HBV therapeutic vaccine and methods of use thereof

Abstract

A composition comprises a first nucleic acid encoding an HBV surface antigen or a variant or fragment thereof, and a second nucleic acid encoding an HBV core-associated antigen or a variant or fragment thereof.

Description

[0001] Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0002] HBV THERAPEUTIC VACCINE AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This application claims priority to, and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 764,698 filed on February 28, 2025, the contents of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.

[0003] REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING

[0004] The Sequence Listing submitted February 28, 2026, as a text filed named “11538-010W01_ST26.xml” created February 2, 2026, and having a file size of 105,806 bytes is hereby incorporated by reference pursuant to 37 C.F.R. § 1.52(e)(5).

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem, leading to chronic infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current treatments, including antiviral therapies, are often unable to achieve a functional cure, which requires both the elimination of the virus and restoration of the immune system’s ability to clear the infection.

[0007] Despite advancements in antiviral therapy, achieving long-term control of HBV persistence remains a significant challenge.

[0008] There is a need for HBV therapeutic compositions and methods.

[0009] The compositions and methods disclosed herein address these and other needs.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] Described herein are compositions including: a first nucleic acid encoding for an HBV surface antigen or a variant or fragment thereof; and a second nucleic acid encoding for an HBV core- associated antigen or a variant or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition further including pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

[0012] Described herein are also cells including the composition described herein.

[0013] Also described herein are methods of treating or preventing HBV infection in a subject; preventing a disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject; and / or treating a disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject, the method comprisingAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0014] administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition described herein.

[0015] The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0016] DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS FIGs. 1A-1B show images of agarose gels. (1A) mRNAs of S2-S-TM, SP-S1-S2-S, SP-TS1-S2-S, S2-S-CS1, SP-SI-TM, Core, Pol and CPX-fragment. (IB) mRNAs of TS1-S2-S and TS1-S2-S-TM.

[0017] FIGs. 2A-2B show images of western blots used for the detection of large S protein (2A) and pre-S2 protein (2B).

[0018] FIG. 3 show a graph of size characterized using Zetasizer Nano ZS90.

[0019] FIGs. 4A-4C show images of dot blotting for the detection of HBs (4 A) and western blotting for the detection of large S protein (4B) and Pre-S2 protein(4C).

[0020] FIGs. 5A-5C show (5 A) a scheme of the study design. (5B) is a graph showing HBsAg-specific antibodies (total IgG). (5C) is a graph showing neutralizing antibodies(nAbs) titers.

[0021] FIGs. 6A-6D show (6A) images and (6B) graph of T cell responses were measured by Elispot with stimulation with an overlapping peptides pool of HBsAg. Percent HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells (6C) and CD4+ T cells (6D) were determined by intracellular staining of IFN-g and TNF-a upon coincubation with HBsAg overlapping peptide pool.

[0022] FIGs. 7A-7C show (7 A) a scheme of the study design. (7B) images and (7C) graph of HBV antigen-specific T cell responses evaluated by ELispot upon stimulation with mixture peptide pools of Core, Pol and X genes.

[0023] FIGs. 8A-8B show (8A) a scheme of the study design. (8B) a graph of antiviral efficacy of AA-001.

[0024] FIGs. 9A-9D show graphs of (9 A) Serum HBsAg levels expressed as percent change from baseline (normalized to Mock control) following vaccination. (9B) Serum HBsAg levels at Week 6 post-treatment. (9C) Serum anti-Large HBsAg binding antibody titers measured biweekly after vaccination. (9D) T cell responses assessed by ELISpot assay at Week 14 post-vaccination using peptide pools spanning the S, Core, Pol, and X genes. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA; **P < 0.01, *P < 0.05.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0025] FIGs. 10A-10D show graphs (10A) Serum HBsAg levels following vaccination. (10B) Serum HBeAg levels following vaccination. (IOC) Serum anti-HBsAg antibody (HBsAb) levels following vaccination. (10D) HBV-specific T cell responses determined by IFN-y ELISpot assay at Week 10 post-immunization using peptide pools spanning the S, Core, Pol, and X genes. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA; ***P < 0.001.

[0026] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] A number of embodiments of the disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

[0029] Definitions

[0030] To facilitate understanding of the disclosure set forth herein, a number of terms are defined below. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Publications cited herein and the materials for which they are cited are specifically incorporated by reference.

[0031] General Definitions

[0032] As used in this specification and the following claims, the terms “comprise” (as well as forms, derivatives, or variations thereof, such as “comprising” and “comprises”) and “include” (as well as forms, derivatives, or variations thereof, such as “including” and “includes”) are inclusive (i.e., open-ended) and do not exclude additional elements or steps. For example, the terms "comprise" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Other than where noted, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, geometries, dimensions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood at the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, to be construed in light of the number of significant digits and ordinary rounding approaches.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0033] Accordingly, these terms are intended to not only cover the recited element(s) or step(s), but may also include other elements or steps not expressly recited. Furthermore, as used herein, the use of the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” when used in conjunction with an element may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” Therefore, an element preceded by “a” or “an” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements.

[0034] Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. By “about” is meant within 5% of the value, e.g., within 4, 3, 2, or 1% of the value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that there are a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is also herein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to the value itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about 10” is also disclosed. A range may be construed to include the start and the end of the range. For example, a range of 10% to 20% (i.e., range of 10%-20%) can include 10% and also includes 20%, and includes percentages in between 10% and 20%, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

[0035] As used herein, the terms "may," "optionally," and "may optionally" are used interchangeably and are meant to include cases in which the condition occurs as well as cases in which the condition does not occur. Thus, for example, the statement that a formulation "may include an excipient" is meant to include cases in which the formulation includes an excipient as well as cases in which the formulation does not include an excipient.

[0036] It is understood that when combinations, subsets, groups, etc. of elements are disclosed (e.g., combinations of components in a composition, or combinations of steps in a method), that while specific reference of each of the various individual and collective combinations and permutations of these elements may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0037] “Administration" to a subject includes any route of introducing or delivering to a subject an agent. Administration can be carried out by any suitable route, including oral, topical, transcutaneous, transdermal, intra-joint, intra-arteriole, intradermal, intraventricular, intralesional, intranasal, rectal, vaginal, by inhalation, via an implanted reservoir, parenteral (e.g., subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular, intra- articular, intra-synovial, intrasternal, intrathecal, intraperitoneal, intrahepatic, intralesional, and intracranial injections or infusion techniques), and the like. "Concurrent administration", "administration in combination", "simultaneous administration" or "administered simultaneously" as used herein, means that the compounds are administered at the same point in time or essentially immediately following one another. In the latter case, the two compounds are administered at times sufficiently close that the results observed are indistinguishable from those achieved when the compounds are administered at the same point in time. "Systemic administration" refers to the introducing or delivering to a subject an agent via a route which introduces or delivers the agent to extensive areas of the subject's body (e.g. greater than 50% of the body), for example through entrance into the circulatory or lymph systems. By contrast, "local administration" refers to the introducing or delivery to a subject an agent via a route which introduces or delivers the agent to the area or area immediately adjacent to the point of administration and does not introduce the agent systemically in a therapeutically significant amount. For example, locally administered agents are easily detectable in the local vicinity of the point of administration but are undetectable or detectable at negligible amounts in distal parts of the subject's body. Administration includes self-administration and the administration by another.

[0038] As used here, the terms “beneficial agent” and “active agent” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a chemical compound or composition that has a beneficial biological effect. Beneficial biological effects include both therapeutic effects, i.e., treatment of a disorder or other undesirable physiological condition, and prophylactic effects, i.e., prevention of a disorder or other undesirable physiological condition. The terms also encompass pharmaceutically acceptable, pharmacologically active derivatives of beneficial agents specifically mentioned herein, including, but not limited to, salts, esters, amides, prodrugs, active metabolites, isomers, fragments, analogs, and the like. When the terms “beneficial agent” or “active agent” are used, then, or when a particular agent is specifically identified, it is to be understood that the term includes the agent per se as wellAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0039] as pharmaceutically acceptable, pharmacologically active salts, esters, amides, prodrugs, conjugates, active metabolites, isomers, fragments, analogs, etc.

[0040] A "decrease" can refer to any change that results in a smaller amount of a symptom, disease, composition, condition, or activity. A substance is also understood to decrease the genetic output of a gene when the genetic output of the gene product with the substance is less relative to the output of the gene product without the substance. Also, for example, a decrease can be a change in the symptoms of a disorder such that the symptoms are less than previously observed. A decrease can be any individual, median, or average decrease in a condition, symptom, activity, composition in a statistically significant amount. Thus, the decrease can be a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100% decrease so long as the decrease is statistically significant.

[0041] "Inhibit," "inhibiting," and "inhibition" mean to decrease an activity, response, condition, disease, or other biological parameter. This can include but is not limited to the complete ablation of the activity, response, condition, or disease. This may also include, for example, a 10% reduction in the activity, response, condition, or disease as compared to the native or control level. Thus, the reduction can be a 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100%, or any amount of reduction in between as compared to native or control levels.

[0042] “Inactivate”, “inactivating” and “inactivation” means to decrease or eliminate an activity, response, condition, disease, or other biological parameter due to a chemical (covalent bond formation) between the ligand and a its biological target.

[0043] By “reduce” or other forms of the word, such as “reducing” or “reduction,” is meant lowering of an event or characteristic (e.g., tumor growth). It is understood that this is typically in relation to some standard or expected value, in other words it is relative, but that it is not always necessary for the standard or relative value to be referred to.

[0044] As used herein, the terms “treating” or “treatment” of a subject includes the administration of a drug to a subject with the purpose of preventing, curing, healing, alleviating, relieving, altering, remedying, ameliorating, improving, stabilizing or affecting a disease or disorder, or a symptom of a disease or disorder. The terms “treating” and “treatment” can also refer to reduction in severity and / or frequency of symptoms, elimination of symptoms and / or underlying cause, prevention of the occurrence of symptoms and / or their underlying cause, and improvement or remediation of damage.

[0045] By “prevent” or other forms of the word, such as “preventing” or “prevention,” is meant to stop a particular event or characteristic, to stabilize or delay the development orAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0046] progression of a particular event or characteristic, or to minimize the chances that a particular event or characteristic will occur. Prevent does not require comparison to a control as it is typically more absolute than, for example, reduce. As used herein, something could be reduced but not prevented, but something that is reduced could also be prevented. Likewise, something could be prevented but not reduced, but something that is prevented could also be reduced. It is understood that where reduce or prevent are used, unless specifically indicated otherwise, the use of the other word is also expressly disclosed. For example, the terms “prevent” or “suppress” can refer to a treatment that forestalls or slows the onset of a disease or condition or reduced the severity of the disease or condition. Thus, if a treatment can treat a disease in a subject having symptoms of the disease, it can also prevent or suppress that disease in a subject who has yet to suffer some or all of the symptoms. As used herein, the term “preventing” a disorder or unwanted physiological event in a subject refers specifically to the prevention of the occurrence of symptoms and / or their underlying cause, wherein the subject may or may not exhibit heightened susceptibility to the disorder or event.

[0047] By the term “effective amount” of a therapeutic agent is meant a nontoxic but sufficient amount of a beneficial agent to provide the desired effect. The amount of beneficial agent that is “effective” will vary from subject to subject, depending on the age and general condition of the subject, the particular beneficial agent or agents, and the like. Thus, it is not always possible to specify an exact “effective amount”. However, an appropriate “effective’ amount in any subject case may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using routine experimentation. Also, as used herein, and unless specifically stated otherwise, an “effective amount” of a beneficial can also refer to an amount covering both therapeutically effective amounts and prophy lactically effective amounts.

[0048] An “effective amount” of a drug necessary to achieve a therapeutic effect may vary according to factors such as the age, sex, and weight of the subject. Dosage regimens can be adjusted to provide the optimum therapeutic response. For example, several divided doses may be administered daily or the dose may be proportionally reduced as indicated by the exigencies of the therapeutic situation.

[0049] As used herein, a “therapeutically effective amount” of a therapeutic agent refers to an amount that is effective to achieve a desired therapeutic result, and a “prophylactically effective amount” of a therapeutic agent refers to an amount that is effective to prevent an unwanted physiological condition. Therapeutically effective and prophylactically effectiveAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0050] amounts of a given therapeutic agent will typically vary with respect to factors such as the type and severity of the disorder or disease being treated and the age, gender, and weight of the subject. The term “therapeutically effective amount” can also refer to an amount of a therapeutic agent, or a rate of delivery of a therapeutic agent (e.g., amount over time), effective to facilitate a desired therapeutic effect. The precise desired therapeutic effect will vary according to the condition to be treated, the tolerance of the subject, the drug and / or drug formulation to be administered (e.g., the potency of the therapeutic agent (drug), the concentration of drug in the formulation, and the like), and a variety of other factors that are appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0051] As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” component can refer to a component that is not biologically or otherwise undesirable, i.e., the component may be incorporated into a pharmaceutical formulation of the invention and administered to a subject as described herein without causing any significant undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the other components of the formulation in which it is contained. When the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” is used to refer to an excipient, it is generally implied that the component has met the required standards of toxicological and manufacturing testing or that it is included on the Inactive Ingredient Guide prepared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

[0052] "Pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" (sometimes referred to as a "carrier") means a carrier or excipient that is useful in preparing a pharmaceutical or therapeutic composition that is generally safe and non-toxic and includes a carrier that is acceptable for veterinary and / or human pharmaceutical or therapeutic use. The terms "carrier" or "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" can include, but are not limited to, phosphate buffered saline solution, water, emulsions (such as an oil / water or water / oil emulsion) and / or various types of wetting agents. As used herein, the term "carrier" encompasses, but is not limited to, any excipient, diluent, filler, salt, buffer, stabilizer, solubilizer, lipid, stabilizer, or other material well known in the art for use in pharmaceutical formulations and as described further herein.

[0053] As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” is a derivative of the disclosed compound in which the parent compound is modified by making inorganic and organic, non-toxic, acid or base addition salts thereof. The salts of the present compounds can be synthesized from a parent compound that contains a basic or acidic moiety by conventional chemical methods. Generally, such salts can be prepared by reacting free acid forms ofAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0054] these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate base (such as Na, Ca, Mg, or K hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, or the like), or by reacting free base forms of these compounds with a stoichiometric amount of the appropriate acid. Such reactions are typically carried out in water or in an organic solvent, or in a mixture of the two. Generally, non-aqueous media like ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, isopropanol, or acetonitrile are typical, where practicable. Salts of the present compounds further include solvates of the compounds and of the compound salts.

[0055] Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts include, but are not limited to, mineral or organic acid salts of basic residues such as amines; alkali or organic salts of acidic residues such as carboxylic acids; and the like. The pharmaceutically acceptable salts include the conventional non-toxic salts and the quaternary ammonium salts of the parent compound formed, for example, from non-toxic inorganic or organic acids. For example, conventional non-toxic acid salts include those derived from inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, hydrobromic, sulfuric, sulfamic, phosphoric, nitric and the like; and the salts prepared from organic acids such as acetic, propionic, succinic, glycolic, stearic, lactic, malic, tartaric, citric, ascorbic, pamoic, maleic, hydroxymaleic, phenylacetic, glutamic, benzoic, salicylic, mesylic, esylic, besylic, sulfanilic, 2-acetoxybenzoic, fumaric, toluenesulfonic, methanesulfonic, ethane disulfonic, oxalic, isethionic, H00C-(CH2)n-COOH where n is 0-4, and the like, or using a different acid that produces the same counterion. Lists of additional suitable salts may be found, e.g., in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 17th ed., Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., p. 1418 (1985).

[0056] Also, as used herein, the term “pharmacologically active” (or simply “active”), as in a “pharmacologically active” derivative or analog, can refer to a derivative or analog (e.g., a salt, ester, amide, conjugate, metabolite, isomer, fragment, etc.) having the same type of pharmacological activity as the parent compound and approximately equivalent in degree.

[0057] A “control” is an alternative subject or sample used in an experiment for comparison purposes. A control can be "positive" or "negative."

[0058] As used herein, by a “subject” is meant an individual. Thus, the “subject” can include domesticated animals (e.g., cats, dogs, etc.), livestock (e.g., cattle, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, etc.), laboratory animals (e.g., mouse, rabbit, rat, guinea pig, etc.), and birds. “Subject” can also include a mammal, such as a primate or a human. Thus, the subject can be a human or veterinary patient. The term “patient” refers to a subject under the treatment of a clinician, e.g., physician. In some embodiments, the subject is a mammal. In someAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0059] embodiments, the mammal is a human. In some embodiments, the subject is a veterinary patient. Administration of the therapeutic agents can be carried out at dosages and for periods of time effective for treatment of a subject. In some embodiments, the subject is a human.

[0060] Genetic Definitions

[0061] The term “nucleic acid” as used herein means a polymer composed of nucleotides, e.g. deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides.

[0062] The terms “ribonucleic acid” and “RNA” as used herein mean a polymer composed of ribonucleotides.

[0063] The terms “deoxyribonucleic acid” and “DNA” as used herein mean a polymer composed of deoxyribonucleotides.

[0064] The term “oligonucleotide” denotes single- or double-stranded nucleotide multimers of from about 2 to up to about 100 nucleotides in length. Suitable oligonucleotides may be prepared by the phosphoramidite method described by Beaucage and Carruthers, Tetrahedron Lett., 22:1859-1862 (1981), or by the triester method according to Matteucci, et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc., 103:3185 (1981), both incorporated herein by reference, or by other chemical methods using either a commercial automated oligonucleotide synthesizer or VLSIPS™ technology. When oligonucleotides are referred to as “double-stranded,” it is understood by those of skill in the art that a pair of oligonucleotides exist in a hydrogen-bonded, helical array typically associated with, for example, DNA. In addition to the 100% complementary form of double-stranded oligonucleotides, the term “double-stranded,” as used herein is also meant to refer to those forms which include such structural features as bulges and loops, described more fully in such biochemistry texts as Stryer, Biochemistry, Third Ed., (1988), incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0065] The term “polynucleotide” refers to a single or double stranded polymer composed of nucleotide monomers. The polynucleotide sequence may be modified, for example, to enhance efficacy and / or to reduce immune responsivity, by using, for example, base modifications or end-capping. In other embodiments, an unmodified polynucleotide sequence is used. For example, the polynucleotide can be an RNA sequence or a DNA sequence. In some embodiments, the mRNA can include an optimized codon. By codon optimizing, the formation of secondary structures can be reduced and translational efficiency improved. In certain embodiments, the codon optimization includes GC enrichment of the coding region. In certain embodiments, the codon optimization includesAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0066] codon quality enrichment of the coding region. In certain aspects, the mRNA can include one or more regions or parts, which act or function as an untranslated region (UTRs) of a gene. UTRs are transcribed but not translated. In mRNA, the 5' UTR starts at the transcription start site and continues to the start codon but does not include the start codon. The 3' UTR starts immediately following the stop codon and continues until the transcriptional termination signal. The use of human-derived UTRs may facilitate the expression of the polypeptide in cells. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises at least one chemically modified nucleotide. In some embodiments, the at least one chemically modified nucleotide comprises a chemically modified nucleobase, a chemically modified ribose, a chemically modified phosphodiester linkage, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide sequence as used comprise modified nucleosides such as 5-methylcystonsine or psudouridine.

[0067] As used herein “modified” refers to a changed state or structure of a molecule of the invention. Molecules may be modified in many ways including chemically, structurally, and functionally. In one embodiment, the polynucleotides of the present invention are “chemically modified” by the introduction of non-natural nucleosides and / or nucleotides, e.g., as it relates to the natural ribonucleotides A, U, G, and C. Modifications of the nucleosides and / or nucleotides as used in the present invention may be naturally occurring (i.e. comprise a nucleotide and / or nucleoside other than the natural ribonucleotides A, U, G, and C) or may be artificial. Non- canonical nucleotides such as the cap structures are not considered “modified” although they differ from the chemical structure of A, G, C, and U ribonucleotides. As used herein, a “structural” modification is one in which two or more linked nucleosides are inserted, deleted, duplicated, inverted or randomized in a polynucleotide without significant chemical modification to the nucleotides themselves. Because chemical bonds will necessarily be broken and reformed to effect a structural modification, structural modifications are of a chemical nature and hence are chemical modifications. However, structural modifications will result in a different sequence of nucleotides. When the polynucleotides of the present invention are chemically and / or structurally modified, the polynucleotides may be referred to as “modified nucleotides”.

[0068] In some embodiments, the nucleic acids disclosed herein can include at least one chemically modified nucleotide. In some embodiments, the at least one chemically modified nucleotide comprises a chemically modified nucleobase, a chemically modified ribose, a chemically modified phosphodiester linkage, or a combination thereof.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0069] In one embodiment, the at least one chemically modified nucleotide is a chemically modified nucleobase.

