A private biotechnology company developing state-of-the-art lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology for messenger RNA (mRNA), announced today publication of data demonstrating that mRNA encoding a broadly neutralizing antibody delivered in an Acuitas LNP carrier protects humanized mice from HIV-1 challenge. In a paper published today in Nature Communications, Acuitas’ scientists and academic researchers lead by Drew Weissman, MD, PhD, a professor of Infectious Diseases in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania showed that a single injection of mRNA-LNP encoding the anti-HIV-1 antibody VRC01 (1.4 mg/kg) resulted in plasma antibody concentrations of ~170 µg/mL at 24 hours. Further, weekly administrations of 1 mg/kg mRNA-LNP maintained trough antibody concentrations of ~40 µg/mL. Importantly a single injection of VRC01 mRNA-LNP protected humanized mice from an intravenous HIV-1 challenge in a dose-dependent manner.
“This latest publication with Dr. Weissman and his colleagues illustrates the potential for mRNA-LNP therapeutics to provide passive immunotherapy against HIV-1 and potentially against other infectious diseases. In addition it exemplifies the concept of using the liver as a “protein factory” and the viability of repeat dosing” said Thomas Madden, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Acuitas Therapeutics.
About messenger RNA (mRNA)
Messenger RNA is a natural molecule that allows cells to produce proteins. Information that codes for a specific protein is contained on genes in the cell nucleus. This information is transcribed into a message (mRNA), which then migrates out of the nucleus and is translated into the specific protein. Synthetic mRNA can be introduced into a cell using Acuitas LNP carriers to direct the cell to produce a therapeutic protein. Such therapeutic proteins could replace a missing or defective protein, be an antibody to protect against infection, or provide a protective immune response (i.e. a vaccine).
About Acuitas Therapeutics
Acuitas Therapeutics is a private biotechnology company located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada developing novel LNP carriers for mRNA and other nucleic acid therapeutics, including technology developed under limited license from Arbutus Biopharma Corporation.
