Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 POLYNUCLEOTIDES ENCODING RELAXIN FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEART FAILURE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/453,712, filed March 21, 2023, the content of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. SEQUENCE LISTING [0002] The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in XML format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said XML copy, created on March 18, 2024, is named 45817-0129WO1_SL.xml and is 133,551 bytes in size. BACKGROUND [0003] Acute heart failure (AHF) is a sudden decline, resulting when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the cardiac demands of the body. Signs and symptoms can include dyspnea, edema, and fatigue, which can lead to acute respiratory distress and death. [0004] Relaxin is a 6000 Da heterodimeric polypeptide endocrine and autocrine/paracrine hormone, belonging to the insulin gene superfamily. Relaxin facilitates angiogenesis and contributes to the repair of vascular endothelium. It exerts its effects on the musculoskeletal and other systems through binding its receptor in different tissues, which mediates different signaling pathways. There are seven known relaxin family peptides, including relaxin (RLN)1, RLN2, RLN3, and insulin-like peptide (INSL)3, INSL4, INSL5, INSL6. RLN1 and RLN2 are involved in collagen regulation and metabolism in fibroblasts, while RLN3 is specific to the brain. RLN1 and RLN2 are
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 also involved in the hemodynamic changes that occur during pregnancy, including cardiac output, renal blood flow, and arterial compliance. Further, RLN2 mediates vasodilation through increased production of nitric oxide through a phosphorylation cascade. Relaxin is also a cardiac stimulant, and it can cause vasodilation through the inhibition of angiotensin II and endothelin, two potent vasoconstrictors. The hormone has also been shown to increase calcium sensititivity of cardiac myofilaments and increase phosphorylation of the myofilaments by protein kinase C. The force generated by the myofilaments increases while the energy consumption of the cardiac myocytes does not. In the kidneys, relaxin increases creatinine clearance and increases renal blood flow. [0005] Relaxin, a vasoactive peptide, protects the vascular system from overwork, increases renal function, promotes cell growth and survival, and maintains good vessel structure. [0006] The standard of care therapy for many of the disorders associated with relaxin deficiency include beta blockers, hydralazine/isorbide dinitrate, digitalis, diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARB), digoxin, anticoagulants, aldosterone antagonists, and medications to control co- morbidities, including, but not limited to, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and diabetes. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, are also typically recommended. [0007] Although relaxin provides significant therapeutic benefits, recombinant wild type relaxin has a short half-life which makes the achievement of therapeutic levels in the body a challenge. A recombinant form of relaxin referred to as Serelaxin and marketed by Novartis, has been demonstrated to have low toxicity, however, the efficacy has been questionable because it is degraded so quickly in the bloodstream. Serelaxin has a half- life of about 4.6 hours.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 SUMMARY [0008] The present disclosure provides messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics for the treatment of heart failure. The mRNA therapeutics of the invention are particularly well- suited for the treatment of heart failure as the technology provides for the intracellular delivery of mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) followed by de novo synthesis of functional relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) within target cells [0009] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of treating heart failure in a human subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the human subject by intravenous infusion a lipid nanoparticle comprising an mRNA comprising an open reading frame (ORF) encoding the relaxin fusion protein of SEQ ID NO:3, wherein the mRNA is administered at a dose of 0.025 mg/kg to 1.0 mg/kg. [0010] In some embodiments, the ORF is at least 80% identical to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4. [0011] In some embodiments, the ORF is at least 90% identical to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4. [0012] In some embodiments, the ORF is at least 95% identical to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4. [0013] In some embodiments, the ORF is at least 99% identical to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4. [0014] In some embodiments, the ORF is 100% identical to the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:4. [0015] In some embodiments, the mRNA comprises a 5' untranslated region (UTR) comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:58. [0016] In some embodiments, the mRNA comprises a 3' UTR comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:137. [0017] In some embodiments, the mRNA comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0018] In some embodiments, the mRNA comprises a 5′-terminal cap. In some instances, the 5'-terminal cap comprises a guanine cap nucleotide containing an N7 methylation and the 5′-terminal nucleotide of the mRNA contains a 2′-O-methyl. [0019] In some embodiments, the mRNA comprises a poly-A region. In some instances, the mRNA comprises a poly-A tail 100 residues in length (SEQ ID NO: 195). [0020] In some embodiments, all of the uracils of the mRNA are N1- methylpseudouracils. [0021] In some embodiments, the mRNA comprises a 5'-terminal cap comprising a guanine cap nucleotide containing an N7 methylation and the 5′-terminal nucleotide of the mRNA contains a 2′-O-methyl, wherein the mRNA comprises the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:5, wherein the mRNA comprises a poly-A region at least about 100 nucleotides in length, and wherein all of the uracils of the mRNA are N1- methylpseudouracils. [0022] In some embodiments, the mRNA is administered at a dose of about 0.025 mg/kg. [0023] In some embodiments, the mRNA is administered at a dose of about 1.0 mg/kg. [0024] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle is administered at intervals of about once every 2 weeks. [0025] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle is administered at intervals of about once every 3 weeks. [0026] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle is administered at intervals of about once every 4 weeks. [0027] In some embodiments, the method comprises administering at least 4 doses of the lipid nanoparticle. [0028] In some embodiments, the human subject is ≥ 18 years of age. [0029] In some embodiments, the heart failure is chronic heart failure. [0030] In some embodiments, the heart failure is acute heart failure.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0031] In some embodiments, the human subject is administered at least one of an H
2 blocker, an H
1 blocker, and acetaminophen/paracetamol prior to the administering of the lipid nanoparticle. [0032] In some embodiments, the treatment reduces cardiovascular events. [0033] In some embodiments, the treatment increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels and/or increases and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels from baseline. [0034] In some embodiments, the treatment decreases high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, decreases high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-CTnT) levels, decreases N-terminal prohormone–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, and/or decreases soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) levels from baseline. [0035] In some embodiments, the treatment increases renal blood flow relative to baseline. [0036] In some embodiments, the treatment decreases creatinine levels, decreases cystatin C levels, and/or increases estimated glomerular filtration rate relative to baseline. [0037] In some embodiments, the treatment improves health-related quality of life relative to baseline. [0038] In some embodiments, the treatment increases stroke volume, cardiac output, cardiac index, ejection fraction, and/or lowers systemic vascular resistance. [0039] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle comprises a compound of Formula (I): or its N-oxide, or a salt or isomer thereof,

Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 wherein R
aα, R
aβ, R
aγ, and R
aδ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, C
2-12 alkyl, and C
2-12 alkenyl; R
2 and R
3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of C1-14 alkyl and C2-14 alkenyl; R
4 is selected from the group consisting of -(CH
2)
nOH, wherein n is selected from the group , wherein
R
10 is N
each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C
1-6 alkyl, C
2- 3 alkenyl, and H; and n2 is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; each R
5 is independently selected from the group consisting of C
1-3 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; each R
6 is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl, C
2-3 alkenyl, and H; M and M’ are each independently selected from the group consisting of -C(O)O- and -OC(O)-; R’ is a C
1-12 alkyl or C
2-12 alkenyl; l is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; and m is selected from the group consisting of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13. [0040] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle comprises: (i) an ionizable lipid, (ii) a phospholipid, (iii) a structural lipid, and (iv) a PEG-lipid. [0041] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle comprises: (a) (i) Compound II, (ii) Cholesterol, and (iii) PEG-DMG or Compound I; (b) (i) Compound VI, (ii) Cholesterol, and (iii) PEG-DMG or Compound I; (c) (i) Compound II, (ii) DSPC or DOPE, (iii) Cholesterol, and (iv) PEG-DMG or Compound I; (d) (i) Compound VI, (ii) DSPC or DOPE, (iii) Cholesterol, and (iv) PEG-DMG or Compound I; (e) (i) Compound II, (ii) Cholesterol, and (iii) Compound I; (f) (i) Compound II, (ii) DSPC or DOPE, (iii)
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 Cholesterol, and (iv) Compound I; (g) (i) Compound B, (ii) DSPC or DOPE, (iii) Cholesterol, and (iv) PEG-DMG or Compound I; (h) (i) Compound B, (ii) Cholesterol, and (iii) Compound I; or (i) (i) Compound B, (ii) DSPC or DOPE, (iii) Cholesterol, and (iv) Compound I. [0042] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle comprises Compound II and Compound I. [0043] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticle comprises Compound II, DSPC, Cholesterol, and Compound I. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Relaxin [0044] Relaxin is a vasoactive peptide that, among other things, protects the vascular system from overwork, increases renal function, promotes cell growth and survival, and maintains good vessel structure. As demonstrated in animal models, the administration of relaxin to a subject has therapeutic benefits such as treating and preventing heart failure. [0045] Although relaxin provides significant therapeutic benefits, recombinant wild type relaxin has a short half-life which makes the achievement of therapeutic levels in the body a challenge. A recombinant form of relaxin referred to as Serelaxin and marketed by Novartis, has been demonstrated to have low toxicity, however, the efficacy has been questionable because it is degraded so quickly in the bloodstream. Serelaxin has a half- life of 4.6 hours. [0046] Wild type relaxin is a 6000 Da heterodimeric polypeptide endocrine and autocrine/paracrine hormone, belonging to the insulin gene superfamily. It contains an A and a B chain joined by two interchain disulfide bonds, and one intra-A-chain disulfide bond. Relaxin facilitates angiogenesis and contributes to the repair of vascular endothelium. It exerts its effects on the musculoskeletal and other systems through binding its receptor in different tissues, which mediates different signaling pathways.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 There are seven known relaxin family peptides, including relaxin (RLN)1, RLN2, RLN3, and insulin-like peptide (INSL)3, INSL4, INSL5, INSL6. RLN1 and RLN2 are involved in collagen regulation and metabolism in fibroblasts, while RLN3 is specific to the brain. RLN1 and RLN2 are also involved in the hemodynamic changes that occur during pregnancy, including cardiac output, renal blood flow, and arterial compliance. Further, RLN2 mediates vasodilation through increased production of nitric oxide through a phosphorylation cascade. Relaxin is also a cardiac stimulant, and it can cause vasodilation through the inhibition of angiotensin II and endothelin, two potent vasoconstrictors. The hormone has also been shown to increase calcium sensitivity of cardiac myofilaments and increase phosphorylation of the myofilaments by protein kinase C. The force generated by the myofilaments increases while the energy consumption of the cardiac myocytes does not. In the kidneys, relaxin increases creatinine clearance and increases renal blood flow. [0047] In humans, H2 relaxin (relaxin-2) is the major circulating form. The function of H2 relaxin is mediated mainly through the relaxin Family Peptide 1 (RXFP1) receptor, although it can also activate RXFP2 receptor with low potency. As used herein the term “relaxin” refers to a heterodimeric polypeptide capable of activating RXFP1 and/or RXFP2. [0048] The coding sequence (CDS) for wild type relaxin-2 (RLN2) canonical mRNA sequence is described at the NCBI Reference Sequence database (RefSeq) under accession number NM_134441.3 ("Homo sapiens relaxin 2 (RLN2), transcript variant 1, mRNA "). The wild type relaxin-2 (also referred to herein as “relaxin”) canonical protein sequence is described at the RefSeq database under accession number NP_604390.1 ("prorelaxin H2 isoform 1 preproprotein [Homo sapiens]"), SEQ ID NO:1 below. 1 MPRLFFFHLL GVCLLLNQFS RAVADSWMEE VIKLCGRELV RAQIAICGMS TWSKRSLSQE 61 DAPQTPRPVA EIVPSFINKD TETINMMSEF VANLPQELKL TLSEMQPALP QLQQHVPVLK 121 DSSLLFEEFK KLIRNRQSEA ADSSPSELKY LGLDTHSRKK RQLYSALANK CCHVGCTKRS 181 LARFC (SEQ ID NO:1)
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 The relaxin proprotein is 185 amino acids long. It is noted that the specific nucleic acid sequences encoding the reference protein sequence in the RefSeq sequences are coding sequence (CDS) as indicated in the respective RefSeq database entry. [0049] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides disclosed herein comprise one or more sequences encoding a relaxin protein, functional fragment, or variant thereof that is suitable for use in gene replacement therapy (e.g., for treating heart failure). In some embodiments, a polynucleotide disclosed herein comprises a sequence encoding the relaxin protein of SEQ ID NO:1. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide disclosed herein comprises a sequence encoding the relaxin fusion protein of SEQ ID NO:3. In certain aspects, the present application addresses the problem of the lack of relaxin by providing a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, that encodes relaxin or functional fragment thereof, wherein the polynucleotide is sequence-optimized. In certain aspects, the polynucleotide that encodes relaxin encodes a relaxin fusion protein. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, increases relaxin expression levels in cells when introduced into those cells, e.g., by at least 20%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 100%. Polynucleotides and Open Reading Frames (ORFs) [0050] The instant invention features mRNAs for use in treating or preventing heart failure. The mRNAs featured for use in the invention are administered to subjects and encode human relaxin protein (e.g., human relaxin fusion protein) in vivo. Accordingly, the invention relates to polynucleotides, e.g., mRNA, comprising an open reading frame of linked nucleosides encoding human relaxin protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1), isoforms thereof, and functional fragments thereof, and fusions thereof (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3). In particular, the invention provides sequence-optimized polynucleotides comprising nucleotides encoding the polypeptide sequence of human relaxin protein (e.g., a human relaxin fusion protein), or sequence having high sequence identity with those sequence optimized polynucleotides.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0051] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding a human relaxin fusion protein (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, or variant thereof), wherein the nucleotide sequence has at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:4. [0052] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding a human relaxin fusion protein (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, or variant thereof), wherein the nucleotide sequence has at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO:7: AUGCCCCGGCUGUUCUUCUUCCACCUGCUGGGCGUGUGCCUGCUGCUGAAC CAGUUCAGCCGGGCCGUGGCCGAUAGCUGGAUGGAGGAGGUGAUCAAGCU GUGCGGCAGAGAGCUGGUGCGGGCCCAGAUCGCCAUCUGCGGCAUGAGCA CCUGGAGCAAGCGGUCCCUGAGCCAGGAGGACGCCCCUCAGACCCCUCGGC CUGUGGCCGAGAUCGUGCCCAGCUUCAUCAACAAGGACACCGAGACCAUCA ACAUGAUGAGCGAGUUCGUGGCCAACCUGCCCCAGGAGCUGAAGCUGACCC UGAGCGAGAUGCAGCCCGCCCUACCCCAGCUGCAGCAGCACGUGCCCGUGC UGAAAGACAGCUCCCUGCUGUUCGAGGAGUUUAAGAAGCUGAUCCGGAAC CGGCAGAGCGAGGCCGCUGACAGCAGCCCCAGCGAGCUCAAGUACCUGGGC CUGGACACCCACAGCCGGAAGAAGCGGCAGCUGUAUAGCGCACUGGCCAAC AAGUGCUGCCACGUGGGCUGCACCAAGCGGAGCCUGGCCCGGUUCUGCGGC GGUGGAGGCUCUGGAGGCGGCGGUUCAGGCGGUGGCGGCAGCGACAUCCA GAUGACCCAGAGCCCAAGCAGCCUGAGCGCCUCUGUCGGCGACCGGGUGAC CAUCACCUGUCGGGCCAGCAGACCCAUCGGCACCAUGCUGAGCUGGUAUCA GCAGAAGCCCGGCAAGGCCCCAAAGCUGCUGAUCCUGGCCUUCAGCAGGCU GCAGAGCGGCGUGCCCUCUCGGUUCAGCGGCUCGGGCAGCGGAACCGACUU CACCCUGACCAUUAGCAGCCUACAGCCCGAGGACUUCGCCACCUACUACUG
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 CGCCCAGGCCGGCACACACCCCACCACCUUCGGCCAGGGCACCAAGGUGGA GAUCAAGCGG (SEQ ID NO:7). [0053] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention (e.g., an RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF, e.g., SEQ ID NO:4) encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a human relaxin fusion protein) further comprises a 5′-UTR (e.g., SEQ ID NO:58) and a 3′-UTR (e.g., SEQ ID NO:137). In some instances, the human relaxin protein is a human relaxin fusion protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the invention comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:7. In a further embodiment, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a 5′ terminal cap (e.g., m
7Gp-ppGm-A, Cap0, Cap1, ARCA, inosine, N1-methyl-guanosine, 2′-fluoro-guanosine, 7-deaza-guanosine, 8- oxo-guanosine, 2-amino-guanosine, LNA-guanosine, 2-azidoguanosine, Cap2, Cap4, 5′ methylG cap, or an analog thereof) and a poly-A-tail region (e.g., about 100 nucleotides in length). In some embodiments, the mRNA comprises a polyA tail. In some instances, the poly A tail is 50-150 (SEQ ID NO:197), 75-150 (SEQ ID NO:198), 85-150 (SEQ ID NO:199), 90-120 (SEQ ID NO:193), 90-130 (SEQ ID NO:194), or 90-150 (SEQ ID NO:192) nucleotides in length. In some instances, the poly A tail is 100 nucleotides in length (SEQ ID NO:195). In some instances, the poly A tail is protected (e.g., with an inverted deoxy-thymidine). In some instances, the poly A tail comprises A100-UCUAG- A20-inverted deoxy-thymidine (SEQ ID NO: 211). In some instances, the poly A tail is A100-UCUAG-A20-inverted deoxy-thymidine (SEQ ID NO: 211). [0054] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding a human relaxin protein (e.g., a human relaxin fusion protein) is single stranded or double stranded. [0055] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention comprising a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding a human relaxin protein (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, variant, or fusion thereof) is DNA or RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention is RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention is, or functions as, an mRNA. In some embodiments, the