[0070] In one embodiment, the chemically modified nucleobase is selected from 5-formylcytidine (5fC), 5 -methylcytidine (5meC), 5 -methoxy cytidine (5moC), 5-hydroxycytidine (5hoC), 5 -hydroxy methylcytidine (5hmC), 5 -formyluridine (5fU), 5-methyluridine (5-meU), 5-methoxyuridine (5moU), 5-carboxymethylesteruridine (5camU), pseudouridine ( ), N1-methylpseudouridine (melxF), N6-methyladenosine (me6A), or thienoguanosine (^G).

[0071] In some embodiments, the chemically modified nucleobase is 5-methoxyuridine (5moU). In some embodiments, the chemically modified nucleobase is pseudouridine ( ).

[0072] In some embodiments, the chemically modified nucleobase is N1-methylpseudouridine (melxF).

[0073] The structures of these modified nucleobases are shown below:

[0074] <

[0075] < & <

[0076]

[0077] In one embodiment, the at least one chemically modified nucleotide is a chemically modified ribose.

[0078] In one embodiment, the chemically modified ribose is selected from 2'-O-methyl

[0079] (2'-0-Me), 2'-Fluoro (2'-F), 2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-D-arabino-nucleic acid (2'F-ANA), 4'-S, 4'-SFANA, 2'-azido, UNA, 2'-O-methoxy-ethyl (2'-0-ME), 2'-O-Allyl, 2'-O-Ethylamine,Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0080] 2'-O-Cyanoethyl, Locked nucleic acid (LAN), Methylene-cLAN, N-MeO-amino BNA, or N-MeO- aminooxy BNA. In one embodiment, the chemically modified ribose is 2'-O-methyl (2'-0-Me). In one embodiment, the chemically modified ribose is 2'-Fluoro (2'-F).

[0081] The structures of these modified riboses are shown below:

[0082] >

[0083] >

[0084]

[0085] In one embodiment, the at least one chemically modified nucleotide is a chemically modified phosphodiester linkage.

[0086] In one embodiment, the chemically modified phosphodiester linkage is selected from phosphorothioate (PS), boranophosphate, phosphodithioate (PS2), 3',5'-amide, N3'-phosphoramidate (NP), Phosphodiester (PO), or 2',5'-phosphodiester (2',5'-PO). In one embodiment, the chemically modified phosphodiester linkage is phosphorothioate.

[0087] The structures of these modified phosphodiester linkages are shown below:Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0088]

[0089] &

[0090] In some embodiments, the mRNA can include a heterologous 5’ untranslated region (5’UTR). In some embodiments, the mRNA can include a heterologous 3’ untranslated region (3’UTR).

[0091] The term “polypeptide” refers to a compound made up of a single chain of D- or L-amino acids or a mixture of D- and L-amino acids joined by peptide bonds. A polypeptide is comprised of approximately twenty, standard naturally occurring amino acids, although natural and synthetic amino acids which are not members of the standard twenty amino acids may also be used. The standard twenty amino acids include alanine (Ala, A), arginine (Arg, R), asparagine (Asn, N), aspartic acid (Asp, D), cysteine (Cys, C), glutamine (Gin, Q), glutamic acid (Glu, E), glycine (Gly, G), histidine, (His, H), isoleucine (He, I), leucine (Leu, L), lysine (Lys, K), methionine (Met, M), phenylalanine (Phe, F), proline (Pro, P), serine (Ser, S), threonine (Thr, T), tryptophan (Trp, W), tyrosine (Tyr, Y), and valine (Vai, V).

[0092] The terms "polypeptide sequence" or “amino acid sequence” are an alphabetical representation of a polypeptide molecule.

[0093] Conservative substitutions of amino acids in proteins and polypeptides are known in the art. For example, the replacement of one amino acid residue with another that is biologically and / or chemically similar is known to those skilled in the art as a conservative substitution. For example, a conservative substitution would be replacing one hydrophobic residue for another, or one polar residue for another. The substitutions include

[0094] combinations such as, for example, Gly, Ala; Vai, He, Leu; Asp, Glu; Asn, Gin; Ser, Thr;Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0095] Lys, Arg; and Phe, Tyr. Such conservatively substituted variations of each explicitly disclosed sequence are included within the polypeptides provided herein.

[0096] Substantial changes in protein function or immunological identity are made by selecting substitutions that are less conservative, i.e., selecting residues that differ more significantly in their effect on maintaining (a) the structure of the polypeptide backbone in the area of the substitution, for example as a sheet or helical conformation, (b) the charge or hydrophobicity of the molecule at the target site or (c) the bulk of the side chain. The substitutions which in general are expected to produce the greatest changes in the protein properties will be those in which (a) a hydrophilic residue, e.g. seryl or threonyl, is substituted for (or by) a hydrophobic residue, e.g. leucyl, isoleucyl, phenylalanyl, valyl or alanyl; (b) a cysteine or proline is substituted for (or by) any other residue; (c) a residue having an electropositive side chain, e.g., lysyl, arginyl, or histidyl, is substituted for (or by) an electronegative residue, e.g., glutamyl or aspartyl; or (d) a residue having a bulky side chain, e.g., phenylalanine, is substituted for (or by) one not having a side chain, e.g., glycine, in this case, (e) by increasing the number of sites for sulfation and / or glycosylation.

[0097] A “variant” refers to a molecule substantially similar in structure. Thus, in one embodiment, a variant refers to a protein whose amino acid sequence is similar to a reference amino acid sequence, but does not have 100% identity with the respective reference sequence. The variant protein has an altered sequence in which one or more of the amino acids in the reference sequence is deleted or substituted, or one or more amino acids are inserted into the sequence of the reference amino acid sequence. As a result of the alterations, the variant protein has an amino acid sequence which is at least 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% identical to the reference sequence. For example, variant sequences which are at least 95% identical have no more than 5 alterations, i.e. any combination of deletions, insertions or substitutions, per 100 amino acids of the reference sequence.

[0098] The term “complementary” refers to the topological compatibility or matching together of interacting surfaces of a probe molecule and its target. Thus, the target and its probe can be described as complementary, and furthermore, the contact surface characteristics are complementary to each other.

[0099] The term “hybridization” refers to a process of establishing a non-covalent, sequence-specific interaction between two or more complementary strands of nucleic acids into a single hybrid, which in the case of two strands is referred to as a duplex.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0100] The terms “identical” or percent “identity,” in the context of two or more nucleic acids or polypeptide sequences, refer to two or more sequences or subsequences that are the same or have a specified percentage of amino acid residues or nucleotides that are the same (i.e., about 60% identity, preferably 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or higher identity over a specified region when compared and aligned for maximum correspondence over a comparison window or designated region) as measured using a BLAST or BLAST 2.0 sequence comparison algorithms with default parameters described below, or by manual alignment and visual inspection (see, e.g., NCBI web site or the like). Such sequences are then said to be “substantially identical.” This definition also refers to, or may be applied to, the compliment of a test sequence. The definition also includes sequences that have deletions and / or additions, as well as those that have substitutions. As described below, the preferred algorithms can account for gaps and the like. Preferably, identity exists over a region that is at least about 10 amino acids or 20 nucleotides in length, or more preferably over a region that is 10-50 amino acids or 20-50 nucleotides in length. As used herein, percent (%) amino acid sequence identity is defined as the percentage of amino acids in a candidate sequence that are identical to the amino acids in a reference sequence, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity. Alignment for purposes of determining percent sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, ALIGN, ALIGN-2 or Megalign (DNASTAR) software. Appropriate parameters for measuring alignment, including any algorithms needed to achieve maximal alignment over the full-length of the sequences being compared can be determined by known methods.

[0101] For sequence comparisons, typically one sequence acts as a reference sequence, to which test sequences are compared. When using a sequence comparison algorithm, test and reference sequences are entered into a computer, subsequence coordinates are designated, if necessary, and sequence algorithm program parameters are designated. Preferably, default program parameters can be used, or alternative parameters can be designated. The sequence comparison algorithm then calculates the percent sequence identities for the test sequences relative to the reference sequence, based on the program parameters.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0102] One example of an algorithm that is suitable for determining percent sequence identity and sequence similarity are the BLAST and BLAST 2.0 algorithms, which are described in Altschul et al. (1977) Nuc. Acids Res. 25:3389-3402, and Altschul et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410, respectively. Software for performing BLAST analyses is publicly available through the National Center for Biotechnology Information. This algorithm involves first identifying high scoring sequence pairs (HSPs) by identifying short words of length W in the query sequence, which either match or satisfy some positivevalued threshold score T when aligned with a word of the same length in a database sequence. T is referred to as the neighborhood word score threshold (Altschul et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-410). These initial neighborhood word hits act as seeds for initiating searches to find longer HSPs containing them. The word hits are extended in both directions along each sequence for as far as the cumulative alignment score can be increased.

[0103] Cumulative scores are calculated using, for nucleotide sequences, the parameters M (reward score for a pair of matching residues; always >0) and N (penalty score for mismatching residues; always <0). For amino acid sequences, a scoring matrix is used to calculate the cumulative score. Extension of the word hits in each direction are halted when: the cumulative alignment score falls off by the quantity X from its maximum achieved value; the cumulative score goes to zero or below, due to the accumulation of one or more negative-scoring residue alignments; or the end of either sequence is reached. The BLAST algorithm parameters W, T, and X determine the sensitivity and speed of the alignment. The BLASTN program (for nucleotide sequences) uses as defaults a wordlength (W) of 11, an expectation (E) or 10, M=5, N=-4 and a comparison of both strands. For amino acid sequences, the BLASTP program uses as defaults a wordlength of 3, and expectation (E) of 10, and the BLOSUM62 scoring matrix (see Henikoff and Henikoff (1989) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89:10915) alignments (B) of 50, expectation (E) of 10, M=5, N=-4, and a comparison of both strands.

[0104] The BLAST algorithm also performs a statistical analysis of the similarity between two sequences (see, e.g., Karlin and Altschul (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 90:5873-5787). One measure of similarity provided by the BLAST algorithm is the smallest sum probability (P(N)), which provides an indication of the probability by which a match between two nucleotide or amino acid sequences would occur by chance. For example, a nucleic acid is considered similar to a reference sequence if the smallest sum probability inAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0105] a comparison of the test nucleic acid to the reference nucleic acid is less than about 0.2, more preferably less than about 0.01.

[0106] The term "nucleobase" refers to the part of a nucleotide that bears the Watson / Crick base-pairing functionality. The most common naturally-occurring nucleobases, adenine (A), guanine (G), uracil (U), cytosine (C), and thymine (T) bear the hydrogen-bonding functionality that binds one nucleic acid strand to another in a sequence specific manner.

[0107] Compositions

[0108] Described herein are compositions including: a first nucleic acid encoding for an HBV surface antigen (pre-Sl, pre-S2, HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), o) or a variant or fragment thereof; and a second nucleic acid encoding for an HBV core-associated antigen (Core, Polymerase, and HBV X protein) or a variant or fragment thereof.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid can include SEQ ID NOs. 1-11, or a variant or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid includes SEQ ID NO. 9, SEQ ID NO. 3, SEQ ID NO. 11, or a variant or fragment thereof.

[0110] In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid can include a nucleic acid encoding for an HBV surface antigen having SEQ ID NO. 22-25, 27-32 or a variant or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid can include a nucleic acid encoding for an HBV surface antigen having SEQ ID NO. 30, SEQ ID NO. 24, SEQ ID NO. 32, or a variant or fragment thereof.

[0111] In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid can include SEQ ID NOs. 12-21, or a variant or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid can include SEQ ID NO. 19, SEQ ID NO. 17, or SEQ ID NO. 18, or a variant or fragment thereof.

[0112] In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid can include a nucleic acid encoding for SEQ ID NOs. 33-42, or a variant or fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid can include a nucleic acid encoding for an HBV core-associated antigen having SEQ ID NO. 40, SEQ ID NO. 38, SEQ ID NO. 39, or a variant or fragment thereof.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid can include SEQ. ID 9, or a variant or fragment thereof encoding for an HBV surface antigen having SEQ ID NO. 30, or a variant or fragment thereof.

[0114] In some embodiments, the second nucleic acid can include SEQ ID NO. 19 or a variant or fragment thereof encoding for an HBV core-associated antigen having SEQ ID NO. 40 or a variant or fragment thereof.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0115] In some embodiments, the composition can include a first nucleic acid including SEQ ID NO. 9 or a variant or fragment thereof encoding for an HBV surface antigen having SEQ ID NO. 30 or a variant or fragment thereof; and a second nucleic acid including SEQ ID NO. 19 or a variant or fragment thereof encoding for an HBV core-associated antigen having SEQ ID NO. 40 or a variant or fragment thereof.

[0116] In some embodiments, the composition can be a pharmaceutical composition suitable for administration to a human subject. In some embodiments, the composition can include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

[0117] Described herein are also cells including the composition described herein. In some embodiments, the cell can include a dendritic cell, B cell, a macrophage, or other cells derived from a subject that can be used for immunotherapy.

[0118] Vaccine Compositions

[0119] In some embodiments, the composition can be a vaccine. In some embodiments, vaccines can be formulated in a nanoparticle described herein. In some embodiments, vaccines can be formulated in a lipid nanoparticle described herein. In some embodiments, vaccines can be formulated in a lipid-polycation complex described herein, referred to as a cationic lipid nanoparticle. The vaccines of the disclosure can be formulated using one or more liposomes, lipoplexes, or lipid nanoparticles described herein. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions of vaccines can include liposomes described herein. In some embodiments, the vaccines may be formulated in a lipid vesicle, which may have crosslinks between functionalized lipid bilayers. In some embodiments, the vaccines may be formulated in a lipid-polycation complex.

[0120] Example Vaccine Compositions

[0121] For example, described herein are therapeutic vaccines (mRNA vaccines) for the treatment of HBV infection, with the goal of achieving a functional cure.

[0122] The mRNA vaccine can elicit neutralizing antibodies against HBV to block viral entry and spread. Generate a robust T-cell response (including both CD4 + and CD 8 + T cells) to target and clear infected liver cells. Provide a functional cure for HBV persistent infection, addressing the underlying chronic infection and its complications, including cirrhosis and HCC.

[0123] The vaccine can comprise a single mRNA or a combination of multiple mRNA molecules to encode different HBV antigens. It can be administered alone or in combination with other treatments, such as antiviral agents, type I interferon (IFN), antisenseAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0124] oligonucleotide (ASO), shRNA, siRNA, adjuvants, or gene therapy, to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

[0125] In some embodiments, the vaccine can include mRNA, circular RNA, or selfamplifying mRNA (SAM) encoding HBV antigens such as HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen), pre-Sl, pre-S2, Core, Polymerase, and HBV X protein, either as full-length sequences or partial sequences.

[0126] The use of self-amplifying mRNA (SAM) may enhance the potency of the vaccine. SAM technology allows for the amplification of the mRNA once inside the host cells, providing prolonged antigen expression and enhancing the immune response over time. This approach may improve the vaccine's efficacy and reduce the need for frequent doses. The use of cRNA may enhance the potency of the vaccine as the cRNA technology allows for the higher expression of viral antigen due to stable structure of cRNA compared with mRNA. This approach may improve the vaccine's efficacy and reduce the need for frequent doses.

[0127] The mRNA can be encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles or other suitable delivery systems to facilitate uptake by cells. The antigens encoded by the vaccine include: HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen): The surface protein of HBV, is useful for viral entry and neutralization. pre-S 1 and pre-S2 are regions of the envelope proteins that are important for HBV infection and immune evasion. Core protein is the viral capsid protein that is involved in viral assembly and replication. Polymerase is the enzyme responsible for HBV replication and reverse transcription. HBV X protein is a regulatory protein that modulates viral replication and immune evasion.

[0128] These proteins can be encoded as full-length sequences or partial sequences depending on the desired immune response. Additionally, the mRNA can include multiple antigen sequences to stimulate a broader immune response. See Table 1 and Table 2.

[0129] Upon administration, the RNA (mRNA) constructs may be taken up by dendritic cells and other antigen-presenting cells, which then process the encoded HBV antigens and present them on their surface in the context of MHC molecules. This leads to the activation of CD4+ T cells (helper T cells) to coordinate the immune response and CD8+ T cells (cytotoxic T cells) to target and kill infected liver cells.

[0130] The activation of neutralizing antibodies against HBsAg helps block the virus from infecting new liver cells, while the CD 8+ T cell response is important for clearing infected cells, particularly in the liver for the clearance of infected cells. The vaccine provides a multi-pronged immune response, which is more likely to lead to the long-term suppressionAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0131] or eradication of HBV. The combination of these immune responses increases the likelihood of achieving a functional cure, where the virus is controlled or eliminated, and liver function is restored.

[0132] This nucleic acid vaccine can be used for: (1) HBV persistent infection to induce long-lasting immunity and a functional cure for patients with chronic infection; (2) prevention of chronic HBV in individuals at risk of developing chronic HBV infection; (3) prevention and treatment of cirrhosis to reduce viral load, improve liver function, and prevent further liver damage; (4) prevention and treatment of HCC in combination with other cancer therapies, the vaccine may aid in preventing HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma or enhancing the immune system's ability to control tumor growth.

[0133] There are advantages of mRNA-based HBV vaccine such as its ability to: (1) activate both humoral (antibody-mediated) and cellular (T cell-mediated) immunity; (2) induce robust CD8+ T cell responses, which are important for clearing HBV-infected cells; (3) provide a non-invasive and scalable approach to treat and prevent HBV infection; (4) offer rapid development and adaptability, as mRNA vaccines can be engineered quickly and tailored to specific HBV variants or mutations.

[0134] Herein, vaccine compositions are described that can be administered both prophylactically to prevent HBV infection as well therapeutically to treat HBV infection as well as diseases caused by HBV, such as chronic infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and combinations thereof.

[0135] Examples of nucleotide sequences suitable for the preparation of vaccines described herein are included in the tables below.

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[0205] Other example compositions (e.g., vaccine) components include nucleic acids encoding for the polypeptides described in International Publication No. WO2014018858, International Publication No. WO2015089340, and International Publication No.

[0206] WO2018140733, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0207] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein (e.g., nucleic acid vaccine) can be administered alone or in combination with existing treatments or active agents including, but not limited to, antiviral therapies such as nucleotides analogs and monoclonal antibody therapy, which may help suppress viral replication, type I interferon (IFN) (known to enhance antiviral immunity and stimulate immune responses), siRNA (small interfering RNA) (to reduce viral load by targeting HBV RNA and preventing replication), gene therapy such as CRISPR-based or RNA-based approaches to directly target and modify the HBV genome or infected cells, others: such as Check Point inhibitor (CPI) or other immune response modifiers such as ASO, shRNA, adjuvants, interleukin 12 (IL-12), GM-CSF etc.

[0208] Combining these treatments with the mRNA vaccine may lead to better outcomes by enhancing viral control, restoring immune responses, and promoting liver regeneration.

[0209] The compositions described herein can include one or more nucleic acids described herein and a suitable delivery vehicle. Suitable nucleic acid delivery vehicles are known in the art and can include, but are not limited to lipid-based (e.g., a liposome formulation, lipoplexes, or lipid nanoparticles (LNP)), viral-based, or physical methods such as injection, microinjection, electroporation, ultrasound, gene gun, hydrodynamic applications, or any combination thereof).

[0210] Nanoparticles

[0211] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle can be a lipid nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles can be a lipid-polycation complex, referred to as a cationic lipid nanoparticle. As a non-limiting example, the polycation may include a cationic peptide or a polypeptide such as, but not limited to, polylysine, polyornithine and / or polyarginine. In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle can include a non-cationic lipid such as, but not limited to, cholesterol or dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE).Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0212] A lipid nanoparticle formulation may be influenced by, but not limited to, the selection of the cationic lipid component, the degree of cationic lipid saturation, the nature of the PEGylation, ratio of all components and biophysical parameters such as size. In one example by Semple et al. (Nature Biotech. 201028:172-176), the lipid nanoparticle can further include 57% cationic lipid, 7% dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, 34% cholesterol, and 1.5% PEG-c-DMA. As another example, changing the composition of the cationic lipid can more effectively deliver siRNA to various antigen presenting cells (Basha et al. Mol Ther. 2011 19:2186-2200).

[0213] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations may comprise 35 to 45% cationic lipid, 40% to 50% cationic lipid, 50% to 60% cationic lipid and / or 55% to 65% cationic lipid. In some embodiments, the ratio of lipid to nucleic acid (e.g., mRNA) in lipid nanoparticles may be 5:1 to 20:1, 10:1 to 25:1, 15:1 to 30:1 and / or at least 30:1.

[0214] Lipid nanoparticle formulations typically comprise a lipid, in particular, an ionizable cationic lipid, and further comprise a neutral lipid, a sterol and a molecule capable of reducing particle aggregation, for example a PEG or PEG-modified lipid.

