Improved lipid nanoparticles

Abstract

The present invention relates to lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising vitamin A or a vitamin A derivative. The LNPs according to the present invention show an improved stability and nucleic acid delivery efficacy.

Description

[0001] IMPROVED LIPID NANOPARTICLES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) comprising vitamin A or a vitamin A derivative. The LNPs according to the present invention have an improved stability and nucleic acid delivery efficacy.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Nucleic acid drugs such as siRNA, mRNA, and DNA offer therapeutic potential for gene therapy. However, naked nucleic acid drugs are unstable in circulation and prone to degradation. The negative charge of RNA and DNA limits their entry across the cell membrane which is also negatively charged. Therefore, materials have been developed in recent years for nucleic acid delivery, such as lipids (Jia, Y. et al., Lipid nanoparticles optimized for targeting and release of nucleic acid. Advanced Materials, 2024, 36, 2305300).

[0006] Lipid nanoparticles are currently the most promising clinical delivery vehicles for nucleic acid drugs. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are nanosized spherical vesicles made of cationic or ionizable lipids (Akinc, A., et al., A combinatorial library of lipid-like materials for delivery of RNAi therapeutics. Nature biotechnology, 2008. 26(5): p. 561 -569) which are positively charged at low pH (enabling RNA complexation) and neutral at physiological pH (reducing potential toxic effects, as compared with positively charged lipids, such as liposomes). Lipid nanoparticles usually comprise a helper lipid; cholesterol; and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipid, wherein each component impacts stability, transfection efficiency, and safety of the lipid nanoparticle. Thus, the relative amounts of ionizable lipid, helper lipid, cholesterol and PEG need to be optimized for a given application and administration route. Lipid type, size, and surface charge also impact the behavior of lipid nanoparticles in vivo (Let’s talk about lipid nanoparticles. Nature Reviews Materials, 2021. 6(2): p.99-99).

[0007] Messenger RNA (mRNA) has emerged as a new category of therapeutic agent to prevent and treat various diseases. Progress in mRNA technologies and lipid nanoparticle-based delivery systems has allowed the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines at unprecedented speed, demonstrating the clinical potential of lipid nanoparticle-mRNA formulations (Hou, X., et al., Lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery. Nature Reviews Materials, 2021. 6(12): p.1078-1094). mRNA-based delivery technologies have further shown therapeutic potential in biomedical applications such as protein replacement therapies, cellular reprogramming, and cancer immunotherapies.

[0008] To achieve optimal therapeutic benefits, the nucleic acid molecules (such as mRNA) must be protected from degradation and delivered to specific target cells to produce the desired proteins. Stability of the nucleic acid molecules and their efficient delivery to the intracellular environment are crucial for the nucleic acid molecules to exert their intended function.

[0009] A major challenge for the dissemination of mRNA-carrying LNPs, including vaccines, is the required storage conditions. Unlike most other vaccines that are stored at ambient temperature or under refrigeration, current mRNA-LNPs need to be stored frozen at -20°C or -80°C, which poses a significant challenge for transportation and long-term storage (Young R.E. et al., Molecular Therapy, 2022. 30(5) p.1792-1793).

[0010] Thus, there is a need in the art for the development of improved nucleic acid delivery systems which are safe, stable, and effective, protecting the nucleic acid from degradation and allowing efficient cellular uptake and nucleic acid release, even after longer storage and / or storage at non-freezing temperatures.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to the following items:

[0013] 1 . A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) composition, comprising:

[0014] (a) a lipid phase comprising i. at least one ionizable cationic lipid, ii. at least one helper lipid, iii. at least one cholesterol or derivative thereof, iv. at least one PEG-lipid, and v. at least one vitamin A or derivative thereof; and

[0015] (b) a load comprising a nucleic acid. 2. The LNP composition according to item 1 , wherein the at least one ionizable cationic lipid is selected from ALC-0315 and SM-102.

[0016] 3. The LNP composition according to item 2, wherein the at least one ionizable cationic lipid is ALC-0315.

[0017] 4. The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one helper lipid is selected from the group consisting of the following lipids: DSPC, DOPE, DOPS, DOPG, DOTAP, DOTMA, POPE, and POPC.

[0018] 5. The LNP composition according to item 4, wherein the at least one helper lipid is DSPC.

[0019] 6. The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one cholesterol or derivative thereof is Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol.

[0020] 7. The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one PEG-lipid is selected from ALC-0159 and PEG-DMG.

[0021] 8. The LNP composition according to item 7, wherein the PEG-lipid is ALC-0159.

[0022] 9. The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the at least one vitamin A or derivative thereof has the following formula: wherein

[0023] R is a C1-C25 hydrocarbon chain which may be linear or branched, and which may contain one or more unsaturations and / or ring systems. 10. The LNP composition according to item 9, wherein the at least one vitamin A or derivative thereof is a vitamin A derivative; preferably, the vitamin A derivative selected from vitamin A palmitate and vitamin A propionate.

[0024] 11 . The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the nucleic acid is a ribonucleic acid, preferably an mRNA.

