A close-up of freeze-dried RNA nanoparticles. Purdue University’s Kurt Ristroph leads a team of researchers working to improve messenger RNA nanoparticle delivery systems that could be applied to a variety of therapeutic uses. (Credit: Purdue Agricultural Communications photo/Tom Campbell)

A team of university and industry researchers is developing new formulations and manufacturing processes for the messenger RNA (mRNA) delivery systems used in some COVID vaccines.

The mRNA-based vaccines that came out during the COVID-19 pandemic required storage at subzero temperatures.

The lab developed the mixing technology used to manufacture the lipid nanoparticles used in the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine. A contract manufacturing organization will provide process development and manufacturing support.

The researchers are using the COVID vaccine as its model, but their methods should be applicable to mRNA lipid nanoparticles designed for other therapeutic uses. The Moderna and Pfizer COVID vaccines were the first to use lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA, but difficulties with storage and stability have slowed bringing new therapies based on the biotechnology to market.

More beneficial would be developing a liquid that could be stored at refrigerator temperatures of 4-6 degrees Celsius (about 39-43 degrees Fahrenheit). These stability considerations are key aspects of any formulation improvements and motivate pharmaceutical industry efforts to seek a method for drying nanoparticles into a powder that has longer-lasting stability than either frozen or liquid formulations.

Source 

Topics:
Drug Delivery Drug Delivery Medical

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