[0215] In some embodiments, a lipid nanoparticle formulation comprises at least one ionizable lipid, cationic lipid, or any combination thereof; a neutral lipid selected from DSPC, DPPC, POPC, DOPE and SM; (iii) a sterol, e.g., cholesterol; and (iv) a PEG-lipid, e.g., PEG-DMG or PEG-cDMA, in a molar ratio of 20-60% cationic lipid:5-25% neutral lipid:25-55% sterol; 0.5-15% PEG-lipid.

[0216] In some embodiments, a lipid nanoparticle formulation includes 25% to 75% on a molar basis of a cationic lipid selected from 2,2-dilinoleyl-4-dimethylaminoethyl-[l,3]-dioxolane (DLin-KC2-DMA), dilinoleyl-methyl-4-dimethylaminobutyrate (DLin-MC3-DMA), and di((Z)-non-2-en-l-yl) 9-((4-(dimethylamino)butanoyl)oxy)heptadecanedioate (L319), e.g., 35 to 65%, 45 to 65%, 60%, 57.5%, 50% or 40% on a molar basis.

[0217] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations include 25-75% of a cationic lipid, 0.5-15% of the neutral lipid, 5-50% of the sterol, and 0.5-20% of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid on a molar basis.

[0218] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations include 35-65% of a cationic lipid, 3-12% of the neutral lipid, 15-45% of the sterol, and 0.5-10% of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid on a molar basis.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0219] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations include 45-65% of a cationic lipid, 5-10% of the neutral lipid, 25-40% of the sterol, and 0.5-10% of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid on a molar basis.

[0220] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations include 60% of a cationic lipid, 7.5% of the neutral lipid, 31% of the sterol, and 1.5% of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid on a molar basis.

[0221] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations include 50% of a cationic lipid, 10% of the neutral lipid, 38.5% of the sterol, and 1.5% of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid on a molar basis.

[0222] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations include 50% of a cationic lipid, 10% of the neutral lipid, 35% of the sterol, 4.5% or 5% of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid, and 0.5% of the targeting lipid on a molar basis.

[0223] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations include 40% of a cationic lipid, 15% of the neutral lipid, 40% of the sterol, and 5% of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid on a molar basis.

[0224] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations include 57.2% of a cationic lipid, 7.1% of the neutral lipid, 34.3% of the sterol, and 1.4% of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid on a molar basis.

[0225] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations include 57.5% of a cationic lipid selected from the PEG lipid is PEG-cDMA (PEG-cDMA is further discussed in Reyes et al. (J. Controlled Release, 107, 276-287 (2005), the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety), 7.5% of the neutral lipid, 31.5% of the sterol, and 3.5% of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid on a molar basis.

[0226] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations can include a lipid mixture in molar ratios of 20-70% cationic lipid:5-45% neutral lipid:20-55% cholesterol: 0.5-15% PEG-modified lipid. In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations can include a lipid mixture in a molar ratio of 20-60% cationic lipid:5-25 % neutral lipid: 25-55% cholesterol: 0.5-15% PEG-modified lipid.

[0227] In some embodiments, the molar lipid ratio is 50 / 10 / 38.5 / 1.5 (mol % cationic lipid / neutral lipid, e.g., DSPC / Chol / PEG-modified lipid, e.g., PEG-DMG, PEG-DSG or PEG-DPG), 57.2 / 7.1 / 34.3 / 1.4 (mol % cationic lipid / neutral lipid, e.g., DPPC / Chol / PEG-modified lipid, e.g., PEG-cDMA), 40 / 15 / 40 / 5 (mol % cationic lipid / neutral lipid, e.g., DSPC / Chol / PEG-modified lipid, e.g., PEG-DMG), 50 / 10 / 35 / 4.5 / 0.5 (mol % cationicAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0228] lipid / neutral lipid, e.g., DSPC / Chol / PEG-modified lipid, e.g., PEG-DSG), 50 / 10 / 35 / 5 (cationic lipid / neutral lipid, e.g., DSPC / Chol / PEG-modified lipid, e.g., PEG-DMG), 40 / 10 / 40 / 10 (mol % cationic lipid / neutral lipid, e.g., DSPC / Chol / PEG-modified lipid, e.g., PEG-DMG or PEG-cDMA), 35 / 15 / 40 / 10 (mol % cationic lipid / neutral lipid, e.g., DSPC / Chol / PEG-modified lipid, e.g., PEG-DMG or PEG-cDMA) or 52 / 13 / 30 / 5 (mol % cationic lipid / neutral lipid, e.g., DSPC / Chol / PEG-modified lipid, e.g., PEG-DMG or PEG-cDMA).

[0229] Non-limiting examples of lipid nanoparticle compositions and methods of making them are described, for example, in Semple et al. (2010) Nat. Biotechnol. 28:172-176; Jayarama et al. (2012), Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 51: 8529-8533; and Maier et al.

[0230] (2013) Molecular Therapy 21, 1570-1578 (the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

[0231] In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations may comprise a cationic lipid, a PEG lipid and a structural lipid and optionally comprise a non-cationic lipid. As a non-limiting example, a lipid nanoparticle may comprise 40-60% of cationic lipid, 5-15% of a non-cationic lipid, 1-2% of a PEG lipid and 30-50% of a structural lipid. As another nonlimiting example, the lipid nanoparticle may comprise 50% cationic lipid, 10% non-cationic lipid, 1.5% PEG lipid and 38.5% structural lipid. As yet another non-limiting example, a lipid nanoparticle may comprise 55% cationic lipid, 10% non-cationic lipid, 2.5% PEG lipid and 32.5% structural lipid.

[0232] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle formulations described herein may be 4 component lipid nanoparticles. The lipid nanoparticle may comprise a cationic lipid, a noncationic lipid, a PEG lipid and a structural lipid. As a non-limiting example, the lipid nanoparticle may comprise 40-60% of cationic lipid, 5-15% of a non-cationic lipid, 1-2% of a PEG lipid and 30-50% of a structural lipid. As another non-limiting example, the lipid nanoparticle may comprise 50% cationic lipid, 10% non-cationic lipid, 1.5% PEG lipid and 38.5% structural lipid. As yet another non-limiting example, the lipid nanoparticle may comprise 55% cationic lipid, 10% non-cationic lipid, 2.5% PEG lipid and 32.5% structural lipid.

[0233] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle formulations described herein may comprise a cationic lipid, a non-cationic lipid, a PEG lipid and a structural lipid. As a nonlimiting example, the lipid nanoparticle comprises 50% of the cationic lipid DLin-KC2-DMA, 10% of the non-cationic lipid DSPC, 1.5% of the PEG lipid PEG-DOMG and 38.5%Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0234] of the structural lipid cholesterol. As a non-limiting example, the lipid nanoparticle comprises 50% of the cationic lipid DLin-MC3-DMA, 10% of the non-cationic lipid DSPC, 1.5% of the PEG lipid PEG-DOMG and 38.5% of the structural lipid cholesterol. As a nonlimiting example, the lipid nanoparticle comprises 50% of the cationic lipid DLin-MC3-DMA, 10% of the non-cationic lipid DSPC, 1.5% of the PEG lipid PEG-DMG and 38.5% of the structural lipid cholesterol. As yet another non-limiting example, the lipid nanoparticle comprises 55% of the cationic lipid L319, 10% of the non-cationic lipid DSPC, 2.5% of the PEG lipid PEG-DMG and 32.5% of the structural lipid cholesterol.

[0235] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles may be such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 10,933,127, the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles may be such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 10,933,127, for example, nanoparticles including a compound according to Formula (I), (la), (II), (Ila), (lib), (lie), (lid), or (lie) described from column 101 to column 187.

[0236] In some embodiments, a nanoparticle (e.g., a lipid nanoparticle) has a mean diameter of 10-500 nm, 20-400 nm, 30-300 nm, 40-200 nm. In some embodiments, a nanoparticle (e.g., a lipid nanoparticle) has a mean diameter of 50-150 nm, 50-200 nm, 80-100 nm, or 80-200 nm.

[0237] The lipid nanoparticles (LNP) described herein may be made in a sterile environment. In some embodiments, the LNP formulation may be formulated in a nanoparticle such as a nucleic acid-lipid particle. As a non-limiting example, the lipid particle may comprise one or more active agents or therapeutic agents; one or more cationic lipids comprising from 50 mol % to 85 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle; one or more non-cationic lipids comprising from 13 mol % to 49.5 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle; and one or more conjugated lipids that inhibit aggregation of particles comprising from 0.5 mol % to 2 mol % of the total lipid present in the particle.

[0238] The nanoparticle formulations may comprise a phosphate conjugate. The phosphate conjugate may increase in vivo circulation times and / or increase the targeted delivery of the nanoparticle. As a non-limiting example, the phosphate conjugates may include a compound of any one of the formulas described in International Application No.

[0239] WO2013033438, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0240] The nanoparticle formulation may comprise a polymer conjugate. The polymer conjugate may be a water-soluble conjugate. The polymer conjugate may have a structure asAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0241] described in U.S. Patent Application No. 20130059360, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, polymer conjugates with the polynucleotides of the present disclosure may be made using the methods and / or segmented polymeric reagents described in U.S. Patent Application No. 20130072709, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the polymer conjugate may have pendant side groups comprising ring moieties such as, but not limited to, the polymer conjugates described in U.S. Patent Publication No.

[0242] US20130196948, the contents which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0243] The nanoparticle formulations may comprise a conjugate to enhance the delivery of nanoparticles of the present disclosure in a subject.

[0244] In some embodiments, compositions comprising a nucleic acid described herein and a conjugate may have a degradable linkage. Non-limiting examples of conjugates include an aromatic moiety comprising an ionizable hydrogen atom, a spacer moiety, and a water-soluble polymer. As a non-limiting example, pharmaceutical compositions comprising a conjugate with a degradable linkage and methods for delivering such pharmaceutical compositions are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130184443, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0245] Neutral Lipids

[0246] In some embodiments, a lipid nanoparticle formulation includes 0.5% to 15% on a molar basis of the neutral lipid, e.g., 3 to 12%, 5 to 10% or 15%, 10%, or 7.5% on a molar basis. Examples of neutral lipids include, without limitation, DSPC, POPC, DPPC, DOPE and SM. In some embodiments, the formulation includes 5% to 50% on a molar basis of the sterol (e.g., 15 to 45%, 20 to 40%, 40%, 38.5%, 35%, or 31% on a molar basis. A nonlimiting example of a sterol is cholesterol. In some embodiments, a lipid nanoparticle formulation includes 0.5% to 20% on a molar basis of the PEG or PEG-modified lipid (e.g., 0.5 to 10%, 0.5 to 5%, 1.5%, 0.5%, 1.5%, 3.5%, or 5% on a molar basis. In some embodiments, a PEG or PEG modified lipid comprises a PEG molecule of an average molecular weight of 2,000 Da. In some embodiments, a PEG or PEG modified lipid comprises a PEG molecule of an average molecular weight of less than 2,000, for example around 1,500 Da, around 1,000 Da, or around 500 Da. Non-limiting examples of PEG-modified lipids include PEG-distearoyl glycerol (PEG-DMG) (also referred herein as PEG-C14 or C14-PEG), PEG-cDMA (further discussed in Reyes et al. J. Controlled Release,Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0247] 107, 276-287 (2005) the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0248] Zwiterionic Lipids

[0249] In some embodiments, the composition may be encapsulated in, linked to and / or associated with zwitterionic lipids. Non-limiting examples of zwitterionic lipids and methods of using zwitterionic lipids are described in U.S. Patent Publication No.

[0250] US20130216607, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some aspects, the zwitterionic lipids may be used in the liposomes and lipid nanoparticles described herein.

[0251] Cationic Lipids

[0252] Suitable cationic lipids may include, but are not limited to, 2-amino-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9, 12-dien- 1 -yloxy]-2- { [(9Z,2Z)-octadeca-9, 12-dien- 1 -yloxy]methyl Jpropan- l-ol (Compound 1 in US20130150625); 2-amino-3-[(9Z)-octadec-9-en-l-yloxy]-2-{[(9Z)-octadec-9-en-l-yloxy]methyl}propan-l-ol (Compound 2 in US20130150625); 2-amino-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-l-yloxy]-2-[(octyloxy)methyl]propan-l-ol (Compound 3 in US20130150625); and 2-(dimethylamino)-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-l-yloxy]-2-{[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-l-yloxy]methyl}propan-l-ol (Compound 4 in US20130150625); or any pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof. As a non-limiting example, the cationic lipid may be selected from (20Z,23Z) — N,N-dimethylnonacosa-20,23-dien-10-amine, (17Z,20Z) — N,N-dimemylhexacosa-17,20-dien-9-amine, (1Z,19Z) — N5N-dimethylpentacosa-16, 19-dien-8-amine, (13Z,16Z) — N,N-dimethyldocosa- 13,16-dien-5-amine, (12Z, 15Z) — N,N-dimethylhenicosa- 12, 15-dien-4-amine, (14Z,17Z) — N,N-dimethyltricosa-14,17-dien-6-amine, (15Z,18Z) — N,N-dimethyltetracosa- 15, 18-dien-7-amine, (18Z,21Z) — N,N-dimethylheptacosa- 18,21 -dien- 10-amine, (15Z,18Z) — N,N-dimethyltetracosa-15,18-dien-5-amine, (14Z,17Z) — N,N-dimethyltricosa- 14,17 -dien-4-amine, ( 19Z,22Z) — N,N-dimeihyloctacosa- 19,22-dien-9-amine, (18Z,21 Z) — N,N-dimethylheptacosa-18,21-dien-8 amine, (17Z,20Z) — N,N-dimethylhexacosa- 17,20-dien-7-amine, ( 16Z, 19Z) — N,N -dimethylpentacosa- 16, 19-dien-6-amine, (22Z,25Z) — N,N-dimethylhentriaconta-22,25-dien-10-amine, (21 Z,24Z) — N,N-dimethyltriaconta-21,24-dien-9-amine, (18Z) — N,N-dimetylheptacos-18-en-10-amine, ( 17Z) — N,N-dimethylhexacos- 17 -en-9-amine, ( 19Z,22Z) — N,N-dimethyloctacosa- 19,22-dien-7-amine, N,N-dimethylheptacosan-10-amine, (20Z,23Z) — N-ethyl-N-methylnonacosa-20,23-dien- 10-amine, 1 - [( 11Z, 14Z)- 1 -nonylicosa- 11,14-dien- 1 -yl]pyrrolidine, (20Z) — N,N-Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0253] dimethylheptacos-20-en-10-amine, (15Z) — N,N-dimethyl eptacos-15-en-10-amine, (14Z) — N,N-dimethylnonacos-14-en-10-amine, (17Z) — N,N-dimethylnonacos-17-en-10-amine, (24Z) — N,N-dimethyltritriacont-24-en-10-amine, (20Z) — N,N-dimethylnonacos-20-en-10-amine, (22Z) — N,N-dimethylhentriacont-22-en- 10-amine, (16Z) — N,N-dimethylpentacos-16-en- 8-amine, ( 12Z, 15Z) — N,N-dimethyl-2-nonylhenicosa- 12, 15-dien- 1 -amine,

[0254] ( 13Z, 16Z) — N,N -dimethyl-3-nonyldocosa- 13,16-dien- 1 amine, N,N-dimethyl- 1 - [( 1 S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]eptadecan-8-amine, l-[(lS,2R)-2-hexylcyclopropyl]-N,N-dimethylnonadecan- 10-amine, N,N-dimethyl- 1 - [( 1 S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]nonadecan- 10-amine, N,N-dimethyl-21 -[( 1 S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]henicosan- 10-amine, N,N-dimethyl-1 - [( 1 S , 2 S) - 2- { [ ( 1 R,2R)-2-pentylcycIopropyl] methyl } cyclopropyl] nonadecan- 10-amine, N,N-dimethyl-l-[(lS,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]hexadecan-8-amine, N,N-dimethyl-[(lR,2S)-2-undecyIcyclopropyl]tetradecan-5-amine, N,N-dimethyl-3-{7-[(lS,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]heptyl } dodecan- 1 -amine, 1 - [( 1 R,2S)-2-heptylcyclopropyl] -N,N-dimethyloctadecan-9-amine, l-[(lS,2R)-2-decylcyclopropyl]-N,N-dimethylpentadecan-6-amine, N,N-dimethyl-l-RlS,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyllpentadecan-8-amine, R — N,N-dimethyl-l-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-l-yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, S — N,N-dimethyl- 1 -[(9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9, 12-dien- 1 -yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, 1 - { 2-[(9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9, 12-dien- 1 -yloxy] - 1 - [(octyloxy)methyl]ethyl {pyrrolidine, (2S) — N,N-dimethyl- 1 -[(9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9, 12-dien- 1 -yloxy]-3-[(5Z)-oct-5-en- 1 -yloxy]propan-2-amine, 1 - { 2-[(9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9, 12-dien- 1 -yloxy]- 1 -[(octyloxy)methyl]ethyl } azetidine, (2S)- 1 -(hexyloxy)-N,N -dimethyl-3-R9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9, 12-dien- 1 -yloxylpropan-2-amine, (2S)-l-(heptyloxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-R9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-l-yloxylpropan-2-amine, N,N-dimethyl-l-(nonyloxy)-3-R9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-l-yloxylpropan-2-amine, N,N-dimethyl-l-[(9Z)-octadec-9-en-l-yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine; (2S)-N,N-dimethyl-1 - [(6Z,9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-6,9, 12-trien- 1 -yloxy] -3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2S)- 1 - [(1 lZ,14Z)-icosa-l l,14-dien-l-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-(pentyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2S)-1-(hexyloxy)-3-[(l lZ,14Z)-icosa-l l,14-dien-l-yloxy]-N,N-dimethylpropan-2-amine, 1-[(1 lZ,14Z)-icosa-l l,14-dien-l-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, 1-[( 13Z, 16Z)-docosa- 13,16-dien- 1 -yloxy] -N,N-dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2S)-1 -[(13Z, 16Z)-docosa- 13,16-dien- 1 -yloxy] -3-(hexyloxy)-N,N-dimethylpropan-2-amine, (2S)-l-[(13Z)-docos-13-en-l-yloxy]-3-(hexyloxy)-N,N-dimethylpropan-2-amine, 1-[(13Z)-docos-13-en-l-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, l-[(9Z)-hexadec-9-en-l-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2R)-N,N-dimethyl-H(l-Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0255] metoyloctyl)oxy] -3- [(9Z, 12Z)-octadeca-9, 12-dien- 1 -yloxy]propan-2-amine, (2R)- 1 -[(3,7-dimethyloctyl)oxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3-R9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-l-yloxylpropan-2-amine, N,N-dimethyl- 1 -(octyloxy)-3-( { 8 -R 1 S , 25 ) -2 - { [( 1 R,2R)-2-pentylcyclopropyl]methyl}cyclopropyl]octyl}oxy)propan-2-amine, N,N-dimethyl-l-l [8-(2-oclylcyclopropyl)octyl]oxy }-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine and (11E,2OZ,23Z) — N,N-dimethylnonacosa-ll,20,2-trien-10-amine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or stereoisomer thereof. In some embodiments, the lipid may be a cationic lipid such as, but not limited to, DLin-DMA, DLin-D-DMA, DLin-MC3-DMA, DLin-KC2-DMA, DODMA and amino alcohol lipids. The amino alcohol cationic lipid may be the lipids described in and / or made by the methods described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130150625, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the nanoparticles described herein may include an amine cationic lipid such as those described in International Patent Application No. WO2013059496, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the cationic lipids may have an amino-amine or an amino-amide moiety.

[0256] In some embodiments, the cationic lipid may be a low molecular weight cationic lipid such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 20130090372, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0257] Ionizable Lipids

[0258] Exemplary ionizable lipids are described in the US patent publications Nos. U.S. 2016 / 0311759, U.S. 2015 / 0376115, U.S. 2016 / 0151284, U.S. 2017 / 0210697, U.S.

[0259] 2015 / 0140070, U.S. 2013 / 0178541, U.S. 2013 / 0303587, U.S. 2015 / 0141678, U.S.

[0260] 2015 / 0239926, U.S. 2016 / 0376224, U.S. 2017 / 0119904, U.S. 2012 / 0149894, U.S.

[0261] 2015 / 0057373, U.S. 2013 / 0090372, U.S. 2013 / 0274523, U.S. 2013 / 0274504, U.S.

[0262] 2013 / 0274504, U.S. 2009 / 0023673, U.S. 2012 / 0128760, U.S. 2010 / 03241240, U.S.

[0263] 2014 / 0200257, U.S. 2015 / 0203446, U.S. 2018 / 0005363, U.S. 2014 / 0308304, U.S.

[0264] 2013 / 0338210, U.S. 2012 / 0101148, U.S. 2012 / 0027796, U.S. 2012 / 0058144, U.S.

[0265] 2013 / 0323269, U.S. 2011 / 0117125, U.S. 2011 / 0256175, U.S. 2012 / 0202871, U.S.

[0266] 2011 / 0076335, U.S. 2006 / 0083780, U.S. 2013 / 0123338, U.S. 2015 / 0064242, U.S.