[0025] 12. A formulation comprising the LNP composition according to any one of the preceding items.

[0026] 13. The LNP composition according to any one of items 1 -11 , or the formulation according to item 12, for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition.

[0027] 14. The LNP composition according to any one of items 1 -11 , or the formulation according to item 12 or 13, for use as a vaccine.

[0028] 15. Use of a vitamin A or vitamin A derivative to improve the nucleic acid delivery efficacy of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP), wherein the vitamin A or vitamin A derivative is added to the lipid components of the LNP and forms part of the LNP.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figures 1 A and B show the particle size of mRNA-loaded LNPs containing different vitamin A derivatives. Stability of particle size over time is a measure for the stability of the LNPs. Figure 1A shows the particle size of LNPs containing vitamin A palmitate. Figure 1B shows the particle size of LNPs containing vitamin A propionate.

[0031] Figures 2 A and B show the delivery efficiency of mRNA-loaded LNPs with and without vitamin A-palmitate after storage at 4°C. The LNPs were loaded with nucleoside-modified luciferase encoding mRNA, stored at 4°C for different time intervals, and then transfected into human cells. The luciferase activity after transfection is shown after storage for 4 weeks (Figure 2A) and 6 weeks (Figure 2B).

[0032] Figures 3 A and B show the delivery efficiency of mRNA-loaded LNPs with and without vitamin A-propionate after storage at 4°C. The LNPs were loaded with nucleoside-modified luciferase encoding mRNA, stored at 4°C for different time intervals and then transfected into human cells. The luciferase activity after transfection is shown after storage for 3 weeks (Figure 3A) and 4 weeks (Figure 3B).

[0033] Figures 4 A and B show the delivery efficiency of mRNA-loaded LNPs with and without vitamin A after storage at 4°C. The LNPs were loaded with nucleoside-modified luciferase encoding mRNA, stored at 4°C for different time intervals and then transfected into human cells. The luciferase activity after transfection is shown after storage for 4 weeks (Figure 4A) and 6 weeks (Figure 4B).

[0034] Figure 5 to 8 show the polydispersity indices (PDIs) for mRNA-loaded LNPs with and without vitamin A derivatives after storage at 4°C. Figure 5 and Figure 7show the PDI of mRNA-loaded LNPs having different lipid compositions but both containing vitamin A palmitate. Figure 6 and Figure 8 show the PDI of mRNA-loaded LNPs having different lipid compositions but both containing vitamin A propionate. Figure 5 shows the PDI of LNPs comprising vitamin A palmitate at time point 0 (TO) (Figure 5A), and after being stored at 4°C for 4 weeks (Figure 5B) and 6 weeks (Figure 5C). Figure 6 shows the PDI of LNPs comprising vitamin A propionate at time 0 (Figure 6A), and after being stored at 4°C for 3 weeks (Figure 6B). Figure 7 shows the PDI of LNPs comprising vitamin A palmitate at time point 0 (Figure 7A), and after being stored at 4°C for 4 weeks (Figure 7B) and 6 weeks (Figure 7C). Figure 8 shows the PDI of LNPs comprising vitamin A propionate at time 0 (Figure 8A), and after being stored at 4°C for 4 weeks (Figure 8B) and 6 weeks (Figure 8C)

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] The present invention is based on the finding that the addition of vitamin A or a vitamin A derivative can improve the stability and / nucleic acid delivery efficacy of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP). As shown in the examples herein below, the LNP compositions according to the present invention show improved stability and nucleic acid delivery efficacy after long-term storage for 4 weeks and more, and storage at non-freezing temperatures, such as at 4°C.

[0037] Hence, in a first aspect, the present invention relates to a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) composition, comprising: (a) a lipid phase comprising i. at least one ionizable cationic lipid, ii. at least one helper lipid, iii. at least one cholesterol or derivative thereof, iv. at least one PEG-lipid, and v. at least one vitamin A or derivative thereof; and

[0038] (b) a load comprising a nucleic acid.

[0039] The components of the lipid phase, (i)-(v), form the LNP. To obtain the LNP composition according to the present invention, said LNP is combined with a nucleic acid as the load. Hence, the resulting LNP composition is a loaded LNP, more precisely, an LNP comprising a nucleic acid as the load.

[0040] In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) composition of the present invention is consisting of:

[0041] (a) an LNP / lipid phase comprising i. at least one ionizable cationic lipid, ii. at least one helper lipid, iii. at least one cholesterol or derivative thereof, iv. at least one PEG-lipid, and v. at least one vitamin A or derivative thereof; and

[0042] (b) a load comprising a nucleic acid.

[0043] Definitions

[0044] For the purpose of this invention, the following definitions apply.

[0045] The term “nucleic acid delivery efficacy” refers to the ability of the LNP to deliver its load, i.e. , the nucleic acid (e.g., an mRNA) to a target cell. The delivery efficacy can be influenced by many factors, including the storage time and storage temperature. The nucleic acid delivery efficacy is improved if the expression of the delivered nucleic acid in the target cell is higher than that of a nucleic acid delivered by a conventional / comparable LNP that does not comprise the claimed lipid phase components (i)-(v), e.g., does not comprise a vitamin A or vitamin A derivative.

