SVF Vaccines and Orexo Partner to Investigate Powder-Based mRNA Vaccine Formulations
Key Points
- SVF Vaccines and Orexo will test Orexo's AmorphOX technology to create stable spray-dried powder formulations of LNP mRNA vaccines.
- Initial in vitro proof-of-concept work will assess whether drying preserves nanoparticle structure and mRNA functionality.
- Stable powder formulations could ease storage and distribution and potentially enable needle-free intranasal delivery.
SVF Vaccines, a portfolio company of KDventures AB, has entered into a research collaboration with Swedish pharmaceutical company Orexo AB to explore the use of powder-based drug delivery technology for stabilizing messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. The partnership will assess whether Orexo’s proprietary AmorphOX technology can be used to develop stable, spray-dried formulations of mRNA vaccines encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The initial program will focus on determining whether the drying process can preserve the structural properties of the nanoparticles and maintain mRNA functionality. The first phase will involve in vitro proof-of-concept studies. Decisions regarding additional development work will depend on the outcomes of these initial evaluations.
The collaboration brings together SVF Vaccines’ experience in vaccine development and antigen design with Orexo’s expertise in powder-based drug delivery. The companies aim to address one of the ongoing challenges in mRNA vaccine development: maintaining the stability of both the genetic material and its lipid nanoparticle carrier during storage, handling and transportation.
Lipid nanoparticles play an essential role in protecting mRNA and facilitating its delivery into cells. However, the stability requirements of these formulations can create logistical and manufacturing challenges. Converting LNP-mRNA vaccines into stable powder formulations could offer advantages in storage and distribution while potentially opening the door to alternative administration methods. One area of interest is needle-free intranasal delivery, which could provide an alternative to conventional injectable vaccines if the technology proves suitable for this application.
Viktor Drvota, CEO of KDventures, says the agreement represents another step in SVF Vaccines’ strategy of advancing its vaccine technologies through external partnerships. Although the initial research is exploratory, he notes that successful results could create additional opportunities for developing and administering future mRNA vaccines.
Visit www.kd-ventures.com/en for more information.
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