Importance of Lipid Nanoparticles in mRNA
Previously, we discussed the importance and evolution of mRNA therapies in biopharma and biotech. In this article, we discuss how lipid nanoparticles are a crucial element in the successful delivery of mRNA and RNA therapies.
What are Liposomes and Nanoparticles?
In this article, we will explore lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), their usefulness in biotech and biopharma, their impact on mRNA therapies, and more. First, it may be helpful to understand some industry terms that are commonly used when discussing lipid nanoparticles.
Made of phospholipid layers that are similar to the structure of cell membranes, liposomes are spherical-shaped, microscopic vesicles. LNPs are the offspring of liposomes, so without liposomes, there would be no lipid nanoparticles. Liposomes can be utilized to deliver substances, such as mRNA, while protecting the loaded drug from the biological environment, or metabolic enzymes.
Nanoparticles refers to particles that are so small, they are invisible to the naked eye, and can even be difficult to detect under a common microscope. They can range in size between 10 and 100 nanometers. In recent years, nanoparticles have been used to create or discover therapies that would not be otherwise possible.
What are Lipid Nanoparticles?
Now that we have gained an understanding of both liposomes and nanoparticles, what are lipid nanoparticles (LNPs)? If you have looked into any mRNA technologies or clinical trials, you have probably heard of LNPS.
Similar to liposomes, LNPs are spherical in shape, but they differ from liposomes in the fact that they form micellar structures in their core. This allows them to be modified in order to obtain the desired characteristics through the process of varying formulation parameters.
They are made of ionized lipids, and have a unique ability to encapsulate various nucleic acids like mRNA, tRNA, and more, and successfully deliver them to a different location in the body. LNPs have become an increasingly interesting tool to researchers, as its ability to be modified, and cargo capabilities, combined with their lipid shell which prevents enzymatic degradation, makes LNPs a promising science to be utilized in biopharmaceutical treatments.
Understanding mRNA Technologies
As discussed in our previous article “The Evolution and Impact of mRNA”, messenger RNA (mRNA) is a genetic material that can carry instructions from DNA to cells called ribosomes, giving them instructions on how to build certain proteins.
The history of mRNA dates back to 1965, but very few treatments have been approved. Some mRNA vaccinations that are currently available include the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccines for COVID-19. As mRNA is a hot topic in the biotech and biopharma spaces, new treatments are constantly evolving, and many mRNA solutions are in the midst of clinical trials.
How Lipid Nanoparticles Aid with mRNA and RNA Solutions
LNPs are useful in mRNA treatments, as they provide a protective barrier as the mRNA, which can be referred to as a “recipe”, moves to the cells. On its own, mRNA would be too fragile to reach the desired cells. LNPs coat and encapsulate the mRNA being used in treatment, which protects it from any potentially destructive enzymes.
Interestingly, mRNA has become a major buzzword in the biopharma industry, but without lipid nanoparticles, mRNA therapies likely would not be possible. Although the concept sounds simple, it has taken decades of research to find effective and safe ways to implement lipid nanoparticles.
Challenges with Lipid Nanoparticles
Many challenges are presented when working with LNP’s. Immunogenicity of lipid nanoparticles is incredibly difficult to predict ahead of clinical trials, they can have shorter half-lives than required by the treatment, and LNPs can face structural stability issues.
It has been proven that these roadblocks can be overcome with solutions like the COVID-19 vaccine, but they remind us that much more research will need to be done before lipid nanoparticles and mRNA are used in commonplace therapies.
The Future of LNPs
As of 2022, the global LNPs market was valued at $789 million. With a projected CAGR of 14.2% from 2023 to 2033, the market is expected to reach a value of $3.3 billion. As mentioned above, the full potential of lipid nanoparticles have yet to be realized, but there are a few areas that are predicted to be positively affected by LNPs in the coming years.
In addition to improving treatment in the areas they are already present in, such as medical imaging, nutrition, agriculture, and more, lipid nanoparticles are also expected to grow in presence in disease targeting, drug delivery, biodegradability, and pharmacokinetics. With many mRNA treatments currently in clinical trial phases, it is likely we will see a new LNP vaccination or therapy on the market soon.
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About HPNE
As the industry needs grow, High Purity New England, Inc. continues to supply the biopharmaceutical industry with a range of innovative products, from drug discovery and development to fill-finish, including their flagship product, custom single-use assemblies, as well as pumps, sensors, bioreactor systems, storage and handling solutions and other single-use solutions. Along with their own manufactured products for the global market, they are also a distributor for more than 18 brands in North America.
