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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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Neun BW, Dobrovolskaia MA. Detection of Beta-Glucan Contamination in Nanoparticle Formulations. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2789:101-108. [PMID: 38506995 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3786-9_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Beta-glucans with diverse chemical structures are produced by a variety of microorganisms and are commonly found in microbial cell walls. β-(1,3)-D-glucans are present in yeast and fungi, and, for this reason, their traces are commonly used as a sign of yeast or fungal infection or contamination. Despite being less immunologically active than endotoxins, beta-glucans are pro-inflammatory and can activate cytokines and other immunological responses via their cognate pattern recognition receptors. Unlike endotoxins, there is no established threshold pyrogen dose for beta-glucans; as such, their quantity in pharmaceutical products is not regulated. Nevertheless, regulatory agencies recognize the potential contribution of beta-glucans to the immunogenicity of protein-containing drug products and recommend assessing beta-glucans to aid the interpretation of immunotoxicity studies and assess the risk of immunogenicity. The protocol for the detection and quantification of β-(1,3)-D-glucans in nanoparticle formulations is based on a modified limulus amoebocyte lysate assay. The results of this test are used to inform immunotoxicity studies of nanotechnology-based drug products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry W Neun
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA.
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Jha SK, Imran M, Jha LA, Hasan N, Panthi VK, Paudel KR, Almalki WH, Mohammed Y, Kesharwani P. A Comprehensive review on Pharmacokinetic Studies of Vaccines: Impact of delivery route, carrier-and its modulation on immune response. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 236:116823. [PMID: 37543130 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023]
Abstract
The lack of knowledge about the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) of vaccines makes former biopharmaceutical optimization difficult. This was shown during the COVID-19 immunization campaign, where gradual booster doses were introduced.. Thus, understanding vaccine ADME and its effects on immunization effectiveness could result in a more logical vaccine design in terms of formulation, method of administration, and dosing regimens. Herein, we will cover the information available on vaccine pharmacokinetics, impacts of delivery routes and carriers on ADME, utilization and efficiency of nanoparticulate delivery vehicles, impact of dose level and dosing schedule on the therapeutic efficacy of vaccines, intracellular and endosomal trafficking and in vivo fate, perspective on DNA and mRNA vaccines, new generation sequencing and mathematical models to improve cancer vaccination and pharmacology, and the reported toxicological study of COVID-19 vaccines. Altogether, this review will enhance the reader's understanding of the pharmacokinetics of vaccines and methods that can be implied in delivery vehicle design to improve the absorption and distribution of immunizing agents and estimate the appropriate dose to achieve better immunogenic responses and prevent toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurav Kumar Jha
- Department of Biomedicine, Health & Life Convergence Sciences, Mokpo National University, Muan-gun, Jeonnam, 58554, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering (BSBE), Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, 208016, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Mohammad Imran
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Laxmi Akhileshwar Jha
- H. K. College of Pharmacy, Mumbai University, Pratiksha Nagar, Jogeshwari, West Mumbai, 400102, India
| | - Nazeer Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Panthi
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Natural Medicine Research Institute, Mokpo National University, Jeonnam, 58554, Republic of Korea
| | - Keshav Raj Paudel
- Centre for Inflammation, Faculty of Science, School of Life Science, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, 2007, Australia
| | - Waleed H Almalki
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, 24381, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yousuf Mohammed
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Prashant Kesharwani
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India; Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India.