[0046] The term “load” means the cargo, i.e. , the material transported by the LNP. LNPs are typically nanospheres that have a homogeneous matrix throughout the particles that hold (encapsulate) an active compound / active ingredient. In accordance with the present invention, the active ingredient comprised in the load can be any nucleic acid. Preferably, the load comprises a ribonucleic acid (RNA); more preferably, it comprises a messenger RNA (mRNA). The nucleic acid may be contained in an aqueous phase. Accordingly, the load may comprise further ingredients, such as a buffer.

[0047] The term “LNP composition” as used herein refers to a composition comprising, or consisting of, a) a lipid phase comprising different components making up the LNP, and b) a load comprising the nucleic acid as defined herein. The nucleic acid may be provided in a solution to be mixed or added to a lipid nanoparticle or lipid nanoparticle solution, such that the nucleic acid may be encapsulated in the lipid nanoparticle.

[0048] LNP composition components

[0049] The LNP / lipid phase according to the present invention contains lipids from at least four categories of lipids: ionizable cationic lipids, helper lipids, cholesterols, and PEG-lipids. In addition, it comprises vitamin A or a derivative thereof. To obtain the LNP compositions according to the present invention, the said LNPs are further loaded with at least one kind of nucleic acid.

[0050] Ionizable cationic lipids

[0051] In the embodiments according to the present invention, the ionizable cationic lipid may be any ionizable cationic lipid. Preferably, the ionizable cationic lipid is selected from the following:

[0052] • ALC-0315 ((4-Hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6, 1 -diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate)), and

[0053] • SM-102 (Heptadecan-9-yl-8-((2-hydroxyethyl)(6-oxo-6- (undecyloxy)hexyl)amino)octanoate). Preferably, the lipid phase of the LNP composition according to the present invention comprises 35-75 wt.-%, more preferably 40-70 wt.-%, even more preferably 45-65 wt.-%, and most preferably 50-60 wt.-% of the ionizable cationic lipid, based on the total weight of the LNP (i.e. , the total weight of components (i)-(v) of the lipid phase as defined herein), provided that the total wt.-% does not exceed 100%.

[0054] In the embodiments according to the present invention, the helper lipid may be any helper lipid. Preferably, the helper lipid is selected from any of the following:

[0055] • DSPC (1 ,2-Distearoylglycero-3-phosphorylcholine; also known as Distearoylphosphatidylcholine, 1 ,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, or DL- 2,3-Bis(stearoyloxy)propyl (2-(trimethylammonio)ethyl) phosphate),

[0056] • DOPE (1 ,2-Dioleoyl-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine; also known as dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine, or 1 ,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine),

[0057] • DOPS (Dioleoylphosphatidylserine),

[0058] • DOPG (1 ,2-Dioleoyl-glycero-3-phosphatidyl glycerol),

[0059] • DOTAP (1 ,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane),

[0060] • DOTMA (1 ,2-di-O-octadecenyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane),

[0061] • POPE (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine), and

[0062] • POPC (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine).

[0063] More preferably, the helper lipid is selected from DSPC, DOPE, DOPS, and DOPG, or a mixture thereof. Most preferably, the helper lipid is DSPC or DOPE, or a mixture thereof.

[0064] Preferably, the lipid phase of the LNP composition according to the present invention comprises 1-20 wt.-%, more preferably 3-15 wt.-%, even more preferably 5-12 wt.-%, and most preferably 6-11 wt.-% of the helper lipid, based on the total weight of the LNP, provided that the total wt.-% does not exceed 100%.

[0065] Cholesterol

[0066] In the embodiments according to the present invention, the cholesterol may be any cholesterol or cholesterol derivative. Preferably, the cholesterol is a hydroxy-cholesterol, which can be selected, for example, from the following: 25-hydroxycholesterol, 7a- hydroxycholesterol, and 20a- hydroxycholesterol. Most preferably, the cholesterol is Cholest- 5-en-3[3-ol.

[0067] Preferably, the lipid phase of the LNP composition according to the present invention comprises 10-40 wt.-%, more preferably 15-35 wt.-%, even more preferably 20-30 wt.-%, and most preferably 22-28 wt.-% of the cholesterol or cholesterol derivative, based on the total weight of the LNP, provided that the total wt.-% does not exceed 100%.

[0068] PEG-lipids

[0069] In the embodiments according to the present invention, the PEG-lipid may be any PEG- lipid. Preferably, the PEG-lipid is selected from the following:

[0070] • ALC-0159 (2-[(Polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide), and

[0071] • PEG-DMG (1 ,2-Dimyristoyl-glycero-3-methoxypolyethylene glycol 2000).

[0072] More preferably, the PEG-lipid is ALC-0159.

[0073] Preferably, the lipid phase of the LNP composition according to the present invention comprises 1 -15 wt.-%, more preferably 2-12 wt.-%, even more preferably 4-9 wt.-%, and most preferably 5.5-7.5 wt.-% of PEG-lipid, based on the total weight of the LNP, provided that the total wt.-% does not exceed 100%.