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 mRNA comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) that encodes at least one a human relaxin protein (e.g., a human relaxin fusion protein), and is capable of being translated to produce the encoded human relaxin protein (e.g., human relaxin fusion protein) in vitro, in vivo, in situ or ex vivo. In some instances, the human relaxin protein is a human relaxin fusion protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3). [0056] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding human relaxin protein (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, variant, or fusion thereof), wherein the polynucleotide comprises at least one chemically modified nucleobase, e.g., N1-methylpseudouracil or 5-methoxyuracil. In certain embodiments, all uracils in the polynucleotide are N1-methylpseudouracils. In other embodiments, all uracils in the polynucleotide are 5-methoxyuracils. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide further comprises a miRNA binding site, e.g., a miRNA binding site that binds to miR-142 and/or a miRNA binding site that binds to miR-126. In some instances, the human relaxin protein is a human relaxin fusion protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3). [0057] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) disclosed herein is formulated with a delivery agent comprising, e.g., a compound having the Formula (I), e.g., Compound II or Compound B; a compound having the Formula (III), (IV), (V), or (VI), e.g., Compound VI or Compound I, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the delivery agent comprises an ionizable amino lipid (e.g., Compound II, VI, or B), a helper lipid (e.g., DSPC), a sterol (e.g., Cholesterol), and a PEG lipid (e.g., Compound I or PEG-DMG), e.g., with a mole ratio in the range of about (i) 40-50 mol% ionizable amino lipid (e.g., Compound II, VI, or B), optionally 45-50 mol% ionizable amino lipid, for example, 45-46 mol%, 46-47 mol%, 47-48 mol%, 48-49 mol%, or 49-50 mol% for example about 45 mol%, 45.5 mol%, 46 mol%, 46.5 mol%, 47 mol%, 47.5 mol%, 48 mol%, 48.5 mol%, 49 mol%, or 49.5 mol%; (ii) 30-45 mol% sterol (e.g., cholesterol), optionally 35-42 mol% sterol, for example, 30-31 mol%, 31-32 mol%, 32-33 mol%, 33-34 mol%, 35-35 mol%, 35-36 mol%, 36-37 mol%, 37-38 mol%, 38-39 mol%, or 39-40 mol%, or 40-42 mol% sterol; (iii) 5-15 mol% helper lipid (e.g.,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 DSPC), optionally 10-15 mol% helper lipid, for example, 5-6 mol%, 6-7 mol%, 7-8 mol%, 8-9 mol%, 9-10 mol%, 10-11 mol%, 11-12 mol%, 12-13 mol%, 13-14 mol%, or 14-15 mol% helper lipid; and (iv) 1-5% PEG lipid (e.g., Compound I or PEG-DMG), optionally 1-5 mol% PEG lipid, for example 1.5 to 2.5 mol%, 1-2 mol%, 2-3 mol%, 3-4 mol%, or 4-5 mol% PEG lipid. In some embodiments, the delivery agent comprises Compound II, Cholesterol, DSPC, and Compound I. [0058] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the disclosure is an mRNA that comprises a 5′-terminal cap (e.g., Cap1, e.g., m
7Gp-ppGm-A), a 5′UTR (e.g., SEQ ID NO:58), an ORF sequence of SEQ ID NO:4, a 3′UTR (e.g., SEQ ID NO:137), and a poly A tail (e.g., about 100 nt in length, e.g., SEQ ID NO:195), wherein all uracils in the polynucleotide are N1-methylpseudouracils. [0059] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the disclosure is an mRNA that comprises a 5′-terminal cap (e.g., Cap1, e.g., m
7Gp-ppGm-A), a 5′UTR (e.g., any one of SEQ ID NOs:50-78 and GCCRCC), an ORF sequence of SEQ ID NO:7, a 3′UTR (e.g., any one of SEQ ID NOs:100-136), and a poly A tail (e.g., about 100 nt in length, e.g., SEQ ID NO:195), wherein all uracils in the polynucleotide are N1-methylpseudouracils. [0060] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the disclosure is an mRNA that comprises a 5′-terminal cap (e.g., Cap 1, e.g., m
7Gp-ppGm-A), a 5′UTR (e.g., SEQ ID NO:78), an ORF sequence of SEQ ID NO:7, a 3′UTR (e.g., SEQ ID NO:136), and a poly A tail (e.g., about 100 nt in length), wherein all uracils in the polynucleotide are N1-methylpseudouracils. In some embodiments, the delivery agent comprises Compound II or Compound VI as the ionizable amino lipid and PEG-DMG or Compound I as the PEG lipid. some embodiments, the delivery agent comprises Compound B as the ionizable amino lipid and PEG-DMG or Compound I as the PEG lipid. Signal Sequences [0061] The polynucleotides (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the invention can also comprise nucleotide sequences that encode additional features that facilitate trafficking of the encoded polypeptides to therapeutically relevant sites. One such feature that aids in
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 protein trafficking is the signal sequence, or targeting sequence. The peptides encoded by these signal sequences are known by a variety of names, including targeting peptides, transit peptides, and signal peptides. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprises a nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) that encodes a signal peptide operably linked to a nucleotide sequence that encodes a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein, e.g., SEQ ID NO:3) described herein. [0062] In some embodiments, the "signal sequence" or "signal peptide" is a polynucleotide or polypeptide, respectively, which is from about 30-210, e.g., about 45- 80 or 15-60 nucleotides (e.g., about 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, or 70 amino acids) in length that, optionally, is incorporated at the 5′ (or N-terminus) of the coding region or the polypeptide, respectively. Addition of these sequences results in trafficking the encoded polypeptide to a desired site, such as the endoplasmic reticulum or the mitochondria through one or more targeting pathways. Some signal peptides are cleaved from the protein, for example by a signal peptidase after the proteins are transported to the desired site. [0063] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention comprises a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein, e.g., SEQ ID NO:3), wherein the nucleotide sequence further comprises a 5′ nucleic acid sequence encoding a heterologous signal peptide. Fusion Proteins [0064] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) can comprise more than one nucleic acid sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding a polypeptide of interest. In some embodiments, polynucleotides of the invention comprise a single ORF encoding a relaxin protein, a functional fragment, or a variant thereof. However, in some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention can comprise more than one ORF, for example, a first ORF encoding a relaxin protein (a first polypeptide of interest), a functional fragment, or a variant thereof, and a second ORF expressing a second polypeptide of interest. In some embodiments, two or more polypeptides of
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 interest can be genetically fused, i.e., two or more polypeptides can be encoded by the same ORF. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide can comprise a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker (e.g., a G4S (SEQ ID NO: 200) peptide linker or another linker known in the art) between two or more polypeptides of interest. [0065] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the invention (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) can comprise two, three, four, or more ORFs, each expressing a polypeptide of interest. [0066] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) can comprise a first nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a first ORF) encoding a relaxin protein and a second nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a second ORF) encoding a second polypeptide of interest, such as a stabilizing sequence. [0067] A stabilizing sequence, as used herein, is a peptide sequence which confers stability on a fused protein. The stabilizing sequence may in some embodiments be an immunoglobulin (Ig) or fragment thereof. Immunoglobulins include four IgG subclasses (IgG1, 2, 3, and 4) in humans, named in order of their abundance in serum. The IgG isotype, is composed of two light chains and two heavy chains, where each heavy chain contains three constant heavy domains (CH1, CH2, CH3). The two heavy chains of IgG are linked to each other and to a light chain each by disulfide bonds. The antigen binding site of IgG is located in the Fragment antigen binding region (Fab region), which contains variable light (VL) and variable heavy (VH) chain domains as well as constant light (CL) and constant heavy (CH1) chain domains. The fragment crystallizable region (Fc region) of IgG is a portion of the heavy chain containing the CH2 and CH3 domains that binds to an Fc receptor found on the surface of certain cells, including the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). The heavy chain of IgG also has a hinge region (hinge) between the CH1 and CH2 domains that separates the Fab region from the Fc region and participates in linking the two heavy chains together via disulfide bonds. [0068] In some embodiments the Ig fragment is a portion of a constant heavy region (CH) or variable heavy region (VH) derived from an Ig molecule. The Ig fragment can include any portion of the constant or variable heavy region, including one or more
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 constant or variable heavy domains, a hinge region, an Fc region, and/or combinations thereof. [0069] In some embodiments the Ig fragment is a portion of a constant light region (CL) or variable light region (VL) derived from an Ig molecule. The Ig fragment can include any portion of the constant or variable light region, including one or more constant or variable light domains, a hinge region, an Fc region, and/or combinations thereof. [0070] In certain embodiments, the Ig fragment of the fusion protein comprises a single chain Fc (sFc or scFc), a monomer, that is incapable of forming a dimer. In some embodiments, the fusion protein includes a sequence corresponding to an immunoglobulin hinge region. In various embodiments, the hinge region contains a modification that prevents the fusion protein from forming a disulfide bond with another fusion protein or another immunoglobulin molecule. In some embodiments, the hinge region is modified by mutating and/or deleting one or more cysteine amino acids to prevent the formation of a disulfide bond. [0071] In some embodiments the Ig fragment is a kappa light chain variable region (VLk) sequence. [0072] The fusion protein may have the relaxin linked to the N-terminus of the Ig fragment. Alternatively, the fusion protein may have the relaxin linked to the C-terminus of the Ig fragment. In specific embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the relaxin at its N-terminus that is linked to a VLk. In other embodiments, the fusion protein comprises the relaxin at its C-terminus that is linked to a VLk. [0073] The linkage may be a covalent bond, and preferably a peptide bond. The fusion protein may optionally comprise at least one linker. Thus, the relaxin may not be directly linked to the Ig fragment. The linker may intervene between the relaxin and the Ig fragment. The linker can be linked to the N-terminus of the Ig fragment or the C- terminus of the Ig fragment. In one embodiment, the linker includes amino acids. The linker may include 1-5 amino acids Linkers and Cleavable Peptides
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0074] In certain embodiments, the mRNAs of the disclosure encode more than one relaxin domain or a heterologous domain, referred to herein as multimer constructs. In certain embodiments of the multimer constructs, the mRNA further encodes a linker located between each domain. The linker can be, for example, a cleavable linker or protease-sensitive linker. In certain embodiments, the linker is selected from the group consisting of F2A linker, P2A linker, T2A linker, E2A linker, and combinations thereof. This family of self-cleaving peptide linkers, referred to as 2A peptides, has been described in the art (see for example, Kim, J.H. et al. (2011) PLoS ONE 6:e18556). In certain embodiments, the linker is an F2A linker. In certain embodiments, the linker is a GGGS (SEQ ID NO: 201) linker. In certain embodiments, the linker is a (GGGS)n (SEQ ID NO: 202) linker, wherein n =2, 3,4, or 5. In certain embodiments, the multimer construct contains three domains with intervening linkers, having the structure: domain- linker-domain-linker-domain e.g., relaxin domain-linker-relaxin domain-linker-relaxin domain. [0075] In one embodiment, the cleavable linker is an F2A linker (e.g., having the amino acid sequence GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO:189)). In other embodiments, the cleavable linker is a T2A linker (e.g., having the amino acid sequence GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO:190)), a P2A linker (e.g., having the amino acid sequence GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO:191)) or an E2A linker (e.g., having the amino acid sequence GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO:186)). The skilled artisan will appreciate that other art-recognized linkers may be suitable for use in the constructs of the invention (e.g., encoded by the polynucleotides of the invention). The skilled artisan will likewise appreciate that other multicistronic constructs may be suitable for use in the invention. In exemplary embodiments, the construct design yields approximately equimolar amounts of intrabody and/or domain thereof encoded by the constructs of the invention. [0076] In one embodiment, the self-cleaving peptide may be, but is not limited to, a 2A peptide. A variety of 2A peptides are known and available in the art and may be
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 used, including e.g., the foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) 2A peptide, the equine rhinitis A virus 2A peptide, the Thosea asigna virus 2A peptide, and the porcine teschovirus-12A peptide. 2A peptides are used by several viruses to generate two proteins from one transcript by ribosome-skipping, such that a normal peptide bond is impaired at the 2A peptide sequence, resulting in two discontinuous proteins being produced from one translation event. As a non-limiting example, the 2A peptide may have the protein sequence of SEQ ID NO: 191, fragments or variants thereof. In one embodiment, the 2A peptide cleaves between the last glycine and last proline. As another non-limiting example, the polynucleotides of the present invention may include a polynucleotide sequence encoding the 2A peptide having the protein sequence of fragments or variants of SEQ ID NO: 191. One example of a polynucleotide sequence encoding the 2A peptide is:GGAAGCGGAGCUACUAACUUCAGCCUGCUGAAGCAGGCUGGAGACGUGG AGGAGAACCCUGGACCU (SEQ ID NO:187). In one illustrative embodiment, a 2A peptide is encoded by the following sequence: 5′- UCCGGACUCAGAUCCGGGGAUCUCAAAAUUGUCGCUCCUGUCAAACAAAC UCUUAACUUUGAUUUACUCAAACUGGCUGGGGAUGUAGAAAGCAAUCCAG GUCCACUC-3′(SEQ ID NO: 188). The polynucleotide sequence of the 2A peptide may be modified or codon optimized by the methods described herein and/or are known in the art. [0077] In one embodiment, this sequence may be used to separate the coding regions of two or more polypeptides of interest. As a non-limiting example, the sequence encoding the F2A peptide may be between a first coding region A and a second coding region B (A-F2Apep-B). The presence of the F2A peptide results in the cleavage of the one long protein between the glycine and the proline at the end of the F2A peptide sequence (NPGP (SEQ ID NO:205) is cleaved to result in NPG and P) thus creating separate protein A (with 21 amino acids of the F2A peptide attached, ending with NPG) and separate protein B (with 1 amino acid, P, of the F2A peptide attached). Likewise, for other 2A peptides (P2A, T2A and E2A), the presence of the peptide in a long protein
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 results in cleavage between the glycine and proline at the end of the 2A peptide sequence (NPGP (SEQ ID NO:205) is cleaved to result in NPG and P). Protein A and protein B may be the same or different peptides or polypeptides of interest (e.g., a relaxin protein such as full length human relaxin). Sequence-Optimized Nucleotide Sequences Encoding Relaxin Proteins [0078] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention comprises a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein, e.g., SEQ ID NO:3) disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention comprises an open reading frame (ORF) encoding (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein, e.g., SEQ ID NO:3), wherein the ORF has been sequence optimized. [0079] An exemplary sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein is set forth as SEQ ID NO:2: AUGCCCCGCCUGUUCUUCUUCCACCUCCUUGGCGUGUGCCUCCUCCUCAAC CAGUUCAGCCGGGCCGUGGCCGACAGCUGGAUGGAGGAGGUCAUCAAGCU CUGCGGCCGCGAGCUCGUCCGCGCCCAGAUCGCCAUCUGCGGCAUGUCCAC CUGGUCCAAGCGCUCCCUCUCCCAGGAGGACGCCCCACAGACCCCGCGCCC CGUCGCCGAGAUCGUCCCCUCCUUCAUCAACAAGGACACCGAGACGAUCAA CAUGAUGUCCGAGUUCGUCGCCAACCUGCCGCAGGAGCUCAAGCUCACCCU CUCCGAGAUGCAGCCCGCCCUCCCGCAGCUCCAGCAGCACGUCCCCGUCCU CAAGGACUCCUCCCUCCUCUUCGAGGAGUUCAAGAAGCUCAUCCGCAACCG CCAGUCCGAGGCCGCCGACUCCAGCCCCUCCGAGCUGAAGUACCUCGGCCU CGACACCCACUCCCGCAAGAAGCGCCAGCUCUACUCCGCCCUCGCCAACAA GUGCUGCCACGUCGGCUGCACCAAGCGGUCCCUGGCCCGCUUCUGC (SEQ ID NO:2). In some embodiments, the sequence optimized relaxin sequence, fragments, fusions, and variants thereof are used to practice the methods disclosed herein.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0080] An exemplary sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin fusion protein is set forth as SEQ ID NO:4. In some embodiments, the sequence optimized relaxin fusion protein is used to practice the methods disclosed herein. [0081] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present disclosure, for example a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein), comprises from 5′ to 3′ end: (i) a 5′ cap such as provided herein, for example, m7Gp-ppGm-A; (ii) a 5′ UTR comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth in Table 2; (iii) an open reading frame encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1), e.g., a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence encoding relaxin set forth as SEQ ID NO:2; (iv) at least one stop codon (if not present at 5′ terminus of 3′UTR); (v) a 3′ UTR comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth in Table 3 or Table 5; and (vi) a poly-A tail provided above (e.g., SEQ ID NO:195). [0082] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present disclosure, for example a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin fusion protein, comprises from 5′ to 3′ end: (i) a 5′ cap such as provided herein, for example, m
7Gp-ppGm-A; (ii) a 5′ UTR comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth in Table 2; (iii) an open reading frame encoding a relaxin fusion protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3), e.g., a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:4; (iv) at least one stop codon (if not present at 5′ terminus of 3′UTR); (v) a 3′ UTR comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth in Table 3 or Table 5; and (vi) a poly-A tail provided above (e.g., SEQ ID NO:195). [0083] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present disclosure, for example a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein), comprises from 5′ to 3′ end: (i) a 5′ cap such as provided herein, for example, m
7Gp-ppGm-A; (ii) a 5′ UTR comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:58;
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 (iii) an open reading frame encoding a polypeptide comprising a relaxin protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1), e.g., a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence encoding relaxin set forth as SEQ ID NO:2; (iv) at least one stop codon (if not present at 5′ terminus of 3′UTR); (v) a 3′ UTR comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth in Table 3 or Table 5; and (vi) a poly-A tail provided above (e.g., SEQ ID NO:195). [0084] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present disclosure, for example a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin fusion protein, comprises from 5′ to 3′ end: (i) a 5′ cap such as provided herein, for example, m
7Gp-ppGm-A; (ii) a 5′ UTR comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:58; (iii) an open reading frame encoding a relaxin fusion protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3), e.g., a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:4; (iv) at least one stop codon (if not present at 5′ terminus of 3′UTR); (v) a 3′ UTR comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth in Table 3 or Table 5; and (vi) a poly-A tail provided above (e.g., SEQ ID NO:195). [0085] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present disclosure, for example a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein), comprises from 5′ to 3′ end: (i) a 5′ cap such as provided herein, for example, m
7Gp-ppGm-A; (ii) a 5′ UTR comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth in Table 2; (iii) an open reading frame encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1), e.g., a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:2; (iv) at least one stop codon (if not present at 5′ terminus of 3′UTR); (v) a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:137; and (vi) a poly-A tail provided above (e.g., SEQ ID NO:195).
