Analytical Characterization of Heterogeneities in mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles Using Sucrose Density Gradient Ultracentrifugation.

Rational design and robust formulation processes are critical for optimal delivery of mRNA by lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). Varying degrees of heterogeneity in mRNA-LNPs can affect their biophysical and functional properties. Given the profound complexity of mRNA-LNPs, it is critical to develop comprehensive and orthogonal analytical techniques for a better understanding of these formulations. To this end, we developed a robust ultracentrifugation method for density-based separation of subpopulations of mRNA-LNPs. Four LNP formulations encapsulating human erythropoietin (hEPO) with varying functionalities were synthesized using two ionizable lipids, A and B, and two helper lipids, 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DOPE) and 1,2-dierucoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DEPE), along with cholesterol and DMG-PEG-2K. Upon ultracentrifugation on a sucrose gradient, a distinct pattern of "fractions" was observed across the gradient, from the less dense topmost fraction to the increasingly denser bottom fractions, which were harvested for comprehensive analyses. Parent LNPs, A-DOPE and B-DOPE, were resolved into three density-based fractions, each differing significantly in the hEPO expression following intravenous and intramuscular routes of administration. Parent B-DEPE LNPs resolved into two density-based fractions, with most of the payload and lipid content being attributed to the topmost fraction compared to the lower one, indicating some degree of heterogeneity, while parent A-DEPE LNPs showed remarkable homogeneity, as indicated by comparable in vivo potency, lipid numbers, and particle count among the three density-based fractions. This study is the first to demonstrate the application of density gradient-based ultracentrifugation (DGC) for a head-to-head comparison of heterogeneity as a function of biological performance and biophysical characteristics of parent mRNA-LNPs and their subpopulations.

The Localization of Phenolic Compounds in Liposomal Bilayers and Their Effects on Surface Characteristics and Colloidal Stability.

The interactions with and effects of five chemically distinct, bioactive phenolic compounds on the lipid bilayers of model dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) liposomes were investigated. Complementary analytical techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and phosphorus and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), were employed in order to determine the location of the compounds within the bilayer and to correlate location with their effects on bilayer characteristics and liposomal stability. As compared to the phenolic compounds localized in the glycerol region of the DPPC head group within the bilayer, which enhanced the colloidal stability of the liposomes, compounds located closer to the center of the bilayer reduced vesicle stability as a function of time. Molecules present in the upper region of liposomal DPPC acyl chains (C1-C10) inhibited liposomal aggregation and size increase, perhaps due to tighter packing of adjoining DPPC molecules and increased surface exposure of DPPC phosphate head groups. These data may be useful for designing liposomal systems containing hydrophobic phenols and other small molecules, selecting appropriate analytical methods for determining their location within liposomal bilayers, and predicting their effects on liposome characteristics early in the liposome formulation development process.

Radio Frequency-Activated Nanoliposomes for Controlled Combination Drug Delivery.

This work was conducted in order to design, characterize, and evaluate stable liposomes containing the hydrophobic drug raloxifene HCl (RAL) and hydrophilic doxycycline HCl (DOX), two potentially synergistic agents for treating osteoporosis and other bone lesions, in conjunction with a radio frequency-induced, hydrophobic magnetic nanoparticle-dependent triggering mechanism for drug release. Both drugs were successfully incorporated into liposomes by lipid film hydration, although combination drug loading compromised liposome stability. Liposome stability was improved by reducing the drug load and by including Pluronics® (PL) in the formulations. DOX did not appear to interact with the phospholipid membranes comprising the liposomes, and its release was maximized in the presence of radio frequency (RF) heating. In contrast, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P-NMR) analysis revealed that RAL developed strong interactions with the phospholipid membranes, most notably with lipid phosphate head groups, resulting in significant changes in membrane thermodynamics. Likewise, RAL release from liposomes was minimal, even in the presence of RF heating. These studies may offer useful insights into the design and optimization of multidrug containing liposomes. The effects of RAL on liposome characteristics and drug release performance underscore the importance of appropriate physical-chemical analysis in order to identify and characterize drug-lipid interactions that may profoundly affect liposome properties and performance early in the formulation development process.

Inhalable dry powder product (DPP) of mRNA lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) for pulmonary delivery.