[0074] Vitamin A

[0075] In the embodiments according to the present invention, the vitamin A may be vitamin A or any derivative thereof. In all embodiments of the present invention, preferably, the vitamin A or derivative thereof has the following chemical structure: wherein

[0076] R is a C1 -C25 hydrocarbon chain which may be linear or branched, and which may contain one or more unsaturation and / or ring systems.

[0077] The term “unsaturation” as used herein refers to double and / or triple bonds which might be at any position of the hydrocarbon chain. Preferably, the unsaturation is a double bond, most preferably, only one double bond is present in the hydrocarbon chain.

[0078] Preferably, in all embodiments of the present invention, the hydrocarbon chain is an unsaturated or saturated linear hydrocarbon chain. Even more preferably, the hydrocarbon chain is saturated or a mono-unsaturated linear hydrocarbon chain.

[0079] Preferably, R is an unsaturated (even more preferably a mono-unsaturated) or saturated linear C1 -C20 hydrocarbon chain. More preferred, R is an unsaturated (even more preferably a mono-unsaturated) or saturated linear C2-C18 hydrocarbon chain. Most preferably, R is any one selected from the following: -CH2CH3, -(CH2)sCH3, - (CH2)7CH=CH(CH2)7CH3, and -(CH2)i4CH3.

[0080] Preferably, the lipid phase of the LNP composition according to the present invention comprises at least 0.5 wt.-% of a vitamin A or a vitamin A derivative, more preferably at least 1 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 1 .5 or 2.0 wt.-%, most preferably at least 2.5 or 3.0 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the LNP.

[0081] The lipid phase of the LNP composition according to the present invention preferably comprises 0.5-10 wt.-%, more preferably 1 -8 wt.-%, even more preferably 2-6 wt.-%, and most preferably 3-5 wt.-% of the vitamin A or vitamin A derivative. Further suitable ranges for vitamin A or vitamin A derivative are 1 -5 wt.-%, 2-4 wt.-%, and 2.5-3.5 wt.-%, e.g., about 3 wt.-%. All based on the total weight of the LNP, provided that the total wt.-% does not exceed 100%.

[0082] Nucleic acid load

[0083] The LNP compositions according to the present invention further comprise a load comprising a nucleic acid. The LNPs can be used to deliver deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and / or ribonucleic acid (RNA). Preferably, the load comprises an RNA. More preferably, the nucleic acid carried by the LNP is a messenger RNA (mRNA). Alternative RNAs that can be comprised in the LNP compositions according to the invention are, for example: antisense RNA (asRNA), small interfering RNA (siRNA), micro RNA (miRNA), small activating RNA (saRNA), and RNA aptamers. CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) systems may also be included in the LNPs according to the present invention.

[0084] The nucleic acid may be contained in an aqueous phase. Accordingly, the load may comprise further ingredients, such as, for example, one or more buffers.

[0085] Further components

[0086] The LNP compositions according to the present invention, including the lipid phase and the load of the LNP compositions, may further comprise one or more solvents. With respect to the lipid phase, preferably, the solvent is an organic solvent. More preferably, the solvent is an alcohol. Ethanol is particularly preferred. With respect to the load, an aqueous solvent is preferred.

[0087] Preferred LNP compositions

[0088] Particularly preferred LNP compositions according to the present invention are LNP compositions, comprising, more preferably consisting of:

[0089] (a) an LNP / a lipid phase comprising: i. an ionizable cationic lipid, ii. a helper lipid, iii. Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol, iv. a PEG-lipid, and v. a vitamin A derivative; and

[0090] (b) a load comprising mRNA, wherein (i), (ii), (iv) and (v) are selected as shown in the specific embodiments listed in Table 1 below. Table 1. Preferred LNPs according to the invention.

[0091] A particularly preferred LNP according to the present invention is an LNP comprising: (i) ALC-0315, (ii) DSPC, (iii) Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol, (iv) ALC -0159, and (v) at least 1 wt.-%, preferably at least 3 wt.-%, or about 3-5 wt.% of retinyl palmitate (vitamin A palmitate). Another particularly preferred LNP according to the present invention is an LNP comprising: (i) ALC-0315, (ii) DSPC, (iii) Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol, (iv) ALC -0159, and (v) at least 1 wt.-%, preferably at least 3 wt.-%, or about 3-5 wt.% of retinyl propionate (vitamin A propionate).

[0092] A particularly preferred LNP composition according to the present invention is an LNP composition comprising, or consisting of: (a) an LNP / lipid phase comprising: (i) ALC-0315, (ii) DSPC, (iii) Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol,

[0093] (iv) ALC -0159, and (v) at least 1 wt.-%, preferably at least 3 wt.-%, or about 3-5 wt.% of retinyl palmitate (vitamin A palmitate); and

[0094] (b) an mRNA. Another particularly preferred LNP composition according to the present invention is an LNP composition comprising, or consisting of:

[0095] (a) an LNP / lipid phase comprising: (i) ALC-0315, (ii) DSPC, (iii) Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol, (iv) ALC -0159, and (v) at least 1 wt.-%, preferably at least 3 wt.-%, or about 3-5 wt.% of retinyl propionate (vitamin A propionate); and

[0096] (b) an mRNA.