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Dobrovolskaia MA, Afonin KA. Special Issue "Nanotechnology to Overcome the World's Most Critical Health Issues: Liposomes and Beyond-A Themed Issue Dedicated to Professor Yechezkel Barenholz". Molecules 2023; 28:4788. [PMID: 37375343 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue is intended to celebrate Professor Yechezkel Barenholz's distinguished achievements [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21701, USA
| | - Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA
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Callanan D, Khurana RN, Maturi RK, Patel S, Wykoff CC, Eichenbaum D, Khanani AM, Hassan T, Badger H, Mehta S, Le G, Attar M, Seal J, Li XY. Impact of Modifying Abicipar Manufacturing Process in Patients with Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: MAPLE Study Results. Clin Ophthalmol 2023; 17:1367-1384. [PMID: 37197577 PMCID: PMC10184835 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s405994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate the impact of modifying the abicipar pegol (abicipar) manufacturing process on the safety and treatment effect of abicipar in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods A new process for manufacturing abicipar was developed to reduce host cell impurities. In a prospective, Phase 2, multicenter, open-label, 28-week clinical trial, patients (n=123) with active nAMD received intravitreal injections of abicipar 2 mg at baseline (day 1) and weeks 4, 8, 16, and 24. Outcome measures included proportion of patients with stable vision (<15-letter loss from baseline; primary endpoint), change from baseline in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT), and adverse events. Results Overall, 8.9% (11/123) of patients experienced intraocular inflammation (IOI) and discontinued treatment. IOI cases were assessed as mild (2.4% [3/123]), moderate (4.9% [6/123]), or severe (1.6% [2/123]) and resolved with steroid treatment. Visual acuity in most patients with IOI (8 of 11) recovered to baseline BCVA or better by study end. No cases of endophthalmitis or retinal vasculitis were reported. Stable vision was maintained for ≥95.9% (≥118/123) of patients at all study visits. At week 28, treatment-naïve patients showed a greater mean improvement from baseline in BCVA compared with previously treated patients (4.4 vs 1.8 letters) and a larger mean CRT reduction from baseline (98.5 vs 45.5 μm). Conclusion Abicipar produced using a modified manufacturing process showed a moderately lower incidence and severity of IOI compared with Phase 3 abicipar studies. Beneficial effects of treatment were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Callanan
- Texas Retina Associates, Arlington, TX, USA
- Correspondence: David Callanan, Texas Retina Associates, 801 West Randol Mill Road, Suite 101, Arlington, TX, USA, 76012, Tel +1 817-261-9625, Fax +1 817-261-9586, Email
| | - Rahul N Khurana
- Northern California Retina Vitreous Associates, Mountain View, CA, USA
| | - Raj K Maturi
- Midwest Eye Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Charles C Wykoff
- Retina Consultants of Houston, Retina Consultants of America, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Eichenbaum
- Retina Vitreous Associates of Florida, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
- Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Arshad M Khanani
- Sierra Eye Associates, Reno, NV, USA
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA
| | - Tarek Hassan
- Associated Retinal Consultants, Royal Oak, MI, USA
| | - Hanh Badger
- Allergan plc, Irvine, CA, USA, at the time of this work
| | | | - Grace Le
- Allergan plc, Irvine, CA, USA, at the time of this work
| | | | | | - Xiao-Yan Li
- Allergan plc, Irvine, CA, USA, at the time of this work
- VivaVision Biotech, Inc, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Dobrovolskaia MA. Lessons learned from immunological characterization of nanomaterials at the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory. Front Immunol 2022; 13:984252. [PMID: 36304452 PMCID: PMC9592561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.984252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanotechnology carriers have become common in pharmaceutical products because of their benefits to drug delivery, including reduced toxicities and improved efficacy of active pharmaceutical ingredients due to targeted delivery, prolonged circulation time, and controlled payload release. While available examples of reduced drug toxicity through formulation using a nanocarrier are encouraging, current data also demonstrate that nanoparticles may change a drug’s biodistribution and alter its toxicity profile. Moreover, individual components of nanoparticles and excipients commonly used in formulations are often not immunologically inert and contribute to the overall immune responses to nanotechnology-formulated products. Said immune responses may be beneficial or adverse depending on the indication, dose, dose regimen, and route of administration. Therefore, comprehensive toxicology studies are of paramount importance even when previously known drugs, components, and excipients are used in nanoformulations. Recent data also suggest that, despite decades of research directed at hiding nanocarriers from the immune recognition, the immune system’s inherent property of clearing particulate materials can be leveraged to improve the therapeutic efficacy of drugs formulated using nanoparticles. Herein, I review current knowledge about nanoparticles’ interaction with the immune system and how these interactions contribute to nanotechnology-formulated drug products’ safety and efficacy through the lens of over a decade of nanoparticle characterization at the Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory.
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Newton HS, Dobrovolskaia MA. Immunophenotyping: Analytical approaches and role in preclinical development of nanomedicines. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114281. [PMID: 35405297 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Pharmaceutical products can activate immune cells, suppress their function, or change the immune responses to traditional immunologically active agonists such as those present in microbes. Therefore, the assessment of immunostimulation, immunosuppression, and immunomodulation comprises the backbone of immunotoxicity studies of new drug entities. Depending on physicochemical properties (e.g., size, charge, surface functionalities, hydrophobicity), nanoparticles can be immunostimulatory, immunosuppressive, and immunomodulatory. Various methods and experimental frameworks have been established to support preclinical translational studies of nanotechnology-based drug products. Immunophenotyping after the exposure of cells or preclinical animal models to nanoparticles can provide critical information about the changes in both the numbers of immune cells and their activation status. However, this methodology is underutilized in preclinical studies of engineered nanomaterials. Herein, we review current literature about varieties of instrumentation and methods utilized for immunophenotyping, discuss their advantages and limitations, and propose a roadmap for applying immunophenotyping to support preclinical immunological characterization of nanotechnology-based formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S Newton
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick MD, USA
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick MD, USA.
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