Pulmonary delivery of mRNA via inhalation is a very attractive approach for RNA-based therapy for treatment of lung diseases. In this work, we have demonstrated successful development of an mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) dry powder product (DPP), wherein the LNPs were spray dried using hydroalcoholic solvent along with mannitol and leucine as excipients. The desired critical attributes for the DPP were accomplished by varying the excipients, lipid composition, concentration of LNPs, and weight percentage of mRNA. Leucine alone or in combination with mannitol improved the formulation by increasing the mRNA yield as well as decreasing the particle size. Intratracheal administration of the DPP in mice resulted in luciferase expression in the trachea and lungs indicating successful delivery of functional mRNA. Our results show formulation optimization of mRNA LNPs administered in the form of DPP results in an efficacious functional delivery with great promise for future development of mRNA therapeutics for lung diseases.

Hot melt extrusion for amorphous solid dispersions: temperature and moisture activated drug-polymer interactions for enhanced stability.

Hot melt extrudates (HMEs) of indomethacin (IND) with Eudragit EPO and Kollidon VA 64 and those of itraconazole (ITZ) with HPMCAS-LF and Kollidon VA 64 were manufactured using a Leistritz twin screw extruder. The milled HMEs were stored at controlled temperature and humidity conditions. The samples were collected after specified time periods for 3 months. The stability of amorphous HMEs was assessed using moisture analysis, thermal evaluation, powder X-ray diffraction, FTIR, HPLC, and dissolution study. In general, the moisture content increased with time, temperature, and humidity levels. Amorphous ITZ was physically unstable at very high temperature and humidity levels, and its recrystallization was detected in the HMEs manufactured using Kollidon VA 64. Although physical stability of IND was better sustained by both Eudragit EPO and Kollidon VA 64, chemical degradation of the drug was identified in the stability samples of HMEs with Eudragit EPO stored at 50 °C. The dissolution rates and the supersaturation levels were significantly decreased for the stability samples in which crystallization was detected. Interestingly, the supersaturation was improved for the stability samples of IND:Eudragit EPO and ITZ:HPMCAS-LF, in which no physical or chemical instability was observed. This enhancement in supersaturation was attributed to the temperature and moisture activated electrostatic interactions between the drugs and their counterionic polymers.

Perfusion magnetic resonance imaging characteristics of intracerebral tuberculomas and its role in differentiating tuberculomas from metastases.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral tuberculomas usually manifest as ring-enhancing of nodular lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These imaging findings are also observed in other lesions like metastases and toxoplasmosis. PURPOSE: To study the MRI perfusion characteristics of tuberculomas and its potential role in their definitive diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-four tuberculomas were evaluated by conventional and perfusion MRI. The relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) values of the center, peripheral wall, and perilesional neuroparenchymal tissue were calculated using rCBV maps. Ten ring-enhancing metastases were similarly evaluated and rCBV values of their peripheral walls were calculated. RESULTS: Thirty-one of the 34 tuberculomas were ring-enhancing or conglomerate lesions and revealed hypoperfused centers with hyperperfused peripheral walls, with the mean rCBV ± SD being 0.42 ± 0.25 and 2.04 ± 0.61, respectively. Three nodular enhancing lesions showed predominantly homogenous hyperperfusion, with the mean rCBV measuring 2.96 ± 0.39 (mean ± SD). The perilesional neuroparenchyma was hypoperfused in both cases. The metastases revealed mean rCBV ratio of the peripheral wall to be 5.43 ± 2.1 (mean ± SD). Analysis of the values by ROC curve method revealed a cut-off value of ≥3.745 for differentiating ring-enhancing metastases from ring-enhancing tuberculomas. CONCLUSION: Perfusion MR is a useful tool for the assessment of tuberculomas and can help differentiate them from neoplasms like metastases. It also has a potential role in monitoring therapy and for early detection of drug resistance.

Low-viscosity hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) grades SL and SSL: versatile pharmaceutical polymers for dissolution enhancement, controlled release, and pharmaceutical processing.

Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC)-SL and -SSL, low-viscosity hydroxypropylcellulose polymers, are versatile pharmaceutical excipients. The utility of HPC polymers was assessed for both dissolution enhancement and sustained release of pharmaceutical drugs using various processing techniques. The BCS class II drugs carbamazepine (CBZ), hydrochlorthiazide, and phenytoin (PHT) were hot melt mixed (HMM) with various polymers. PHT formulations produced by solvent evaporation (SE) and ball milling (BM) were prepared using HPC-SSL. HMM formulations of BCS class I chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) were prepared using HPC-SL and -SSL. These solid dispersions (SDs) manufactured using different processes were evaluated for amorphous transformation and dissolution characteristics. Drug degradation because of HMM processing was also assessed. Amorphous conversion using HMM could be achieved only for relatively low-melting CBZ and CPM. SE and BM did not produce amorphous SDs of PHT using HPC-SSL. Chemical stability of all the drugs was maintained using HPC during the HMM process. Dissolution enhancement was observed in HPC-based HMMs and compared well to other polymers. The dissolution enhancement of PHT was in the order of SE>BM>HMM>physical mixtures, as compared to the pure drug, perhaps due to more intimate mixing that occurred during SE and BM than in HMM. Dissolution of CPM could be significantly sustained in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids using HPC polymers. These studies revealed that low-viscosity HPC-SL and -SSL can be employed to produce chemically stable SDs of poorly as well as highly water-soluble drugs using various pharmaceutical processes in order to control drug dissolution.

Development of multivalent mRNA vaccine candidates for seasonal or pandemic influenza.

Recent approval of mRNA vaccines for emergency use against COVID-19 is likely to promote rapid development of mRNA-based vaccines targeting a wide range of infectious diseases. Compared to conventional approaches, this vaccine modality promises comparable potency while substantially accelerating the pace of development and deployment of vaccine doses. Already demonstrated successfully for single antigen vaccines such as for COVID-19, this technology could be optimized for complex multi-antigen vaccines. Herein, utilizing multiple influenza antigens, we demonstrated the suitability of the mRNA therapeutic (MRT) platform for such applications. Seasonal influenza vaccines have three or four hemagglutinin (HA) antigens of different viral subtypes. In addition, influenza neuraminidase (NA), a tetrameric membrane protein, is identified as an antigen that has been linked to protective immunity against severe viral disease. We detail the efforts in optimizing formulations of influenza candidates that use unmodified mRNA encoding full-length HA or full-length NA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). HA and NA mRNA-LNP formulations, either as monovalent or as multivalent vaccines, induced strong functional antibody and cellular responses in non-human primates and such antigen-specific antibody responses were associated with protective efficacy against viral challenge in mice.

Supersaturation, nucleation, and crystal growth during single- and biphasic dissolution of amorphous solid dispersions: polymer effects and implications for oral bioavailability enhancement of poorly water soluble drugs.

The influence of polymers on the dissolution, supersaturation, crystallization, and partitioning of poorly water soluble compounds in biphasic media was evaluated. Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) containing felodipine (FLD) and itraconazole (ITZ) were prepared by hot melt mixing (HMM) using various polymers. The ASDs were analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and HPLC. Amorphous drug conversion was confirmed using DSC and PXRD, and drug stability by HPLC. Single- and biphasic dissolution studies of the ASDs with concurrent dynamic light scattering (DLS) and polarized light microscopic (PLM) analysis of precipitated drugs were performed. HPLC revealed no HMM-induced drug degradation. Maximum partitioning into the organic phase was dependent upon the degree of supersaturation. Although the highest supersaturation of FLD was attained using Eudragit® EPO and AQOAT® AS-LF with better nucleation and crystal growth inhibition using the latter, higher partitioning of the drug into the organic phase was achieved using Pharmacoat® 603 and Kollidon® VA-64 by maintaining supersaturation below critical nucleation. Critical supersaturation for ITZ was surpassed using all of the polymers, and partitioning was dependent upon nucleation and crystal growth inhibition in the order of Pharmacoat® 603>Eudragit® L-100-55>AQOAT® AS-LF. HMM drug-polymer systems that prevent drug nucleation by staying below critical supersaturation are more effective for partitioning than those that achieve the highest supersaturation.

Hydroxypropyl cellulose stabilizes amorphous solid dispersions of the poorly water soluble drug felodipine.

