05% in 30% of the test cases. The experimental findings observed in this study demonstrate the utility of the proposed RPLC-MS method in the identification and monitoring of stability-indicating attributes associated with LNPs as part of current Good Manufacturing Practices for improved consumer safety in drug products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Duanduan Han
- Waters Corporation, 34 Maple St. Milford, MA 01757, USA
| | | | - Adam Kowalczyk
- Acuitas Therapeutics, 6190 Agronomy Rd. Suite 405, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Razvan Cojocaru
- Acuitas Therapeutics, 6190 Agronomy Rd. Suite 405, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | | | - Jon Le Huray
- Acuitas Therapeutics, 6190 Agronomy Rd. Suite 405, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
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26
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Shi Y, Zhen X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Koo S, Saiding Q, Kong N, Liu G, Chen W, Tao W. Chemically Modified Platforms for Better RNA Therapeutics. Chem Rev 2024; 124:929-1033. [PMID: 38284616 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00611] [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: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
RNA-based therapies have catalyzed a revolutionary transformation in the biomedical landscape, offering unprecedented potential in disease prevention and treatment. However, despite their remarkable achievements, these therapies encounter substantial challenges including low stability, susceptibility to degradation by nucleases, and a prominent negative charge, thereby hindering further development. Chemically modified platforms have emerged as a strategic innovation, focusing on precise alterations either on the RNA moieties or their associated delivery vectors. This comprehensive review delves into these platforms, underscoring their significance in augmenting the performance and translational prospects of RNA-based therapeutics. It encompasses an in-depth analysis of various chemically modified delivery platforms that have been instrumental in propelling RNA therapeutics toward clinical utility. Moreover, the review scrutinizes the rationale behind diverse chemical modification techniques aiming at optimizing the therapeutic efficacy of RNA molecules, thereby facilitating robust disease management. Recent empirical studies corroborating the efficacy enhancement of RNA therapeutics through chemical modifications are highlighted. Conclusively, we offer profound insights into the transformative impact of chemical modifications on RNA drugs and delineates prospective trajectories for their future development and clinical integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesi Shi
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Xueyan Zhen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yiming Zhang
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Yongjiang Li
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Seyoung Koo
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Qimanguli Saiding
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Na Kong
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, National Innovation Platform for Industry-Education Integration in Vaccine Research, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wei Tao
- Center for Nanomedicine and Department of Anesthesiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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27
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Dhayalan M, Wang W, Riyaz SUM, Dinesh RA, Shanmugam J, Irudayaraj SS, Stalin A, Giri J, Mallik S, Hu R. Advances in functional lipid nanoparticles: from drug delivery platforms to clinical applications. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:57. [PMID: 38298556 PMCID: PMC10825110 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-023-03901-8] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Since Doxil's first clinical approval in 1995, lipid nanoparticles have garnered great interest and shown exceptional therapeutic efficacy. It is clear from the licensure of two RNA treatments and the mRNA-COVID-19 vaccination that lipid nanoparticles have immense potential for delivering nucleic acids. The review begins with a list of lipid nanoparticle types, such as liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles. Then it moves on to the earliest lipid nanoparticle forms, outlining how lipid is used in a variety of industries and how it is used as a versatile nanocarrier platform. Lipid nanoparticles must then be functionally modified. Various approaches have been proposed for the synthesis of lipid nanoparticles, such as High-Pressure Homogenization (HPH), microemulsion methods, solvent-based emulsification techniques, solvent injection, phase reversal, and membrane contractors. High-pressure homogenization is the most commonly used method. All of the methods listed above follow four basic steps, as depicted in the flowchart below. Out of these four steps, the process of dispersing lipids in an aqueous medium to produce liposomes is the most unpredictable step. A short outline of the characterization of lipid nanoparticles follows discussions of applications for the trapping and transporting of various small molecules. It highlights the use of rapamycin-coated lipid nanoparticles in glioblastoma and how lipid nanoparticles function as a conjugator in the delivery of anticancer-targeting nucleic acids. High biocompatibility, ease of production, scalability, non-toxicity, and tailored distribution are just a meager of the enticing allowances of using lipid nanoparticles as drug delivery vehicles. Due to the present constraints in drug delivery, more research is required to utterly realize the potential of lipid nanoparticles for possible clinical and therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manikandan Dhayalan
- Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (Saveetha University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077 India
- College of Public Health Sciences (CPHS), Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phyathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
| | - Wei Wang
- Beidahuang Industry Group General Hospital, Harbin, 150001 China
| | - S. U. Mohammed Riyaz
- Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (Saveetha University), Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 077 India
- PG & Research Department of Biotechnology, Islamiah College (Autonomous), Vaniyambadi, Tamil Nadu 635752 India
| | - Rakshi Anuja Dinesh
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072 Australia
| | - Jayashree Shanmugam
- Department of Biotechnology, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu India
| | | | - Antony Stalin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054 China
| | - Jayant Giri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Yeshwantrao Chavan College of Engineering, Nagpur, India
| | - Saurav Mallik
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Ruifeng Hu
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
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28
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Sharma P, Hoorn D, Aitha A, Breier D, Peer D. The immunostimulatory nature of mRNA lipid nanoparticles. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2024; 205:115175. [PMID: 38218350 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115175] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
mRNA-Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are at the forefront of global medical research. With the development of mRNA-LNP vaccines to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the clinical potential of this platform was unleashed. Upon administering 16 billion doses that protected billions of people, it became clear that a fraction of them witnessed mild and in some cases even severe adverse effects. Therefore, it is paramount to define the safety along with the therapeutic efficacy of the mRNA-LNP platform for the successful translation of new genetic medicines based on this technology. While mRNA was the effector molecule of this platform, the ionizable lipid component of the LNPs played an indispensable role in its success. However, both of these components possess the ability to induce undesired immunostimulation, which is an area that needs to be addressed systematically. The immune cell agitation caused by this platform is a two-edged sword as it may prove beneficial for vaccination but detrimental to other applications. Therefore, a key challenge in advancing the mRNA-LNP drug delivery platform from bench to bedside is understanding the immunostimulatory behavior of these components. Herein, we provide a detailed overview of the structural modifications and immunogenicity of synthetic mRNA. We discuss the effect of ionizable lipid structure on LNP functionality and offer a mechanistic overview of the ability of LNPs to elicit an immune response. Finally, we shed some light on the current status of this technology in clinical trials and discuss a few challenges to be addressed to advance the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti Sharma
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Daniek Hoorn
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands
| | - Anjaiah Aitha
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dor Breier
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Dan Peer
- Laboratory of Precision Nanomedicine, Shmunis School of Biomedicine and Cancer Research, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Department of Materials Sciences and Engineering, Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Cancer Biology Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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29
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Malburet C, Carboni A, Guinamand S, Naik H, Fertier-Prizzon S. mRNA extraction from lipid nanoparticles. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1714:464545. [PMID: 38070303 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464545] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Messenger RiboNucleic Acid (mRNA) vaccines have recently shown considerable promises for both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. These vaccines do not carry an antigen but the information for producing it using the cell machinery, turning the human body into an antigen factory. However, mRNA is an unstable molecule, susceptible to physical, chemical and enzymatic degradation by exo- and endonucleases. If the mRNA is degraded, it can no longer be translated correctly into the antigen of interest and the vaccine lose its efficacy. To protect from nucleases degradation and allow it to get into the cells, mRNA can be encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). As part of the manufacturing process, the quality of the mRNAs should be controlled before the encapsulation (at the drug substance stage) as well as after formulation on the final vaccine product (at the drug product stage). Therefore, it is necessary to be able to extract the mRNA from the LNPs, that is to deformulate the final vaccine product. In this work, different deformulation methods have been compared: spin column extraction, magnetic particle extraction, organic extraction, and direct disruption. Advantages and disadvantages of each of these methods are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Malburet
- Sanofi, 1541 Avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France.
