Discover how advanced analytical techniques are transforming RNA therapeutics, ensuring precision and efficacy in delivery systems.
A New Era in RNA Therapeutics
The mRNA and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) field is rapidly advancing, marking a new era in RNA therapeutics. As Dan Peer highlights, we are now able to target RNA specifically to organs and different cell types, enabling gene silencing, activation, expression, editing, and soon, replacement. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in RNA therapeutics, particularly in RNA encapsulation and delivery.
LNPs have emerged as key players due to their ability to protect RNA, enhance stability, and increase the therapeutic index. While offering many possibilities, LNPs face challenges in stability and characterization due to their modular nature and susceptibility to environmental factors. This blog underscores the importance of analytics in developing next-generation LNPs.
Meet the Experts
Dan Peer, a leading figure in RNA therapeutics, highlights the dual challenges posed by RNA and its delivery. His work integrates RNA delivery with protein engineering and innovative drug targets to address gene silencing, activation, and editing. Dan emphasizes that maintaining the integrity of the payload and lipid coating is essential for success.
Tristan Kovačič from Sartorius BIA Separations explores the complexities of LNP characterization and underscores the key aspects of the PATfix LNP Switcher Analytical Platform. He illustrates how this platform effectively addresses the challenges currently faced in LNP analytics.
Advanced Analytical Techniques
The PATfix LNP Switcher Platform, set to launch in early 2025, addresses these challenges by using two-dimensional chromatography to separate LNPs and RNA based on size and hydrophobicity. Initially, hydrophobic interaction chromatography differentiates LNPs by size and hydrophobic properties, detecting LNPs and RNA with multi-angle light scattering and UV-Vis detectors. The second step, reverse-phase ion pair chromatography, further separates RNA, allowing precise quantification of encapsulated RNA and lipids. This setup is crucial for applications like CRISPR, where encapsulation efficiency, quantity, and integrity of multiple cargos are paramount.
Overcoming Limitations of Traditional Analytical Methods
- Enhancing RNA Integrity Analysis: The Shift from Traditional to Non-Labeling Techniques
Traditional analytical methods often fail to predict the in vivo and in vitro behavior of LNPs. While labeling techniques are powerful, they can alter the system, and non-labeling techniques are preferred. The PATfix LNP Switcher comprehensively analyzes RNA LNP drug products without labeling. Its ability to separate free and encapsulated RNA ensures accurate integrity analysis, which is vital for maintaining mRNA integrity and therapeutic efficacy.
- Advanced Analysis with the PATfix LNP Switcher: Ensuring Payload Integrity and Therapeutic Efficacy
Unlike techniques such as NTA, DLS, and cryo-EM, the PATfix LNP Switcher offers a detailed analysis, ensuring the therapeutic payload remains intact and effective throughout the delivery process. This advanced analytical approach not only enhances quality control but also provides deeper insights into LNP formation and stability, paving the way for future advancements in RNA therapeutics.
Watch the video to learn how the PATfix LNP Switcher Platform improves insights into LNP production
PATfix all-in one tool enables multiparameter analytics:
- Encapsulation efficiency
- Nucleic acid integrity
- Particle size estimation
- Nucleic acid-Lipid adducts heterogeneity
The integration of cutting-edge analytics into the workflows of LNP researchers from Tel Aviv University highlights the critical role of innovation in LNP development. Utilizing the PATfix LNP Switcher enables them to optimize their processes and ensures robust and reliable therapeutic outcomes. This approach enhances quality control and provides deeper insights into LNP formation, paving the way for future advancements in RNA therapeutics.
Discover the latest advancements in RNA therapeutics and LNP innovations. Watch the presentation by Dan Peer and Tristan Kovačič to explore the insights behind this blog.