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0086] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present disclosure, for example a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin fusion protein, comprises from 5′ to 3′ end: (i) a 5′ cap such as provided herein, for example, m
7Gp-ppGm-A; (ii) a 5′ UTR comprising a nucleotide sequence set forth in Table 2; (iii) an open reading frame encoding a relaxin fusion protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3), e.g., a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:4; (iv) at least one stop codon (if not present at 5′ terminus of 3′UTR); (v) a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:137; and (vi) a poly-A tail provided above (e.g., SEQ ID NO:195). [0087] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present disclosure, for example a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein), comprises from 5′ to 3′ end: (i) a 5′ cap such as provided herein, for example, m
7Gp-ppGm-A; (ii) a 5′ UTR comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:58; (iii) an open reading frame encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1), e.g., a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:2; (iv) at least one stop codon (if not present at 5′ terminus of 3′UTR); (v) a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:137; and (vi) a poly-A tail provided above (e.g., SEQ ID NO:195). [0088] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present disclosure, for example a polynucleotide comprising an mRNA nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin fusion protein, comprises from 5′ to 3′ end: (i) a 5′ cap such as provided herein, for example, m
7Gp-ppGm-A; (ii) a 5′ UTR comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:58; (iii) an open reading frame encoding a relaxin fusion protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3), e.g., a sequence optimized nucleic acid sequence set forth as SEQ ID NO:4;
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 (iv) at least one stop codon (if not present at 5′ terminus of 3′UTR); (v) a 3′ UTR comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:137; and (vi) a poly-A tail provided above (e.g., SEQ ID NO:195). [0089] In certain embodiments, all uracils in the polynucleotide are N1-methylpseudouracil (G5). [0090] In certain embodiments, all uracils in the polynucleotide are 5-methoxyuracil (G6). [0091] The sequence-optimized nucleotide sequences disclosed herein are distinct from the corresponding wild type nucleotide acid sequences and from other known sequence-optimized nucleotide sequences, e.g., these sequence-optimized nucleic acids have unique compositional characteristics. [0092] In some embodiments, the percentage of uracil or thymine nucleobases in a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence (e.g., encoding a relaxin protein, a functional fragment, fusion, or variant thereof) is modified (e.g., reduced) with respect to the percentage of uracil or thymine nucleobases in the reference wild-type nucleotide sequence. Such a sequence is referred to as a uracil-modified or thymine-modified sequence. The percentage of uracil or thymine content in a nucleotide sequence can be determined by dividing the number of uracils or thymines in a sequence by the total number of nucleotides and multiplying by 100. In some embodiments, the sequence- optimized nucleotide sequence has a lower uracil or thymine content than the uracil or thymine content in the reference wild-type sequence. In some embodiments, the uracil or thymine content in a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence of the invention is greater than the uracil or thymine content in the reference wild-type sequence and still maintain beneficial effects, e.g., increased expression and/or reduced Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) response when compared to the reference wild-type sequence. [0093] Methods for optimizing codon usage are known in the art. For example, an ORF of any one or more of the sequences provided herein may be codon optimized. Codon optimization, in some embodiments, may be used to match codon frequencies in
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 target and host organisms to ensure proper folding; bias GC content to increase mRNA stability or reduce secondary structures; minimize tandem repeat codons or base runs that may impair gene construction or expression; customize transcriptional and translational control regions; insert or remove protein trafficking sequences; remove/add post translation modification sites in encoded protein (e.g., glycosylation sites); add, remove or shuffle protein domains; insert or delete restriction sites; modify ribosome binding sites and mRNA degradation sites; adjust translational rates to allow the various domains of the protein to fold properly; or reduce or eliminate problem secondary structures within the polynucleotide. Codon optimization tools, algorithms and services are known in the art - non-limiting examples include services from GeneArt (Life Technologies), DNA2.0 (Menlo Park CA) and/or proprietary methods. In some embodiments, the open reading frame (ORF) sequence is optimized using optimization algorithms. Identification and Ratio Determination (IDR) Sequences [0094] An Identification and Ratio Determination (IDR) sequence is a sequence of a biological molecule (e.g., nucleic acid or protein) that, when combined with the sequence of a target biological molecule, serves to identify the target biological molecule. Typically, an IDR sequence is a heterologous sequence that is incorporated within or appended to a sequence of a target biological molecule and can be used as a reference to identify the target molecule. Thus, in some embodiments, a nucleic acid (e.g., mRNA) comprises (i) a target sequence of interest (e.g., a coding sequence encoding a therapeutic and/or antigenic peptide or protein); and (ii) a unique IDR sequence. [0095] An RNA species (e.g., RNA having a given coding sequence) may comprise an IDR sequence that differs from the IDR sequence of other RNA species (e.g., RNA(s) having different coding sequence(s)). Each IDR sequence thus identifies a particular RNA species, and so the abundance of IDR sequences may be measured to determine the abundance of each RNA species in a composition. Use of distinct IDR sequences to identify RNA species allows for analysis of multivalent RNA compositions (e.g., containing multiple RNA species) containing RNA species with similar coding sequences
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 and/or lengths, which could otherwise be difficult to distinguish using PCR- or chromatography-based analysis of full-length RNAs. [0096] Each RNA species in a multivalent RNA composition may comprise an IDR sequence that is not a sequence isomer of an IDR sequence of another RNA species in a multivalent RNA composition (e.g., the IDR sequence does not have the same number of adenosine nucleotides, the same number of cytosine nucleotides, the same number of guanine nucleotides, and the same number of uracil nucleotides, as another IDR sequence in the composition, even if those sequences have different sequences). Having identical nucleotide compositions causes sequence isomers to have the same mass, presenting a challenge to distinguishing sequence isomers using mass-based identification methods (e.g., mass spectrometry). [0097] Each RNA species in a multivalent RNA composition may comprise an IDR sequence having a mass that differs from the mass of IDR sequences of each other RNA species in a multivalent RNA composition. For example, the mass of each IDR sequence may differ from the mass of other IDR sequences by at least 9 Da, at least 25 Da, at least 25 Da, or at least 50 Da. Use of IDR sequences with distinct masses allows RNA fragments comprising different IDR sequences to be distinguished using mass-based analysis methods (e.g., mass spectrometry), which do not require reverse transcription, amplification, or sequencing of RNAs. [0098] Each RNA species in an RNA composition may comprises an IDR sequence with a different length. For example, each IDR sequence may have a length independently selected from 0 to 25 nucleotides. The length of a nucleic acid influences the rate at which the nucleic acid traverses a chromatography column, and so the use of IDR sequences of different lengths on different RNA species allows RNA fragments having different IDR sequences to be distinguished using chromatography-based methods (e.g., LC-UV). [0099] IDR sequences may be chosen such that no IDR sequence comprises a start codon, ‘AUG’. Lack of a start codon in an IDR sequence prevents undesired translation of nucleotide sequences within and/or downstream from the IDR sequence.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [00100] IDR sequences may be chosen such that no IDR sequence comprises a recognition site for a restriction enzyme. In one example, no IDR sequence comprises a recognition site for XbaI, ‘UCUAG’. Lack of a recognition site for a restriction enzyme (e.g., XbaI recognition site ‘UCUAG’) allows the restriction enzyme to be used in generating and modifying a DNA template for in vitro transcription, without affecting the IDR sequence or sequence of the transcribed RNA. Modified Nucleotide Sequences Encoding Relaxin Proteins [00101] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) of the invention comprises a chemically modified nucleobase, for example, a chemically modified uracil, e.g., pseudouracil, N1-methylpseudouracil, 5-methoxyuracil, or the like. In some embodiments, the mRNA is a uracil-modified sequence comprising an ORF encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein), wherein the mRNA comprises a chemically modified nucleobase, for example, a chemically modified uracil, e.g., pseudouracil, N1-methylpseudouracil, or 5-methoxyuracil. [0102] In certain aspects of the invention, when the modified uracil base is connected to a ribose sugar, as it is in polynucleotides, the resulting modified nucleoside or nucleotide is referred to as modified uridine. In some embodiments, uracil in the polynucleotide is at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99%, or about 100% modified uracil. In one embodiment, uracil in the polynucleotide is at least 95% modified uracil. In another embodiment, uracil in the polynucleotide is 100% modified uracil. [0103] In embodiments where uracil in the polynucleotide is at least 95% modified uracil overall uracil content can be adjusted such that an mRNA provides suitable protein expression levels while inducing little to no immune response. In some embodiments, the uracil content of the ORF is between about 100% and about 150%, between about 100% and about 110%, between about 105% and about 115%, between about 110% and about 120%, between about 115% and about 125%, between about 120% and about 130%, between about 125% and about 135%, between about 130% and about 140%,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 between about 135% and about 145%, between about 140% and about 150% of the theoretical minimum uracil content in the corresponding wild-type ORF (%U
TM). In other embodiments, the uracil content of the ORF is between about 121% and about 136% or between 123% and 134% of the %UTM. In some embodiments, the uracil content of the ORF encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) is about 115%, about 120%, about 125%, about 130%, about 135%, about 140%, about 145%, or about 150% of the %UTM. In this context, the term "uracil" can refer to modified uracil and/or naturally occurring uracil. [0104] In some embodiments, the uracil content in the ORF of the mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) of the invention is less than about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 15%, or about 10% of the total nucleobase content in the ORF. In some embodiments, the uracil content in the ORF is between about 10% and about 20% of the total nucleobase content in the ORF. In other embodiments, the uracil content in the ORF is between about 10% and about 25% of the total nucleobase content in the ORF. In one embodiment, the uracil content in the ORF of the mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) is less than about 20% of the total nucleobase content in the open reading frame. In this context, the term "uracil" can refer to modified uracil and/or naturally occurring uracil. [0105] In further embodiments, the ORF of the mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) having modified uracil and adjusted uracil content has increased Cytosine (C), Guanine (G), or Guanine/Cytosine (G/C) content (absolute or relative). In some embodiments, the overall increase in C, G, or G/C content (absolute or relative) of the ORF is at least about 2%, at least about 3%, at least about 4%, at least about 5%, at least about 6%, at least about 7%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% relative to the G/C content (absolute or relative) of the wild-type ORF. In some embodiments, the G, the C, or the G/C content in the ORF is less than about 100%, less than about 90%, less than about 85%, or less than about 80% of the theoretical maximum
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 G, C, or G/C content of the corresponding wild type nucleotide sequence encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) (%G
TMX; %C
TMX, or %G/C
TMX). In some embodiments, the increases in G and/or C content (absolute or relative) described herein can be conducted by replacing synonymous codons with low G, C, or G/C content with synonymous codons having higher G, C, or G/C content. In other embodiments, the increase in G and/or C content (absolute or relative) is conducted by replacing a codon ending with U with a synonymous codon ending with G or C. [0106] In further embodiments, the ORF of the mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) of the invention comprises modified uracil and has an adjusted uracil content containing less uracil pairs (UU) and/or uracil triplets (UUU) and/or uracil quadruplets (UUUU) than the corresponding wild-type nucleotide sequence encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein). In some embodiments, the ORF of the mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) of the invention contains no uracil pairs and/or uracil triplets and/or uracil quadruplets. In some embodiments, uracil pairs and/or uracil triplets and/or uracil quadruplets are reduced below a certain threshold, e.g., no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 occurrences in the ORF of the mRNA encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein). In a particular embodiment, the ORF of the mRNA encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) of the invention contains less than 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, or 1 non-phenylalanine uracil pairs and/or triplets. In another embodiment, the ORF of the mRNA encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)contains no non-phenylalanine uracil pairs and/or triplets. [0107] In further embodiments, the ORF of the mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) of the invention comprises modified uracil and has an adjusted uracil content containing less uracil-rich clusters than the corresponding wild- type nucleotide sequence encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein). In some embodiments, the ORF of the mRNA encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) of the invention contains uracil-rich clusters that are shorter in length than
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 corresponding uracil-rich clusters in the corresponding wild-type nucleotide sequence encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein). [0108] In further embodiments, alternative lower frequency codons are employed. At least about 5%, at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 99%, or 100% of the codons in the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)–encoding ORF of the modified uracil-comprising mRNA are substituted with alternative codons, each alternative codon having a codon frequency lower than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set. The ORF also has adjusted uracil content, as described above. In some embodiments, at least one codon in the ORF of the mRNA encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) is substituted with an alternative codon having a codon frequency lower than the codon frequency of the substituted codon in the synonymous codon set. [0109] In some embodiments, the adjusted uracil content, relaxin protein- (e.g., relaxin fusion protein-) encoding ORF of the modified uracil-comprising mRNA exhibits expression levels of relaxin when administered to a mammalian cell that are higher than expression levels of relaxin from the corresponding wild-type mRNA. In some embodiments, the mammalian cell is a mouse cell, a rat cell, or a rabbit cell. In other embodiments, the mammalian cell is a monkey cell or a human cell. In some embodiments, the human cell is a HeLa cell, a BJ fibroblast cell, or a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). In some embodiments, relaxin is expressed at a level higher than expression levels of relaxin from the corresponding wild-type mRNA when the mRNA is administered to a mammalian cell in vivo. In some embodiments, the mRNA is administered to mice, rabbits, rats, monkeys, or humans. In one embodiment, mice are null mice. In some embodiments, the mRNA is administered intravenously or intramuscularly. In other embodiments, the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) is expressed when the mRNA is administered to a mammalian cell in vitro. In some