[0267] 2006 / 0051405, U.S. 2013 / 0065939, U.S. 2006 / 0008910, U.S. 2003 / 0022649, U.S.

[0268] 2010 / 0130588, U.S. 2013 / 0116307, U.S. 2010 / 0062967, U.S. 2013 / 0202684, U.S.

[0269] 2014 / 0141070, U.S. 2014 / 0255472, U.S. 2014 / 0039032, U.S. 2018 / 0028664, U.S.

[0270] 2016 / 0317458, U.S. 2013 / 0195920, U.S. 2022 / 0062175, U.S. 2021 / 0121411, U.S.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0271] 2022 / 0009878, U.S. 2022 / 0040325, U.S. 2012 / 61657480, U.S. 2016 / 0074514, U.S.

[0272] 2013 / 0330401, U.S. 2019 / 0185410, U.S. 2012 / 61617468, U.S. 2019 / 0032087, U.S.

[0273] 2015 / 62184188, U.S. 2019 / 0127318, U.S. 2021 / 0002813, U.S. 2020 / 0345641, U.S.

[0274] 2014 / 61944336, U.S. 2012 / 61657480, U.S. 2021 / 0059953, U.S. 2022 / 0162521, U.S.

[0275] 2022 / 0235377, U.S. 2018 / 0085474, U.S. 2018 / 0000953, U.S. 2020 / 0129445, U.S.

[0276] 2021 / 0145982, U.S. 2021 / 0378980, U.S. 2020 / 0254086, U.S. 2021 / 0346306, and U.S. 2018 / 0000953, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety..

[0277] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises an ionizable lipid in a molar ratio of from 0% to 80%. In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid can be present in a molar ratio of at least 0%, (e.g., at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 80%). In some embodiments, the ionizable lipid can be present in a molar ratio of 80% or less, (e.g., 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less, 5% or less, 1% or less, or 0.5% or less).

[0278] The ionizable lipid can be present in a molar ratio ranging from any of the minimum values described above to any of the maximum values described above. For example, in some embodiments, the ionizable lipid can be present in a molar ratio of from 0% to 80% (e.g., from greater than 0% to 80%, from greater than 0% to 70%, from greater than 0% to 60%, from greater than 0% to 50%, from greater than 0% to 40%, from greater than 0% to 30%, from greater than 0% to 20%, from greater than 0% to 10%, from greater than 0% to 5%, from greater than 0% to 1%, from greater than 0% to 0.5%, from 1% to 30%, from 1% to 20%, from 1% to 10%, from 1% to 5%, from 5% to 30%, from 5% to 20%, from 5% to 10%, from 10% to 30%, from 10% to 20%, from 20% to 30%, from 20% to 40%, or from 30% to 40%).

[0279] Helper Lipids

[0280] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a helper lipid. In some embodiments, the helper lipid can be a non-cationic lipid. In some embodiments, the noncationic lipid can include, but is not limited to, l,2-dioleoyl-s r-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-5,n-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), l,2-distearoyl-s r-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), l-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (SOPE), DPPC (l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), l,2-dioleyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphotidylcholine (DOPC), 1 ,2-dipalmitoyl-Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0281] sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DPPE), l,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DMPE), l,2-dioleoyl-5 / 7-glycero-3- phospho-(l'-rac-glycerol) (DOPG), or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the non-cationic lipid is 1,2-diolcoyl-s7z-glyccro-3-phosphocthanolaminc (DOPE). In one embodiment, the non-cationic lipid is l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-5,n-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (POPE), In one embodiment, the non-cationic lipid is 1 ,2-distcaroyl-s7z-glyccro-3-phosphocholinc (DSPC). In one embodiment, the non-cationic lipid is l-stearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (SOPE). While several non-cationic lipids are described here, additional non-cationic lipids can be used in combination with the compounds disclosed herein.

[0282] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a helper lipid in a molar ratio of from 0% to 20%. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a polyethylene glycollipid in a molar ratio of about 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%.

[0283] Polyethylene Glycol-Lipid

[0284] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle includes a polyethylene glycol-lipid (PEG-lipid). PEG-lipid is incorporated to form a hydrophilic outer layer and stabilize the particles. Nonlimiting examples of polyethylene glycol-lipids include PEG-modified lipids such as PEG-modified phosphatidylethanolamines, PEG-modified phosphatidic acids, PEG-modified ceramides, PEG- modified dialkylamines, PEG-modified diacylglycerols, and PEG-modified dialkylglycerols. Representative polyethylene glycol-lipids include DMG-PEG, DLPE-PEGs, DMPE-PEGs, DPPC-PEGs, and DSPE-PEGs. In one embodiment, the polyethylene glycol-lipid is 1 ,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol, methoxypolyethylene glycol (DMG-PEG). In one embodiment, the polyethylene glycol-lipid is 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol, methoxypolyethylene gly col-2000 (DMG-PEG2000). DMG-PEGXXXX means 1 ,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol, methoxypolyethylene glycol-XXXX, wherein XXXX signifies the molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol moiety, e.g. DMG-PEG2000 or DMG-PEG5000.

[0285] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a polyethylene glycol-lipid in a molar ratio of from 0% to 5%. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a polyethylene glycol-lipid in a molar ratio of about 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 3%, 4%, or 5%. In one embodiment, the nanoparticle comprises a polyethylene glycol-lipid in a molar ratio of 0.75%.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0286] In some embodiments, the ratio of PEG in the lipid nanoparticle formulations may be increased or decreased and / or the carbon chain length of the PEG lipid may be modified from C14 to C18 to alter the pharmacokinetics and / or biodistribution of the lipid nanoparticle formulations. As a non-limiting example, lipid nanoparticle formulations may contain 0.5% to 3.0%, 1.0% to 3.5%, 1.5% to 4.0%, 2.0% to 4.5%, 2.5% to 5.0% and / or 3.0% to 5.0% of the lipid molar ratio of PEG-c-DOMG (R-3-[(co-methoxy-poly(ethyleneglycol)2000)carbamoyl)]-l,2-dimyristyloxypropyl-3-amine) (also referred to herein as PEG-DOMG) as compared to the cationic lipid, DSPC and cholesterol. In some embodiments, the PEG-c-DOMG may be replaced with a PEG lipid such as, but not limited to, PEG-DSG (1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycerol, methoxypolyethylene glycol), PEG-DMG (1,2-Dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol) and / or PEG-DPG (1,2-Dipalmitoyl-sn-glycerol, methoxypoly ethylene glycol).

[0287] In some embodiments, the LNP formulations may contain PEG-c-DOMG at 3% lipid molar ratio. In some embodiments, the LNP formulations may contain PEG-c-DOMG at 1.5% lipid molar ratio.

[0288] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions may include at least one of the PEGylated lipids described in International Publication No. WO2012099755, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0289] In some embodiments, the LNP formulation may contain PEG-DMG 2000 (1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phophoethanolamine-N-[methoxy(polyethylene glycol) -2000). In some embodiments, the LNP formulation may contain PEG-DMG 2000, a cationic lipid known in the art and at least one other component. In some embodiments, the LNP formulation may contain PEG-DMG 2000, a cationic lipid known in the art, DSPC and cholesterol. As a non-limiting example, the LNP formulation may contain PEG-DMG 2000, DLin-DMA, DSPC and cholesterol. As another non-limiting example the LNP formulation may contain PEG-DMG 2000, DLin-DMA, DSPC and cholesterol in a molar ratio of 2:40:10:48 (see e.g., Geall et al., Nonviral delivery of self-amplifying RNA (e.g., mRNA) vaccines, PNAS 2012; PMID: 22908294, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0290] Sterols

[0291] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle includes a sterol. Sterols are well known to those skilled in the art and generally refers to those compounds having a perhydrocyclopentanophenanthrene ring system and having one or more OH substituents.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0292] Examples of sterols include, but are not limited to, cholesterol, campesterol, ergosterol, sitosterol, and the like.

[0293] In some embodiments, the sterol is selected from a cholesterol-based lipid. In some embodiments, the one or more cholesterol-based lipids are selected from cholesterol, PEGylated cholesterol, DC-Choi (N,N-dimethyl-N- ethylcarboxamidocholesterol), 1,4-bis(3-N-oleylamino-propyl)piperazine, or combinations thereof.

[0294] The sterol can be used to tune the particle permeability and fluidity base on its function in cell membranes. In one embodiment, the sterol is cholesterol.

[0295] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a sterol in a molar ratio of from 20% to 80%. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a sterol in a molar ratio of 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50%. In one embodiment, the nanoparticle comprises a sterol in a molar ratio of 40%.

[0296] The nanoparticle formulations may be a carbohydrate nanoparticle comprising a carbohydrate carrier and a nucleic acid sequence (e.g., mRNA) described herein. As a nonlimiting example, the carbohydrate carrier may include, but is not limited to, an anhydride -modified phytoglycogen or glycogen-type material, phtoglycogen octenyl succinate, phytoglycogen beta-dextrin, anhydride-modified phytoglycogen beta-dextrin. (See e.g., International Publication No. W02012109121; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0297] Nanoparticle formulations of the present disclosure may be coated with a surfactant or polymer in order to improve the delivery of the particle. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle may be coated with a hydrophilic coating such as, but not limited to, PEG coatings and / or coatings that have a neutral surface charge. The hydrophilic coatings may help to deliver nanoparticles with larger payloads such as, but not limited to, RNA (e.g., mRNA) within the central nervous system. As a non-limiting example nanoparticles comprising a hydrophilic coating and methods of making such nanoparticles are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130183244, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0298] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be hydrophilic polymer particles. Non-limiting examples of hydrophilic polymer particles and methods of making hydrophilic polymer particles are described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130210991, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0299] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be hydrophobic polymer particles.

[0300] In some embodiments, an immune response may be elicited by delivering a lipid nanoparticle which may include a nanospecies, a polymer and an immunogen. (U.S.

[0301] Publication No. 20120189700 and International Publication No. W02012099805; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). The polymer may encapsulate the nanospecies or partially encapsulate the nanospecies. The immunogen may be a recombinant protein, a modified RNA and / or a polynucleotide described herein. In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle may be formulated for use in a vaccine such as, but not limited to, against a pathogen.

[0302] Lipid nanoparticles may be engineered to alter the surface properties of particles so the lipid nanoparticles may penetrate the mucosal barrier. Mucus is located on mucosal tissue such as, but not limited to, oral (e.g., the buccal and esophageal membranes and tonsil tissue), ophthalmic, gastrointestinal (e.g., stomach, small intestine, large intestine, colon, rectum), nasal, respiratory (e.g., nasal, pharyngeal, tracheal and bronchial membranes), genital (e.g., vaginal, cervical and urethral membranes). Nanoparticles larger than 10-200 nm which are preferred for higher drug encapsulation efficiency and the ability to provide the sustained delivery of a wide array of drugs have been thought to be too large to rapidly diffuse through mucosal barriers. Mucus is continuously secreted, shed, discarded or digested and recycled so most of the trapped particles may be removed from the mucosa tissue within seconds or within a few hours. Large polymeric nanoparticles (200 nm-500 nm in diameter) which have been coated densely with a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) diffused through mucus only 4 to 6-fold lower than the same particles diffusing in water (Lai et al. PNAS 2007 104(5): 1482-487; Lai et al. Adv Drug Deliv Rev. 200961(2): 158-171; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). The transport of nanoparticles may be determined using rates of permeation and / or fluorescent microscopy techniques including, but not limited to, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and high resolution multiple particle tracking (MPT). As a non-limiting example, compositions which can penetrate a mucosal barrier may be made as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,241,670 or International Patent Publication No.

[0303] WO2013110028, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0304] The lipid nanoparticle engineered to penetrate mucus may comprise a polymeric material (i.e. a polymeric core) and / or a polymer- vitamin conjugate and / or a tri-block copolymer. The polymeric material may include, but is not limited to, polyamines, polyethers, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbamates, polyureas, polycarbonates, poly (styrenes), polyimides, polysulfones, polyurethanes, poly acetylenes, polyethylenes, polyethyeneimines, polyisocyanates, poly acrylates, polymethacrylates, polyacrylonitriles, and polyarylates. The polymeric material may be biodegradable and / or biocompatible. Non-limiting examples of biocompatible polymers are described in International Patent Publication No.

[0305] WO2013116804, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The polymeric material may additionally be irradiated. As a non-limiting example, the polymeric material may be gamma irradiated (see e.g., International App. No.

[0306] WO201282165, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Non-limiting examples of specific polymers include poly (caprolactone) (PCL), ethylene vinyl acetate polymer (EVA), poly (lactic acid) (PL A), poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(gly colic acid) (PGA), poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly(L-lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLLGA), poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLA), poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), poly(D,L-lactide-co-caprolactone), poly(D,L-lactide-co-caprolactone-co-glycolide), poly(D,L-lactide-co-PEO-co-D,L-lactide), poly(D,L-lactide-co-PPO-co-D,L-lactide), polyalkyl cyanoacralate, polyurethane, poly-L-lysine (PLL), hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA), polyethyleneglycol, poly-L-glutamic acid, poly(hydroxy acids), polyanhydrides, polyorthoesters, poly(ester amides), polyamides, poly(ester ethers), polycarbonates, polyalkylenes such as polyethylene and polypropylene, poly alkylene glycols such as poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly alkylene oxides (PEG), poly alkylene terephthalates such as poly (ethylene terephthalate), polyvinyl alcohols (PVA), polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl esters such as poly (vinyl acetate), polyvinyl halides such as poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polyvinylpyrrolidone, poly siloxanes, polystyrene (PS), polyurethanes, derivatized celluloses such as alkyl celluloses, hydroxyalkyl celluloses, cellulose ethers, cellulose esters, nitro celluloses, hydroxypropylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polymers of acrylic acids, such as poly(methyl(meth)acrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethyl(meth)acrylate), poly(butyl(meth)acrylate), poly(isobutyl(meth)acrylate), poly(hexyl(meth)acrylate), poly(isodecyl(meth)acrylate), poly(lauryl(meth)acrylate), poly (phenyl(me th) acrylate), poly(methyl acrylate),

[0307] poly (isopropyl acrylate), poly (isobutyl acrylate), poly(octadecyl acrylate) and copolymers and mixtures thereof, polydioxanone and its copolymers, polyhydroxy alkanoates,Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0308] polypropylene fumarate, polyoxymethylene, poloxamers, poly(ortho)esters, poly(butyric acid), poly(valeric acid), poly(lactide-co-caprolactone), PEG-PLGA-PEG and trimethylene carbonate, polyvinylpyrrolidone. The lipid nanoparticle may be coated or associated with a co-polymer such as, but not limited to, a block co-polymer (such as a branched polyetherpolyamide block copolymer described in International Publication No. WO2013012476, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety), and (poly(ethylene glycol))-(poly(propylene oxide))-(poly(ethylene glycol)) triblock copolymer (see e.g., U.S.

[0309] Publication 20120121718 and U.S. Publication 20100003337 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,263,665, the contents of each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). The copolymer may be a polymer that is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) and the formation of the lipid nanoparticle may be in such a way that no new chemical entities are created. For example, the lipid nanoparticle may comprise poloxamers coating PLGA nanoparticles without forming new chemical entities which are still able to rapidly penetrate human mucus (Yang et al. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2011 50:2597-2600; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). A non-limiting scalable method to produce nanoparticles which can penetrate human mucus is described by Xu et al. (see, e.g., J Control Release 2013, 170(2):279-86; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0310] The vitamin of the polymer-vitamin conjugate may be vitamin E. The vitamin portion of the conjugate may be substituted with other suitable components such as, but not limited to, vitamin A, vitamin E, other vitamins, cholesterol, a hydrophobic moiety, or a hydrophobic component of other surfactants (e.g., sterol chains, fatty acids, hydrocarbon chains and alkylene oxide chains).

[0311] The lipid nanoparticle engineered to penetrate mucus may include surface altering agents such as, but not limited to, polynucleotides, anionic proteins (e.g., bovine serum albumin), surfactants (e.g., cationic surfactants such as for example dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide), sugars or sugar derivatives (e.g., cyclodextrin), nucleic acids, polymers (e.g., heparin, polyethylene glycol and poloxamer), mucolytic agents (e.g., N-acetylcysteine, mugwort, bromelain, papain, clerodendrum, acetylcysteine, bromhexine, carbocisteine, eprazinone, mesna, ambroxol, sobrerol, domiodol, letosteine, stepronin, tiopronin, gelsolin, thymosin P4 dornase alfa, neltenexine, erdosteine) and various DNases including rhDNase. The surface altering agent may be embedded or enmeshed in the particle's surface or disposed (e.g., by coating, adsorption, covalentAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0312] linkage, or other process) on the surface of the lipid nanoparticle, (see e.g., U.S. Publication 20100215580 and U.S. Publication 20080166414 and US20130164343; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0313] In some embodiments, the mucus penetrating lipid nanoparticles may comprise at least one polynucleotide described herein. The polynucleotide may be encapsulated in the lipid nanoparticle and / or disposed on the surface of the particle. The polynucleotide may be covalently coupled to the lipid nanoparticle. Formulations of mucus penetrating lipid nanoparticles may comprise a plurality of nanoparticles.

[0314] In some embodiments, the compositions can be formulated as a solid lipid nanoparticle. A solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) may be spherical with an average diameter between 10 to 1000 nm. SLN possess a solid lipid core matrix that can solubilize lipophilic molecules and may be stabilized with surfactants and / or emulsifiers. In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle may be a self-assembly lipid-polymer nanoparticle (see Zhang et al., ACS Nano, 2008, 2 (8), pp 1696-1702; the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). As a non-limiting example, the SLN may be the SLN described in International Patent Publication No. W02013105101, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. As another non-limiting example, the SLN may be made by the methods or processes described in International Patent Publication No. W02013105101, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0315] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure may be encapsulated in a nanoparticle. Nanoparticles may be formulated by methods described herein and known in the art such as, but not limited to, International Pub Nos.

[0316] W02010005740, W02010030763, W02010005721, W02010005723, WO2012054923, U.S. Publication Nos. US20110262491, US20100104645, US20100087337, US20100068285, US20110274759, US20100068286, US20120288541, US20130123351 and US20130230567 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,206,747, 8,293,276, 8,318,208 and 8,318,211; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, polymer nanoparticles may be identified by the methods described in US Pub No. US20120140790, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0317] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle may be formulated for sustained release. As used herein, “sustained release” refers to a pharmaceutical composition or compound thatAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0318] conforms to a release rate over a specific period of time. The period of time may include, but is not limited to, hours, days, weeks, months and years. As a non-limiting example, the sustained release nanoparticle may comprise a polymer and nucleic acid sequence of the present disclosure (see International Pub No. 2010075072 and US Pub No.

[0319] US20100216804, US20110217377 and US20120201859, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In another non-limiting example, the sustained release formulation may comprise agents which permit persistent bioavailability such as, but not limited to, crystals, macromolecular gels and / or particulate suspensions (see U.S. Patent Publication No US20130150295, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

[0320] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles of the present disclosure may comprise a polymeric matrix. As a non-limiting example, the nanoparticle may comprise two or more polymers such as, but not limited to, polyethylenes, polycarbonates, polyanhydrides, polyhydroxy acids, polypropylfumerates, polycaprolactones, polyamides, polyacetals, poly ethers, polyesters, poly (orthoesters), poly cyanoacrylates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyurethanes, polyphosphazenes, poly acrylates, polymethacrylates, polycy anoacrylates, polyureas, polystyrenes, polyamines, polylysine, poly(ethylene imine), poly(serine ester), poly(L-lactide-co-L-lysine), poly(4-hydroxy-L-proline ester) or combinations thereof.

[0321] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle comprises a diblock copolymer. In some embodiments, the diblock copolymer may include PEG in combination with a polymer such as, but not limited to, polyethylenes, polycarbonates, poly anhydrides, polyhydroxy acids, polypropylfumerates, poly caprolactones, polyamides, polyacetals, polyethers, polyesters, poly(orthoesters), polycyanoacrylates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyurethanes, polyphosphazenes, poly acrylates, polymethacrylates, poly cyanoacrylates, polyureas, polystyrenes, polyamines, polylysine, poly(ethylene imine), poly(serine ester), poly(L-lactide-co-L-lysine), poly(4-hydroxy-L-proline ester) or combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, the diblock copolymer may be a high-X diblock copolymer such as those described in International Patent Publication No. WO2013120052, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0322] As a non-limiting example, the nanoparticle comprises a PLGA-PEG block copolymer (see U.S. Publication No. US20120004293 and U.S. Pat. No. 8,236,330, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). In another non-limiting example, the therapeutic nanoparticle is a stealth nanoparticle comprising a diblockAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0323] copolymer of PEG and PLA or PEG and PLGA (see U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,968 and International Publication No. WO2012166923, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). In yet another non-limiting example, the nanoparticle is a stealth nanoparticle or a target-specific stealth nanoparticle as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130172406, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0324] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle may comprise a multiblock copolymer (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,263,665 and 8,287,910 and U.S. Patent Pub. No. US20130195987, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0325] In yet another non-limiting example, the lipid nanoparticle comprises the block copolymer PEG-PLGA-PEG (see e.g., the thermosensitive hydrogel (PEG-PLGA-PEG) was used as a TGF-betal gene delivery vehicle in Lee et al. Thermosensitive Hydrogel as a Tgf-pi Gene Delivery Vehicle Enhances Diabetic Wound Healing. Pharmaceutical Research, 200320(12): 1995-2000; as a controlled gene delivery system in Li et al.