Overcoming the low oral bioavailability of many drugs due to their poor aqueous solubility is one of the major challenges in the pharmaceutical industry. The production of amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of these drugs using hydrophilic polymers may significantly improve their solubility. However, their storage stability and the stability of their supersaturated solutions in the gastrointestinal tract upon administration are unsolved problems. We have investigated the potential of a low viscosity grade of a cellulosic polymer, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC-SSL), and compared it with a commonly used vinyl polymer, polyvinylpyrrolidone vinyl acetate (PVP-VA), for stabilizing the ASDs of a poorly water soluble drug, felodipine. The ASDs were produced using hot melt mixing and stored under standard and accelerated stability conditions. The ASDs were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, powder X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Drug dissolution and partitioning rates were evaluated using single- and biphasic dissolution studies. The ASDs displayed superior drug dissolution and partitioning as compared to the pure crystalline drug, which might be attributed to the formation of a drug-polymer molecular dispersion, amorphous conversion of the drug, and drug-polymer hydrogen bonding interactions. Late phase separation and early re-crystallization occurred at lower and higher storage temperatures, respectively, for HPC-SSL ASDs, whereas early phase separation, even at low storage temperatures, was noted for PVP-VA ASDs. Consequently, the partitioning rates for ASDs dispersed in HPC-SSL were greater than those of PVP-VA at lower and room temperature storage, whereas the performance of both of the ASDs was similar when stored at higher temperatures.

Stability assessment of hypromellose acetate succinate (HPMCAS) NF for application in hot melt extrusion (HME).

HPMCAS is a widely used polymer in the pharmaceutical industry as an excipient. In this work, the physicochemical stability of HPMCAS was investigated for hot melt extrusion (HME) application. The reduction in zero rate viscosity (η0) of the polymer with the increase in temperature was determined using rheological evaluation prior to HME processing. The energy of activation for AS-MF determined by fitting Arrhenius model to the temperature dependent reduction in η0 was found to be slightly lower than that for the other grades of HPMCAS. Glassy yellowish HMEs were obtained using Haake Mini-Lab MicroCompounder operated at 160, 180, and 200°C and 100, 200, and 300 rpm for all the grades at each temperature. Various physicochemical properties of HPMCAS such as glass transition temperature, semi-crystalline nature, solid state functional group properties, moisture content, and solution viscosity were not significantly affected by the HME processing. The most significant change was the release of acetic and succinic acid with the increase in HME temperature and speed. The free acid content release due to HME was directly proportional to the speed at lower operating temperatures. AS-LF was found to be the most stable with the lowest increase in total free acid content even at higher HME temperature and speed. Although the dissolution time was not affected due to HME for AS-LF and AS-MF grades, it was notably increased for AS-HF, perhaps due to significant reduction of succinoyl content. In conclusion, the HME processing conditions for solid dispersions of HPMCAS should be based on the acceptance levels of free acid for the drug and the drug product.

Hot melt extrusion (HME) for amorphous solid dispersions: predictive tools for processing and impact of drug-polymer interactions on supersaturation.

The processing parameters for HME have been evaluated and the impact of solid state intermolecular drug-polymer interactions on supersaturation has been investigated. Poorly water soluble drugs Indomethacin (IND), Itraconazole (ITZ), and Griseofulvin (GSF) and hydrophilic polymers - Eudragit EPO, Eudragit L-100-55, Eudragit L-100, HPMCAS-LF, HPMCAS-MF, Pharmacoat 603, and Kollidon VA-64 were selected for this study. Solubility parameters calculations (SPCs), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and rheological analysis of drug-polymer physical mixtures (PMs) was performed. The solid dispersions were manufactured using HME and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), polarized light microscopy (PLM), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) Spectroscopy, and dissolution study. Results obtained by DSC correlated well with SPC, showing single glass transition temperatures for all the PMs except ITZ in Eudragit EPO that depicted the highest difference in solubility parameters. The zero rate viscosity (η0) was dependent on the melting point and consequently the state of the drug in the polymer at the softening temperature. The η0 of PMs was useful to estimate the processing conditions for HME and to produce transparent glassy HMEs from most of the PMs. The amorphous conversion due to HME was confirmed by PXRD and PLM. The solid state drug-polymer interactions occurred during HME could be confirmed by FTIR analysis. Highest supersaturation could be achieved for IND, ITZ, and GSF using Eudragit EPO, HPMCAS-LF, and Eudragit L-100-55, respectively where relatively higher stretching of the carbonyl peaks was observed by FTIR. Thus, the highest dissolution rate and supersaturation of poorly water soluble drugs could be attributed to drug-polymer interactions occurred during HME.