| | - Aurelien Carboni
- Sanofi, 1541 Avenue Marcel Mérieux, 69280 Marcy l'Etoile, France
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30
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Combes F, Bui TH, Pettersson FJ, Hak S. Rapid and scalable detection of synthetic mRNA byproducts using polynucleotide phosphorylase and polythymidine oligonucleotides. RNA Biol 2024; 21:1-8. [PMID: 38836544 PMCID: PMC11155706 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2024.2363029] [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] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Production and storage of synthetic mRNA can introduce a variety of byproducts which reduce the overall integrity and functionality of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics. mRNA integrity is therefore designated as a critical quality attribute which must be evaluated with state-of-the-art analytical methods before clinical use. The current study first demonstrates the effect of heat degradation on transcript translatability and then describes a novel enzymatic approach to assess the integrity of conventional mRNA and long self-amplifying mRNA. By first hybridizing oligo-T to the poly(A) tail of intact mRNA and subsequently digesting the unhybridized RNA fragments with a 3'-5' exoribonuclease, individual nucleotides can be selectively released from RNA fragments. The adenosine-based fraction of these nucleotides can then be converted into ATP and detected by luminescence as a sensitive indicator of mRNA byproducts. We developed a polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase)-based assay that offers fast and sensitive evaluation of mRNA integrity, regardless of its length, thus presenting a novel and fully scalable alternative to chromatographic-, electrophoresis-, or sequencing-based techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Combes
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Thanh-Huong Bui
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Sjoerd Hak
- Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF, Trondheim, Norway
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31
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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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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.
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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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Ammann G, Berg M, Dalwigk JF, Kaiser SM. Pitfalls in RNA Modification Quantification Using Nucleoside Mass Spectrometry. Acc Chem Res 2023; 56:3121-3131. [PMID: 37944919 PMCID: PMC10666278 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.3c00402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a high interest in researching RNA modifications, as they are involved in many cellular processes and in human diseases. A substantial set of enzymes within the cell, called RNA writers, place RNA modifications selectively and site-specifically. Another set of enzymes, called readers, recognize these modifications which guide the fate of the modified RNA. Although RNA is a transient molecule and RNA modification could be removed by RNA degradation, a subclass of enzymes, called RNA erasers, remove RNA modifications selectively and site-specifically to alter the characteristics of the RNA. The detection of RNA modifications can be done by various methods including second and next generation sequencing but also mass spectrometry. An approach capable of both qualitative and quantitative RNA modification analysis is liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry of enzymatic hydrolysates of RNA into nucleosides. However, for successful detection and quantification, various factors must be considered to avoid biased identification and inaccurate quantification. In this Account, we identify three classes of errors that may distort the analysis. These classes comprise (I) errors related to chemical instabilities, (II) errors revolving around enzymatic hydrolysis to nucleosides, and (III) errors arising from issues with chromatographic separation and/or subsequent mass spectrometric analysis.A prominent example for class 1 is Dimroth rearrangement of m1A to m6A, but class 1 also comprises hydrolytic reactions and reactions with buffer components. Here, we also present the conversion of m3C to m3U under mild alkaline conditions and propose a practical solution to overcome these instabilities. Class 2 errors-such as contaminations in hydrolysis reagents or nuclease specificities-have led to erroneous discoveries of nucleosides in the past and possess the potential for misquantification of nucleosides. Impurities in the samples may also lead to class 3 errors: For instance, issues with chromatographic separation may arise from residual organic solvents, and salt adducts may hamper mass spectrometric quantification. This Account aims to highlight various errors connected to mass spectrometry analysis of nucleosides and presents solutions for how to overcome or circumnavigate those issues. Therefore, the authors anticipate that many scientists, but especially those who plan on doing nucleoside mass spectrometry, will benefit from the collection of data presented in this Account as a raised awareness, toward the variety of potential pitfalls, may further enhance the quality of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Ammann
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Maximilian Berg
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jan Felix Dalwigk
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefanie M. Kaiser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
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Mehta M, Bui TA, Yang X, Aksoy Y, Goldys EM, Deng W. Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for Drug/Gene Delivery: An Overview of the Production Techniques and Difficulties Encountered in Their Industrial Development. ACS MATERIALS AU 2023; 3:600-619. [PMID: 38089666 PMCID: PMC10636777 DOI: 10.1021/acsmaterialsau.3c00032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, the therapeutic potential of nanomaterials as novel drug delivery systems complementing conventional pharmacology has been widely acknowledged. Among these nanomaterials, lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown remarkable pharmacological performance and promising therapeutic outcomes, thus gaining substantial interest in preclinical and clinical research. In this review, we introduce the main types of LNPs used in drug formulations such as liposomes, nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles, focusing on their main physicochemical properties and therapeutic potential. We discuss computational studies and modeling techniques to enhance the understanding of how LNPs interact with therapeutic cargo and to predict the potential effectiveness of such interactions in therapeutic applications. We also analyze the benefits and drawbacks of various LNP production techniques such as nanoprecipitation, emulsification, evaporation, thin film hydration, microfluidic-based methods, and an impingement jet mixer. Additionally, we discuss the major challenges associated with industrial development, including stability and sterilization, storage, regulatory compliance, reproducibility, and quality control. Overcoming these challenges and facilitating regulatory compliance represent the key steps toward LNP's successful commercialization and translation into clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Mehta