[0326] Controlled Gene Delivery System Based on Thermosensitive Biodegradable Hydrogel. Pharmaceutical Research 200320(6):884-888; and Chang et al., Non-ionic amphiphilic biodegradable PEG-PLGA-PEG copolymer enhances gene delivery efficiency in rat skeletal muscle. J Controlled Release. 2007 118:245-253, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). The nucleic acid (e.g., mRNA) vaccines of the present disclosure may be formulated in lipid nanoparticles comprising the PEG-PLGA-PEG block copolymer.

[0327] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle may comprise a multiblock copolymer (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,263,665 and 8,287,910 and U.S. Patent Pub. No. US20130195987, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0328] In some embodiments, the block copolymers described herein may be included in a polyion complex comprising a non-polymeric micelle and the block copolymer, (see e.g., U.S. Publication No. 20120076836, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0329] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle may comprise at least one acrylic polymer. Acrylic polymers include but are not limited to, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylic acid and methacrylic acid copolymers, methyl methacrylate copolymers, ethoxy ethyl methacrylates, cyanoethyl methacrylate, amino alkyl methacrylate copolymer, poly (aery lie acid), poly (methacrylic acid), poly cyanoacrylates and combinations thereof.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0330] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles may comprise at least one poly( vinyl ester) polymer. The poly(vinyl ester) polymer may be a copolymer such as a random copolymer. As a non-limiting example, the random copolymer may have a structure such as those described in International Application No. WO2013032829 or U.S. Patent Publication No US20130121954, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the poly(vinyl ester) polymers may be conjugated to the polynucleotides described herein.

[0331] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle may include at least one diblock copolymer. The diblock copolymer may be, but it not limited to, a poly(lactic) acid-poly(ethylene)glycol copolymer (see, e.g., International Patent Publication No.

[0332] WO2013044219, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). As a non-limiting example, the nanoparticle may be used to treat cancer (see International publication No. WO2013044219, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0333] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles may include at least one cationic polymer described herein and / or known in the art.

[0334] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles may include at least one amine-containing polymer such as, but not limited to polylysine, polyethylene imine, poly(amidoamine) dendrimers, poly(beta-amino esters) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,287,849, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety) and combinations thereof.

[0335] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles may comprise at least one degradable polyester which may contain polycationic side chains. Degradable polyesters include, but are not limited to, poly( serine ester), poly(L-lactide-co-L-lysine), poly(4-hydroxy-L-proline ester), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the degradable polyesters may include a PEG conjugation to form a PEGylated polymer.

[0336] In some embodiments, the compositions may be formulated in colloid nanocarriers as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130197100, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0337] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle may be optimized for oral administration. The nanoparticle may comprise at least one cationic biopolymer such as, but not limited to, chitosan or a derivative thereof. As a non-limiting example, the nanoparticle may be formulated by the methods described in U.S. Publication No. 20120282343, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0338] In some embodiments, LNPs comprise the lipid KL52 (an amino-lipid disclosed in U.S. Application Publication No. 2012 / 0295832, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Activity and / or safety (as measured by examining one or more of ALT / AST, white blood cell count and cytokine induction, for example) of LNP administration may be improved by incorporation of such lipids. LNPs comprising KL52 may be administered intravenously and / or in one or more doses. In some embodiments, administration of LNPs comprising KL52 results in equal or

[0339] improved mRNA and / or protein expression as compared to LNPs comprising MC3.

[0340] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle may be a limit size lipid nanoparticle described in International Patent Publication No. WO2013059922, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The limit size lipid nanoparticle may comprise a lipid bilayer surrounding an aqueous core or a hydrophobic core; where the lipid bilayer may comprise a phospholipid such as, but not limited to, diacylphosphatidylcholine, a diacylphosphatidylethanolamine, a ceramide, a sphingomyelin, a dihydrosphingomyelin, a cephalin, a cerebroside, a C8-C20 fatty acid diacylphophatidylcholine, and l-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC). In some embodiments, the limit size lipid nanoparticle may comprise a polyethylene glycol-lipid such as, but not limited to, DLPE-PEG, DMPE-PEG, DPPC-PEG and DSPE-PEG.

[0341] In some embodiments, the compositions may be formulated in a nanoparticle comprising an inner core comprising a non-cellular material and an outer surface comprising a cellular membrane. The cellular membrane may be derived from a cell or a membrane derived from a virus. As a non-limiting example, the nanoparticle may be made by the methods described in International Patent Publication No. WO2013052167, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. As another nonlimiting example, the nanoparticle described in International Patent Publication No.

[0342] WO2013052167, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety, may be used to deliver the compositions described herein.

[0343] In some embodiments, the compositions may be formulated in porous nanoparticle-supported lipid bilayers (protocells). Protocells are described in International Patent Publication No. WO2013056132, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0344] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein may be formulated in polymeric nanoparticles as described in or made by the methods described in U.S. Pat. Nos.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0345] 8,420,123 and 8,518,963 and European Patent No. EP2073848B1, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. As a non-limiting example, the polymeric nanoparticle may have a high glass transition temperature such as the nanoparticles described in or nanoparticles made by the methods described in U.S. Pat. No.

[0346] 8,518,963, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. As another non-limiting example, the polymer nanoparticle for oral and parenteral formulations may be made by the methods described in European Patent No. EP2073848B1, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0347] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein may be formulated in nanoparticles used in imaging. The nanoparticles may be liposome nanoparticles such as those described in U.S. Patent Publication No US20130129636, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. As a non-limiting example, the liposome may comprise gadolinium(III)2-{4,7-bis-carboxymethyl-10-[(N,N-distearylamidomethyl-N'-amido-methyl]-l,4,7,10-tetra-azacyclododec-l-yl}-acetic acid and a neutral, fully saturated phospholipid component (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No US20130129636, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0348] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles which may be used in the present disclosure are formed by the methods described in U.S. Patent Application No.

[0349] US20130130348, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0350] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated in a swellable nanoparticle. The swellable nanoparticle may be, but is not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,440,231, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0351] The compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated in polyanhydride nanoparticles such as, but not limited to, those described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,449,916, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0352] The nanoparticles and microparticles of the present disclosure may be geometrically engineered to modulate macrophage and / or the immune response. In some embodiments, the geometrically engineered particles may have varied shapes, sizes and / or surface charges in order to incorporate the polynucleotides of the present disclosure for targeted delivery. Other physical features the geometrically engineering particles may have include, but are not limited to, fenestrations, angled arms, asymmetry and surface roughness, charge whichAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0353] can alter the interactions with cells and tissues. As a non-limiting example, nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be made by the methods described in International Publication No W02013082111, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0354] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be water soluble nanoparticles such as, but not limited to, those described in International Publication No. W02013090601, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The nanoparticles may be inorganic nanoparticles which have a compact and zwitterionic ligand in order to exhibit good water solubility. The nanoparticles may also have small hydrodynamic diameters (HD), stability with respect to time, pH, and salinity and a low level of non-specific protein binding.

[0355] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be developed by the methods described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130172406, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0356] In some embodiments, the nanoparticles of the present disclosure are stealth nanoparticles or target-specific stealth nanoparticles such as, but not limited to, those described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130172406, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be made by the methods described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130172406, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0357] In some embodiments, the stealth or target-specific stealth nanoparticles may comprise a polymeric matrix. The polymeric matrix may comprise two or more polymers such as, but not limited to, polyethylenes, polycarbonates, poly anhydrides, polyhydroxy acids, polypropylfumerates, polycaprolactones, polyamides, polyacetals, poly ethers, polyesters, poly (orthoesters), poly cyanoacrylates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyurethanes, polyphosphazenes, poly acrylates, polymethacrylates, polycy anoacrylates, polyureas, polystyrenes, polyamines, polyesters, poly anhydrides, polyethers, polyurethanes, polymethacrylates, poly acrylates, polycyanoacrylates or combinations thereof.

[0358] In some embodiments, the nanoparticle may be a nanoparticle-nucleic acid hybrid structure having a high-density nucleic acid layer. As a non-limiting example, the nanoparticle-nucleic acid hybrid structure may made by the methods described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130171646, the contents of which are herein incorporated byAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0359] reference in their entirety. The nanoparticle may comprise a nucleic acid such as, but not limited to, polynucleotides described herein and / or known in the art.

[0360] At least one of the nanoparticles of the present disclosure may be embedded in the core a nanostructure or coated with a low density porous 3-D structure or coating which is capable of carrying or associating with at least one payload within or on the surface of the nanostructure. Non-limiting examples of the nanostructures comprising at least one nanoparticle are described in International Patent Publication No. WO2013123523, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0361] In some embodiments, compositions may be delivered using smaller LNPs. Such particles may comprise a diameter from below 0.1 pm up to 100 nm such as, but not limited to, less than 0.1 pm, less than 1.0 pm, less than 5 pm, less than 10 pm, less than 15 pm, less than 20 pm, less than 25 pm, less than 30 pm, less than 35 pm, less than 40 pm, less than 50 pm, less than 55 pm, less than 60 pm, less than 65 pm, less than 70 pm, less than 75 pm, less than 80 pm, less than 85 pm, less than 90 pm, less than 95 pm, less than 100 pm, less than 125 pm, less than 150 pm, less than 175 pm, less than 200 pm, less than 225 pm, less than 250 pm, less than 275 pm, less than 300 pm, less than 325 pm, less than 350 pm, less than 375 pm, less than 400 pm, less than 425 pm, less than 450 pm, less than 475 pm, less than 500 pm, less than 525 pm, less than 550 pm, less than 575 pm, less than 600 pm, less than 625 pm, less than 650 pm, less than 675 pm, less than 700 pm, less than 725 pm, less than 750 pm, less than 775 pm, less than 800 pm, less than 825 pm, less than 850 pm, less than 875 pm, less than 900 pm, less than 925 pm, less than 950 pm, less than 975 pm, or less than 1000 pm.

[0362] In some embodiments, compositions may be delivered using smaller LNPs, which may comprise a diameter from 1 nm to 100 nm, from 1 nm to 10 nm, 1 nm to 20 nm, from 1 nm to 30 nm, from 1 nm to 40 nm, from 1 nm to 50 nm, from 1 nm to 60 nm, from 1 nm to 70 nm, from 1 nm to 80 nm, from 1 nm to 90 nm, from 5 nm to from 100 nm, from 5 nm to 10 nm, 5 nm to 20 nm, from 5 nm to 30 nm, from 5 nm to 40 nm, from 5 nm to 50 nm, from 5 nm to 60 nm, from 5 nm to 70 nm, from 5 nm to 80 nm, from 5 nm to 90 nm, from 10 to 50 nm, from 20 to 50 nm, from 30 to 50 nm, from 40 to 50 nm, from 20 to 60 nm, from 30 to 60 nm, from 40 to 60 nm, from 20 to 70 nm, from 30 to 70 nm, from 40 to 70 nm, from 50 to 70 nm, from 60 to 70 nm, from 20 to 80 nm, from 30 to 80 nm, from 40 to 80 nm, from 50 to 80 nm, from 60 to 80 nm, from 20 to 90 nm, from 30 to 90 nm, from 40 to 90 nm, from 50 to 90 nm, from 60 to 90 nm and / or from 70 to 90 nm.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0363] In some embodiments, such LNPs are synthesized using methods comprising microfluidic mixers. Examples of microfluidic mixers may include, but are not limited to, a slit interdigital micromixer including, but not limited to those manufactured by Microinnova (Allerheiligen bei Wildon, Austria) and / or a staggered herringbone micromixer (SHM) (Zhigaltsev, I. V. et al., Bottom-up design and synthesis of limit size lipid nanoparticle systems with aqueous and triglyceride cores using millisecond microfluidic mixing have been published (Langmuir. 2012. 28:3633-40; Belliveau, N. M. et al., Microfluidic synthesis of highly potent limit-size lipid nanoparticles for in vivo delivery of siRNA. Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids. 2012. I:e37; Chen, D. et al., Rapid discovery of potent siRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles enabled by controlled microfluidic formulation. J Am Chem Soc. 2012. 134(16):6948-51, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, methods of LNP generation comprising SHM, further comprise the mixing of at least two input streams wherein mixing occurs by microstructure-induced chaotic advection (MICA). According to this method, fluid streams flow through channels present in a herringbone pattern causing rotational flow and folding the fluids around each other. This method may also comprise a surface for fluid mixing wherein the surface changes orientations during fluid cycling. Methods of generating LNPs using SHM include those disclosed in U.S. Application Publication Nos. 2004 / 0262223 and 2012 / 0276209, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0364] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated in lipid nanoparticles created using a micromixer such as, but not limited to, a Slit Interdigital Microstructured Mixer (SIMM-V2) or a Standard Slit Interdigital Micro Mixer (SSIMM) or Caterpillar (CPMM) or Impinging-jet (IJMM) from the Institut fur Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH, Mainz Germany).

[0365] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated in lipid nanoparticles created using microfluidic technology (see, e.g., Whitesides, George M. The Origins and the Future of Microfluidics. Nature, 2006442: 368-373; and Abraham et al. Chaotic Mixer for Microchannels. Science, 2002295: 647-651; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). As a non-limiting example, controlled microfluidic formulation includes a passive method for mixing streams of steady pressure-driven flows in micro channels at a low Reynolds number (see, e.g., Abraham et al. ChaoticAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0366] Mixer for Microchannels. Science, 2002295: 647-651, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0367] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure may be formulated in lipid nanoparticles created using a micromixer chip such as, but not limited to, those from Harvard Apparatus (Holliston, Mass.) or Dolomite Microfluidics (Royston, UK). A micromixer chip can be used for rapid mixing of two or more fluid streams with a split and recombine mechanism.

[0368] In some embodiments, the compositions of the disclosure may be formulated in lipid nanoparticles having a diameter from 10 to 100 nm such as, but not limited to, 10 to 20 nm, 10 to 30 nm, 10 to 40 nm, 10 to 50 nm, 10 to 60 nm, 10 to 70 nm, 10 to 80 nm, 10 to 90 nm, 20 to 30 nm, 20 to 40 nm, 20 to 50 nm, 20 to 60 nm, 20 to 70 nm, 20 to 80 nm, 20 to 90 nm, 20 to 100 nm, 30 to 40 nm, 30 to 50 nm, 30 to 60 nm, 30 to 70 nm, 30 to 80 nm, 30 to 90 nm, 30 to 100 nm, 40 to 50 nm, 40 to 60 nm, 40 to 70 nm, 40 to 80 nm, about 40 to about 90 nm, about 40 to 100 nm, 50 to 60 nm, 50 to 70 nm, 50 to 80 nm, 50 to 90 nm, 50 to 100 nm, 60 to 70 nm, 60 to 80 nm, 60 to 90 nm, 60 to 100 nm, 70 to 80 nm, 70 to 90 nm, 70 to 100 nm, 80 to 90 nm, 80 to 100 nm, and / or 90 to 100 nm.

[0369] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticles may have a diameter from 10 to 500 nm.

[0370] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle may have a diameter greater than 100 nm, greater than 150 nm, greater than 200 nm, greater than 250 nm, greater than 300 nm, greater than 350 nm, greater than 400 nm, greater than 450 nm, greater than 500 nm, greater than 550 nm, greater than 600 nm, greater than 650 nm, greater than 700 nm, greater than 750 nm, greater than 800 nm, greater than 850 nm, greater than 900 nm, greater than 950 nm or greater than 1000 nm.

[0371] Described herein are also compositions including an effective amount of a nanoparticle described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some aspects, the pharmaceutical compositions can include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a nanoparticle including a single chain trimer nucleic acid (e.g., mRNA) encoding a first T cell epitope, a p2-microglobulin, and a first MHC heavy chain sequence encapsulated in the nanoparticle. In some aspects, the pharmaceutical composition can include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a lipid nanoparticle including a single chain trimer nucleic acid (e.g., mRNA) encoding a first T cell epitope, a p2-microglobulin, and a first MHC heavy chain sequence encapsulated in the lipid nanoparticle.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0372] Described herein are also compositions including an effective amount of a nanoparticle described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. In some aspects, the pharmaceutical compositions can include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a nanoparticle including a single chain nucleic acid dimer (e.g., mRNA) encoding a T cell epitope, and a primary MHC heavy chain sequence encapsulated in the nanoparticle. In some aspects, the pharmaceutical composition can include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a lipid nanoparticle including a single chain nucleic acid dimer (e.g., mRNA) encoding a T cell epitope, and a primary MHC heavy chain sequence encapsulated in the lipid nanoparticle.

[0373] Liposomes, lipoplexes, or lipid nanoparticles may be used to improve the efficacy of polynucleotides directed protein production as these formulations may be able to increase cell transfection by the RNA (e.g., mRNA) polynucleotide; and / or increase the translation of encoded protein. One such example involves the use of lipid encapsulation to enable the effective systemic delivery of polyplex plasmid DNA (Heyes et al., Mol Ther. 2007 15: 713-720; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). The liposomes, lipoplexes, or lipid nanoparticles may also be used to increase the stability of the polynucleotide.

[0374] Liposomes are artificially-prepared vesicles which may primarily be composed of a lipid bilayer and may be used as a delivery vehicle for the administration of nutrients and pharmaceutical formulations. Liposomes can be of different sizes such as, but not limited to, a multilamellar vesicle (MLV) which may be hundreds of nanometers in diameter and may contain a series of concentric bilayers separated by narrow aqueous compartments, a small unicellular vesicle (SUV) which may be smaller than 50 nm in diameter, and a large unilamellar vesicle (LUV) which may be between 50 and 500 nm in diameter. Liposome design may include, but is not limited to, opsonins or ligands in order to improve the attachment of liposomes to unhealthy tissue or to activate events such as, but not limited to, endocytosis. Liposomes may contain a low or a high pH in order to improve the delivery of the pharmaceutical formulations.

[0375] The formation of liposomes may depend on the physicochemical characteristics such as, but not limited to, the pharmaceutical formulation entrapped and the liposomal ingredients, the nature of the medium in which the lipid vesicles are dispersed, the effective concentration of the entrapped substance and its potential toxicity, any additional processes involved during the application and / or delivery of the vesicles, the optimization size,Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0376] polydispersity and the shelf-life of the vesicles for the intended application, and the batch-to-batch reproducibility and possibility of large-scale production of safe and efficient liposomal products.

[0377] In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions described herein may include, without limitation, liposomes such as those formed from l,2-dioleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DODMA) liposomes, DiLa2 liposomes from Marina Biotech (Bothell, Wash.), l,2-dilinoleyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLin-DMA), 2,2-dilinoleyl-4-(2-dimethylaminoethyl)-[l,3]-dioxolane (DLin-KC2-DMA), and MC3 (US20100324120; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety) and liposomes which may deliver small molecule drugs such as, but not limited to, DOXIL® from Janssen Biotech, Inc. (Horsham, Pa.).

[0378] In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions described herein may include, without limitation, liposomes such as those formed from the synthesis of stabilized plasmid-lipid particles (SPLP) or stabilized nucleic acid lipid particle (SNALP) that have been previously described and shown to be suitable for oligonucleotide delivery in vitro and in vivo (see Wheeler et al. Gene Therapy. 19996:271-281; Zhang et al. Gene Therapy. 1999 6:1438-1447; Jeffs et al. Pharm Res. 200522:362-372; Morrissey et al., Nat Biotechnol. 2005 2:1002-1007; Zimmermann et al., Nature. 2006441:111-114; Heyes et al. J Contr Rel.

[0379] 2005 107:276-287; Semple et al. Nature Biotech. 201028:172-176; Judge et al. J Clin Invest. 2009 119:661-673; deFougerolles Hum Gene Ther. 2008 19:125-132; U.S. Patent Publication No US20130122104; all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties). The original manufacture method by Wheeler et al. was a detergent dialysis method, which was later improved by Jeffs et al. and is referred to as the spontaneous vesicle formation method. The liposome formulations are composed of 3 to 4 lipid components in addition to the polynucleotide. As an example a liposome can contain, but is not limited to, 55% cholesterol, 20% disteroylphosphatidyl choline (DSPC), 10% PEG-S-DSG, and 15% 1,2-dioleyloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DODMA), as described by Jeffs et al. As another example, certain liposome formulations may contain, but are not limited to, 48% cholesterol, 20% DSPC, 2% PEG-c-DMA, and 30% cationic lipid, where the cationic lipid can be l,2-distearloxy-N,N-dimethylaminopropane (DSDMA), DODMA, DLin-DMA, or l,2-dilinolenyloxy-3-dimethylaminopropane (DLenDMA), as described by Heyes et al.

