# 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. - **Patent:** US 20250235403 - **Original title:** Compositions and methods of the delivery of active agents including nucleic acids - **Owner:** Ohio State Innovation Foundation - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** pharmaceutical, biotech, materials, semiconductors ## What it does 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 does NOT 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. ## Real-world examples 1. mRNA vaccine delivery systems 2. Gene therapy vectors 3. Lipid nanoparticle drug carriers ## 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. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Tiny Bubbles for Delivering Medicine cover? 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. ### Who owns patent US 20250235403? This patent is owned by Ohio State Innovation Foundation. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on October 24, 2042, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? 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. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Nanoemulsions that are not buffered to a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20250235403/compositions-and-methods-of-the-delivery-of-active-agents-including-nucleic-acid **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US20250235403 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Tiny Particles Make CBD Easier to Absorb](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11260033/compositions-for-the-delivery-of-therapeutic-agents-and-methods-of-use-and-makin) — This patent describes a special mix of ingredients that creates tiny, stable CBD particles, making it easier for the body to absorb the compound and improving how long it lasts in the body. - [How to Build Tiny Lipid Capsules to Deliver Genetic Medicines](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10155945/method-of-producing-lipid-nanoparticles-for-drug-delivery) — A precise method for creating small, stable lipid bubbles that safely carry genetic material like siRNA into cells for medical treatment. - [New Nanoparticles for Delivering Large RNA Medicines to Cells](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12419940/compositions-and-methods-for-modified-dendrimer-nanoparticle-delivery) — This patent describes a specific type of modified dendrimer nanoparticle designed to efficiently deliver large RNA molecules, like replicating RNA, into cells for therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic purposes, notably without using cholesterol. - [Delivering Large Gene Editing Tools into Cells with Hybrid Virus-Lipid Packages](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12350368/delivery-of-large-payloads) — This patent describes a sophisticated delivery system that combines parts of a virus with a fat bubble (liposome) to efficiently transport large molecules, like CRISPR gene-editing components, into specific cells. - [Tiny Lipid Balls for Precise, Better-Absorbed Cannabinoid Medicine](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20220304938/lipid-nanoparticle-compositions-and-methods-as-carriers-of-cannabinoids-in-stand) — This patent describes a drug delivery system using tiny lipid nanoparticles to encapsulate cannabinoids, making them easier for the body to absorb and allowing for precise, smaller doses.