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information
Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Thuy Anh Bui
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information
Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Xinpu Yang
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information
Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Yagiz Aksoy
- Cancer
Diagnosis and Pathology Group, Kolling Institute of Medical Research,
Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065 Australia - Sydney
Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2006 Australia
| | - Ewa M. Goldys
- Graduate
School of Biomedical Engineering, ARC Centre of Excellence in Nanoscale
Biophotonics, Faculty of Engineering, UNSW Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Wei Deng
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Information
Technology, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
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35
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Huang P, Deng H, Wang C, Zhou Y, Chen X. Cellular Trafficking of Nanotechnology-Mediated mRNA Delivery. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023:e2307822. [PMID: 37929780 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapy has emerged as a powerful, safe, and rapidly scalable therapeutic approach that involves technologies for both mRNA itself and the delivery vehicle. Although there are some unique challenges for different applications of mRNA therapy, a common challenge for all mRNA therapeutics is the transport of mRNA into the target cell cytoplasm for sufficient protein expression. This review is focused on the behaviors at the cellular level of nanotechnology-mediated mRNA delivery systems, which have not been comprehensively reviewed yet. First, the four main therapeutic applications of mRNA are introduced, including immunotherapy, protein replacement therapy, genome editing, and cellular reprogramming. Second, common types of mRNA cargos and mRNA delivery systems are summarized. Third, strategies to enhance mRNA delivery efficiency during the cellular trafficking process are highlighted, including accumulation to the cell, internalization into the cell, endosomal escape, release of mRNA from the nanocarrier, and translation of mRNA into protein. Finally, the challenges and opportunities for the development of nanotechnology-mediated mRNA delivery systems are presented. This review can provide new insights into the future fabrication of mRNA nanocarriers with desirable cellular trafficking performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei Huang
- 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
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Hongzhang Deng
- School of Life Science and Technology and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, China
| | - Changrong Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology and Engineering Research Center of Molecular and Neuro Imaging, Ministry of Education, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710126, China
| | - Yongfeng Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - 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
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, 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, 138673, Singapore
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36
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Madigan V, Zhang F, Dahlman JE. Drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:875-894. [PMID: 37723222 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00762-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
CRISPR-based drugs can theoretically manipulate any genetic target. In practice, however, these drugs must enter the desired cell without eliciting an unwanted immune response, so a delivery system is often required. Here, we review drug delivery systems for CRISPR-based genome editors, focusing on adeno-associated viruses and lipid nanoparticles. After describing how these systems are engineered and their subsequent characterization in preclinical animal models, we highlight data from recent clinical trials. Preclinical targeting mediated by polymers, proteins, including virus-like particles, and other vehicles that may deliver CRISPR systems in the future is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Madigan
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James E Dahlman
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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37
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Xie C, Yao R, Xia X. The advances of adjuvants in mRNA vaccines. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:162. [PMID: 37884526 PMCID: PMC10603121 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00760-5] [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: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The remarkable success of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has propelled the rapid development of this vaccination technology in recent years. Over the last three decades, numerous studies have shown the considerable potential of mRNA vaccines that elicit protective immune responses against pathogens or cancers in preclinical studies or clinical trials. These effective mRNA vaccines usually contain specific adjuvants to obtain the desired immune effect. Vaccine adjuvants traditionally are immunopotentiators that bind to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of innate immune cells to increase the magnitude or achieve qualitative alteration of immune responses, finally enhancing the efficacy of vaccines. Generally, adjuvants are necessary parts of competent vaccines. According to the existing literature, adjuvants in mRNA vaccines can be broadly classified into three categories: 1) RNA with self-adjuvant characteristics, 2) components of the delivery system, and 3) exogenous immunostimulants. This review summarizes the three types of adjuvants used in mRNA vaccines and provides a comprehensive understanding of molecular mechanisms by which adjuvants exert their functions in mRNA vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Ruhui Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China
| | - Xiaojun Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, China.