[0380] In some embodiments, liposome formulations may comprise from about 25.0% cholesterol to about 40.0% cholesterol, from about 30.0% cholesterol to about 45.0%Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0381] cholesterol, from about 35.0% cholesterol to about 50.0% cholesterol and / or from about 48.5% cholesterol to about 60% cholesterol. In some embodiments, formulations may comprise a percentage of cholesterol selected from the group consisting of 28.5%, 31.5%, 33.5%, 36.5%, 37.0%, 38.5%, 39.0% and 43.5%. In some embodiments, formulations may comprise from about 5.0% to about 10.0% DSPC and / or from about 7.0% to about 15.0% DSPC.

[0382] In some embodiments, the compositions may be formulated in liposomes such as, but not limited to, DiLa2 liposomes (Marina Biotech, Bothell, Wash.), SMARTICLES® (Marina Biotech, Bothell, Wash.), neutral DOPC (l,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) based liposomes (e.g., siRNA delivery for ovarian cancer (Landen et al. Cancer Biology & Therapy 20065(12)1708-1713); herein incorporated by reference in its entirety) and hyaluronan-coated liposomes (Quiet Therapeutics, Israel).

[0383] In some embodiments, the compositions may be formulated in a lipid vesicle, which may have crosslinks between functionalized lipid bilayers.

[0384] In some embodiments, the compositions may be formulated in a lipid-polycation complex. The formation of the lipid-polycation complex may be accomplished by methods known in the art and / or as described in U.S. Pub. No. 20120178702, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. As a non-limiting example, the polycation may include a cationic peptide or a polypeptide such as, but not limited to, polylysine, polyornithine and / or polyarginine. In some embodiments, the compositions may be formulated in a lipid-polycation complex, which may further include a non-cationic lipid such as, but not limited to, cholesterol or dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE).

[0385] In some embodiments, the composition can be formulated as a lipoplex, such as, without limitation, the ATUPLEX™ system, the DACC system, the DBTC system and other siRNA-lipoplex technology from Silence Therapeutics (London, United Kingdom), STEMFECT™ from STEMGENT® (Cambridge, Mass.), and polyethylenimine (PEI) or protamine-based targeted and non-targeted delivery of nucleic acids acids (Aleku et al. Cancer Res. 2008 68:9788-9798; Strumberg et al. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 201250:76-78; Santel et al., Gene Ther 2006 13:1222-1234; Santel et al., Gene Ther 2006 13:1360-1370; Gutbier et al., Pulm Pharmacol. Ther. 201023:334-344; Kaufmann et al. Microvasc Res 2010 80:286-293 Weide et al. J Immunother. 2009 32:498-507; Weide et al. J Immunother.

[0386] 2008 31:180-188; Pascolo Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. 4:1285-1294; Fotin-Mleczek et al., 2011 J. Immunother. 34:1-15; Song et al., Nature Biotechnol. 2005, 23:709-717; Peer et al., ProcAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0387] Natl Acad Sci USA. 2007 6; 104:4095-4100; deFougerolles Hum Gene Ther. 2008 19:125-132, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

[0388] In some embodiments, such formulations may also be constructed or compositions altered such that they passively or actively are directed to different cell types in vivo, including but not limited to hepatocytes, immune cells, tumor cells, endothelial cells, antigen presenting cells, and leukocytes (Akinc et al. Mol Ther. 2010 18:1357-1364; Song et al., Nat Biotechnol. 200523:709-717; Judge et al., J Clin Invest. 2009 119:661-673; Kaufmann et al., Microvasc Res 201080:286-293; Santel et al., Gene Ther 2006 13:1222-1234; Santel et al., Gene Ther 2006 13:1360-1370; Gutbier et al., Pulm Pharmacol. Ther.

[0389] 201023:334-344; Basha et al., Mol. Ther. 2011 19:2186-2200; Fenske and Cullis, Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2008 5:25-44; Peer et al., Science. 2008 319:627-630; Peer and Lieberman, Gene Ther. 2011 18:1127-1133, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). One example of passive targeting of formulations to liver cells includes the DLin-DMA, DLin-KC2-DMA and DLin-MC3-DMA-based lipid nanoparticle formulations, which have been shown to bind to apolipoprotein E and promote binding and uptake of these formulations into hepatocytes in vivo (Akinc et al. Mol Ther.

[0390] 2010 18:1357-1364, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Formulations can also be selectively targeted through expression of different ligands on their surface as exemplified by, but not limited by, folate, transferrin, N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc), and antibody targeted approaches (Kolhatkar et al., Curr Drug Discov Technol. 2011 8:197-206; Musacchio and Torchilin, Front Biosci. 2011 16:1388-1412; Yu et al., Mol Membr Biol. 201027:286-298; Patil et al., Crit Rev Ther Drug Carrier Syst. 200825:1-61; Benoit et al., Biomacromolecules. 2011 12:2708-2714; Zhao et al., Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2008 5:309-319; Akinc et al., Mol Ther. 2010 18:1357-1364; Srinivasan et al., Methods Mol Biol. 2012 820:105-116; Ben-Arie et al., Methods Mol Biol. 2012757:497-507; Peer 2010 J Control Release. 20:63-68; Peer et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2007 104:4095-4100; Kim et al., Methods Mol Biol. 2011 721:339-353; Subramanya et al., Mol Ther. 2010 18:2028-2037; Song et al., Nat Biotechnol. 200523:709-717; Peer et al., Science. 2008 319:627-630; Peer and Lieberman, Gene Ther. 2011 18:1127-1133, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

[0391] In some embodiments, the composition of the present disclosure can be formulated for controlled release and / or targeted delivery. As used herein, “controlled release” refers toAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0392] a pharmaceutical composition or compound release profile that conforms to a particular pattern of release to effect a therapeutic outcome. In some embodiments, the compositions may be encapsulated into a delivery agent described herein and / or known in the art for controlled release and / or targeted delivery. As used herein, the term “encapsulate” means to enclose, surround or encase. As it relates to the formulation of the compounds of the disclosure, encapsulation may be substantial, complete or partial. The term “substantially encapsulated” means that at least greater than 50, 60, 70, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.9, 99.9 or greater than 99.999% of the pharmaceutical composition or compound of the disclosure may be enclosed, surrounded or encased within the delivery agent. “Partially encapsulation” means that less than 10, 10, 20, 30, 4050 or less of the pharmaceutical composition or compound of the disclosure may be enclosed, surrounded or encased within the delivery agent. Advantageously, encapsulation may be determined by measuring the escape or the activity of the pharmaceutical composition or compound of the disclosure using fluorescence and / or electron micrograph. For example, at least 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.9, 99.99 or greater than 99.99% of the pharmaceutical composition or compound of the disclosure are encapsulated in the delivery agent.

[0393] In some embodiments, the controlled release formulation may include, but is not limited to, tri-block co-polymers. As a non-limiting example, the formulation may include two different types of tri-block co-polymers (U.S. Patent Nos. 9,901,554 and 9,795,679, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

[0394] In some embodiments, the compositions may be encapsulated into a lipid nanoparticle or a rapidly eliminated lipid nanoparticle, and the lipid nanoparticles or a rapidly eliminated lipid nanoparticle may then be encapsulated into a polymer, hydrogel and / or surgical sealant described herein and / or known in the art. As a non-limiting example, the polymer, hydrogel or surgical sealant may be PLGA, ethylene vinyl acetate (EV Ac), poloxamer, GELSITE® (Nanotherapeutics, Inc. Alachua, Fla.), HYLENEX® (Halozyme Therapeutics, San Diego Calif.), surgical sealants such as fibrinogen polymers (Ethicon Inc. Cornelia, Ga.), TISSELL® (Baxter International, Inc Deerfield, Ill.), PEG-based sealants, and COSEAL® (Baxter International, Inc Deerfield, Ill.).

[0395] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein formulated for controlled release and / or targeted delivery may also include at least one degradable polyester which may contain polycationic side chains. Degradable polyesters include, but are not limited to,Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0396] poly(serine ester), poly(L-lactide-co-L-lysine), poly(4-hydroxy-L-proline ester), and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the degradable polyesters may include a PEG conjugation to form a PEGylated polymer.

[0397] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein formulated for controlled release and / or targeted delivery may also include at least one PEG and / or PEG related polymer derivatives as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,404,222, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0398] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein formulated for controlled release delivery may be the controlled release polymer system described in US20130130348, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0399] In some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers may be formulated for targeted release. In some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarrier is formulated to release the polynucleotides at a specified pH and / or after a desired time interval. As a non-limiting example, the synthetic nanoparticle may be formulated to release the RNA (e.g., mRNA) vaccines after 24 hours and / or at a pH of 4.5 (see International Publication Nos.

[0400] WG2010138193 and WG2010138194 and U.S. Pub Nos. US20110020388 and US20110027217, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entireties).

[0401] In some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarriers may be formulated for controlled and / or sustained release of the nucleic acids described herein. As a non-limiting example, the synthetic nanocarriers for sustained release may be formulated by methods known in the art, described herein and / or as described in International Pub No. W02010138192 and US Pub No. 20100303850, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0402] In some embodiments, the synthetic nanocarrier may be formulated for use as a vaccine. As a non-limiting example, the synthetic nanocarrier may include but is not limited to nanocarriers described in International Publication No. WO2011150264, WO2011150249, WO2012024621, WO201202629, WO2012024632 and U.S. Publication No. US20110293701, U.S. Publication No. US20110293723, US20120064110, US20120058153 and US20120058154 the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The vaccine dosage form may be selected by methods described herein, known in the art and / or described in International Publication No. WO2011150258 and U.S. Publication No. US20120027806, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0403] In some embodiments, the compositions may be formulated in colloid nanocarriers as described in U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130197100, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0404] In some embodiments, the compositions of the disclosure may be formulated for delivery using the drug encapsulating microspheres described in International Patent Publication No. WO2013063468 or U.S. Pat. No. 8,440,614, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. The microspheres may comprise a compound of the formula (I), (II), (III), (IV), (V) or (VI) as described in International Patent Publication No. WO2013063468, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the amino acid, peptide, polypeptide, lipids (APPL) are useful in delivering the RNA (e.g., mRNA) polynucleotides of the disclosure to cells (see International Patent Publication No. WO2013063468, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

[0405] In some embodiments, the compositions may be delivered, localized and / or concentrated in a specific location using the delivery methods described in International Patent Publication No. W02013063530, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. As a non-limiting example, a subject may be administered an empty polymeric particle prior to, simultaneously with or after delivering the compositions described herein to the subject. The empty polymeric particle undergoes a change in volume once in contact with the subject and becomes lodged, embedded, immobilized or entrapped at a specific location in the subject.

[0406] In some embodiments, the compositions may be formulated in an active substance release system (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. US20130102545, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). The active substance release system may comprise 1) at least one nanoparticle bonded to an oligonucleotide inhibitor strand which is hybridized with a catalytically active nucleic acid and 2) a compound bonded to at least one substrate molecule bonded to a therapeutically active substance (e.g., polynucleotides described herein), where the therapeutically active substance is released by the cleavage of the substrate molecule by the catalytically active nucleic acid.

[0407] In some embodiments the compositions may be associated with a cationic or polycationic compounds, including protamine, nucleoline, spermine or spermidine, or other cationic peptides or proteins, such as poly-L-lysine (PLL), polyarginine, basic polypeptides, cell penetrating peptides (CPPs), including HIV-binding peptides, HIV-1 Tat (HIV), Tat-Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0408] derived peptides, Penetratin, VP22derived or analog peptides, Pestivirus Ems, HSV, VP22(Herpes simplex), MAP, KALA or protein transduction domains (PTDs), PpT620, prolin-rich peptides, arginine-rich peptides, lysine -rich peptides, MPG-peptide(s), Pep-1, L-oligomers, Calcitonin peptide(s), Antennapedia-derived peptides (particularly

[0409] from Drosophila antennapedia), pAntp, plsl, FGF, Eactoferrin, Transportan, Buforin-2, Bac715-24, SynB, SynB(l), pVEC, hCT-derived peptides, SAP, histones, cationic polysaccharides, for example chitosan, polybrene, cationic polymers, e.g. polyethyleneimine (PEI), cationic lipids, e.g. DOTMA: [l-(2,3-sioleyloxy)propyl)]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium chloride, DMRIE, di-C14-amidine, DOTIM, SAINT, DC-Chol, BGTC, CTAP, DOPC, DODAP, DOPE: Dioleyl phosphatidylethanol-amine, DOSPA, DODAB, DOIC, DMEPC, DOGS: Dioctadecylamidoglicylspermin, DIMRI:

[0410] Dimyristooxypropyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide, DOTAP: dioleoyloxy-3-(trimethylammonio)propane, DC-6-14: O,O-ditetradecanoyl-N-. alpha. -trimethylammonioacetyl)diethanolamine chloride, CLIP 1: rac-[(2,3-dioctadecyloxypropyl)(2-hydroxyethyl)]-dimethylammonium chloride, CLIP6: rac-[2(2,3-dihexadecyloxypropyloxymethyloxy)ethyl] -trimethylammonium, CLIP9 : rac- [2(2,3-dihexadecyloxypropyloxysuccinyloxy)ethyl] -trimethylammonium, oligof ectamine, or cationic or polycationic polymers, e.g. modified poly aminoacids, such as beta-aminoacid-polymers or reversed polyamides, etc., modified polyethylenes, such as PVP (poly(N-ethyl-4-vinylpyridinium bromide)), etc., modified acrylates, such as pDMAEMA (poly(dimethylaminoethyl methylacrylate)), etc., modified amidoamines such as pAMAM (poly (amidoamine)), etc., modified polybetaminoester (PBAE), such as diamine end modified 1,4 butanediol diacrylate-co-5-amino-l -pentanol polymers, etc., dendrimers, such as polypropylamine dendrimers or pAMAM based dendrimers, etc., polyimine(s), such as PEI: poly(ethyleneimine), poly (propyleneimine), etc., polyallylamine, sugar backbone based polymers, such as cyclodextrin based polymers, dextran based polymers, chitosan, etc., silan backbone based polymers, such as PMOXA-PDMS copolymers, etc., blockpolymers consisting of a combination of one or more cationic blocks (e.g. selected from a cationic polymer as mentioned above) and of one or more hydrophilic or hydrophobic blocks (e.g. poly ethylenegly cole), etc.

[0411] In other embodiments, the composition is not associated with a cationic or polycationic compound.

[0412] Methods of AdministrationAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0413] The compositions described herein can be administered to a subject by any suitable method and technique presently or prospectively known to those skilled in the art to treat or prevent HBV or diseases caused by HBV infection. For example, the active components described herein can be formulated in a physiologically- or pharmaceutically-acceptable form and administered by any suitable route known in the art including, for example, oral and parenteral routes of administering. As used herein, the term “parenteral” includes subcutaneous, intradermal, intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, and intrasternal administration, such as by injection. Administration of the active components of their compositions can be a single administration, or at continuous and distinct intervals as can be readily determined by a person skilled in the art.

[0414] “Excipients” include any and all solvents, diluents or other liquid vehicles, dispersion or suspension aids, surface active agents, isotonic agents, thickening or emulsifying agents, preservatives, solid binders, lubricants and the like, as suited to the particular dosage form desired. General considerations in formulation and / or manufacture can be found, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sixteenth Edition, E. W. Martin (Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa., 1980), and Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21st Edition (Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005).

[0415] Exemplary excipients include, but are not limited to, any non-toxic, inert solid, semisolid or liquid filler, diluent, encapsulating material or formulation auxiliary of any type. Some examples of materials which can serve as excipients include, but are not limited to, sugars such as lactose, glucose, and sucrose; starches such as corn starch and potato starch; cellulose and its derivatives such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and cellulose acetate; powdered tragacanth; malt; gelatin; talc; excipients such as cocoa butter and suppository waxes; oils such as peanut oil, cottonseed oil; safflower oil; sesame oil; olive oil; corn oil and soybean oil; glycols such as propylene glycol; esters such as ethyl oleate and ethyl laurate; agar; detergents such as Tween 80; buffering agents such as magnesium hydroxide and aluminum hydroxide; alginic acid; pyrogen-free water; isotonic saline; Ringer's solution; ethyl alcohol; and phosphate buffer solutions, as well as other nontoxic compatible lubricants such as sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium stearate, as well as coloring agents, releasing agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants can also be present in the composition, according to the judgment of the formulator. As would be appreciated by one of skill in this art, the excipients may be chosen based on what the composition is useful for. For example, with aAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0416] pharmaceutical composition, the choice of the excipient will depend on the route of administration, the agent being delivered, time course of delivery of the agent, etc., and can be administered to humans and / or to animals, orally, rectally, parenterally, intracisternally, intravaginally, intranasally, intraperitoneally, topically (as by powders, creams, ointments, or drops), buccally, or as an oral or nasal spray. In some embodiments, the active compounds disclosed herein are administered topically.

[0417] Exemplary diluents include calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, calcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, calcium hydrogen phosphate, sodium phosphate lactose, sucrose, cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, kaolin, mannitol, sorbitol, inositol, sodium chloride, dry starch, cornstarch, powdered sugar, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0418] Exemplary granulating and / or dispersing agents include potato starch, corn starch, tapioca starch, sodium starch glycolate, clays, alginic acid, guar gum, citrus pulp, agar, bentonite, cellulose and wood products, natural sponge, cation-exchange resins, calcium carbonate, silicates, sodium carbonate, cross-linked poly(vinyl-pyrrolidone) (crospovidone), sodium carboxymethyl starch (sodium starch glycolate), carboxymethyl cellulose, crosslinked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (croscarmellose), methylcellulose, pregelatinized starch (starch 1500), microcrystalline starch, water insoluble starch, calcium carboxymethyl cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate (Veegum), sodium lauryl sulfate, quaternary ammonium compounds, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0419] Exemplary surface active agents and / or emulsifiers include natural emulsifiers (e.g. acacia, agar, alginic acid, sodium alginate, tragacanth, chondrux, cholesterol, xanthan, pectin, gelatin, egg yolk, casein, wool fat, cholesterol, wax, and lecithin), colloidal clays (e.g. bentonite [aluminum silicate] and Veegum [magnesium aluminum silicate]), long chain amino acid derivatives, high molecular weight alcohols (e.g. stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, triacetin monostearate, ethylene glycol distearate, glyceryl monostearate, and propylene glycol monostearate, polyvinyl alcohol), carbomers (e.g. carboxy polymethylene, polyacrylic acid, acrylic acid polymer, and carboxy vinyl polymer), carrageenan, cellulosic derivatives (e.g. carboxymethylcellulose sodium, powdered cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose), sorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g. polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate [Tween 20], polyoxyethylene sorbitan [Tween 60], polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate [Tween 80], sorbitan monopalmitate [Span 40], sorbitan monostearate [SpanAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0420] 60], sorbitan tristearate [Span 65], glyceryl monooleate, sorbitan monooleate [Span 80]), polyoxyethylene esters (e.g. polyoxyethylene monostearate [Myrj 45], polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyethoxylated castor oil, polyoxymethylene stearate, and Solutol), sucrose fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters (e.g. Cremophor), polyoxyethylene ethers, (e.g. polyoxyethylene lauryl ether [Brij 30]), polyvinylpyrrolidone), diethylene glycol monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate, sodium oleate, potassium oleate, ethyl oleate, oleic acid, ethyl laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, Pluronic F 68, Poloxamer 188, cetrimonium bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, docusate sodium, etc. and / or combinations thereof. Exemplary binding agents include starch (e.g. cornstarch and starch paste), gelatin, sugars (e.g. sucrose, glucose, dextrose, dextrin, molasses, lactose, lactitol, mannitol, etc.), natural and synthetic gums (e.g. acacia, sodium alginate, extract of Irish moss, panwar gum, ghatti gum, mucilage of isapol husks, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, cellulose acetate, poly (vinyl-pyrrolidone), magnesium aluminum silicate (Veegum), and larch arabogalactan), alginates, polyethylene oxide, polyethylene glycol, inorganic calcium salts, silicic acid, polymethacrylates, waxes, water, alcohol, etc., and / or combinations thereof.

[0421] Exemplary preservatives include antioxidants, chelating agents, antimicrobial preservatives, antifungal preservatives, alcohol preservatives, acidic preservatives, and other preservatives.

[0422] Exemplary antioxidants include alpha tocopherol, ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, monothioglycerol, potassium metabisulfite, propionic acid, propyl gallate, sodium ascorbate, sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite.

