Enabling portable delivery of large-molecule biologics to the lungs

Purpose and goal:

The purpose of the project was to test pulmonary delivery of mRNA formulations using portable inhaler technology. The goal has been to demonstrate sucessful in-vivo delivery and expression of mRNA therapeutics in a large-animal model. In the project we have made all neccesary technical developments and verifications, we have prepared everything for in-vivo testing including granted ethichal permit, but we have not yet performed the experiments.

Expected results and effects:

In-vivo experiments are scheduled during Sept 2024 and it´s too early to evaluate the project outcome in terms of pulmanary delivery.

Profound secondary effects include a deeper collaboration between the Roxhed lab at KTH and the EL Andaloussi lab at KI. This collaboration has led to a new 6 MSEK joint research grant from Danish LEO Foundation and the embryo of a new pharmaceutical startup company that we plan to launch later this year. Without the present project, this new venture would likely not have existed.

Approach and implementation:

During the project, we have verified the technology using in-vitro models based on model protein where we were able to show that our nozzle is more gentle on the protein than conventional nozzles. With that we were able to in detail plan for in-vivo trials where we carried out test of spraying in phantom models of the trachea during forced inhalation.

We have an approved ethical permit and will carry out the tests in September. In parallel, we have also worked on the technical development of the spray nozzle and refined the design.