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 embodiments, the expression is increased by at least about 2-fold, at least about 5-fold, at least about 10-fold, at least about 50-fold, at least about 500-fold, at least about 1500- fold, or at least about 3000-fold. In other embodiments, the expression is increased by at least about 10%, about 20%, about 30%, about 40%, about 50%, 60%, about 70%, about 80%, about 90%, or about 100%. [0110] In some embodiments, adjusted uracil content, relaxin protein- (e.g., relaxin fusion protein-) encoding ORF of the modified uracil-comprising mRNA exhibits increased stability. In some embodiments, the mRNA exhibits increased stability in a cell relative to the stability of a corresponding wild-type mRNA under the same conditions. In some embodiments, the mRNA exhibits increased stability including resistance to nucleases, thermal stability, and/or increased stabilization of secondary structure. In some embodiments, increased stability exhibited by the mRNA is measured by determining the half-life of the mRNA (e.g., in a plasma, serum, cell, or tissue sample) and/or determining the area under the curve (AUC) of the protein expression by the mRNA over time (e.g., in vitro or in vivo). An mRNA is identified as having increased stability if the half-life and/or the AUC is greater than the half-life and/or the AUC of a corresponding wild-type mRNA under the same conditions. [0111] In some embodiments, the mRNA of the present invention induces a detectably lower immune response (e.g., innate or acquired) relative to the immune response induced by a corresponding wild-type mRNA under the same conditions. In other embodiments, the mRNA of the present disclosure induces a detectably lower immune response (e.g., innate or acquired) relative to the immune response induced by an mRNA that encodes for a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) but does not comprise modified uracil under the same conditions, or relative to the immune response induced by an mRNA that encodes for a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) and that comprises modified uracil but that does not have adjusted uracil content under the same conditions. The innate immune response can be manifested by increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, activation of intracellular PRRs (RIG-I, MDA5, etc.), cell death, and/or termination or reduction in protein translation. In some
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 embodiments, a reduction in the innate immune response can be measured by expression or activity level of Type 1 interferons (e.g., IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-κ, IFN-δ, IFN-ε, IFN-τ, IFN-ω, and IFN-ζ) or the expression of interferon-regulated genes such as the toll-like receptors (e.g., TLR7 and TLR8), and/or by decreased cell death following one or more administrations of the mRNA of the invention into a cell. [0112] In some embodiments, the expression of Type-1 interferons by a mammalian cell in response to the mRNA of the present disclosure is reduced by at least 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, 99.9%, or greater than 99.9% relative to a corresponding wild-type mRNA, to an mRNA that encodes a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) but does not comprise modified uracil, or to an mRNA that encodes a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) and that comprises modified uracil but that does not have adjusted uracil content. In some embodiments, the interferon is IFN-β. In some embodiments, cell death frequency caused by administration of mRNA of the present disclosure to a mammalian cell is 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or over 95% less than the cell death frequency observed with a corresponding wild-type mRNA, an mRNA that encodes for a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) but does not comprise modified uracil, or an mRNA that encodes for a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) and that comprises modified uracil but that does not have adjusted uracil content. In some embodiments, the mammalian cell is a BJ fibroblast cell. In other embodiments, the mammalian cell is a splenocyte. In some embodiments, the mammalian cell is that of a mouse or a rat. In other embodiments, the mammalian cell is that of a human. In one embodiment, the mRNA of the present disclosure does not substantially induce an innate immune response of a mammalian cell into which the mRNA is introduced. Methods for Modifying Polynucleotides [0113] The disclosure includes modified polynucleotides comprising a polynucleotide described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide, e.g. mRNA, comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein)). The
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 modified polynucleotides can be chemically modified and/or structurally modified. When the polynucleotides of the present invention are chemically and/or structurally modified the polynucleotides can be referred to as "modified polynucleotides." [0114] The present disclosure provides for modified nucleosides and nucleotides of a polynucleotide (e.g., RNA polynucleotides, such as mRNA polynucleotides) encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein). A "nucleoside" refers to a compound containing a sugar molecule (e.g., a pentose or ribose) or a derivative thereof in combination with an organic base (e.g., a purine or pyrimidine) or a derivative thereof (also referred to herein as "nucleobase"). A “nucleotide" refers to a nucleoside including a phosphate group. Modified nucleotides can be synthesized by any useful method, such as, for example, chemically, enzymatically, or recombinantly, to include one or more modified or non-natural nucleosides. Polynucleotides can comprise a region or regions of linked nucleosides. Such regions can have variable backbone linkages. The linkages can be standard phosphodiester linkages, in which case the polynucleotides would comprise regions of nucleotides. [0115] The modified polynucleotides disclosed herein can comprise various distinct modifications. In some embodiments, the modified polynucleotides contain one, two, or more (optionally different) nucleoside or nucleotide modifications. In some embodiments, a modified polynucleotide, introduced to a cell can exhibit one or more desirable properties, e.g., improved protein expression, reduced immunogenicity, or reduced degradation in the cell, as compared to an unmodified polynucleotide. [0116] In some embodiments, a polynucleotide of the present invention (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein)) is structurally modified. As used herein, a "structural" modification is one in which two or more linked nucleosides are inserted, deleted, duplicated, inverted or randomized in a polynucleotide without significant chemical modification to the nucleotides themselves. Because chemical bonds will necessarily be broken and reformed to effect a structural modification, structural modifications are of a chemical nature and hence are chemical modifications. However, structural modifications
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 will result in a different sequence of nucleotides. For example, the polynucleotide "ATCG" can be chemically modified to "AT-5meC-G". The same polynucleotide can be structurally modified from "ATCG" to "ATCCCG". Here, the dinucleotide "CC" has been inserted, resulting in a structural modification to the polynucleotide. [0117] Therapeutic compositions of the present disclosure comprise, in some embodiments, at least one nucleic acid (e.g., RNA) having an open reading frame encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) (e.g., SEQ ID NO:4), wherein the nucleic acid comprises nucleotides and/or nucleosides that can be standard (unmodified) or modified as is known in the art. In some embodiments, nucleotides and nucleosides of the present disclosure comprise modified nucleotides or nucleosides. Such modified nucleotides and nucleosides can be naturally-occurring modified nucleotides and nucleosides or non-naturally occurring modified nucleotides and nucleosides. Such modifications can include those at the sugar, backbone, or nucleobase portion of the nucleotide and/or nucleoside as are recognized in the art. [0118] In some embodiments, a naturally-occurring modified nucleotide or nucleotide of the disclosure is one as is generally known or recognized in the art. Non- limiting examples of such naturally occurring modified nucleotides and nucleotides can be found, inter alia, in the widely recognized MODOMICS database. [0119] In some embodiments, a non-naturally occurring modified nucleotide or nucleoside of the disclosure is one as is generally known or recognized in the art. Non- limiting examples of such non-naturally occurring modified nucleotides and nucleosides can be found, inter alia, in published US application Nos. PCT/US2012/058519; PCT/US2013/075177; PCT/US2014/058897; PCT/US2014/058891; PCT/US2014/070413; PCT/US2015/36773; PCT/US2015/36759; PCT/US2015/36771; or PCT/IB2017/051367 all of which are incorporated by reference herein. [0120] In some embodiments, at least one RNA (e.g., mRNA) of the present disclosure is not chemically modified and comprises the standard ribonucleotides consisting of adenosine, guanosine, cytosine and uridine. In some embodiments, nucleotides and nucleosides of the present disclosure comprise standard nucleoside
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 residues such as those present in transcribed RNA (e.g. A, G, C, or U). In some embodiments, nucleotides and nucleosides of the present disclosure comprise standard deoxyribonucleosides such as those present in DNA (e.g. dA, dG, dC, or dT). [0121] Hence, nucleic acids of the disclosure (e.g., DNA nucleic acids and RNA nucleic acids, such as mRNA nucleic acids) can comprise standard nucleotides and nucleosides, naturally-occurring nucleotides and nucleosides, non-naturally-occurring nucleotides and nucleosides, or any combination thereof. [0122] Nucleic acids of the disclosure (e.g., DNA nucleic acids and RNA nucleic acids, such as mRNA nucleic acids), in some embodiments, comprise various (more than one) different types of standard and/or modified nucleotides and nucleosides. In some embodiments, a particular region of a nucleic acid contains one, two or more (optionally different) types of standard and/or modified nucleotides and nucleosides. [0123] In some embodiments, a modified RNA nucleic acid (e.g., a modified mRNA nucleic acid), introduced to a cell or organism, exhibits reduced degradation in the cell or organism, respectively, relative to an unmodified nucleic acid comprising standard nucleotides and nucleosides. [0124] In some embodiments, a modified RNA nucleic acid (e.g., a modified mRNA nucleic acid), introduced into a cell or organism, may exhibit reduced immunogenicity in the cell or organism, respectively (e.g., a reduced innate response) relative to an unmodified nucleic acid comprising standard nucleotides and nucleosides. [0125] Nucleic acids (e.g., RNA nucleic acids, such as mRNA nucleic acids), in some embodiments, comprise non-natural modified nucleotides that are introduced during synthesis or post-synthesis of the nucleic acids to achieve desired functions or properties. The modifications may be present on internucleotide linkages, purine or pyrimidine bases, or sugars. The modification may be introduced with chemical synthesis or with a polymerase enzyme at the terminal of a chain or anywhere else in the chain. Any of the regions of a nucleic acid may be chemically modified. [0126] The present disclosure provides for modified nucleosides and nucleotides of a nucleic acid (e.g., RNA nucleic acids, such as mRNA nucleic acids). A “nucleoside”
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 refers to a compound containing a sugar molecule (e.g., a pentose or ribose) or a derivative thereof in combination with an organic base (e.g., a purine or pyrimidine) or a derivative thereof (also referred to herein as “nucleobase”). A “nucleotide” refers to a nucleoside, including a phosphate group. Modified nucleotides may by synthesized by any useful method, such as, for example, chemically, enzymatically, or recombinantly, to include one or more modified or non-natural nucleosides. Nucleic acids can comprise a region or regions of linked nucleosides. Such regions may have variable backbone linkages. The linkages can be standard phosphodiester linkages, in which case the nucleic acids would comprise regions of nucleotides. [0127] Modified nucleotide base pairing encompasses not only the standard adenosine-thymine, adenosine-uracil, or guanosine-cytosine base pairs, but also base pairs formed between nucleotides and/or modified nucleotides comprising non-standard or modified bases, wherein the arrangement of hydrogen bond donors and hydrogen bond acceptors permits hydrogen bonding between a non-standard base and a standard base or between two complementary non-standard base structures, such as, for example, in those nucleic acids having at least one chemical modification. One example of such non- standard base pairing is the base pairing between the modified nucleotide inosine and adenine, cytosine or uracil. Any combination of base/sugar or linker may be incorporated into nucleic acids of the present disclosure. [0128] In some embodiments, modified nucleobases in nucleic acids (e.g., RNA nucleic acids, such as mRNA nucleic acids) comprise N1-methyl-pseudouridine (m1ψ), 1-ethyl-pseudouridine (e1ψ), 5-methoxy-uridine (mo5U), 5-methyl-cytidine (m5C), and/or pseudouridine (ψ). In some embodiments, modified nucleobases in nucleic acids (e.g., RNA nucleic acids, such as mRNA nucleic acids) comprise 5-methoxymethyl uridine, 5-methylthio uridine, 1-methoxymethyl pseudouridine, 5-methyl cytidine, and/or 5-methoxy cytidine. In some embodiments, the polyribonucleotide includes a combination of at least two (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more) of any of the aforementioned modified nucleobases, including but not limited to chemical modifications.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0129] In some embodiments, a RNA nucleic acid of the disclosure comprises N1- methyl-pseudouridine (m1ψ) substitutions at one or more or all uridine positions of the nucleic acid. [0130] In some embodiments, a RNA nucleic acid of the disclosure comprises N1- methyl-pseudouridine (m1ψ) substitutions at one or more or all uridine positions of the nucleic acid and 5-methyl cytidine substitutions at one or more or all cytidine positions of the nucleic acid. [0131] In some embodiments, a RNA nucleic acid of the disclosure comprises pseudouridine (ψ) substitutions at one or more or all uridine positions of the nucleic acid. [0132] In some embodiments, a RNA nucleic acid of the disclosure comprises pseudouridine (ψ) substitutions at one or more or all uridine positions of the nucleic acid and 5-methyl cytidine substitutions at one or more or all cytidine positions of the nucleic acid. [0133] In some embodiments, a RNA nucleic acid of the disclosure comprises uridine at one or more or all uridine positions of the nucleic acid. [0134] In some embodiments, nucleic acids (e.g., RNA nucleic acids, such as mRNA nucleic acids) are uniformly modified (e.g., fully modified, modified throughout the entire sequence) for a particular modification. For example, a nucleic acid can be uniformly modified with N1-methyl-pseudouridine, meaning that all uridine residues in the mRNA sequence are replaced with N1-methyl-pseudouridine. Similarly, a nucleic acid can be uniformly modified for any type of nucleoside residue present in the sequence by replacement with a modified residue such as those set forth above. [0135] The nucleic acids of the present disclosure may be partially or fully modified along the entire length of the molecule. For example, one or more or all or a given type of nucleotide (e.g., purine or pyrimidine, or any one or more or all of A, G, U, C) may be uniformly modified in a nucleic acid of the disclosure, or in a predetermined sequence region thereof (e.g., in the mRNA including or excluding the polyA tail). In some embodiments, all nucleotides X in a nucleic acid of the present disclosure (or in a sequence region thereof) are modified nucleotides, wherein X may be any one of
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 nucleotides A, G, U, C, or any one of the combinations A+G, A+U, A+C, G+U, G+C, U+C, A+G+U, A+G+C, G+U+C or A+G+C. [0136] The nucleic acid may contain from about 1% to about 100% modified nucleotides (either in relation to overall nucleotide content, or in relation to one or more types of nucleotide, i.e., any one or more of A, G, U or C) or any intervening percentage (e.g., from 1% to 20%, from 1% to 25%, from 1% to 50%, from 1% to 60%, from 1% to 70%, from 1% to 80%, from 1% to 90%, from 1% to 95%, from 10% to 20%, from 10% to 25%, from 10% to 50%, from 10% to 60%, from 10% to 70%, from 10% to 80%, from 10% to 90%, from 10% to 95%, from 10% to 100%, from 20% to 25%, from 20% to 50%, from 20% to 60%, from 20% to 70%, from 20% to 80%, from 20% to 90%, from 20% to 95%, from 20% to 100%, from 50% to 60%, from 50% to 70%, from 50% to 80%, from 50% to 90%, from 50% to 95%, from 50% to 100%, from 70% to 80%, from 70% to 90%, from 70% to 95%, from 70% to 100%, from 80% to 90%, from 80% to 95%, from 80% to 100%, from 90% to 95%, from 90% to 100%, and from 95% to 100%). It will be understood that any remaining percentage is accounted for by the presence of unmodified A, G, U, or C. [0137] The nucleic acids may contain at a minimum 1% and at maximum 100% modified nucleotides, or any intervening percentage, such as at least 5% modified nucleotides, at least 10% modified nucleotides, at least 25% modified nucleotides, at least 50% modified nucleotides, at least 80% modified nucleotides, or at least 90% modified nucleotides. For example, the nucleic acids may contain a modified pyrimidine such as a modified uracil or cytosine. In some embodiments, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 80%, at least 90% or 100% of the uracil in the nucleic acid is replaced with a modified uracil (e.g., a 5-substituted uracil). The modified uracil can be replaced by a compound having a single unique structure, or can be replaced by a plurality of compounds having different structures (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more unique structures). In some embodiments, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 25%, at least 50%, at least 80%, at least 90% or 100% of the cytosine in the nucleic acid is replaced with a modified cytosine (e.g., a 5-substituted cytosine). The modified cytosine can be replaced