[0097] A key challenge in the development and manufacturing of mRNA-loaded LNPs is achieving a uniform particle size distribution, since high polydispersity can lead to reduced reproducibility, lower stability, and variable biological performance. The present inventors found that by introducing vitamin A derivatives into the mRNA-loaded LNPs, the polydispersity index (PDI) of the mRNA-LNPs can be significantly reduced in comparison to mRNA-loaded LNPs that do not contain a vitamin A derivative. The improved uniformity enhances product quality and supports scalable, robust manufacturing processes.

[0098] Therefore, in a further aspect, the present invention relates to a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) composition, in particular an LNP composition as described and embodied above, wherein the LNPs in the LNP composition have a lower polydispersity index (PDI) compared to LNPs that do not comprise a vitamin A or vitamin A derivative in their lipid phase.

[0099] Preferably, the polydispersity index of the LNPs comprised in the LNP composition is reduced by at least 10% (10% or more), more preferably by at least 15% (15% or more), even more preferably by at least 20% (20% or more), most preferably by at least 25% (25% or more). In one embodiment, the polydispersity index is reduced by 5-10%, more preferably by 10-15%, when compared to the polydispersity index of LNPs which do not comprise at least one vitamin A or derivative thereof in the lipid phase.

[0100] Preferably, the LNPs of said LNP compositions are selected from the LNPs listed in Table 1 above.

[0101] Particularly preferred are LNPs comprising:

[0102] (i) ALC-0315, (ii) DSPC, (iii) Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol, (iv) ALC -0159, and (v) retinyl palmitate (vitamin A palmitate); (i) ALC-0315, (ii) DSPC, (iii) Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol, (iv) ALC -0159, and (v) retinyl propionate (vitamin A propionate);

[0103] (i) SM-102, (ii) DSPC, (iii) Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol, (iv) PEG-DMG, and (v) retinyl palmitate (vitamin A palmitate); or

[0104] (i) SM-102, (ii) DSPC, (iii) Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol, (iv) PEG-DMG, and (v) retinyl propionate (vitamin A propionate).

[0105] Further, the present invention relates to the use of a vitamin A derivative (preferably a vitamin A ester, more preferably vitamin A propionate or vitamin A palmitate) for improving (i.e., lowering) the polydispersity index of LNPs.

[0106] Formulations and Uses

[0107] The LNP composition according to the present invention can be in a liquid or a solid form. For example, the LNP composition according to the present invention can be in a buffer solution or can be lyophilized. Accordingly, the LNP composition according to the present invention may comprise further components, such as buffers and excipients.

[0108] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a formulation comprising the LNP composition according to the present invention.

[0109] In one embodiment, the formulation is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the LNP composition according to the present invention. A pharmaceutical composition in accordance with the present disclosure may be prepared, packaged, and / or sold in bulk, as a single unit dose, and / or as a plurality of single unit doses. Pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared in a variety of forms suitable for a variety of routes and methods of administration. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared in liquid dosage forms (e.g., emulsions, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs), injectable forms, solid dosage forms (e.g., capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules), dosage forms for topical and / or transderrnal administration (e. g., ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, powders, solutions, sprays, inhalants, and patches), suspensions, powders, and other forms.

[0110] The LNP compositions according to the present invention or the formulations comprising the LNP compositions according to the present invention may be used in a method of treatment or prevention of a disease or condition. For example, the LNP compositions according to the present invention or the formulations comprising the LNP compositions according to the present invention may be used as a vaccine.

[0111] Accordingly, in another aspect, the present invention relates to the LNP composition according to the present invention or the formulation comprising the LNP composition according to the present invention for use as a medicament or for use in a method of treatment or prevention of a disease or condition.

[0112] In one embodiment, the LNP composition according to the present invention or the formulation comprising the LNP composition according to the present invention is for use as a vaccine; preferably, carrying mRNA as their load. Uses in RNA-based therapy and genome editing are also envisioned.

[0113] Methods of producing LNPs

[0114] The LNP compositions according to the present invention can be produced by any method for producing LNPs and LNP compositions known in the art.

[0115] For example, individual lipid stock solutions can be prepared by dissolving the lipids and vitamins in absolute ethanol. The required volumes of lipid and vitamin stocks can be mixed, based on the Cayman exploration kit protocol to prepare the desired composition. LNPs may then be prepared using the NanoAssemblr® Ignite™ from Precision NanoSystems Inc. (Vancouver, BC, Canada).

[0116] Further methods are described, for example, in Maeki, Masatoshi, et al., Microfluidic technologies and devices for lipid nanoparticle-based RNA delivery. Journal of Controlled Release, 344 (2022): 80-96.