[0423] Exemplary chelating agents include ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and salts and hydrates thereof (e.g., sodium edetate, disodium edetate, trisodium edetate, calcium disodium edetate, dipotassium edetate, and the like), citric acid and salts and hydrates thereof (e.g., citric acid monohydrate), fumaric acid and salts and hydrates thereof, malic acid and salts and hydrates thereof, phosphoric acid and salts and hydrates thereof, and tartaric acid and salts and hydrates thereof. Exemplary antimicrobial preservatives include benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, benzyl alcohol, bronopol, cetrimide, cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, chlorobutanol, chlorocresol,Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0424] chloroxylenol, cresol, ethyl alcohol, glycerin, hexetidine, imidurea, phenol, phenoxyethanol, phenylethyl alcohol, phenylmercuric nitrate, propylene glycol, and thimerosal.

[0425] Exemplary antifungal preservatives include butyl paraben, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, benzoic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, potassium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, sodium propionate, and sorbic acid.

[0426] Exemplary alcohol preservatives include ethanol, polyethylene glycol, phenol, phenolic compounds, bisphenol, chlorobutanol, hydroxybenzoate, and phenylethyl alcohol.

[0427] Exemplary acidic preservatives include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, betacarotene, citric acid, acetic acid, dehydroacetic acid, ascorbic acid, sorbic acid, and phytic acid. Other preservatives include tocopherol, tocopherol acetate, deteroxime mesylate, cetrimide, butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ethylenediamine, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), sodium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium sulfite, potassium metabisulfite, Glydant Plus, Phenonip, methylparaben, Germall 115, Germaben II, NeoIone, Kathon, and Euxyl. In certain embodiments, the preservative is an antioxidant. In other embodiments, the preservative is a chelating agent.

[0428] Exemplary buffering agents include citrate buffer solutions, acetate buffer solutions, phosphate buffer solutions, ammonium chloride, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, calcium citrate, calcium glubionate, calcium gluceptate, calcium gluconate, D-gluconic acid, calcium glycerophosphate, calcium lactate, propanoic acid, calcium levulinate, pentanoic acid, dibasic calcium phosphate, phosphoric acid, tribasic calcium phosphate, calcium hydroxide phosphate, potassium acetate, potassium chloride, potassium gluconate, potassium mixtures, dibasic potassium phosphate, monobasic potassium phosphate, potassium phosphate mixtures, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium chloride, sodium citrate, sodium lactate, dibasic sodium phosphate, monobasic sodium phosphate, sodium phosphate mixtures, tromethamine, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide, alginic acid, pyrogen- free water, isotonic saline, Ringer's solution, ethyl alcohol, etc., and combinations thereof.

[0429] Exemplary lubricating agents include magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, stearic acid, silica, talc, malt, glyceryl behanate, hydrogenated vegetable oils, polyethylene glycol, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride, leucine, magnesium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, etc., and combinations thereof.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0430] Exemplary natural oils include almond, apricot kernel, avocado, babassu, bergamot, black current seed, borage, cade, chamomile, canola, caraway, carnauba, castor, cinnamon, cocoa butter, coconut, cod liver, coffee, corn, cotton seed, emu, eucalyptus, evening primrose, fish, flaxseed, geraniol, gourd, grape seed, hazel nut, hyssop, isopropyl myristate, jojoba, kukui nut, lavandin, lavender, lemon, litsea cubeba, macademia nut, mallow, mango seed, meadowfoam seed, mink, nutmeg, olive, orange, orange roughy, palm, palm kernel, peach kernel, peanut, poppy seed, pumpkin seed, rapeseed, rice bran, rosemary, safflower, sandalwood, sasquana, savoury, sea buckthorn, sesame, shea butter, silicone, soybean, sunflower, tea tree, thistle, tsubaki, vetiver, walnut, and wheat germ oils. Exemplary synthetic oils include, but are not limited to, butyl stearate, caprylic triglyceride, capric triglyceride, cyclomethicone, diethyl sebacate, dimethicone 360, isopropyl myristate, mineral oil, octyldodecanol, oleyl alcohol, silicone oil, and combinations thereof.

[0431] Additionally, the composition may further comprise a polymer. Exemplary polymers contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, cellulosic polymers and copolymers, for example, cellulose ethers such as methylcellulose (MC), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), methylhydroxy ethylcellulose (MHEC), methylhydroxypropylcellulose (MHPC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and its various salts, including, e.g., the sodium salt, hydroxyethylcarboxymethylcellulose (HECMC) and its various salts, carboxymethylhydroxyethylcellulose (CMHEC) and its various salts, other polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives such as starch, dextran, dextran derivatives, chitosan, and alginic acid and its various salts, carageenan, various gums, including xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, gum karaya, gum ghatti, konjac and gum tragacanth, glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans such as hyaluronic acid and its salts, proteins such as gelatin, collagen, albumin, and fibrin, other polymers, for example, polyhydroxyacids such as polylactide, polyglycolide, polyl(lactide-co-glycolide) and poly(.epsilon.-caprolactone-co-glycolide)-, carboxyvinyl polymers and their salts (e.g., carbomer), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyacrylic acid and its salts, polyacrylamide, polyacrylic acid / acrylamide copolymer, polyalkylene oxides such as polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide, poly(ethylene oxidepropylene oxide), and a Pluronic polymer, poly oxy ethylene (polyethylene glycol), poly anhydrides, polyvinylalchol, polyethyleneamine and polypyrridine, polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers, such as PEGylated lipids (e.g., PEG-stearate, l,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine-N- [Methoxy (Poly ethylene glycol) -1000], 1 ,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0432] 3-Phosphoethanolamine-N-[Methoxy(Polyethylene glycol)-2000], and 1 ,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-Phosphoethanolamine-N-[Methoxy(Polyethylene glycol)-5000]), copolymers and salts thereof.

[0433] Additionally, the composition may further comprise an emulsifying agent.

[0434] Exemplary emulsifying agents include, but are not limited to, a polyethylene glycol (PEG), a polypropylene glycol, a polyvinyl alcohol, a poly-N-vinyl pyrrolidone and copolymers thereof, poloxamer nonionic surfactants, neutral water-soluble polysaccharides (e.g., dextran, Ficoll, celluloses), non-cationic poly(meth)acrylates, non-cationic poly acrylates, such as poly (meth) acrylic acid, and esters amide and hydroxy alkyl amides thereof, natural emulsifiers (e.g. acacia, agar, alginic acid, sodium alginate, tragacanth, chondrux, cholesterol, xanthan, pectin, gelatin, egg yolk, casein, wool fat, cholesterol, wax, and lecithin), colloidal clays (e.g. bentonite [aluminum silicate] and Veegum [magnesium aluminum silicate]), long chain amino acid derivatives, high molecular weight alcohols (e.g. stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, triacetin monostearate, ethylene glycol distearate, glyceryl monostearate, and propylene glycol monostearate, polyvinyl alcohol), carbomers (e.g. carboxy polymethylene, polyacrylic acid, acrylic acid polymer, and carboxy vinyl polymer), carrageenan, cellulosic derivatives (e.g. carboxymethylcellulose sodium, powdered cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, methylcellulose), sorbitan fatty acid esters (e.g. polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate [Tween 20], polyoxyethylene sorbitan [Tween 60], polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate [Tween 80], sorbitan monopalmitate [Span 40], sorbitan monostearate [Span 60], sorbitan tristearate [Span 65], glyceryl monooleate, sorbitan monooleate [Span 80]), polyoxyethylene esters (e.g. polyoxyethylene monostearate [Myrj 45], polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, polyethoxylated castor oil, polyoxymethylene stearate, and Solutol), sucrose fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycol fatty acid esters (e.g. Cremophor), polyoxyethylene ethers, (e.g. polyoxyethylene lauryl ether [Brij 30]), polyvinylpyrrolidone), diethylene glycol monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate, sodium oleate, potassium oleate, ethyl oleate, oleic acid, ethyl laurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, Pluronic F 68, Poloxamer 188, cetrimonium bromide, cetylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, docusate sodium, etc. and / or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the emulsifying agent is cholesterol.

[0435] Liquid compositions include emulsions, microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups, and elixirs. In addition to the active compound, the liquid composition may containAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0436] inert diluents commonly used in the art such as, for example, water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsifiers such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, dimethylformamide, oils (in particular, cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor, and sesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof. Besides inert diluents, the oral compositions can also include adjuvants such as wetting agents, emulsifying and suspending agents, sweetening, flavoring, and perfuming agents.

[0437] Injectable compositions, for example, injectable aqueous or oleaginous suspensions may be formulated according to the known art using suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents. The sterile injectable preparation may also be an injectable solution, suspension, or emulsion in a nontoxic parenterally acceptable diluent or solvent, for example, as a solution in 1,3-butanediol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents for pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution, U.S.P. and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. Any bland fixed oil can be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid are used in the preparation of injectables. In certain embodiments, the particles are suspended in a carrier fluid comprising 1% (w / v) sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and 0.1% (v / v) Tween 80. The injectable composition can be sterilized, for example, by filtration through a bacteria-retaining filter, or by incorporating sterilizing agents in the form of sterile solid compositions which can be dissolved or dispersed in sterile water or other sterile injectable medium prior to use.

[0438] Compositions for rectal or vaginal administration may be in the form of suppositories which can be prepared by mixing the particles with suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers such as cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol, or a suppository wax which are solid at ambient temperature but liquid at body temperature and therefore melt in the rectum or vaginal cavity and release the particles.

[0439] Solid compositions include capsules, tablets, pills, powders, and granules. In such solid compositions, the particles are mixed with at least one excipient and / or a) fillers or extenders such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and silicic acid, b) binders such as, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinylpyrrolidinone, sucrose, and acacia, c) humectants such as glycerol, d) disintegrating agents such as agar-Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0440] agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, and sodium carbonate, e) solution retarding agents such as paraffin, f) absorption accelerators such as quaternary ammonium compounds, g) wetting agents such as, for example, cetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate, h) absorbents such as kaolin and bentonite clay, and i) lubricants such as talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof. In the case of capsules, tablets, and pills, the dosage form may also comprise buffering agents. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard- filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and the like.

[0441] Tablets, capsules, pills, and granules can be prepared with coatings and shells such as enteric coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical formulating art. They may optionally contain opacifying agents and can also be of a composition that they release the active ingredient(s) only, or preferentially, in a certain part of the intestinal tract, optionally, in a delayed manner. Examples of embedding compositions which can be used include polymeric substances and waxes. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard- filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugar as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and the like.

[0442] Compositions for topical or transdermal administration include ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, powders, solutions, sprays, inhalants, or patches. The active compound is admixed with an excipient and any needed preservatives or buffers as may be required.

[0443] The ointments, pastes, creams, and gels may contain, in addition to the active compound, excipients such as animal and vegetable fats, oils, waxes, paraffins, starch, tragacanth, cellulose derivatives, polyethylene glycols, silicones, bentonites, silicic acid, talc, and zinc oxide, or mixtures thereof.

[0444] Powders and sprays can contain, in addition to the active compound, excipients such as lactose, talc, silicic acid, aluminum hydroxide, calcium silicates, and polyamide powder, or mixtures of these substances. Sprays can additionally contain customary propellants such as chlorofluorohydrocarbons.

[0445] Transdermal patches have the added advantage of providing controlled delivery of a compound to the body. Such dosage forms can be made by dissolving or dispensing the nanoparticles in a proper medium. Absorption enhancers can also be used to increase theAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0446] flux of the compound across the skin. The rate can be controlled by either providing a rate controlling membrane or by dispersing the particles in a polymer matrix or gel.

[0447] The compounds can be incorporated microparticles, nanoparticles, or combinations thereof that provide controlled release of the compounds and / or additional active agents. For example, the compounds can be incorporated into polymeric microparticles, which provide controlled release of the drug(s). Release of the drug(s) is controlled by diffusion of the drug(s) out of the microparticles and / or degradation of the polymeric particles by hydrolysis and / or enzymatic degradation. Suitable polymers include ethylcellulose and other natural or synthetic cellulose derivatives.

[0448] Polymers, which are slowly soluble and form a gel in an aqueous environment, such as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyethylene oxide, may also be suitable as materials for drug containing microparticles. Other polymers include, but are not limited to, poly anhydrides, poly(ester anhydrides), polyhydroxy acids, such as poly lactide (PLA), polyglycolide (PGA), poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and copolymers thereof, poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof, polycaprolactone and copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof.

[0449] Alternatively, the compound can be incorporated into microparticles prepared from materials which are insoluble in aqueous solution or slowly soluble in aqueous solution, but are capable of degrading within the GI tract by means including enzymatic degradation, surfactant action of bile acids, and / or mechanical erosion. As used herein, the term “slowly soluble in water” refers to materials that are not dissolved in water within a period of 30 minutes. Preferred examples include fats, fatty substances, waxes, wax-like substances and mixtures thereof. Suitable fats and fatty substances include fatty alcohols (such as lauryl, myristyl stearyl, cetyl or cetostearyl alcohol), fatty acids and derivatives, including but not limited to fatty acid esters, fatty acid glycerides (mono-, di- and tri-glycerides), and hydrogenated fats. Specific examples include, but are not limited to hydrogenated vegetable oil, hydrogenated cottonseed oil, hydrogenated castor oil, hydrogenated oils available under the trade name Sterotex®, stearic acid, cocoa butter, and stearyl alcohol. Suitable waxes and wax-like materials include natural or synthetic waxes, hydrocarbons, and normal waxes. Specific examples of waxes include beeswax, glycowax, castor wax, carnauba wax, paraffins and candelilla wax. As used herein, a wax-like material is defined as any material, which is normally solid at room temperature and has a melting point of from about 30 to 300° C.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0450] In some cases, it may be desirable to alter the rate of water penetration into the microparticles. To this end, rate-controlling (wicking) agents may be formulated along with the fats or waxes listed above. Examples of rate-controlling materials include certain starch derivatives (e.g., waxy maltodextrin and drum dried corn starch), cellulose derivatives (e.g., hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, and carboxymethyl-cellulose), alginic acid, lactose and talc. Additionally, a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant (for example, lecithin) may be added to facilitate the degradation of such microparticles.

[0451] Proteins, which are water insoluble, such as zein, can also be used as materials for the formation of drug containing microparticles. Additionally, proteins, polysaccharides and combinations thereof, which are water-soluble, can be formulated with drug into microparticles and subsequently cross-linked to form an insoluble network. For example, cyclodextrins can be complexed with individual drug molecules and subsequently crosslinked.

[0452] Encapsulation or incorporation of drug into carrier materials to produce drugcontaining microparticles can be achieved through known pharmaceutical formulation techniques. In the case of formulation in fats, waxes or wax-like materials, the carrier material is typically heated above its melting temperature and the drug is added to form a mixture comprising drug particles suspended in the carrier material, drug dissolved in the carrier material, or a mixture thereof. Microparticles can be subsequently formulated through several methods including, but not limited to, the processes of congealing, extrusion, spray chilling or aqueous dispersion. In a preferred process, wax is heated above its melting temperature, drug is added, and the molten wax-drug mixture is congealed under constant stirring as the mixture cools. Alternatively, the molten wax-drug mixture can be extruded and spheronized to form pellets or beads. These processes are known in the art.

[0453] For some carrier materials it may be desirable to use a solvent evaporation technique to produce drug-containing microparticles. In this case drug and carrier material are codissolved in a mutual solvent and microparticles can subsequently be produced by several techniques including, but not limited to, forming an emulsion in water or other appropriate media, spray drying or by evaporating off the solvent from the bulk solution and milling the resulting material.

[0454] In some embodiments, drug(s) in a particulate form is homogeneously dispersed in a water-insoluble or slowly water-soluble material. To minimize the size of the drug particlesAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0455] within the composition, the drug powder itself may be milled to generate fine particles prior to formulation. The process of jet milling, known in the pharmaceutical art, can be used for this purpose. In some embodiments, drug in a particulate form is homogeneously dispersed in a wax or wax like substance by heating the wax or wax like substance above its melting point and adding the drug particles while stirring the mixture. In this case a pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant may be added to the mixture to facilitate the dispersion of the drug particles.

[0456] The particles can also be coated with one or more modified release coatings. Solid esters of fatty acids, which are hydrolyzed by lipases, can be spray coated onto microparticles or drug particles. Zein is an example of a naturally water-insoluble protein. It can be coated onto drug containing microparticles or drug particles by spray coating or by wet granulation techniques. In addition to naturally water-insoluble materials, some substrates of digestive enzymes can be treated with cross-linking procedures, resulting in the formation of non-soluble networks. Many methods of cross-linking proteins, initiated by both chemical and physical means, have been reported. One of the most common methods to obtain cross-linking is the use of chemical cross-linking agents. Examples of chemical cross-linking agents include aldehydes (gluteraldehyde and formaldehyde), epoxy compounds, carbodiimides, and genipin. In addition to these cross-linking agents, oxidized and native sugars have been used to cross-link gelatin. Cross-linking can also be accomplished using enzymatic means; for example, transglutaminase has been approved as a GRAS substance for cross-linking seafood products. Finally, cross-linking can be initiated by physical means such as thermal treatment, UV irradiation and gamma irradiation.

[0457] To produce a coating layer of cross-linked protein surrounding drug containing microparticles or drug particles, a water-soluble protein can be spray coated onto the microparticles and subsequently cross-linked by the one of the methods described above. Alternatively, drug-containing microparticles can be microencapsulated within protein by coacervation-phase separation (for example, by the addition of salts) and subsequently cross-linked. Some suitable proteins for this purpose include gelatin, albumin, casein, and gluten.

[0458] Polysaccharides can also be cross-linked to form a water-insoluble network. For many polysaccharides, this can be accomplished by reaction with calcium salts or multivalent cations, which cross-link the main polymer chains. Pectin, alginate, dextran, amylose and guar gum are subject to cross-linking in the presence of multivalent cations.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0459] Complexes between oppositely charged polysaccharides can also be formed; pectin and chitosan, for example, can be complexed via electrostatic interactions.

[0460] In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to provide continuous delivery of one or more compounds to a patient in need thereof. For intravenous or intraarterial routes, this can be accomplished using drip systems, such as by intravenous administration. For topical applications, repeated application can be done or a patch can be used to provide continuous administration of the compounds over an extended period of time.

[0461] The compounds described herein can be incorporated into injectable / implantable solid or semi-solid implants, such as polymeric implants. In one embodiment, the compounds are incorporated into a polymer that is a liquid or paste at room temperature, but upon contact with aqueous medium, such as physiological fluids, exhibits an increase in viscosity to form a semi-solid or solid material. Exemplary polymers include, but are not limited to, hydroxyalkanoic acid polyesters derived from the copolymerization of at least one unsaturated hydroxy fatty acid copolymerized with hydroxyalkanoic acids. The polymer can be melted, mixed with the active substance and cast or injection molded into a device. Such melt fabrication requires polymers having a melting point that is below the temperature at which the substance to be delivered and polymer degrades or becomes reactive. The device can also be prepared by solvent casting where the polymer is dissolved in a solvent and the drug dissolved or dispersed in the polymer solution and the solvent is then evaporated. Solvent processes require that the polymer be soluble in organic solvents. Another method is compression molding of a mixed powder of the polymer and the drug or polymer particles loaded with the active agent.

[0462] Alternatively, the compounds can be incorporated into a polymer matrix and molded, compressed, or extruded into a device that is a solid at room temperature. For example, the compounds can be incorporated into a biodegradable polymer, such as poly anhydrides, polyhydroalkanoic acids (PHAs), PLA, PGA, PLGA, polycaprolactone, polyesters, polyamides, polyorthoesters, polyphosphazenes, proteins and polysaccharides such as collagen, hyaluronic acid, albumin and gelatin, and combinations thereof and compressed into solid device, such as disks, wafers, or extruded into a device, such as rods.

[0463] The release of the compounds from the implant can be varied by selection of the polymer, the molecular weight of the polymer, and / or modification of the polymer to increase degradation, such as the formation of pores and / or incorporation of hydrolyzableAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0464] linkages. Methods for modifying the properties of biodegradable polymers to vary the release profile of the compounds from the implant are well known in the art.

[0465] In some embodiments, the compounds or pharmaceutical compositions can be administered locally. In some embodiments, the compounds are incorporated in a delivery system such as gels, nanoparticles, microparticles, or implants such as (e.g., rods, discs, wafers, orthopedic implants) for sustained release. In some embodiments, the compounds can be administered using a local delivery implantable system comprising the compounds incorporated within a gel, nanoparticles, microparticles, or an implant. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions comprise a delivery system such as gels, nanoparticles, microparticles, or implants such as (e.g., rods, discs, wafers, orthopedic implants) for sustained release of paroxetine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or derivative thereof.

[0466] The active ingredient may be administered in such amounts, time, and route deemed necessary in order to achieve the desired result. The exact amount of the active ingredient will vary from subject to subject, depending on the species, age, and general condition of the subject, the severity of the infection, the particular active ingredient, its mode of administration, its mode of activity, and the like. The active ingredient, whether the active compound itself, or the active compound in combination with an agent, is preferably formulated in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the active ingredient will be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. The specific therapeutically effective dose level for any particular subject will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; the activity of the active ingredient employed; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of the specific active ingredient employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific active ingredient employed; and like factors well known in the medical arts.