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 by a compound having a single unique structure, or can be replaced by a plurality of compounds having different structures (e.g., 2, 3, 4 or more unique structures). Untranslated Regions (UTRs) [0138] Untranslated regions (UTRs) are nucleic acid sections of a polynucleotide before a start codon (5′ UTR) and after a stop codon (3′ UTR) that are not translated. In some embodiments, a polynucleotide (e.g., a ribonucleic acid (RNA), e.g., a messenger RNA (mRNA)) of the invention comprising an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein, e.g., SEQ ID NO:3) further comprises UTR (e.g., a 5′ UTR or functional fragment thereof, a 3′ UTR or functional fragment thereof, or a combination thereof). [0139] A UTR (e.g., 5′ UTR or 3′ UTR) can be homologous or heterologous to the coding region in a polynucleotide. In some embodiments, the UTR is homologous to the ORF encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein, e.g., SEQ ID NO:3). In some embodiments, the UTR is heterologous to the ORF encoding the relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein, e.g., SEQ ID NO:3). [0140] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises two or more 5′ UTRs or functional fragments thereof, each of which has the same or different nucleotide sequences. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises two or more 3′ UTRs or functional fragments thereof, each of which has the same or different nucleotide sequences. [0141] In some embodiments, the 5′ UTR or functional fragment thereof, 3′ UTR or functional fragment thereof, or any combination thereof is sequence optimized. [0142] In some embodiments, the 5′UTR or functional fragment thereof, 3′ UTR or functional fragment thereof, or any combination thereof comprises at least one chemically modified nucleobase, e.g., N1-methylpseudouracil or 5-methoxyuracil. [0143] UTRs can have features that provide a regulatory role, e.g., increased or decreased stability, localization and/or translation efficiency. A polynucleotide comprising a UTR can be administered to a cell, tissue, or organism, and one or more
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 regulatory features can be measured using routine methods. In some embodiments, a functional fragment of a 5′ UTR or 3′ UTR comprises one or more regulatory features of a full length 5′ or 3′ UTR, respectively. [0144] Natural 5′UTRs bear features that play roles in translation initiation. They harbor signatures like Kozak sequences that are commonly known to be involved in the process by which the ribosome initiates translation of many genes. Kozak sequences have the consensus CCR(A/G)CCAUGG, where R is a purine (adenine or guanine) three bases upstream of the start codon (AUG), which is followed by another ‘G’.5′ UTRs also have been known to form secondary structures that are involved in elongation factor binding. [0145] By engineering the features typically found in abundantly expressed genes of specific target organs, one can enhance the stability and protein production of a polynucleotide. For example, introduction of 5′ UTR of liver-expressed mRNA, such as albumin, serum amyloid A, Apolipoprotein A/B/E, transferrin, alpha fetoprotein, erythropoietin, or Factor VIII, can enhance expression of polynucleotides in hepatic cell lines or liver. Likewise, use of 5′UTR from other tissue-specific mRNA to improve expression in that tissue is possible for muscle (e.g., MyoD, Myosin, Myoglobin, Myogenin, Herculin), for endothelial cells (e.g., Tie-1, CD36), for myeloid cells (e.g., C/EBP, AML1, G-CSF, GM-CSF, CD11b, MSR, Fr-1, i-NOS), for leukocytes (e.g., CD45, CD18), for adipose tissue (e.g., CD36, GLUT4, ACRP30, adiponectin) and for lung epithelial cells (e.g., SP-A/B/C/D). [0146] In some embodiments, UTRs are selected from a family of transcripts whose proteins share a common function, structure, feature or property. For example, an encoded polypeptide can belong to a family of proteins (i.e., that share at least one function, structure, feature, localization, origin, or expression pattern), which are expressed in a particular cell, tissue or at some time during development. The UTRs from any of the genes or mRNA can be swapped for any other UTR of the same or different family of proteins to create a new polynucleotide. [0147] In some embodiments, the 5′ UTR and the 3′ UTR can be heterologous. In some embodiments, the 5′ UTR can be derived from a different species than the 3′ UTR.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 In some embodiments, the 3′ UTR can be derived from a different species than the 5′ UTR. [0148] Co-owned International Patent Application No. PCT/US2014/021522 (Publ. No. WO/2014/164253, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety) provides a listing of exemplary UTRs that can be utilized in the polynucleotide of the present invention as flanking regions to an ORF. [0149] Additional exemplary UTRs of the application include, but are not limited to, one or more 5′UTR and/or 3′UTR derived from the nucleic acid sequence of: a globin, such as an α- or β-globin (e.g., a Xenopus, mouse, rabbit, or human globin); a strong Kozak translational initiation signal; a CYBA (e.g., human cytochrome b-245 α polypeptide); an albumin (e.g., human albumin7); a HSD17B4 (hydroxysteroid (17-β) dehydrogenase); a virus (e.g., a tobacco etch virus (TEV), a Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), a Dengue virus, a cytomegalovirus (CMV) (e.g., CMV immediate early 1 (IE1)), a hepatitis virus (e.g., hepatitis B virus), a sindbis virus, or a PAV barley yellow dwarf virus); a heat shock protein (e.g., hsp70); a translation initiation factor (e.g., elF4G); a glucose transporter (e.g., hGLUT1 (human glucose transporter 1)); an actin (e.g., human α or β actin); a GAPDH; a tubulin; a histone; a citric acid cycle enzyme; a topoisomerase (e.g., a 5′UTR of a TOP gene lacking the 5′ TOP motif (the oligopyrimidine tract)); a ribosomal protein Large 32 (L32); a ribosomal protein (e.g., human or mouse ribosomal protein, such as, for example, rps9); an ATP synthase (e.g., ATP5A1 or the β subunit of mitochondrial H
+-ATP synthase); a growth hormone e (e.g., bovine (bGH) or human (hGH)); an elongation factor (e.g., elongation factor 1 α1 (EEF1A1)); a manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD); a myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A); a β-F1-ATPase, a creatine kinase, a myoglobin, a granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF); a collagen (e.g., collagen type I, alpha 2 (Col1A2), collagen type I, alpha 1 (Col1A1), collagen type VI, alpha 2 (Col6A2), collagen type VI, alpha 1 (Col6A1)); a ribophorin (e.g., ribophorin I (RPNI)); a low density lipoprotein receptor- related protein (e.g., LRP1); a cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor (e.g., Nnt1); calreticulin
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 (Calr); a procollagen-lysine, 2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 1 (Plod1); and a nucleobindin (e.g., Nucb1). [0150] In some embodiments, the 5′ UTR is selected from the group consisting of a β-globin 5′ UTR; a 5′UTR containing a strong Kozak translational initiation signal; a cytochrome b-245 α polypeptide (CYBA) 5′ UTR; a hydroxysteroid (17-β) dehydrogenase (HSD17B4) 5′ UTR; a Tobacco etch virus (TEV) 5′ UTR; a Venezuelen equine encephalitis virus (TEEV) 5′ UTR; a 5′ proximal open reading frame of rubella virus (RV) RNA encoding nonstructural proteins; a Dengue virus (DEN) 5′ UTR; a heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) 5′ UTR; a eIF4G 5′ UTR; a GLUT15′ UTR; functional fragments thereof and any combination thereof. [0151] In some embodiments, the 3′ UTR is selected from the group consisting of a β-globin 3′ UTR; a CYBA 3′ UTR; an albumin 3′ UTR; a growth hormone (GH) 3′ UTR; a VEEV 3′ UTR; a hepatitis B virus (HBV) 3′ UTR; α-globin 3′UTR; a DEN 3′ UTR; a PAV barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV-PAV) 3′ UTR; an elongation factor 1 α1 (EEF1A1) 3′ UTR; a manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) 3′ UTR; a β subunit of mitochondrial H(+)-ATP synthase (β-mRNA) 3′ UTR; a GLUT13′ UTR; a MEF2A 3′ UTR; a β-F1-ATPase 3′ UTR; functional fragments thereof and combinations thereof. [0152] Wild-type UTRs derived from any gene or mRNA can be incorporated into the polynucleotides of the invention. In some embodiments, a UTR can be altered relative to a wild type or native UTR to produce a variant UTR, e.g., by changing the orientation or location of the UTR relative to the ORF; or by inclusion of additional nucleotides, deletion of nucleotides, swapping or transposition of nucleotides. In some embodiments, variants of 5′ or 3′ UTRs can be utilized, for example, mutants of wild type UTRs, or variants wherein one or more nucleotides are added to or removed from a terminus of the UTR. [0153] Additionally, one or more synthetic UTRs can be used in combination with one or more non-synthetic UTRs. See, e.g., Mandal and Rossi, Nat. Protoc.2013 8(3):568-82, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0154] UTRs or portions thereof can be placed in the same orientation as in the transcript from which they were selected or can be altered in orientation or location. Hence, a 5′ and/or 3′ UTR can be inverted, shortened, lengthened, or combined with one or more other 5′ UTRs or 3′ UTRs. [0155] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises multiple UTRs, e.g., a double, a triple or a quadruple 5′ UTR or 3′ UTR. For example, a double UTR comprises two copies of the same UTR either in series or substantially in series. For example, a double beta-globin 3′UTR can be used (see US2010/0129877, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). [0156] The polynucleotides of the invention can comprise combinations of features. For example, the ORF can be flanked by a 5′UTR that comprises a strong Kozak translational initiation signal and/or a 3′UTR comprising an oligo(dT) sequence for templated addition of a poly-A tail. A 5′UTR can comprise a first polynucleotide fragment and a second polynucleotide fragment from the same and/or different UTRs (see, e.g., US2010/0293625, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). [0157] Other non-UTR sequences can be used as regions or subregions within the polynucleotides of the invention. For example, introns or portions of intron sequences can be incorporated into the polynucleotides of the invention. Incorporation of intronic sequences can increase protein production as well as polynucleotide expression levels. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide of the invention comprises an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) instead of or in addition to a UTR (see, e.g., Yakubov et al., Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun.2010394(1):189-193, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises an IRES instead of a 5′ UTR sequence. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises an ORF and a viral capsid sequence. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises a synthetic 5′ UTR in combination with a non-synthetic 3′ UTR. [0158] In some embodiments, the UTR can also include at least one translation enhancer polynucleotide, translation enhancer element, or translational enhancer elements
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 (collectively, "TEE," which refers to nucleic acid sequences that increase the amount of polypeptide or protein produced from a polynucleotide. As a non-limiting example, the TEE can be located between the transcription promoter and the start codon. In some embodiments, the 5′ UTR comprises a TEE. [0159] In one aspect, a TEE is a conserved element in a UTR that can promote translational activity of a nucleic acid such as, but not limited to, cap-dependent or cap- independent translation. 5′ UTR sequences [0160] 5′ UTR sequences are important for ribosome recruitment to the mRNA and have been reported to play a role in translation (Hinnebusch A, et al., (2016) Science, 352:6292: 1413-6). [0161] Disclosed herein, inter alia, is a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, comprising an open reading frame encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3), which polynucleotide has a 5′ UTR that confers an increased half-life, increased expression and/or increased activity of the polypeptide encoded by said polynucleotide, or of the polynucleotide itself. In an embodiment, a polynucleotide disclosed herein comprises: (a) a 5′-UTR (e.g., as provided in Table 2 or a variant or fragment thereof); (b) a coding region comprising a stop element (e.g., as described herein); and (c) a 3′- UTR (e.g., as described herein), and LNP compositions comprising the same. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises a 5′-UTR comprising a sequence provided in Table 2 or a variant or fragment thereof (e.g., a functional variant or fragment thereof). In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises a 5′-UTR comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO:58. [0162] In an embodiment, the polynucleotide having a 5′ UTR sequence provided in Table 2 or a variant or fragment thereof, has an increase in the half-life of the polynucleotide, e.g., about 1.5-20-fold increase in half-life of the polynucleotide. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20-fold, or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half life is about
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 1.5-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half life is about 2-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half life is about 3-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half life is about 4-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half life is about 5-fold or more. [0163] In an embodiment, the polynucleotide having a 5′ UTR sequence provided in Table 2 or a variant or fragment thereof, results in an increased level and/or activity, e.g., output, of the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. In an embodiment, the 5′UTR results in about 1.5-20-fold increase in level and/or activity, e.g., output, of the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. In an embodiment, the increase in level and/or activity is about 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20-fold, or more. In an embodiment, the increase in level and/or activity is about 1.5-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in level and/or activity is about 2-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in level and/or activity is about 3-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in level and/or activity is about 4-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in level and/or activity is about 5-fold or more. [0164] In an embodiment, the increase is compared to an otherwise similar polynucleotide which does not have a 5′ UTR, has a different 5′ UTR, or does not have a 5′ UTR described in Table 2 or a variant or fragment thereof. [0165] In an embodiment, the increase in half-life of the polynucleotide is measured according to an assay that measures the half-life of a polynucleotide. [0166] In an embodiment, the increase in level and/or activity, e.g., output, of the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide is measured according to an assay that measures the level and/or activity of a polypeptide. [0167] In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence provided in Table 2 or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to a 5′ UTR sequence provided in Table 2, or a variant or a fragment thereof. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 50, SEQ ID NO: 51, SEQ ID NO: 52,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 SEQ ID NO: 53, SEQ ID NO: 54, SEQ ID NO: 55, SEQ ID NO: 56, SEQ ID NO: 57, or SEQ ID NO: 58. [0168] In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 50. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 51. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 52. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 53. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 54. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 55. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 56. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 57. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. [0169] In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:58. In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR consists of the sequence of SEQ ID NO:58. [0170] In an embodiment, a 5′ UTR sequence provided in Table 2 has a first nucleotide which is an A. In an embodiment, a 5′ UTR sequence provided in Table 2 has a first nucleotide which is a G. Table 2: 5′ UTR sequences SEQ ID Sequence Sequence G

Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 A
5 GGAAAUCCCCACAACCGCCUCAUAUCCAGGCUCAAGAAUAG AGCUCAGUGUUUUGUUGUUUAAUCAUUCCGACGUGUUUUGC G U U
A C U
G C G
G U n
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 (N3)x is a guanine and x is an integer from 0 to 1; (N4)x is a cytosine and x is an integer from 0 to 1; n U
U U U U G G C G U
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 7
0 A21 GGAAAUGUGAUUUCCAGCAACUUCUUUUGAAUAUAUUGAAU UCCUAAUUCAAAGCGAACAAAUCUACAAGCCAUAUACC U
G G G G U U G
G [
a e o e , e co p ses a va a o : . an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 50 comprises a nucleic acid sequence of Formula A: G G A A A U C G C A A A A (N2)X (N3)X C U (N4)X (N5)X C G C G U U A G A U U U C U U U U A G U U U U C U N6 N7 C A A C U A G C A A G C U U U U U G U U C U C G C C (N
