RNA Lipoplex Formulation for Stable Storage and IV Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for formulations that efficiently deliver biologically active RNA to target tissues while maintaining product quality and biological activity, particularly for use in GMP-compliant manufacturing with long shelf-life and stability.

Innovation Solution

The development of RNA lipoplex particles comprising specific ratios of cationic and additional lipids, sodium chloride, and stabilizers, along with controlled manufacturing processes, enables efficient delivery and storage of RNA, including freeze-drying and spray-drying methods to extend shelf-life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If RNA is delivered using conventional lipoplex formulations, then RNA delivery to target tissues is achieved, but product quality and biological activity are lost during storage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct quality stabilityVSAvoidshelf-life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the charge ratio between cationic lipids and RNA to a specific range (1:1.9 to 1:2.1), adjusting lipid composition ratios, and controlling formulation pH to achieve both effective RNA delivery and enhanced storage stability. These parameter optimizations resolve the contradiction by creating a formulation that maintains biological activity throughout extended storage periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials by combining cationic lipids with specific helper lipids in defined ratios within the liposome structure. This composite approach creates a stable lipoplex formulation that protects RNA during storage while maintaining delivery functionality, thereby extending shelf-life without compromising product quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If RNA lipoplex formulations are stored liquid, then ease of administration is maintained, but shelf-life is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf-lifeVSAvoidstorage convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transitions by developing a liquid crystalline liposome formulation that maintains a defined phase state during storage. This phase transition approach allows the formulation to be stored as a stable liquid or frozen state with extended shelf-life, while still enabling easy reconstitution and administration when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

3Manufacturing precision

If GMP-compliant manufacturing is implemented, then product quality is ensured, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformulation consistencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention simplifies GMP-compliant manufacturing by establishing specific parameter ranges for charge ratio (1:1.9 to 1:2.1), lipid composition, and pH that can be controlled through standardized processes. These defined parameters enable consistent batch-to-batch production while maintaining regulatory compliance, reducing the complexity of manufacturing control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The formulations maintain RNA activity and product quality, allowing for stable delivery and storage, suitable for GMP compliance and intravenous administration.

Implementation Method 1

RNA is bound to liposomes composed of a mixture of a cationic lipid and helper lipid to form injectable nanoparticle formulations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The formulations maintain RNA activity and product quality, allowing for stable delivery and storage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStabilization:

Implementation Method 3

RNA lipoplex particle formulations described herein can be frozen or dehydrated by freeze-drying, spray-drying or related methods, enabling to obtain extended shelf-life of the products

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreeze-drying: Freeze Drying

Implementation Method 4

RNA lipoplex particle formulations described herein can be frozen or dehydrated by freeze-drying, spray-drying or related methods, enabling to obtain extended shelf-life of the products

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray-drying: Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3858333B1Preparation and storage of liposomal RNA formulations suitable for therapy
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 BIONTECH SE
  • EP3858333B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3858333B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3858333B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods for preparing RNA lipoplex particles for delivery of RNA to target tissues after parenteral administration, in particular after intravenous administration, and compositions comprising such RNA lipoplex particles. The present disclosure also relates to methods which allow preparing RNA lipoplex particles in an industrial GMP-compliant manner. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to methods and compositions for storing RNA lipoplex particles without substantial loss of the product quality and, in particular, without substantial loss of RNA activity.