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38
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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: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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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39
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Gilar M, Doneanu C, Gaye MM. Liquid Chromatography Methods for Analysis of mRNA Poly(A) Tail Length and Heterogeneity. Anal Chem 2023; 95:14308-14316. [PMID: 37696042 PMCID: PMC10535021 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c02552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a new class of therapeutic compounds. The current advances in mRNA technology require the development of efficient analytical methods. In this work, we describe the development of several methods for measurement of mRNA poly(A) tail length and heterogeneity. Poly(A) tail was first cleaved from mRNA with the RNase T1 enzyme. The average length of a liberated poly(A) tail was analyzed with the size exclusion chromatography method. Size heterogeneity of the poly(A) tail was estimated with high-resolution ion-pair reversed phase liquid chromatography (IP RP LC). The IP RP LC method provides resolution of poly(A) tail oligonucleotide variants up to 150 nucleotide long. Both methods use a robust ultraviolet detection suitable for mRNA analysis in quality control laboratories. The results were confirmed by the LC-mass spectrometry (LC MS) analysis of the same mRNA sample. The poly(A) tail length and heterogeneity results were in good agreement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gilar
- Separations
R&D, Waters Corporation, Milford, Massachusetts 01757, United States
| | - Catalin Doneanu
- Discovery
and Development, Waters Corporation, Milford, Massachusetts 01757, United States
| | - Maissa M. Gaye
- Consumables
Research, Waters Corporation, Milford, Massachusetts 01757, United States
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40
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Almeida B, Dias TR, Teixeira AL, Dias F, Medeiros R. MicroRNAs Derived from Extracellular Vesicles: Keys to Understanding SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Response in Cancer Patients? Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4017. [PMID: 37627045 PMCID: PMC10452664 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164017] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) provoked a global pandemic identified as coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with millions of deaths worldwide. However, several important questions regarding its impact on public health remain unanswered, such as the impact of vaccination on vulnerable subpopulations such as cancer patients. Cytokine storm and a sustained inflammatory state are commonly associated with immune cell depletion, being manifested in most immunocompromised individuals. This strong immunosuppression can lead to a dysfunctional antiviral response to natural viral infection and compromised vaccination response. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-bound vesicles released from cells that are involved in intercellular communication. EVs carry various molecules including microRNAs that play a crucial role in COVID-19 pathophysiology, influencing cellular responses. This review summarizes the state of the art concerning the role of EV-derived miRNAs in COVID-19 infection and their potential use as prognosis biomarkers for vaccination response in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Almeida
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) & RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (B.A.); (T.R.D.); (A.L.T.); (R.M.)
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Tânia R. Dias
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) & RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (B.A.); (T.R.D.); (A.L.T.); (R.M.)
- Abel Salazar Institute for the Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Luísa Teixeira
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) & RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (B.A.); (T.R.D.); (A.L.T.); (R.M.)
| | - Francisca Dias
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) & RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (B.A.); (T.R.D.); (A.L.T.); (R.M.)
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) & RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; (B.A.); (T.R.D.); (A.L.T.); (R.M.)
- Abel Salazar Institute for the Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Pathology Department, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO-Porto), Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
- Biomedicine Research Center (CEBIMED), Research Inovation and Development Institute (FP-I3ID), Faculty of Health Sciences, Fernando Pessoa University (UFP), 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
- Research Department, Portuguese League against Cancer Northern Branch (LPCC-NRN), 4200-172 Porto, Portugal
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Uchida S, Lau CYJ, Oba M, Miyata K. Polyplex designs for improving the stability and safety of RNA therapeutics. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114972. [PMID: 37364611 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Nanoparticle-based delivery systems have contributed to the recent clinical success of RNA therapeutics, including siRNA and mRNA. RNA delivery using polymers has several distinct properties, such as enabling RNA delivery into extra-hepatic organs, modulation of immune responses to RNA, and regulation of intracellular RNA release. However, delivery systems should overcome safety and stability issues to achieve widespread therapeutic applications. Safety concerns include direct damage to cellular components, innate and adaptive immune responses, complement activation, and interaction with surrounding molecules and cells in the blood circulation. The stability of the delivery systems should balance extracellular RNA protection and controlled intracellular RNA release, which requires optimization for each RNA species. Further, polymer designs for improving safety and stability often conflict with each other. This review covers advances in polymer-based approaches to address these issues over several years, focusing on biological understanding and design concepts for delivery systems rather than material chemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Uchida
- Department of Advanced Nanomedical Engineering, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8510, Japan; Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan; Innovation Center of NanoMedicine (iCONM), Kawasaki Institute of Industrial Promotion, 3-25-14 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki, 210-0821, Japan.