8 C C)x (SEQ ID NO: 59), wherein: (N2)x is a uracil and x is an integer from 0 to 5, e.g., wherein x =3 or 4;
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 (N
3)
x is a guanine and x is an integer from 0 to 1; (N
4)
x is a cytosine and x is an integer from 0 to 1; (N5)x is a uracil and x is an integer from 0 to 5, e.g., wherein x =2 or 3; N6 is a uracil or cytosine; N
7 is a uracil or guanine; N8 is adenine or guanine and x is an integer from 0 to 1. [0172] In an embodiment (N
2)
x is a uracil and x is 0. In an embodiment (N
2)
x is a uracil and x is 1. In an embodiment (N
2)
x is a uracil and x is 2. In an embodiment (N
2)
x is a uracil and x is 3. In an embodiment, (N2)x is a uracil and x is 4. In an embodiment (N2)x is a uracil and x is 5. [0173] In an embodiment, (N
3)
x is a guanine and x is 0. In an embodiment, (N
3)
x is a guanine and x is 1. [0174] In an embodiment, (N4)x is a cytosine and x is 0. In an embodiment, (N4)x is a cytosine and x is 1. [0175] In an embodiment (N
5)
x is a uracil and x is 0. In an embodiment (N
5)
x is a uracil and x is 1. In an embodiment (N5)x is a uracil and x is 2. In an embodiment (N5)x is a uracil and x is 3. In an embodiment, (N
5)
x is a uracil and x is 4. In an embodiment (N
5)
x is a uracil and x is 5. [0176] In an embodiment, N6 is a uracil. In an embodiment, N6 is a cytosine. [0177] In an embodiment, N7 is a uracil. In an embodiment, N7 is a guanine. [0178] In an embodiment, N8 is an adenine and x is 0. In an embodiment, N8 is an adenine and x is 1. [0179] In an embodiment, N8 is a guanine and x is 0. In an embodiment, N8 is a guanine and x is 1. [0180] In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a variant of SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 58%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 58% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 a sequence with at least 60% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 70% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 80% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 95% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 96% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 97% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 98% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a sequence with at least 99% identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. [0181] In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 58%, 60%, 70%, or 80%. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 5%. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 10%. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 20%. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 30%. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 40%. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 58%. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 60%. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 70%. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises a uridine content of at least 80%. [0182] In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 consecutive uridines (e.g., a polyuridine tract). In an embodiment, the polyuridine tract in the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises at least 1-7, 2-7, 3-7, 4-7, 5-7, 6-7, 1-6, 1-5, 1-4, 1-3, 1-2, 2-6, or 3-5 consecutive uridines. In an embodiment, the polyuridine tract in the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises 4 consecutive uridines. In an
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 embodiment, the polyuridine tract in the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises 5 consecutive uridines. [0183] In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 polyuridine tracts. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises 3 polyuridine tracts. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises 4 polyuridine tracts. In an embodiment, the variant of SEQ ID NO: 58 comprises 5 polyuridine tracts. [0184] In an embodiment, one or more of the polyuridine tracts are adjacent to a different polyuridine tract. In an embodiment, each of, e.g., all, the polyuridine tracts are adjacent to each other, e.g., all of the polyuridine tracts are contiguous. [0185] In an embodiment, one or more of the polyuridine tracts are separated by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.19, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 nucleotides. In an embodiment, each of, e.g., all of, the polyuridine tracts are separated by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.19, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 nucleotides. [0186] In an embodiment, a first polyuridine tract and a second polyuridine tract are adjacent to each other. [0187] In an embodiment, a subsequent, e.g., third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth, polyuridine tract is separated by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.19, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 nucleotides from the first polyuridine tract, the second polyuridine tract, or any one of the subsequent polyuridine tracts. [0188] In an embodiment, a first polyuridine tract is separated by 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18.19, 20, 30, 40, 50 or 60 nucleotides from a subsequent polyuridine tract, e.g., a second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth polyuridine tract. In an embodiment, one or more of the subsequent polyuridine tracts are adjacent to a different polyuridine tract. [0189] In an embodiment, the 5′ UTR comprises a Kozak sequence, e.g., a GCCRCC nucleotide sequence wherein R is an adenine or guanine. In an embodiment, the Kozak sequence is disposed at the 3′ end of the 5′UTR sequence.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0190] In an aspect, the polynucleotide (e.g., mRNA) comprising an open reading frame encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3) and comprising a 5′ UTR sequence disclosed herein is formulated as an LNP. In an embodiment, the LNP composition comprises: (i) an ionizable lipid, e.g., an amino lipid; (ii) a sterol or other structural lipid; (iii) a non-cationic helper lipid or phospholipid; and (iv) a PEG-lipid. [0191] In another aspect, the LNP compositions of the disclosure are used in a method of treating heart failure in a subject. [0192] In an aspect, an LNP composition comprising a polynucleotide disclosed herein encoding a relaxin protein, e.g., as described herein, can be administered with an additional agent, e.g., as described herein. 3′ UTR sequences [0193] 3′UTR sequences have been shown to influence translation, half-life, and subcellular localization of mRNAs (Mayr C., Cold Spring Harb Persp Biol 2019 Oct 1;11(10):a034728). [0194] Disclosed herein, inter alia, is a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, comprising an open reading frame encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) (e.g., SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO:3), which polynucleotide has a 3′ UTR that confers an increased half-life, increased expression and/or increased activity of the polypeptide encoded by said polynucleotide, or of the polynucleotide itself. In an embodiment, a polynucleotide disclosed herein comprises: (a) a 5′-UTR (e.g., as described herein); (b) a coding region comprising a stop element (e.g., as described herein); and (c) a 3′-UTR (e.g., as provided in Table 3 or a variant or fragment thereof), and LNP compositions comprising the same. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises a 3′-UTR comprising a sequence provided in Table 3 or a variant or fragment thereof. [0195] In an embodiment, the polynucleotide having a 3′ UTR sequence provided in Table 3 or a variant or fragment thereof, results in an increased half-life of the polynucleotide, e.g., about 1.5-10-fold increase in half-life of the polynucleotide. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10-fold, or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 1.5-fold or more. In an
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 2-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 3-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 4-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 5-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 6-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 7-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 8-fold. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 9-fold or more. In an embodiment, the increase in half-life is about 10-fold or more. [0196] In an embodiment, the polynucleotide having a 3′ UTR sequence provided in Table 3 or a variant or fragment thereof, results in a polynucleotide with a mean half-life score of greater than 10. [0197] In an embodiment, the polynucleotide having a 3′ UTR sequence provided in Table 3 or a variant or fragment thereof, results in an increased level and/or activity, e.g., output, of the polypeptide encoded by the polynucleotide. [0198] In an embodiment, the increase is compared to an otherwise similar polynucleotide which does not have a 3′ UTR, has a different 3′ UTR, or does not have a 3′ UTR of Table 3 or a variant or fragment thereof. [0199] In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises a 3′ UTR sequence provided in Table 3 or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to a 3′ UTR sequence provided in Table 3, or a fragment thereof. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 100, SEQ ID NO: 101, SEQ ID NO: 102, SEQ ID NO: 103, SEQ ID NO: 104, SEQ ID NO: 105, SEQ ID NO: 106, SEQ ID NO: 107, SEQ ID NO: 108, SEQ ID NO: 109, SEQ ID NO: 110, SEQ ID NO: 111, SEQ ID NO: 112, SEQ ID NO: 113, SEQ ID NO: 114, SEQ ID NO:115, or SEQ ID NO:137. [0200] In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 100, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 100. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 101. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 SEQ ID NO: 102, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 102. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 103, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 103. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 104, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 104. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 105, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 105. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 106, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 106. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 107, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 107. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 108, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 108. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 109, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 109. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 110, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 110. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 111, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 111. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 112, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 112. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 113, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 113. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 114. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 115, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 115. In an embodiment, the 3′ UTR comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 115, or a sequence with at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 137.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 wherein denotes a point of attachment; R
aγ and R
aδ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-12 alkyl, and C2-12 alkenyl, wherein at least one of R
aγ and R
aδ is selected from the group consisting of C
1-12 alkyl and C
2-12 alkenyl; R
bγ and R
bδ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, C
1-12 alkyl, and C2-12 alkenyl, wherein at least one of R
bγ and R
bδ is selected from the group consisting of C
1-12 alkyl and C
2-12 alkenyl; R
2 and R
3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of C
1-14 alkyl and C2-14 alkenyl; R
4 is selected from the group consisting of -(CH
2)
nOH wherein n is selected from the group ,
R
10 is N
each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C
1-6 alkyl, C
2-3 alkenyl, and H; and n2 is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; each R’ independently is a C1-12 alkyl or C2-12 alkenyl; Y
a is a C
3-6 carbocycle; R*”
a is selected from the group consisting of C
1-15 alkyl and C
2-15 alkenyl; and s is 2 or 3; m is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. [0345] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a compound of Formula (II-a):
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 or its N-oxide, or a salt or isomer thereof,
;
H, C1-12 alkyl, and C2-12 alkenyl, wherein at least one of R
aγ and R
aδ is selected from the group consisting of C
1-12 alkyl and C
2-12 alkenyl; R
bγ and R
bδ are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-12 alkyl, and C2-12 alkenyl, wherein at least one of R
bγ and R
bδ is selected from the group consisting of C
1-12 alkyl and C
2-12 alkenyl; R
2 and R
3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of C
1-14 alkyl and C
2-14 alkenyl; R
4 is selected from the group consisting of -(CH
2)
nOH wherein n is selected from the group ,
R
10 is N(R)2; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C
1-6 alkyl, C
2-3 alkenyl, and H; and n2 is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; each R’ independently is a C1-12 alkyl or C2-12 alkenyl;
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 m is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. [0346] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a compound of Formula (II-b):
;
C
1-12 alkyl and C
2-12 alkenyl; R
2 and R
3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of C1-14 alkyl and C
2-14 alkenyl; R
4 is selected from the group consisting of -(CH2)nOH wherein n is selected from the group ,
R
10 is N
each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-6 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; and n2 is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; each R’ independently is a C
1-12 alkyl or C
2-12 alkenyl; m is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0347] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a compound of Formula (II-c): or its N-oxide, or a salt or isomer thereof,
;
C
1-12 alkyl and C
2-12 alkenyl; R
2 and R
3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of C
1-14 alkyl and C
2-14 alkenyl; R
4 is selected from the group consisting of -(CH
2)
nOH wherein n is selected from the group ,
R
10 is N(R)
2; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C
1-6 alkyl, C
2-3 alkenyl, and H; and n2 is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; R’ is a C1-12 alkyl or C2-12 alkenyl; m is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. [0348] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a compound of Formula (II-d):
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20
of C1-12 alkyl and C2-12 alkenyl; R
4 is selected from the group consisting of -(CH2)nOH wherein n is selected from the group ,
R
10 is N(R)
2; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-6 alkyl, C2-3 alkenyl, and H; and n2 is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10; each R’ independently is a C
1-12 alkyl or C
2-12 alkenyl; m is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. [0349] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a compound of Formula (II-e): or its N-oxide, or a salt or isomer thereof,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 ;
C1-12 alkyl and C2-12 alkenyl; R
2 and R
3 are each independently selected from the group consisting of C1-14 alkyl and C2-14 alkenyl; R
4 is -(CH2)nOH wherein n is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; R’ is a C
1-12 alkyl or C
2-12 alkenyl; m is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9; l is selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. [0350] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), m and l are each independently selected from 4, 5, and 6. In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), m and l are each 5. [0351] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), each R’ independently is a C1-12 alkyl. In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), each R’ independently is a C
2-5 alkyl. [0352] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
b is: and R
2 and R
3 are each independently a C
1-14 alkyl. In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
b R
2 and R
3 are each independently a C
6-10 alkyl. In some
compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
b is: and R
2 and R
3 are each a C8 alkyl.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0353] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
branched is: , R
aγ is a C
1-12 alkyl and R
2 and R
3 are each of the
compound of Formula (II), , , , , or (II-e), is: R
3 are each Formula (II), (II-
[0354] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c),
(II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
branched , and R
aγ and R
bγ are each a C2-6 alkyl.
[0355] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), m and l are each independently selected from 4, 5, and 6 and each R’ independently is a C1-12 alkyl. In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), m and l are each 5 and each R’ independently is a C
2-5 alkyl. [0356] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
branched l are each independently
and
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 R
aγ and R
bγ are each a C
1-12 alkyl. In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
branched is:
, m and l are each 5, each R’ independently is a C
2-5 alkyl, and R
aγ and 6 alkyl.
