Tiny Bubbles for Delivering Medicine

This patent describes tiny, bubble-like structures made of fats that can carry medicine, like genetic material, and release it effectively inside the body by changing their structure in slightly acidic environments.

What it covers

This patent is about special tiny bubbles, called nanoemulsions, designed to carry active substances, such as nucleic acids (like mRNA or DNA), into the body. These nanoemulsions are made of specific types of fats: ionizable lipids that can change their charge, neutral lipids for structure, and PEGylated lipids to help them last longer. A key feature is that these compositions are buffered to be slightly acidic, specifically between a pH of 5.0 and 6.5. This acidic environment helps the nanoemulsion release its cargo more efficiently once it reaches its target, improving how well the medicine works. For example, a nanoemulsion containing mRNA for a vaccine could be designed to release the mRNA more effectively in the slightly acidic environment found within certain cellular compartments.

What it doesn't cover

• —Nanoemulsions that are not buffered to a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
• —Compositions that do not contain ionizable lipids, neutral lipids, and PEGylated lipids.
• —Delivery systems that do not encapsulate an active agent.
• —Nanoemulsions that are buffered to a neutral or basic pH (e.g., pH 7 or higher).
• —Delivery systems that do not include fusogenic oils, if the specific claims omitting them are considered.

The clever bit

The innovation lies in precisely controlling the pH of the nanoemulsion formulation itself, buffering it to a slightly acidic range (5.0-6.5) to pre-condition the lipid particle for enhanced payload release at the target site, rather than relying solely on the target site's natural pH.

Why it matters

This patent is relevant to the development of new drug delivery systems, particularly for fragile molecules like nucleic acids used in gene therapies and mRNA vaccines. Efficient delivery is crucial for these advanced medicines to work effectively and safely. The specific formulation and pH sensitivity described could offer advantages in therapeutic outcomes.

Real-world examples

• 1.mRNA vaccine delivery systems
• 2.Gene therapy vectors
• 3.Lipid nanoparticle drug carriers