[0117] The LNP compositions according to the present invention, its components and solutions may further be processed, e.g., by purification, pH adjustment, buffer exchange and / or a concentration step. The processing may include filtering for removal of an organic solvent such as alcohol. The LNP composition or formulation according to the present invention may also be sterilized before storage or use, e.g., by filtration through a 0.1 -0,5 pm filter. The LNP compositions or formulations according to the present invention may also be processed by preparing or packing them for storage. This may include any of the following steps: adding a cryoprotectant; lyophilization; adding a buffering solution.

[0118] It has been shown by the present inventors in the examples herein that the addition of vitamin A (or a vitamin A derivative) improves the physical and biological properties of LNPs.

[0119] Therefore, in a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a vitamin A or vitamin A derivative to improve the stability and / or nucleic acid delivery efficacy of an LNP, wherein the vitamin A or vitamin A derivative is added to the LNP, for example to the lipid components / lipid phase of the LNP.

[0120] A method for improving the stability and / or nucleic acid delivery efficacy of an LNP is also envisioned, said method comprising the step of adding the vitamin A or vitamin A derivative to the LNP, for example to the lipid components / lipid phase of the LNP.

[0121] The vitamin A or vitamin A derivative may be added during the process of producing the (loaded) LNP. For example, a vitamin solution may be prepared by dissolving the vitamins in absolute ethanol (or another solvent); the required volumes of lipid solutions and vitamin solution are then mixed, forming an LNP solution comprising the LNP; a nucleic acid solution comprising the nucleic acid is finally added, thereby forming the an LNP composition or LNP formulation comprising vitamin A-containing LNPs encapsulating the nucleic acid.

[0122] The following non-limiting examples are presented to better illustrate the invention.

[0123] Examples

[0124] Materials

[0125] The ionizable lipid (4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate) (ALC-0315, Lot. No. 0648122-13), PEG-lipid (2[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N- ditetradecylacetamide) (ALC-0159, Lot. No. 0634881-30), 1 ,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine (DSPC, Lot. No. 0646647-25), Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol (Lot. No. 0658361 -6), and sodium acetate solution (3M, pH 5.2) were acquired by Cayman Chemical Company (USA). Firefly luciferase mRNA (CleanCap FLuc mRNA) was purchased from Tebubio GmbH, Offenbach, Germany. Vitamin A palmitate (also known as retinyl palmitate) was obtained from DSM Nutritional Products AG. Vitamin A propionate (also known as retinyl propionate) was obtained from Merck / Sigma-Aldrich (Buchs, Switzerland). Vitamin A was obtained from Merck KGaA (Germany). Quant-it™ RiboGreen RNA Assay Kit, used for encapsulation efficacy determination, was purchased from ThermoFisher (USA). Ethanol (EtOH), Triton® X-100 and Amicon Ultra-15 filters were purchased from Merck KGaA (Germany, as END Millipore Corporation, USA). Acrodisc Syringe filters with Supor® membrane 0.2 pm were acquired by Pall Laboratory (USA). Sucrose, sodium chloride (NaCI), Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS; 1X, pH 7.4) and TRIS (tromethamine) buffer solution (0.1 M, pH 7.4) were supplied by VWR Chemicals (USA). All solvents and chemicals were of analytical grade, and the deionized water was obtained via Millipore filter system (USA).

[0126] Example 1 - preparation of the LNPs

[0127] 1.1 Preparation of LNPs loaded with mRNA

[0128] Lipid nanoparticle compositions according to the present invention were prepared, comprising the ingredients shown in Table 2 (LNPs comprising vitamin A palmitate I retinyl palmitate), Table 3 (LNPs comprising vitamin A propionate I retinyl propionate), and Table 4 (LNPs comprising vitamin A).

[0129] 1 mg / mL mRNA was thawed in ice bath at room temperature and dissolved in sodium acetate buffer (0.05 M, pH 5.2) to reach an mRNA concentration of 83.3 ± 2 pg / mL, measured by Nanodrop One (Thermo Fisher Scientific, USA). Individual lipid stock solutions were prepared by dissolving the lipids or vitamins in absolute ethanol. The required volumes of lipid and vitamin stocks were mixed, based on the Cayman exploration kit protocol to prepare the desired formulation, then kept at room temperature. 10 mM Tris + 300 mM sucrose buffer pH 7.4 was used as diluent. LNPs were prepared using the NanoAssemblr® Ignite™ from Precision NanoSystems Inc. (Vancouver, BC, Canada). The microfluidic chip Ignite™ NxGen dilution cartridge used (Precision NanoSystems, Canada) was of Y-channel design. Microfluidic mixing was undertaken at a standard flow rate ratio (FRR). After production, the loaded LNPs were diluted 25 times for solvent removal; the solution was then purified into Amicon centrifuge filter tubes and concentrated for 30 minutes at 4 °C and 2000g by using the CT 4 22 Centrifuge (Jouan, USA).