[0357] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
branched l are each independently selected and R
2 and
R
3 are each independently a C6-10 alkyl. In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
branched
is: , m and l are each 5, R’ is a C
2-5 alkyl, R
aγ is a C
2-6 alkyl, and R
2 and R
3 are each a C
8 alkyl. [0358] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), , wherein R
10 is NH(C
1-6 alkyl) and n2 is 2. In
(II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), , wherein R
10 is NH(CH
3) and n2 is 2.
of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), l are
R
aγ
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 and R
bγ are each a C
1-12 , wherein R
10 is NH(C
1-6 alkyl), and n2 is 2. In some of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b),
l R
4
, wherein R
10 is NH(CH3) and n2 is 2. of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c),
l are each each
independently a C6-10 alkyl, R
aγ is a C1-12 R
10 is NH(C
1-6 alkyl) and n2 is 2. In some
is: each a C8
, wherein R
10 is NH(CH
3) and n2 is 2.
the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R
4 is -(CH2)nOH and n is 2, 3, or 4. In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R
4 is -(CH
2)
nOH and n is 2.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0362] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
branched l are each independently R
aγ bγ
and R are each a C
1-12 - n or some of the compound of Formula (II), (II-a), (II-b), (II-c), (II-d), or (II-e), R’
branched is: R’
b is: , m and l are each 5, each R’ independently R
4 is -(CH2)n
OH, and n is 2. [0363] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a compound of Formula (II-f): or its N-oxide, or a salt or isomer thereof,
wherein ;
R
aγ is a
alkyl; R
2 and R
3 are each independently a C1-14 alkyl; R
4 is -(CH2)nOH wherein n is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5; R’ is a C1-12 alkyl; m is selected from 4, 5, and 6; and l is selected from 4, 5, and 6. [0364] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II-f), m and l are each 5, and n is 2, 3, or 4.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0365] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II-f) R’ is a C
2-5 alkyl, R
aγ is a C
2-6 alkyl, and R
2 and R
3 are each a C
6-10 alkyl. [0366] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II-f), m and l are each 5, n is 2, 3, or 4, R’ is a C2-5 alkyl, R
aγ is a C2-6 alkyl, and R
2 and R
3 are each a C6-10 alkyl. [0367] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a compound of Formula (II-g):
R’ is a C2-5 alkyl; and R
4 is selected from the group consisting of -(CH
2)
nOH wherein n is selected from the group , wherein
NH(C
1-6 alkyl), and n2 is selected from
consisting of 1, 2, and 3. [0368] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a compound of Formula (II-h):
each R’ independently is a C
2-5 alkyl; and R
4 is selected from the group consisting of -(CH2)nOH wherein n is selected from the group ,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 wherein denotes a point of attachment, R
10 is NH(C1-6 alkyl), and n2 is selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, and 3. [0369] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II-g) or (II-h), R
4 is , wherein
n2 is 2. [0370] In some embodiments of the compound of Formula (II-g) or (II-h), R
4 is - (CH2)2OH. [0371] In some aspects, the disclosure relates to a compound having the Formula (III): , or a salt or
R
1, R
2, R
3, R
4, and R
5 are independently selected from the group consisting of C
5- 20 alkyl, C5-20 alkenyl, -R”MR’, -R*YR”, -YR”, and -R*OR”; each M is independently selected from the group consisting of -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -OC(O)O-, -C(O)N(R’)-, -N(R’)C(O)-, -C(O)-, -C(S)-, -C(S)S-, -S C(S)-, -CH(OH)-, -P(O)(OR’)O-, -S(O)2-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group; X
1, X
2, and X
3 are independently selected from the group consisting of a bond, -CH
2-, -(CH2)2-, -CHR-, -CHY-, -C(O)-, -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)-CH2-, -CH2-C(O)-, -C(O)O-CH2-, -OC(O)-CH2-, -CH2-C(O)O-, -CH2-OC(O)-, -CH(OH)-, -C(S)-, and -CH(SH)-;
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 each Y is independently a C
3-6 carbocycle; each R* is independently selected from the group consisting of C
1-12 alkyl and C
2- 12 alkenyl; each R is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-3 alkyl and a C3-6 carbocycle; each R’ is independently selected from the group consisting of C1-12 alkyl, C2-12 alkenyl, and H; and each R” is independently selected from the group consisting of C
3-12 alkyl and C
3- 12 alkenyl, and wherein: i) at least one of X
1, X
2, and X
3 is not -CH2-; and/or ii) at least one of R
1, R
2, R
3, R
4, and R
5 is -R”MR’. [0372] In some embodiments, R
1, R
2, R
3, R
4, and R
5 are each C
5-20 alkyl; X
1 is -CH
2-; and X
2 and X
3 are each -C(O)-. [0373] In some embodiments, the compound of Formula (III) is: (Compound VI), or a salt

Phospholipids [0374] The lipid composition of the lipid nanoparticle composition disclosed herein can comprise one or more phospholipids, for example, one or more saturated or (poly)unsaturated phospholipids or a combination thereof. In general, phospholipids comprise a phospholipid moiety and one or more fatty acid moieties. [0375] A phospholipid moiety can be selected, for example, from the non-limiting group consisting of phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidyl serine, phosphatidic acid, 2-lysophosphatidyl choline, and a sphingomyelin.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0376] A fatty acid moiety can be selected, for example, from the non-limiting group consisting of lauric acid, myristic acid, myristoleic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, erucic acid, phytanoic acid, arachidic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, behenic acid, docosapentaenoic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid. [0377] Particular phospholipids can facilitate fusion to a membrane. For example, a cationic phospholipid can interact with one or more negatively charged phospholipids of a membrane (e.g., a cellular or intracellular membrane). Fusion of a phospholipid to a membrane can allow one or more elements (e.g., a therapeutic agent) of a lipid- containing composition (e.g., LNPs) to pass through the membrane permitting, e.g., delivery of the one or more elements to a target tissue. [0378] Non-natural phospholipid species including natural species with modifications and substitutions including branching, oxidation, cyclization, and alkynes are also contemplated. For example, a phospholipid can be functionalized with or cross-linked to one or more alkynes (e.g., an alkenyl group in which one or more double bonds is replaced with a triple bond). Under appropriate reaction conditions, an alkyne group can undergo a copper-catalyzed cycloaddition upon exposure to an azide. Such reactions can be useful in functionalizing a lipid bilayer of a nanoparticle composition to facilitate membrane permeation or cellular recognition or in conjugating a nanoparticle composition to a useful component such as a targeting or imaging moiety (e.g., a dye). [0379] Phospholipids include, but are not limited to, glycerophospholipids such as phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylinositols, phosphatidy glycerols, and phosphatidic acids. Phospholipids also include phosphosphingolipid, such as sphingomyelin. [0380] In some embodiments, a phospholipid of the invention comprises 1,2- distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DSPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 1,2-dilinoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DLPC), 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-gly cero-phosphocholine (DMPC), 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine (DOPC), l,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2-
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 diundecanoyl-sn-glycero-phosphocholine (DUPC), 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine (POPC), 1,2-di-O-octadecenyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (18:0 Diether PC), 1-oleoyl-2 cholesterylhemisuccinoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (OChemsPC), 1-hexadecyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (C16 Lyso PC), 1,2- dilinolenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine,1,2-diarachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine, 1,2-didocosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, 1,2-diphytanoyl- sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (ME 16.0 PE), 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine, 1,2-dilinoleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, 1,2- dilinolenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, 1,2-diarachidonoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphoethanolamine, 1,2-didocosahexaenoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine, 1,2- dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) sodium salt (DOPG), sphingomyelin, and mixtures thereof. [0381] In certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful or potentially useful in the present invention is an analog or variant of DSPC. In certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful or potentially useful in the present invention is a compound of Formula (IV): or a salt thereof, wherein:

each R
1 is independently optionally substituted alkyl; or optionally two R
1 are joined together with the intervening atoms to form optionally substituted monocyclic carbocyclyl or optionally substituted monocyclic heterocyclyl; or optionally three R
1 are joined together with the intervening atoms to form optionally substituted bicyclic carbocyclyl or optionally substitute bicyclic heterocyclyl; n is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10;
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 A is of the ; each instance of L
2 substituted C
1-6 alkylene, wherein one
C
1-6 alkylene is optionally replaced with O, N(R
N), S, C(O), C(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O), C(O)O, OC(O), - OC(O)O, OC(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O)O, or NR
NC(O)N(R
N); each instance of R
2 is independently optionally substituted C
1-30 alkyl, optionally substituted C1-30 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C1-30 alkynyl; optionally wherein one or more methylene units of R
2 are independently replaced with optionally substituted carbocyclylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, N(R
N), O, S, C(O), C(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O), - , -
N(R
N)S(O), S(O)N(R
N), N(R
N)S(O)N(R
N), OS(O)N(R
N), N(R
N)S(O)O, S(O)2, - N(R
N)S(O)2, S(O)2N(R
N), N(R
N)S(O)2N(R
N), OS(O)2N(R
N), or N(R
N)S(O)2O; each instance of R
N is independently hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; Ring B is optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and p is 1 or 2; provided that the compound is not of the Formula: , wherein each instance
alkyl, unsubstituted alkenyl, or unsubstituted alkynyl.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0382] In some embodiments, the phospholipids may be one or more of the phospholipids described in U.S. Application No.62/520,530. Phospholipid Head Modifications [0383] In certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful or potentially useful in the present invention comprises a modified phospholipid head (e.g., a modified choline group). In certain embodiments, a phospholipid with a modified head is DSPC, or analog thereof, with a modified quaternary amine. For example, in embodiments of Formula (IV), at least one of R
1 is not methyl. In certain embodiments, at least one of R
1 is not hydrogen or methyl. In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (IV) is of one of the following Formulae: , or
each t is independently 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; each u is independently 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; and each v is independently 1, 2, or 3. [0384] In certain embodiments, a compound of Formula (IV) is of Formula (IV-a):
or a salt thereof. [0385] In certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful or potentially useful in the present invention comprises a cyclic moiety in place of the glyceride moiety. In certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful in the present invention is DSPC, or analog thereof,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 with a cyclic moiety in place of the glyceride moiety. In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (IV) is of Formula (IV-b): ,

or a salt thereof. Phospholipid Tail Modifications [0386] In certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful or potentially useful in the present invention comprises a modified tail. In certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful or potentially useful in the present invention is DSPC, or analog thereof, with a modified tail. As described herein, a “modified tail” may be a tail with shorter or longer aliphatic chains, aliphatic chains with branching introduced, aliphatic chains with substituents introduced, aliphatic chains wherein one or more methylenes are replaced by cyclic or heteroatom groups, or any combination thereof. For example, in certain embodiments, the compound of (IV) is of Formula (IV-a), or a salt thereof, wherein at least one instance of R
2 is each instance of R
2 is optionally substituted C
1-30 alkyl, wherein one or more methylene units of R
2 are independently replaced with optionally substituted carbocyclylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, N(R
N), O, S, C(O), C(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O), NR
NC(O)N(R
N), C(O)O, OC(O), OC(O)O, OC(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O)O, C(O)S, SC(O), -
c):
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 (IV-c), or a salt thereof, wherein:
each x is independently an integer between 0-30, inclusive; and each instance is G is independently selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted carbocyclylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, N(R
N), O, S, C(O), C(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O), NR
NC(O)N(R
N), C(O)O, OC(O), OC(O)O, OC(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O)O, C(O)S, SC(O), C(=NR
N), C(=NR
N)N(R
N), NR
NC(=NR
N), NR
NC(=NR
N)N(R
N), C(S), - C(S)N(R
N), NR
NC(S), NR
NC(S)N(R
N), S(O), OS(O), S(O)O, OS(O)O, OS(O)
2, S(O)
2O, OS(O)
2O, N(R
N)S(O), S(O)N(R
N), N(R
N)S(O)N(R
N), OS(O)N(R
N), N(R
N)S(O)O, S(O)
2, N(R
N)S(O)2, S(O)2N(R
N), N(R
N)S(O)2N(R
N), OS(O)2N(R
N), or N(R
N)S(O)2O. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. [0388] In certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful or potentially useful in the present invention comprises a modified phosphocholine moiety, wherein the alkyl chain linking the quaternary amine to the phosphoryl group is not ethylene (e.g., n is not 2). Therefore, in certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful or potentially useful in the present invention is a compound of Formula (IV), wherein n is 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. For example, in certain embodiments, a compound of Formula (IV) is of one of the following Formulae: , or a salt

Alternative Lipids
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0389] In certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful or potentially useful in the present invention comprises a modified phosphocholine moiety, wherein the alkyl chain linking the quaternary amine to the phosphoryl group is not ethylene (e.g., n is not 2). Therefore, in certain embodiments, a phospholipid useful. [0390] In certain embodiments, an alternative lipid is used in place of a phospholipid of the present disclosure. [0391] In certain embodiments, an alternative lipid of the invention is oleic acid. [0392] In certain embodiments, the alternative lipid is one of the following: , , ,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20

[0393] The lipid composition of a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein can comprise one or more structural lipids. As used herein, the term "structural lipid" refers to sterols and also to lipids containing sterol moieties. [0394] Incorporation of structural lipids in the lipid nanoparticle may help mitigate aggregation of other lipids in the particle. Structural lipids can be selected from the group including but not limited to, cholesterol, fecosterol, sitosterol, ergosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, tomatidine, tomatine, ursolic acid, alpha-tocopherol, hopanoids, phytosterols, steroids, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the structural lipid is a sterol. As defined herein, "sterols" are a subgroup of steroids consisting of steroid alcohols. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is a steroid. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is cholesterol. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is an analog of cholesterol. In certain embodiments, the structural lipid is alpha-tocopherol. [0395] In some embodiments, the structural lipids may be one or more of the structural lipids described in U.S. Application No.62/520,530. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)-Lipids
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0396] The lipid composition of a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein can comprise one or more a polyethylene glycol (PEG) lipid. [0397] As used herein, the term “PEG-lipid” refers to polyethylene glycol (PEG)- modified lipids. Non-limiting examples of PEG-lipids include PEG-modified phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidic acid, PEG-ceramide conjugates (e.g., PEG- CerC14 or PEG-CerC20), PEG-modified dialkylamines and PEG-modified 1,2- diacyloxypropan-3-amines. Such lipids are also referred to as PEGylated lipids. For example, a PEG lipid can be PEG-c-DOMG, PEG-DMG, PEG-DLPE, PEG-DMPE, PEG-DPPC, or a PEG-DSPE lipid. [0398] In some embodiments, the PEG-lipid includes, but not limited to 1,2- dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol methoxypolyethylene glycol (PEG-DMG), 1,2-distearoyl-sn- glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[amino(polyethylene glycol)] (PEG-DSPE), PEG- disteryl glycerol (PEG-DSG), PEG-dipalmetoleyl, PEG-dioleyl, PEG-distearyl, PEG- diacylglycamide (PEG-DAG), PEG-dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-DPPE), or PEG-l,2-dimyristyloxlpropyl-3-amine (PEG-c-DMA). [0399] In one embodiment, the PEG-lipid is selected from the group consisting of a PEG-modified phosphatidylethanolamine, a PEG-modified phosphatidic acid, a PEG- modified ceramide, a PEG-modified dialkylamine, a PEG-modified diacylglycerol, a PEG-modified dialkylglycerol, and mixtures thereof. [0400] In some embodiments, the lipid moiety of the PEG-lipids includes those having lengths of from about C
14 to about C
22, preferably from about C
14 to about C
16. In some embodiments, a PEG moiety, for example an mPEG-NH
2, has a size of about 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000 daltons. In one embodiment, the PEG-lipid is PEG
2k-DMG. [0401] In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticles described herein can comprise a PEG lipid which is a non-diffusible PEG. Non-limiting examples of non-diffusible PEGs include PEG-DSG and PEG-DSPE.
Attorney Docket No. 45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0402] PEG-lipids are known in the art, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 8158601 and International Publ. No. WO 2015/130584 A2, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [0403] In general, some of the other lipid components (e.g., PEG lipids) of various Formulae, described herein may be synthesized as described International Patent Application No. PCT/US2016/000129, filed December 10, 2016, entitled “Compositions and Methods for Delivery of Therapeutic Agents,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0404] The lipid component of a lipid nanoparticle composition may include one or more molecules comprising polyethylene glycol, such as PEG or PEG-modified lipids. Such species may be alternately referred to as PEGylated lipids. A PEG lipid is a lipid modified with polyethylene glycol. A PEG lipid may be selected from the non-limiting group including PEG-modified phosphatidylethanolamines, PEG-modified phosphatidic acids, PEG-modified ceramides, PEG-modified dialkylamines, PEG-modified diacylglycerols, PEG-modified dialkylglycerols, and mixtures thereof. For example, a PEG lipid may be PEG-c-DOMG, PEG-DMG, PEG-DLPE, PEG-DMPE, PEG-DPPC, or a PEG-DSPE lipid. [0405] In some embodiments the PEG-modified lipids are a modified form of PEG DMG. PEG-DMG has the following structure: [0406] In

be PEGylated lipids described in International Publication No. WO2012099755, the contents of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Any of these exemplary PEG lipids described herein may be modified to comprise a hydroxyl group on the PEG chain. In certain embodiments, the PEG lipid is a PEG-OH lipid. As generally defined herein, a “PEG-OH lipid” (also referred to herein as “hydroxy- PEGylated lipid”) is a PEGylated lipid having one or more hydroxyl (–OH) groups on the
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 lipid. In certain embodiments, the PEG-OH lipid includes one or more hydroxyl groups on the PEG chain. In certain embodiments, a PEG-OH or hydroxy-PEGylated lipid comprises an –OH group at the terminus of the PEG chain. Each possibility represents a separate embodiment of the present invention. [0407] In certain embodiments, a PEG lipid useful in the present invention is a compound of Formula (V). Provided herein are compounds of Formula (V): (V), or salts thereof, wherein:

R
3 is –OR
O; R
O is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, or an oxygen protecting group; r is an integer between 1 and 100, inclusive; L
1 is optionally substituted C1-10 alkylene, wherein at least one methylene of the optionally substituted C1-10 alkylene is independently replaced with optionally substituted carbocyclylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, O, N(R
N), S, C(O), C(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O), C(O)O, OC(O), OC(O)O, OC(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O)O, or NR
NC(O)N(R
N); D is a moiety obtained by click chemistry or a moiety cleavable under physiological conditions; m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10; A is of the ; each instance of L
2
substituted C1-6 alkylene, wherein one methylene unit of the optionally substituted C
1-6 alkylene is optionally replaced with O, N(R
N), S, C(O), C(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O), C(O)O, OC(O), - OC(O)O, OC(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O)O, or NR
NC(O)N(R
N); each instance of R
2 is independently optionally substituted C
1-30 alkyl, optionally substituted C1-30 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C1-30 alkynyl; optionally wherein one or more methylene units of R
2 are independently replaced with optionally substituted
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 carbocyclylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, N(R
N), O, S, C(O), C(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O), - NR
NC N C OC OC OC N NR
NC C SC , -
, , , , 2, - N(R
N)S(O)2, S(O)2N(R
N), N(R
N)S(O)2N(R
N), OS(O)2N(R
N), or N(R
N)S(O)2O; each instance of R
N is independently hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl, or a nitrogen protecting group; Ring B is optionally substituted carbocyclyl, optionally substituted heterocyclyl, optionally substituted aryl, or optionally substituted heteroaryl; and p is 1 or 2. [0408] In certain embodiments, the compound of Fomula (V) is a PEG-OH lipid (i.e., R
3 is –OR
O, and R
O is hydrogen). In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (V) is of Formula (V-OH): , or a salt thereof.
