Analytical Support for mRNA Therapeutics
mRNA DS/DP Testing (CGMP)
Critical Quality Attributes
Assay
Description
Identity
mRNA sequence identity confirmation
Confirm the sequence of mRNA by Sanger Sequencing or NGS or RT-qPCR
Identity of RNA mixture
Confirm the presence of multi-valent mRNA drug substance or product using RT-qPCR or ddPCR
Content
RNA encapsulation efficiency
Determine mRNA/LNP encapsulation efficiency using fluorescence-based assay
RNA concentration
Quantify mRNA using UV Spectroscopy, RT-qPCR, or ddPCR
RNA encapsulation efficiency
Determine mRNA/LNP encapsulation efficiency using fluorescence-based assay
RNA Ratio Determination
Confirm the ratio of the mRNAs in multi-valent mRNA vaccine drug substance or product using RT-qPCR or ddPCR
Integrity
RNA Size and Integrity
Determine mRNA intactness using CE or Agarose gel electrophoresis
Purity
Process related impurities-residual DNA template
qPCR-based assay to detect potential DNA contamination
Product related impurities – dsRNA
Detect various dsRNAs using immunoblotting, native and denaturing gel electrophoresis, or ELISA
Purity
Process related impurities-residual DNA template
qPCR-based assay to detect potential DNA contamination
Process related impurities -residual T7 RNA polymerase content
ELISA-based assay to detect potential DNA contamination
Potency
Expression of target protein
Develop and validate a custom cell-based assay to determine potency
Safety
Bioburden
USP <61>
Endotoxin
USP <85>
Safety
Bioburden
USP <61>
Sterility
USP <71>
Other
pH
USP <791>
Appearance
USP <790>
Other
pH
USP <791>
Osmolality
USP <785>
Preclinical/Clinical Testing (GLP or non-GLP)
Tests
Description
mRNA/LNP
Biodistribution Study
Develop and validate RT-qPCR and/or ddPCR assays and test tissues/blood from various animal models under GLP or non-GLP
Pharmacokinetics
(PK) Study
Develop and validate RT-qPCR and/or ddPCR assays and test human bodily fluids for mRNA expression
Pharmacodynamics
(PD) Study
Develop and validate custom assays to measure biomarker levels or protein activity using flow cytometry, Western blot, ELISA, or MSD
Anti-Drug Antibody
(ADA) Analysis
Develop and validate ADA assays by employing multi-tiered testing approach using ELISA, MSD, or Flow Cytometry
Cytokine Release and
Immune Profiling
Develop and validate custom assays to assess the immune response to the mRNA therapeutic using ELISA, MSD, or Flow Cytometry