| | - Chun Yin Jerry Lau
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Makoto Oba
- Medical Chemistry, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 1-5 Shimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-0823, Japan
| | - Kanjiro Miyata
- Department of Materials Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan; Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan.
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42
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Kawamoto Y, Wu Y, Takahashi Y, Takakura Y. Development of nucleic acid medicines based on chemical technology. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 199:114872. [PMID: 37244354 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.114872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Oligonucleotide-based therapeutics have attracted attention as an emerging modality that includes the modulation of genes and their binding proteins related to diseases, allowing us to take action on previously undruggable targets. Since the late 2010s, the number of oligonucleotide medicines approved for clinical uses has dramatically increased. Various chemistry-based technologies have been developed to improve the therapeutic properties of oligonucleotides, such as chemical modification, conjugation, and nanoparticle formation, which can increase nuclease resistance, enhance affinity and selectivity to target sites, suppress off-target effects, and improve pharmacokinetic properties. Similar strategies employing modified nucleobases and lipid nanoparticles have been used for developing coronavirus disease 2019 mRNA vaccines. In this review, we provide an overview of the development of chemistry-based technologies aimed at using nucleic acids for developing therapeutics over the past several decades, with a specific emphasis on the structural design and functionality of chemical modification strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Kawamoto
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
| | - You Wu
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Takakura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
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43
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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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44
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Chehelgerdi M, Chehelgerdi M. The use of RNA-based treatments in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:106. [PMID: 37420174 PMCID: PMC10401791 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01807-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades, mRNA vaccines have evolved from a theoretical concept to a clinical reality. These vaccines offer several advantages over traditional vaccine techniques, including their high potency, rapid development, low-cost manufacturing, and safe administration. However, until recently, concerns over the instability and inefficient distribution of mRNA in vivo have limited their utility. Fortunately, recent technological advancements have mostly resolved these concerns, resulting in the development of numerous mRNA vaccination platforms for infectious diseases and various types of cancer. These platforms have shown promising outcomes in both animal models and humans. This study highlights the potential of mRNA vaccines as a promising alternative approach to conventional vaccine techniques and cancer treatment. This review article aims to provide a thorough and detailed examination of mRNA vaccines, including their mechanisms of action and potential applications in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article will analyze the current state of mRNA vaccine technology and highlight future directions for the development and implementation of this promising vaccine platform as a mainstream therapeutic option. The review will also discuss potential challenges and limitations of mRNA vaccines, such as their stability and in vivo distribution, and suggest ways to overcome these issues. By providing a comprehensive overview and critical analysis of mRNA vaccines, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of this innovative approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
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45
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Kafetzis KN, Papalamprou N, McNulty E, Thong KX, Sato Y, Mironov A, Purohit A, Welsby PJ, Harashima H, Yu-Wai-Man C, Tagalakis AD. The Effect of Cryoprotectants and Storage Conditions on the Transfection Efficiency, Stability, and Safety of Lipid-Based Nanoparticles for mRNA and DNA Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2203022. [PMID: 36906918 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202203022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Lipid-based nanoparticles have recently shown great promise, establishing themselves as the gold standard in delivering novel RNA therapeutics. However, research on the effects of storage on their efficacy, safety, and stability is still lacking. Herein, the impact of storage temperature on two types of lipid-based nanocarriers, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and receptor-targeted nanoparticles (RTNs), loaded with either DNA or messenger RNA (mRNA), is explored and the effects of different cryoprotectants on the stability and efficacy of the formulations are