Difference in the lipid nanoparticle technology employed in three approved siRNA (Patisiran) and mRNA (COVID-19 vaccine) drugs. (December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Suzuki, Yuta; Ishihara, Hiroshi
• Is Part Of: Drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics. Volume 41(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-12
• Subjects: Lipid nanoparticles -- Ionizable lipid -- LNP -- mRNA vaccine -- COVID-19 -- Patisiran -- Tozinameran -- Elasomeran -- COVID-19 vaccine moderna -- SARS-CoV-2; Drugs -- Metabolism -- Periodicals; Pharmacokinetics -- Periodicals; 615.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.dmpk.2021.100424
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1347-4367

Abstract

Abstract: Nucleic acid therapeutics are developing into precise medicines that can manipulate specific genes. However, the development of safe and effective delivery system for the target cells has remained a challenge. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have provided a revolutionary delivery system that can ensure multiple clinical translation of RNA-based candidates. In 2018, Patisiran (Onpattro) was first approved as an LNP-based siRNA drug. In 2020, during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, LNPs have enabled the development of two SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines, Tozinameran (Comirnaty or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine) and Elasomeran (Spikevax or COVID-19 vaccine Moderna) for conditional approval. Here, we reviewed the state-of-the-art LNP technology employed in three approved drugs (one siRNA-based and two mRNA-based drugs) and discussed the differences in their mode of action, formulation design, and biodistribution.