[0130] The resulting LNP compositions contained the ingredients as shown in Tables 2, 3 and 4 below. Table 2: mRNA-loaded LNPs comprising vitamin A palmitate

[0131] Table 3: mRNA-loaded LNPs comprising vitamin A propionate Table 4: mRNA-loaded LNPs comprising vitamin A Example 2 - particle size of the LNPs

[0132] 2.1 Determining the particle size of the LNPs

[0133] Particle size was measured by dynamic light scattering using a Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern Panalytical Ltd, Worcestershire, UK) equipped with a 633 nm laser and a detection angle of 173°. Three measurements of 10 runs each were performed at room temperature in a 1 / 10 dilution using PBS buffer pH 7.4. DLS standard disposable 1 mL cuvettes were used, and attenuation value was 8. The particle sizes of the prepared mRNA-loaded LNPs are shown in Figure 1 A and B.

[0134] 2.2 Results

[0135] Lipid nanoparticles comprising the ingredients shown in Tables 2 and 3 were successfully produced. The particle size of the LNPs comprising 1 , 3 and 5% of vitamin A palmitate (Figure 1A) and vitamin A propionate (Figure 1 B) was around 95 and 100 nm, respectively, on day 1 (TO). As can further be taken from Fig. 1 A and B, the LNPs comprising the different vitamin A derivatives were stable over up to 6 weeks of storage at 4°C, illustrating an excellent long-term stability, even at non-freezing temperatures.

[0136] Hence, the lipid nanoparticles according to the present invention containing vitamin A / vitamin A derivative were properly formed and physically stable during storage at 4°C.

[0137] Example 3 - functional characterization of the LNPs

[0138] 3.1 Preparation of mRNA-loaded LNPs comprising vitamin A palmitate

[0139] Lipid nanoparticle compositions were prepared as described in Example 1.1 above.

[0140] Vitamin A palmitate was incorporated into the LNP at different proportions: 3 % and 5 % of the total lipid composition, as shown in Table 2 above, and compared to its benchmark LNP comprising 0 % vitamin A or vitamin A derivative.

[0141] 3.2 Determining the mRNA delivery efficacy of LNPs comprising vitamin A palmitate using human cells To test the mRNA delivery efficacy of the newly formed LNPs into HEK293 cells, we used luciferase mRNA (CleanCap Flue mRNA, Tebubio GmbH, Offenbach, Germany) and measured the relative light units (RLU) of the luciferase protein after the mRNA entered the cells and was translated.

[0142] As described in Example 1.1 above, the LNP compositions were prepared via a Precision NanoSystems microfluidic device, each containing 267 ng of encapsulated luciferase mRNA. The resulting mRNA-loaded LNP compositions were stored at 4°C. Luciferase expression was determined after 4 weeks and 6 weeks of storage at 4°C.

[0143] HEK293 cells were grown in Earle's balanced salt solution without L-glutamine and supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Sigma-Aldrich Corp., St. Gallen, Switzerland), 2 mM glutamax (Life Technologies AG, Basel, Switzerland), 0.1 mM non-essential amino acids (Life Technologies), and 1 mM sodium pyruvate (Life Technologies) at 37°C in 5% CO2. For transfection, 7.5 x 1 o4cells were plated per well (90 pl) in white 96-well cell culture plates with clear bottom (Corning, Basel, Switzerland) in minimum essential medium (Eagle) with Earle's balanced salt solution without L-glutamine and without phenol red supplemented with 10% charcoal-treated fetal bovine serum (HyClone Laboratories, Inc., Logan, UT, USA), 2 mM glutamax, 0.1 mM non-essential amino acids, and 1 mM sodium pyruvate and grown overnight. The next day, the cells were treated with the mRNA loaded LNPs at >80% confluence, and the treatment took place for 24 hours. The luciferase expression was measured using the Bright-Glo luciferase assay Promega E2620, according to established protocols (Promega AG, Dubendorf, Switzerland).

[0144] 3.3 Results

[0145] The luminescence was measured in relative light units (RLU) after 4 weeks (Figure 2A) and 6 weeks (Figure 2B). It was revealed that vitamin A palmitate containing LNPs have a higher mRNA delivery efficacy compared to LNPs without vitamin A palmitate, after storage of the LNPs for 4 weeks and longer at non-freezing temperatures. The statistical differences for LNPs comprising 3%, and 5% vitamin A palmitate compared to the benchmark LNP comprising 0% vitamin A palmitate were calculated using the Student’s-T test. The p value is shown in Figures 2A and 2B, indicating significance. 3.4 of mRNA-loaded LNPs vitamin A

[0146] Lipid nanoparticle compositions were prepared as described in Example 1 .1 / Table 3 above.

[0147] 3.5 Determining mRNA delivery efficacy of LNPs comprising vitamin A propionate using human cells

[0148] The efficacy of the LNPs comprising vitamin A propionate to deliver the luciferase mRNA into human cells was measured as described in Example 3.1 and 3.2 above, using 0%, 3% and 5% vitamin A propionate instead of vitamin A palmitate.

[0149] 3.6 Results

[0150] The luminescence was measured in relative light units (RLU) after 3 weeks (Figure 3A) and 4 weeks (Figure 3B). It was revealed that vitamin A propionate containing LNPs have a higher mRNA delivery efficacy after storage of the LNPs for 3 weeks and longer at 4°C. The statistical differences for LNPs comprising 3%, and 5% vitamin A propionate compared to the benchmark LNP comprising 0% vitamin A propionate were calculated using the Student’s-T test. The p value is shown in Figures 3A and 3B, indicating significance.