investigated. The medium-term stability of the nanoparticles was evaluated by monitoring their physicochemical characteristics, entrapment and transfection efficiency, every two weeks over one month. It is demonstrated, that the use of cryoprotectants protects nanoparticles against loss of function and degradation in all storage conditions. Moreover, it is shown that the addition of sucrose enables all nanoparticles to remain stable and maintain their efficacy for up to a month when stored at -80 °C, regardless of cargo or type of nanoparticle. DNA-loaded nanoparticles also remain stable in a wider variety of storage conditions than mRNA-loaded ones. Importantly, these novel LNPs show increased GFP expression that can signify their future use in gene therapies, beyond the established role of LNPs in RNA therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisha McNulty
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, L39 4QP, UK
| | - Kai X Thong
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Aleksandr Mironov
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility (RRID: SCR_021147), Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Atul Purohit
- Oncology Drug Discovery & Women's Health Group, Department of Metabolism, Digestion & Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, W12 0HS, UK
| | | | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Japan
| | - Cynthia Yu-Wai-Man
- Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, SE1 7EH, UK
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46
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Khorkova O, Stahl J, Joji A, Volmar CH, Wahlestedt C. Amplifying gene expression with RNA-targeted therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2023; 22:539-561. [PMID: 37253858 PMCID: PMC10227815 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-023-00704-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Many diseases are caused by insufficient expression of mutated genes and would benefit from increased expression of the corresponding protein. However, in drug development, it has been historically easier to develop drugs with inhibitory or antagonistic effects. Protein replacement and gene therapy can achieve the goal of increased protein expression but have limitations. Recent discoveries of the extensive regulatory networks formed by non-coding RNAs offer alternative targets and strategies to amplify the production of a specific protein. In addition to RNA-targeting small molecules, new nucleic acid-based therapeutic modalities that allow highly specific modulation of RNA-based regulatory networks are being developed. Such approaches can directly target the stability of mRNAs or modulate non-coding RNA-mediated regulation of transcription and translation. This Review highlights emerging RNA-targeted therapeutics for gene activation, focusing on opportunities and challenges for translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Khorkova
- OPKO Health, Miami, FL, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jack Stahl
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Aswathy Joji
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claude-Henry Volmar
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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47
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Herrera-Barrera M, Gautam M, Lokras A, Vlasova K, Foged C, Sahay G. Lipid Nanoparticle-Enabled Intracellular Delivery of Prime Editors. AAPS J 2023; 25:65. [PMID: 37380935 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-023-00833-2] [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: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Prime editing is an advanced gene editing platform with potential to correct almost any disease-causing mutation. As genome editors have evolved, their size and complexity have increased, hindering delivery technologies with low-carrying capacity and endosomal escape. We formulated an array of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) containing prime editors (PEs). We were able to encapsulate PEs in LNPs and confirmed the presence of PE mRNA and two different guide RNAs using HPLC. In addition, we developed a novel reporter cell line for rapid identification of LNPs suited for prime editing. A 54% prime editing rate was observed with enhanced LNPs (eLNPs) containing the cholesterol analog β-sitosterol at optimal ratios of RNA cargoes. eLNPs displayed a polyhedral morphology and a more fluid membrane state that led to improved endosomal escape, eventually causing onset of editing within 9 h and reaching maximum efficiency after 24 h. Hence, PEs delivered using LNPs can propel a new wave of therapies for many additional targets potentially enabling a range of new applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Herrera-Barrera
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
| | - Milan Gautam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
| | - Abhijeet Lokras
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Kseniia Vlasova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA
| | - Camilla Foged
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100, Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Gaurav Sahay
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Oregon State University, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA.
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97201, USA.