[0467] The active ingredient may be administered by any route. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is administered via a variety of routes, including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, intra-arterial, intramedullary, intrathecal, subcutaneous, intraventricular, transdermal, interdermal, rectal, intravaginal, intraperitoneal, topical (as by powders, ointments, creams, and / or drops), mucosal, nasal, bucal, enteral, sublingual; by intratrachealAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0468] instillation, bronchial instillation, and / or inhalation; and / or as an oral spray, nasal spray, and / or aerosol. In general, the most appropriate route of administration will depend upon a variety of factors including the nature of the active ingredient (e.g., its stability in the environment of the gastrointestinal tract), the condition of the subject (e.g., whether the subject is able to tolerate oral administration), etc.

[0469] The exact amount of an active ingredient required to achieve a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount will vary from subject to subject, depending on species, age, and general condition of a subject, severity of the side effects or disorder, identity of the particular compound(s), mode of administration, and the like. The amount to be administered to, for example, a child or an adolescent can be determined by a medical practitioner or person skilled in the art and can be lower or the same as that administered to an adult.

[0470] Useful dosages of the compositions disclosed herein can be determined by comparing their in vitro activity, and in vivo activity in animal models. Methods for the extrapolation of effective dosages in mice, and other animals, to humans are known to the art.

[0471] The dosage ranges for the administration of the compositions are those large enough to produce the desired effect in which the symptoms or disorder are affected. The dosage should not be so large as to cause adverse side effects, such as unwanted cross-reactions, anaphylactic reactions, and the like. Generally, the dosage will vary with the age, condition, sex and extent of the disease in the patient and can be determined by one of skill in the art. The dosage can be adjusted by the individual physician in the event of any counterindications. Dosage can vary, and can be administered in one or more dose administrations daily, for one or several days.

[0472] Compositions described herein are typically formulated in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of compositions may be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. The specific therapeutically effective, prophylactically effective, or appropriate imaging dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; the activity of the specific compound employed; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration, route of administration, and rate of excretion of the specific compound employed; the duration of theAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0473] treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound employed; and like factors well known in the medical arts.

[0474] In some embodiments, the compositions may be administered at dosage levels sufficient to deliver 0.0001 mg / kg to 100 mg / kg, 0.001 mg / kg to 0.05 mg / kg, 0.005 mg / kg to 0.05 mg / kg, 0.001 mg / kg to 0.005 mg / kg, 0.05 mg / kg to 0.5 mg / kg, 0.01 mg / kg to 50 mg / kg, 0.1 mg / kg to 40 mg / kg, 0.5 mg / kg to 30 mg / kg, 0.01 mg / kg to 10 mg / kg, 0.1 mg / kg to 10 mg / kg, or 1 mg / kg to 25 mg / kg, of subject body weight per day, one or more times a day, per week, per month, etc. to obtain the desired therapeutic and / or prophylactic effect (see, e.g., the range of unit doses described in International Publication No WO2013078199, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). The desired dosage may be delivered three times a day, two times a day, once a day, every other day, every third day, every week, every two weeks, every three weeks, every four weeks, every 2 months, every three months, every 6 months, etc. In some embodiments, the desired dosage may be delivered using multiple administrations (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or more administrations). When multiple administrations are employed, split dosing regimens such as those described herein may be used. In exemplary embodiments, compositions may be administered at dosage levels sufficient to deliver 0.0005 mg / kg to 0.01 mg / kg, e.g., about 0.0005 mg / kg to about 0.0075 mg / kg, e.g., about 0.0005 mg / kg, about 0.001 mg / kg, about 0.002 mg / kg, about 0.003 mg / kg, about 0.004 mg / kg or about 0.005 mg / kg.

[0475] In some embodiments, the compositions may be administered once or twice (or more) at dosage levels sufficient to deliver 0.025 mg / kg to 0.250 mg / kg, 0.025 mg / kg to 0.500 mg / kg, 0.025 mg / kg to 0.750 mg / kg, or 0.025 mg / kg to 1.0 mg / kg.

[0476] In some embodiments, the compositions may be administered twice (e.g., Day 0 and Day 7, Day 0 and Day 14, Day 0 and Day 21, Day 0 and Day 28, Day 0 and Day 60, Day 0 and Day 90, Day 0 and Day 120, Day 0 and Day 150, Day 0 and Day 180, Day 0 and 3 months later, Day 0 and 6 months later, Day 0 and 9 months later, Day 0 and 12 months later, Day 0 and 18 months later, Day 0 and 2 years later, Day 0 and 5 years later, or Day 0 and 10 years later) at a total dose of or at dosage levels sufficient to deliver a total dose of 0.0100 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.050 mg, 0.075 mg, 0.100 mg, 0.125 mg, 0.150 mg, 0.175 mg, 0.200 mg, 0.225 mg, 0.250 mg, 0.275 mg, 0.300 mg, 0.325 mg, 0.350 mg, 0.375 mg, 0.400 mg, 0.425 mg, 0.450 mg, 0.475 mg, 0.500 mg, 0.525 mg, 0.550 mg, 0.575 mg, 0.600 mg, 0.625 mg, 0.650 mg, 0.675 mg, 0.700 mg, 0.725 mg, 0.750 mg, 0.775 mg, 0.800 mg, 0.825 mg,Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0477] 0.850 mg, 0.875 mg, 0.900 mg, 0.925 mg, 0.950 mg, 0.975 mg, or 1.0 mg. Higher and lower dosages and frequency of administration are encompassed by the present disclosure. For example, a composition described herein may be administered three or four times.

[0478] In some embodiments, the compositions may be administered twice (e.g., Day 0 and Day 7, Day 0 and Day 14, Day 0 and Day 21, Day 0 and Day 28, Day 0 and Day 60, Day 0 and Day 90, Day 0 and Day 120, Day 0 and Day 150, Day 0 and Day 180, Day 0 and 3 months later, Day 0 and 6 months later, Day 0 and 9 months later, Day 0 and 12 months later, Day 0 and 18 months later, Day 0 and 2 years later, Day 0 and 5 years later, or Day 0 and 10 years later) at a total dose of or at dosage levels sufficient to deliver a total dose of 0.010 mg, 0.025 mg, 0.100 mg or 0.400 mg.

[0479] In some embodiments, the composition (e.g., vaccine) for use in a method of vaccinating a subject is administered to the subject as a single dosage of between 10 pg / kg and 400 pg / kg of the nucleic acid vaccine (in an effective amount to vaccinate the subject). In some embodiments, the composition (e.g., vaccine) for use in a method of vaccinating a subject is administered to the subject as a single dosage of between 10 pg and 400 pg of the nucleic acid vaccine (in an effective amount to vaccinate the subject). In some embodiments, a composition (e.g., vaccine) for use in a method of vaccinating a subject is administered to the subject as a single dosage of 25-1000 pg (e.g., a single dosage of each nucleic acid present in the composition). In some embodiments, a composition (e.g., vaccine) is administered to the subject as a single dosage of 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950 or 1000 pg. For example, a composition (e.g., vaccine) may be administered to a subject as a single dose of 25-100, 25-500, 50-100, 50-500, 50-1000, 100-500, 100-1000, 250-500, 250-1000, or 500-1000 pg. In some embodiments, a composition (e.g., vaccine) for use in a method of vaccinating a subject is administered to the subject as two dosages, the combination of which equals 25-1000 pg of the composition (e.g., vaccine).

[0480] A composition (e.g., vaccine pharmaceutical composition) described herein can be formulated into a dosage form described herein, such as an intranasal, intratracheal, or injectable (e.g., intravenous, intraocular, intravitreal, intramuscular, intradermal, intracardiac, intraperitoneal, and subcutaneous).

[0481] Methods of Use

[0482] Described herein are methods of treating or preventing HBV infection in a subject; preventing a disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject; and / or treating aAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0483] disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition described herein.

[0484] In some embodiments, described herein are methods of treating or preventing HBV infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition described herein.

[0485] In some embodiments, described herein are methods of preventing a disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition described herein.

[0486] In some embodiments, described herein are methods of treating a disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition described herein.

[0487] Some specific embodiments of compositions and methods of use include the following:

[0488] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used to treat or prevent HBV infection in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used to prevent a disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used to treat a disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used to induce long-lasting immunity and a functional cure for subjects with HBV chronic infection. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used to prevent HBV chronic infection in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used to reduce HBV viral load, improve liver function, and prevent liver damage in a subject in need thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used to prevent HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma or enhance immune system's ability to control tumor growth in a subject in need thereof.

[0489] In some embodiments, the disease or disorder caused by HBV infection can include, but is not limited to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with chronic HBV infection, or any combination thereof.

[0490] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can be used to induce T cell immune responses, to induce neutralizing antibodies, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can include one or more nucleicAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0491] acids encoding HBV core-associated antigen or a variant or fragment thereof to induce T cell immune responses.

[0492] In some embodiments, the compositions described herein can include one or more nucleic acids encoding HBV surface antigen or a variant or fragment thereof to induce neutralizing antibodies.

[0493] In some examples, a therapeutic vaccine can be used against the diseases caused by HBV infection, a combination of T cell module and B cell module. The T cell module can comprise one or more nucleic acids encoding for HBV core-associated antigen or a variant or fragment thereof (to elicit T cell response), and the B cell module can comprise one or more nucleic acids encoding for one or more HBV surface antigen or a variant or fragment thereof (to elicit neutralizing antibodies response).

[0494] In the case of the HBV prophylactic vaccine, the composition elicits an immune response to HBV envelope proteins that play critical roles in HBV entry and infection of its target cells. This approach completely blocks both pathways of HBV infection of B cells, and provide protection for both types of target cells, which make the prophylactic vaccine superior to other prophylactic HBV vaccine.

[0495] The combination of T cell module and B cell module can be used to develop therapeutic vaccines for disease caused by HBV infection, based on different mechanisms the disease, part or all the T cell module mRNA vaccine candidates. The T cell module induces T cell immune responses to eliminate latent HBV infected cells or immediate lytic activation, and the B cell module induces antibodies to prevent HBV infection of naive target cells.

[0496] Reference will now be made in detail to specific aspects of the disclosed materials, compounds, compositions, articles, and methods, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying Examples and Figures.

[0497] All of the compositions and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods of this disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compositions and methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the disclosure. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents which are both chemically related may beAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0498] substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0499] By way of non-limiting illustration, examples of certain embodiments of the present disclosure are given below.

[0500] EXAMPLES

[0501] Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health problem, leading to chronic infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Current treatments, including antiviral therapies, are often unable to achieve a functional cure, which requires both the elimination of the virus and restoration of the immune system’s ability to clear the infection.

[0502] Despite advancements in antiviral therapy, achieving long-term control of HBV persistence remains a significant challenge. The immune system’s inability to recognize and clear HBV-infected cells is largely attributed to viral immune evasion mechanisms. Specifically, HBV's ability to persist within liver cells and its manipulation of immune responses limits the effectiveness of current therapies.

[0503] The present invention provides a new mRNA-based therapeutic vaccine aimed at addressing this unmet need by inducing both neutralizing antibodies and robust T-cell responses (including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells) to achieve a functional cure for HBV infection. This mRNA vaccine is designed to target several key viral proteins, stimulating a comprehensive immune response capable of clearing HBV-infected cells and preventing chronic disease progression.

[0504] Design for mRNA candidates

[0505] To effectively elicit HBV neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and HBV antigen-specific T cell responses for optimal prevention of HBV infection and elimination of infected hepatocytes, we designed two distinct categories of mRNAs: nAb-Eliciting mRNA:

[0506] Designed to induce a strong humoral immune response by generating potent HBV-neutralizing antibodies. T Cell-Activating mRNA: Engineered to stimulate robust HBV-specific T cell responses, enhancing viral clearance by targeting and eliminating infected hepatocytes.

[0507] Table 1. List of mRNA candidates for induction of antibodies.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0508]

[0509] Table 2. List of mRNA candidates for T-cell activation.

[0510]

[0511] Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0512]

[0513] Table 3. List of physicochemical properties and encapsulation efficiency (E.E) of LNP-mRNA shown in Figure 3.

[0514]

[0515] Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0516] mRNA integrity. mRNAs (S2-S-TM, SP-S1-S2-S, SP-TS1-S2-S, S2-S-CS1, SP-SI-TM, Core, Pol and CPX-fragment, TS1-S2-S and TS1-S2-S-TM were synthesized with T7 RNA polymerase in vitro and run on 0.8% MOPS agarose gel. See Figures 1A and IB.

[0517] Evaluation of mRNAs’ expression in vitro. 293T cells were transfected with mRNAs encoding HBV associated antigens, cells were collected 24 hours after transfection, and cell lysates were used to perform Western blotting for the detection of large S protein (Figure 2A) and pre-S2 protein (Figure 2B).

[0518] Formulation of mRNA with ARV-T1 ENP and physicochemical properties and encapsulation efficiency (E.E) of LNP-mRNA are shown in Figure 3A-3T and Table 3.

[0519] Evaluation of LNP-mRNAs’ expression in vitro. 293T cells were transfected with LNP-mRNAs encoding HBV associated antigens. Cells and culture supernatants were collected 48 hours after the transfection, and cell lysates and culture supernatants were used to perform Dot blotting for the detection of HBs (Figure 4A) and western blotting for the detection of large S protein (Figure 4B) and Pre-S2 protein (Figure 4C). Recombinant HBs were used as positive control (660, 66, 6.6, 0.66 and 0.066 ng / ul).

[0520] Immunogenicity study of nAb-eliciting mRNA candidates. The study design is shown in Figure 5A: 2 ug of ARV-T1 LNP formulated mRNA candidates are administrated I.M. into BALB / c mice with 3 weeks apart. 14 and 35 days after 1st immunization, serum samples and spleens are harvested for measurement of HBsAg-specific antibodies (total IgG) (Figure 5B), and neutralizing antibodies(nAbs) titers (Figure 5C). The nAb assay is performed by adding the HBV virus-serum mixture to the HepG2-hNTCP cells, the infection of HBV was determined by measuring the HBsAg in the supernatant using ELISA as an indicator of viral infection. Based on this result, three mRNAs were identified as ideal candidates for nAb-eliciting mRNA: SP-TS1-S2-S, S2-S-CS1 and TSl-S2-S.

[0521] nAb-eliciting mRNA candidates elicit HBV-S antigen-specific T cells responses. T cell responses were measured by Elispot with stimulation with an overlapping peptides pool of HBsAg (Figures 6A and 6B). Percent HBsAg-specific CD8+ T cells (Figure 6C) and CD4+ T cells (Figure 6D) were determined by intracellular staining of IFN-g and TNF-a upon coincubation with HBsAg overlapping peptide pool.

[0522] Identify optimal mRNA from T cell-activating candidates. BALB / c mice were immunized twice with indicated mRNA candidates after formulation with ARV-T1 LNP, 14 days after the 2ndimmunization (Figure 7A). HBV antigen-specific T cell responses were evaluated by ELispot upon stimulation with mixture peptide pools of Core, Pol and X genesAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0523] (Figures 7B and 7C). mRNA candidate CPX was identified as the ideal mRNA sequence with robust capacity of activating HBV specific T cells.

[0524] HBV therapeutic mRNA vaccine protection study. C57BL / 6 mice were intravenously injected with AAV-HBV1.3 virus to establish a chronic HBV infection model over a period of 8 weeks (Figure 8A). After confirming HBV persistence with HBsAg levels exceeding 500 lU / ml, mice were randomly assigned into two treatment groups: Mock treatment (control) or 5ug of AA-001 mRNA vaccine (SP-TS1-S2-S and CPX-Fragment-E3L formulated with ARV-T1 LNP), administered weekly for a total of three doses. Serum samples were collected at indicated time points, and HBV DNA levels were quantified using real-time PCR to assess the antiviral efficacy of AA-001(Figure 8B). Data are presented as mean ± SEM (standard error of the mean).

[0525] mRNA-based therapeutic vaccine described herein for HBV infection, offers a strategy to achieve a functional cure. By stimulating both neutralizing antibody (nAb) production and a robust T cell response, including CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, this vaccine targets HBV at multiple stages, enhancing the immune system's ability to eliminate infected hepatocytes and prevent disease progression.

[0526] In this study, three mRNA constructs were identified as highly effective in eliciting neutralizing antibodies: SP-TS1-S2-S, S2-S-CS1, TS1-S2-S. Additionally, three mRNA candidates were validated for their ability to induce a strong T cell response: CPX, CPX-Fragment, CPX-Fragment-E3L.

[0527] Among these candidates, the optimal combination for an HBV therapeutic vaccine was identified as SP-TS1-S2-S (for nAb induction) and CPX (for T cell activation). These findings support the potential of this mRNA vaccine as a next-generation immunotherapy for chronic HBV infection.

[0528] The compositions and methods of the appended claims are not limited in scope by the specific compositions and methods described herein, which are intended as illustrations of a few aspects of the claims and any compositions and methods that are functionally equivalent are intended to fall within the scope of the claims. Various modifications of the compositions and methods in addition to those shown and described herein are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Further, while only certain representative compositions and method steps disclosed herein are specifically described, other combinations of the compositions and method steps also are intended to fall within theAttorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl

[0529] scope of the appended claims, even if not specifically recited. Thus, a combination of steps, elements, components, or constituents may be explicitly mentioned herein; however, other combinations of steps, elements, components, and constituents are included, even though not explicitly stated.

Claims

Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOlWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A composition comprising:a first nucleic acid encoding for an HBV surface antigen or a variant or fragment thereof; anda second nucleic acid encoding for an HBV core-associated antigen or a variant or fragment thereof.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the first nucleic acid comprises SEQ ID NOs.1-11, or a variant or fragment thereof.

3. The composition of any one of claims 1-2, wherein the first nucleic acid comprises SEQ ID NO. 9, SEQ ID NO. 3, SEQ ID NO. 11, or a variant or fragment thereof.

4. The composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid encoding for an HBV surface antigen having SEQ ID NO. 22-32 or a variant or fragment thereof.

5. The composition of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid encoding for an HBV surface antigen having SEQ ID NO. 30, SEQ ID NO. 24, SEQ ID NO. 32, or a variant or fragment thereof.

6. The composition of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the second nucleic acid comprises SEQ ID NOs. 12-21, or a variant or fragment thereof.

7. The composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the second nucleic acid comprises SEQ ID NO. 19, SEQ ID NO. 17, or SEQ ID NO. 18, or a variant or fragment thereof.

8. The composition of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the second nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid encoding for SEQ ID NOs. 33-42, or a variant or fragment thereof.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl9. The composition of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the second nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid encoding for an HBV core-associated antigen having SEQ ID NO.40, SEQ ID NO. 38, SEQ ID NO. 39, or a variant or fragment thereof.

10. The composition of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first nucleic acid comprises SEQ. ID 9, or a variant or fragment thereof encoding for an HBV surface antigen having SEQ ID NO. 30, or a variant or fragment thereof.

11. The composition of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the second nucleic acid comprises SEQ ID NO. 19 or a variant or fragment thereof encoding for an HBV coreassociated antigen having SEQ ID NO. 40 or a variant or fragment thereof.

12. The composition of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the composition comprises a first nucleic acid comprising SEQ ID NO. 9 or a variant or fragment thereof encoding for an HBV surface antigen having SEQ ID NO. 30 or a variant or fragment thereof; and a second nucleic acid comprising SEQ ID NO. 19 or a variant or fragment thereof encoding for an HBV core-associated antigen having SEQ ID NO. 40 or a variant or fragment thereof.

13. The composition of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the first nucleic acid and the second nucleic acid comprise plasmid DNA, minicircle DNA, microRNA, mRNA, selfamplifying RNA, circle RNA, DNA launched self-amplifying RNA, or viral vector.

14. The composition of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the composition comprises a nanoparticle, a lipid nanoparticle dispersion, a liposomal formulation, a lipid emulsion, vaccine, vector, or any combination thereof.

15. The composition of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the composition is a lipid nanoparticle, and wherein the lipid nanoparticle comprises 20% to 80% of ionizable lipid, cationic lipid, or any combination thereof; 0 % to 5 % pegylated lipids; 0 % to 40 % helper lipids; and 0 % to 80 % sterol.

16. The composition of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the composition comprises a pharmaceutical composition suitable for administration to a human subject.Attorney Docket No. 11538-OlOWOl17. The composition of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the composition is administered in combination with existing treatments or active agents.

18. A cell comprising the composition of any one of claims 1-17.

19. The cell of claim 18, wherein the cell comprises a dendritic cell, B cell, a macrophage, or other cells derived from a subject that can be used for immunotherapy.

20. A method of treating or preventing HBV infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-17.

21. A method of preventing a disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-17.

22. A method of treating a disease or disorder caused by HBV infection in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition of any one of claims 1-17.

23. The method of any one of claims 21-22, wherein the disease or disorder caused by HBV infection is selected from the group consisting of chronic infection, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and combinations thereof.

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