[0151] 3.7 Preparation of mRNA-loaded LNPs comprising vitamin A

[0152] Lipid nanoparticle compositions were prepared as described in Example 1 .1 / Table 4 above.

[0153] 3.8 Determining mRNA delivery efficacy of LNPs comprising vitamin A using human cells

[0154] The efficacy of the LNPs comprising vitamin A to deliver the luciferase mRNA into human cells was measured as described in Example 3.1 and 3.2 above, using 0%, 3% and 5% vitamin A instead of vitamin A palmitate.

[0155] 3.9 Results

[0156] The luminescence was measured in relative light units (RLU) after 4 weeks (Figure 4A) and 6 weeks (Figure 4B). In contrast to LNPs containing vitamin derivatives (such as vitamin A palmitate or vitamin A propionate), vitamin A containing LNPs do not have a higher mRNA delivery efficacy than the 0% control after storage of the LNPs for 4 weeks and longer at 4°C. Example 4 - particle size distribution of the LNPs

[0157] LNP-based formulations often suffer from broad particle size distributions which can impact consistency, efficacy, and scalability in manufacturing. As such, optimizing LNP composition and processing conditions to produce particles with narrower size distributions is desirable. 4.1 Preparation of the LNPs

[0158] Lipid nanoparticle compositions were prepared as described in Example 1.1.

[0159] The following compositions were prepared and tested:

[0160] • LNP composition comprising vitamin A palmitate (as described in Table 2 above). The results are shown in FIG. 5 A, B and C. • LNP composition comprising vitamin A propionate (as described in Table 3 above).

[0161] The results are shown in FIG. 6 A and B.

[0162] • LNP composition comprising vitamin A palmitate (as described in Table 5 below). The results are shown in FIG. 7 A, B and C.

[0163] • LNP composition comprising vitamin A propionate (as described in Table 6 below). The results are shown in FIG. 8 A, B and C.

[0164] Table 5: mRNA-loaded LNPs comprising vitamin A palmitate Table 6: mRNA-loaded LNPs comprising vitamin A propionate

[0165] 4.2 Determining the polydispersity index (PPI) of the LNPs Particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) were measured by dynamic light scattering using a Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern Panalytical Ltd, Worcestershire, UK) equipped with a 633 nm laser and a detection angle of 173°. Three measurements of 10 runs each were performed at room temperature in a 1 / 10 dilution using TRIS buffer. DLS standard disposable 1 mL cuvettes were used, and attenuation value was 8. Measurements were performed after storage at 4°C for up to 6 weeks.

[0166] 4.3. Results

[0167] As can be seen from FIGs 5 to 8, the introduction of vitamin A derivatives resulted in a gradual reduction in nanoparticle PDI, with the effect already evident at time point zero. This trend persisted during storage at 4 °C, with consistently lower PDI values observed at both 4 and 6 weeks, indicating improved stability over time.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A lipid nanoparticle (LNP) composition, comprising:(a) a lipid phase comprising i. at least one ionizable cationic lipid, ii. at least one helper lipid, iii. at least one cholesterol or derivative thereof, iv. at least one PEG-lipid, and v. at least one vitamin A or derivative thereof; and(b) a load comprising a nucleic acid.

2. The LNP composition according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one ionizable cationic lipid is selected from ALC-0315 and SM-102.

3. The LNP composition according to claim 2, wherein the at least one ionizable cationic lipid is ALC-0315.

4. The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one helper lipid is selected from the group consisting of the following lipids: DSPC, DOPE, DOPS, DOPG, DOTAP, DOTMA, POPE, and POPC.

5. The LNP composition according to claim 4, wherein the at least one helper lipid is DSPC.

6. The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one cholesterol or derivative thereof is Cholest-5-en-3[3-ol.

7. The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one PEG-lipid is selected from ALC-0159 and PEG-DMG.

8. The LNP composition according to claim 7, wherein the at least one PEG-lipid is ALC-0159.

9. The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one vitamin A or derivative thereof has the following formula:whereinR is a C1 -C25 hydrocarbon chain which may be linear or branched, and which may contain one or more unsaturations and / or ring systems.

10. The LNP composition according to claim 9, wherein the at least one vitamin A or derivative thereof is a vitamin A derivative; preferably, the vitamin A derivative is selected from vitamin A palmitate and vitamin A propionate.11 . The LNP composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nucleic acid is a ribonucleic acid, preferably an mRNA.

12. A formulation comprising the LNP composition according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The LNP composition according to any one of claims 1 -11 , or the formulation according to claim 12, for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition.

14. The LNP composition according to any one of claims 1 -11 , or the formulation according to claim 12 or 13, for use as a vaccine.

15. Use of a vitamin A or vitamin A derivative to improve the nucleic acid delivery efficacy of a lipid nanoparticle (LNP), wherein the vitamin A or vitamin A derivative is added to the lipid components of the LNP.

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