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48
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Shirane D, Tanaka H, Sakurai Y, Taneichi S, Nakai Y, Tange K, Ishii I, Akita H. Development of an Alcohol Dilution-Lyophilization Method for the Preparation of mRNA-LNPs with Improved Storage Stability. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1819. [PMID: 37514007 PMCID: PMC10383539 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The lipid nanoparticle (LNP) is one of the promising nanotechnologies for the delivery of RNA molecules, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA). A series of LNPs that contain an mRNA encoding the antigen protein of SARS-CoV-2 were already approved as RNA vaccines against this infectious disease. Since LNP formulations are generally metastable, their physicochemical properties are expected to shift toward a more stable state during the long-time storage of suspensions. The current mRNA vaccines are supplied in the form of frozen formulations with a cryoprotectant for preventing deterioration. They must be stored in a freezer at temperatures from -80 °C to -15 °C. It is thought that therapeutic applications of this mRNA-LNP technology could be accelerated if a new formulation that permits mRNA-LNPs to be stored under milder conditions were available. We previously reported on a one-pot method for producing siRNA-encapsulated LNPs by combining freeze-drying technology with the conventional alcohol dilution method (referred to herein as the "alcohol dilution-lyophilization method"). In this study, this method was applied to the preparation of mRNA-LNPs to provide a freeze-dried formulation of mRNA LNPs. The resulting formulation can be stored at 4 °C for at least 4 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Shirane
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Hiroki Tanaka
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Yu Sakurai
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Sakura Taneichi
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0865, Japan
| | - Yuta Nakai
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0865, Japan
| | - Kota Tange
- DDS Research Laboratory, NOF CORPORATION, 3-3 Chidori-cho, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0865, Japan
| | - Itsuko Ishii
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba 260-0856, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Akita
- Laboratory of DDS Design and Drug Disposition, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
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49
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Fu J, Dong H, Wu J, Jin Y. Emerging Progress of RNA-Based Antitumor Therapeutics. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:3159-3183. [PMID: 37416764 PMCID: PMC10321292 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.83732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics (e.g., mRNAs, siRNAs, microRNAs, ASOs, and saRNAs) have considerable potential for tumor treatment. The development and optimization of RNA modifications and delivery systems enable the stable and efficient delivery of RNA cargos in vivo to elicit an antitumor response. Targeted RNA-based therapeutics with multiple specificities and high efficacies are now available. In this review, we discuss progress in RNA-based antitumor therapeutics, including mRNAs, siRNAs, miRNAs, ASOs, saRNAs, RNA aptamers, and CRISPR-based gene editing. We focus on the immunogenicity, stability, translation efficiency, and delivery of RNA drugs, and summarize their optimization and the development of delivery systems. In addition, we describe the mechanisms by which RNA-based therapeutics induce antitumor responses. Furthermore, we review the merits and limitations of RNA cargos and their therapeutic potential for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayan Fu
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haiyang Dong
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310006, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongfeng Jin
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, 310058, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 310006, Hangzhou, China
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50
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Gau BC, Dawdy AW, Wang HL, Bare B, Castaneda CH, Friese OV, Thompson MS, Lerch TF, Cirelli DJ, Rouse JC. Oligonucleotide mapping via mass spectrometry to enable comprehensive primary structure characterization of an mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9038. [PMID: 37270636 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36193-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oligonucleotide mapping via liquid chromatography with UV detection coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-UV-MS/MS) was recently developed to support development of Comirnaty, the world's first commercial mRNA vaccine which immunizes against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Analogous to peptide mapping of therapeutic protein modalities, oligonucleotide mapping described here provides direct primary structure characterization of mRNA, through enzymatic digestion, accurate mass determinations, and optimized collisionally-induced fragmentation. Sample preparation for oligonucleotide mapping is a rapid, one-pot, one-enzyme digestion. The digest is analyzed via LC-MS/MS with an extended gradient and resulting data analysis employs semi-automated software. In a single method, oligonucleotide mapping readouts include a highly reproducible and completely annotated UV chromatogram with 100% maximum sequence coverage, and a microheterogeneity assessment of 5' terminus capping and 3' terminus poly(A)-tail length. Oligonucleotide mapping was pivotal to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of mRNA vaccines by providing: confirmation of construct identity and primary structure and assessment of product comparability following manufacturing process changes. More broadly, this technique may be used to directly interrogate the primary structure of RNA molecules in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian C Gau
- BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Chesterfield, MO, USA.
| | - Andrew W Dawdy
- BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Chesterfield, MO, USA.
| | - Hanliu Leah Wang
- BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Chesterfield, MO, USA
| | - Bradley Bare
- BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Chesterfield, MO, USA
| | - Carlos H Castaneda
- BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Chesterfield, MO, USA
| | - Olga V Friese
- BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Chesterfield, MO, USA
| | | | - Thomas F Lerch
- BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Chesterfield, MO, USA
| | - David J Cirelli
- BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Jason C Rouse
- BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pfizer Inc, Andover, MA, USA
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