[0409] In certain embodiments, a PEG lipid useful in the present invention is a PEGylated fatty acid. In certain embodiments, a PEG lipid useful in the present invention is a compound of Formula (VI). Provided herein are compounds of Formula (VI): (VI), or a salts thereof, wherein:
R
3 is–OR
O; R
O is hydrogen, optionally substituted alkyl or an oxygen protecting group; r is an integer between 1 and 100, inclusive; R
5 is optionally substituted C10-40 alkyl, optionally substituted C10-40 alkenyl, or optionally substituted C10-40 alkynyl; and optionally one or more methylene groups of R
5
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 are replaced with optionally substituted carbocyclylene, optionally substituted heterocyclylene, optionally substituted arylene, optionally substituted heteroarylene, - N(R
N), O, S, C(O), C(O)N(R
N), NR
NC(O), NR
NC(O)N(R
N), C(O)O, OC(O), OC(O)O, OC N NR
NC C SC C C N NR
NC - O, a
group. [0410] In certain embodiments, the compound of Formula (VI) is of Formula (VI- OH): , or a salt thereof. In some
[0411] In yet other embodiments the compound of Formula (VI) is: . or a
[0412] In one embodiment, the compound of Formula (VI) is

[0413] In some aspects, the lipid composition of the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein does not comprise a PEG-lipid. [0414] In some embodiments, the PEG-lipids may be one or more of the PEG lipids described in U.S. Application No.62/520,530.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0415] In some embodiments, a PEG lipid of the invention comprises a PEG- modified phosphatidylethanolamine, a PEG-modified phosphatidic acid, a PEG-modified ceramide, a PEG-modified dialkylamine, a PEG-modified diacylglycerol, a PEG- modified dialkylglycerol, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the PEG- modified lipid is PEG-DMG, PEG-c-DOMG (also referred to as PEG-DOMG), PEG- DSG and/or PEG-DPG. [0416] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of any of Formula I, II or III, a phospholipid comprising DSPC, a structural lipid, and a PEG lipid comprising PEG-DMG. [0417] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of any of Formula I, II or III, a phospholipid comprising DSPC, a structural lipid, and a PEG lipid comprising a compound having Formula VI. [0418] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of Formula I, II or III, a phospholipid comprising a compound having Formula IV, a structural lipid, and the PEG lipid comprising a compound having Formula V or VI. [0419] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of Formula I, II or III, a phospholipid comprising a compound having Formula IV, a structural lipid, and the PEG lipid comprising a compound having Formula V or VI. [0420] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of Formula I, II or III, a phospholipid having Formula IV, a structural lipid, and a PEG lipid comprising a compound having Formula VI. [0421] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of , and a

Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0422] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of ,
[0423] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of ,
lipid comprising cholesterol, and a PEG lipid comprising a compound having Formula VI. [0424] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of
and a PEG lipid comprising a compound having Formula VI. [0425] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an ionizable cationic lipid of
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20

a phospholipid comprising DOPE, a structural lipid comprising cholesterol, and a PEG lipid comprising a compound having Formula VI. [0426] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an N:P ratio of from about 2:1 to about 30:1. [0427] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an N:P ratio of about 6:1. [0428] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises an N:P ratio of about 3:1. [0429] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises a wt/wt ratio of the ionizable cationic lipid component to the RNA of from about 10:1 to about 100:1. [0430] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises a wt/wt ratio of the ionizable cationic lipid component to the RNA of about 20:1. [0431] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention comprises a wt/wt ratio of the ionizable cationic lipid component to the RNA of about 10:1. [0432] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention has a mean diameter from about 50nm to about 150nm. [0433] In some embodiments, a LNP of the invention has a mean diameter from about 70nm to about 120nm. [0434] As used herein, the term "alkyl", "alkyl group", or "alkylene" means a linear or branched, saturated hydrocarbon including one or more carbon atoms (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, or more carbon atoms), which is optionally substituted. The notation "C1-14 alkyl" means an optionally substituted linear or branched, saturated hydrocarbon including 1-14 carbon atoms. Unless otherwise
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 specified, an alkyl group described herein refers to both unsubstituted and substituted alkyl groups. [0435] As used herein, the term "alkenyl", "alkenyl group", or "alkenylene" means a linear or branched hydrocarbon including two or more carbon atoms (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, or more carbon atoms) and at least one double bond, which is optionally substituted. The notation "C2-14 alkenyl" means an optionally substituted linear or branched hydrocarbon including 2-14 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon double bond. An alkenyl group may include one, two, three, four, or more carbon-carbon double bonds. For example, C18 alkenyl may include one or more double bonds. A C
18 alkenyl group including two double bonds may be a linoleyl group. Unless otherwise specified, an alkenyl group described herein refers to both unsubstituted and substituted alkenyl groups. [0436] As used herein, the term "alkynyl", "alkynyl group", or "alkynylene" means a linear or branched hydrocarbon including two or more carbon atoms (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, or more carbon atoms) and at least one carbon- carbon triple bond, which is optionally substituted. The notation "C
2-14 alkynyl" means an optionally substituted linear or branched hydrocarbon including 2-14 carbon atoms and at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. An alkynyl group may include one, two, three, four, or more carbon-carbon triple bonds. For example, C
18 alkynyl may include one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds. Unless otherwise specified, an alkynyl group described herein refers to both unsubstituted and substituted alkynyl groups. [0437] As used herein, the term "carbocycle" or "carbocyclic group" means an optionally substituted mono- or multi-cyclic system including one or more rings of carbon atoms. Rings may be three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, or twenty membered rings. The notation "C
3-6 carbocycle" means a carbocycle including a single ring having 3-6 carbon atoms. Carbocycles may include one or more carbon-carbon double or triple
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 bonds and may be non-aromatic or aromatic (e.g., cycloalkyl or aryl groups). Examples of carbocycles include cyclopropyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, phenyl, naphthyl, and 1,2 dihydronaphthyl groups. The term "cycloalkyl" as used herein means a non-aromatic carbocycle and may or may not include any double or triple bond. Unless otherwise specified, carbocycles described herein refers to both unsubstituted and substituted carbocycle groups, i.e., optionally substituted carbocycles. [0438] As used herein, the term "heterocycle" or "heterocyclic group" means an optionally substituted mono- or multi-cyclic system including one or more rings, where at least one ring includes at least one heteroatom. Heteroatoms may be, for example, nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms. Rings may be three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, or fourteen membered rings. Heterocycles may include one or more double or triple bonds and may be non-aromatic or aromatic (e.g., heterocycloalkyl or heteroaryl groups). Examples of heterocycles include imidazolyl, imidazolidinyl, oxazolyl, oxazolidinyl, thiazolyl, thiazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolidinyl, isoxazolyl, isothiazolidinyl, isothiazolyl, morpholinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrrolidinyl, furyl, tetrahydrofuryl, thiophenyl, pyridinyl, piperidinyl, quinolyl, and isoquinolyl groups. The term "heterocycloalkyl" as used herein means a non-aromatic heterocycle and may or may not include any double or triple bond. Unless otherwise specified, heterocycles described herein refers to both unsubstituted and substituted heterocycle groups, i.e., optionally substituted heterocycles. [0439] As used herein, the term "heteroalkyl", "heteroalkenyl", or "heteroalkynyl", refers respectively to an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl group, as defined herein, which further comprises one or more (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4) heteroatoms (e.g., oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, boron, silicon, phosphorus) wherein the one or more heteroatoms is inserted between adjacent carbon atoms within the parent carbon chain and/or one or more heteroatoms is inserted between a carbon atom and the parent molecule, i.e., between the point of attachment. Unless otherwise specified, heteroalkyls, heteroalkenyls, or heteroalkynyls described herein refers to both unsubstituted and substituted heteroalkyls, heteroalkenyls,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 or heteroalkynyls, i.e., optionally substituted heteroalkyls, heteroalkenyls, or heteroalkynyls. [0440] As used herein, a "biodegradable group" is a group that may facilitate faster metabolism of a lipid in a mammalian entity. A biodegradable group may be selected from the group consisting of, but is not limited to, -C(O)O-, -OC(O)-, -C(O)N(R')-, - N(R')C(O)-, -C(O)-, -C(S)-, -C(S)S-, -SC(S)-, -CH(OH)-, -P(O)(OR')O-, -S(O)2-, an aryl group, and a heteroaryl group. As used herein, an "aryl group" is an optionally substituted carbocyclic group including one or more aromatic rings. Examples of aryl groups include phenyl and naphthyl groups. As used herein, a "heteroaryl group" is an optionally substituted heterocyclic group including one or more aromatic rings. Examples of heteroaryl groups include pyrrolyl, furyl, thiophenyl, imidazolyl, oxazolyl, and thiazolyl. Both aryl and heteroaryl groups may be optionally substituted. For example, M and M' can be selected from the non-limiting group consisting of optionally substituted phenyl, oxazole, and thiazole. In the Formulas herein, M and M' can be independently selected from the list of biodegradable groups above. Unless otherwise specified, aryl or heteroaryl groups described herein refers to both unsubstituted and substituted groups, i.e., optionally substituted aryl or heteroaryl groups. [0441] Alkyl, alkenyl, and cyclyl (e.g., carbocyclyl and heterocyclyl) groups may be optionally substituted unless otherwise specified. Optional substituents may be selected from the group consisting of, but are not limited to, a halogen atom (e.g., a chloride, bromide, fluoride, or iodide group), a carboxylic acid (e.g., C(O)OH), an alcohol (e.g., a hydroxyl, OH), an ester (e.g., C(O)OR OC(O)R), an aldehyde (e.g., C(O)H), a carbonyl (e.g., C(O)R, alternatively represented by C=O), an acyl halide (e.g., C(O)X, in which X is a halide selected from bromide, fluoride, chloride, and iodide), a carbonate (e.g., OC(O)OR), an alkoxy (e.g., OR), an acetal (e.g., C(OR)2R"", in which each OR are alkoxy groups that can be the same or different and R"" is an alkyl or alkenyl group), a phosphate (e.g., P(O)4
3-), a thiol (e.g., SH), a sulfoxide (e.g., S(O)R), a sulfinic acid (e.g., S(O)OH), a sulfonic acid (e.g., S(O)
2OH), a thial (e.g., C(S)H), a sulfate (e.g., S(O)4
2-), a sulfonyl (e.g., S(O)2 ), an amide (e.g., C(O)NR2, or N(R)C(O)R), an azido
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 (e.g., N
3), a nitro (e.g., NO
2), a cyano (e.g., CN), an isocyano (e.g., NC), an acyloxy (e.g., OC(O)R), an amino (e.g., NR
2, NRH, or NH
2), a carbamoyl (e.g., OC(O)NR
2, OC(O)NRH, or OC(O)NH2), a sulfonamide (e.g., S(O)2NR2, S(O)2NRH, S(O)2NH2, N(R)S(O)2R, N(H)S(O)2R, N(R)S(O)2H, or N(H)S(O)2H), an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, and a cyclyl (e.g., carbocyclyl or heterocyclyl) group. In any of the preceding, R is an alkyl or alkenyl group, as defined herein. In some embodiments, the substituent groups themselves may be further substituted with, for example, one, two, three, four, five, or six substituents as defined herein. For example, a C
1-6 alkyl group may be further substituted with one, two, three, four, five, or six substituents as described herein. [0442] Compounds of the disclosure that contain nitrogens can be converted to N- oxides by treatment with an oxidizing agent (e.g., 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) and/or hydrogen peroxides) to afford other compounds of the disclosure. Thus, all shown and claimed nitrogen-containing compounds are considered, when allowed by valency and structure, to include both the compound as shown and its N-oxide derivative (which can be designated as N ^O or N+-O-). Furthermore, in other instances, the nitrogens in the compounds of the disclosure can be converted to N-hydroxy or N-alkoxy compounds. For example, N-hydroxy compounds can be prepared by oxidation of the parent amine by an oxidizing agent such as m CPBA. All shown and claimed nitrogen-containing compounds are also considered, when allowed by valency and structure, to cover both the compound as shown and its N-hydroxy (i.e., N-OH) and N-alkoxy (i.e., N-OR, wherein R is substituted or unsubstituted C
1-C
6 alkyl, C
1-C
6 alkenyl, C
1-C
6 alkynyl, 3-14-membered carbocycle or 3-14-membered heterocycle) derivatives. (vi) Other Lipid Composition Components [0443] The lipid composition of a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein can include one or more components in addition to those described above. For example, the lipid composition can include one or more permeability enhancer molecules, carbohydrates, polymers, surface altering agents (e.g., surfactants), or other components. For example, a permeability enhancer molecule can be a molecule described by U.S.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 Patent Application Publication No.2005/0222064. Carbohydrates can include simple sugars (e.g., glucose) and polysaccharides (e.g., glycogen and derivatives and analogs thereof). [0444] A polymer can be included in and/or used to encapsulate or partially encapsulate a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition in lipid nanoparticle form). A polymer can be biodegradable and/or biocompatible. A polymer can be selected from, but is not limited to, polyamines, polyethers, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbamates, polyureas, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, polyimides, polysulfones, polyurethanes, polyacetylenes, polyethylenes, polyethyleneimines, polyisocyanates, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyacrylonitriles, and polyarylates. [0445] The ratio between the lipid composition and the polynucleotide range can be from about 10:1 to about 60:1 (wt/wt). [0446] In some embodiments, the ratio between the lipid composition and the polynucleotide can be about 10:1, 11:1, 12:1, 13:1, 14:1, 15:1, 16:1, 17:1, 18:1, 19:1, 20:1, 21:1, 22:1, 23:1, 24:1, 25:1, 26:1, 27:1, 28:1, 29:1, 30:1, 31:1, 32:1, 33:1, 34:1, 35:1, 36:1, 37:1, 38:1, 39:1, 40:1, 41:1, 42:1, 43:1, 44:1, 45:1, 46:1, 47:1, 48:1, 49:1, 50:1, 51:1, 52:1, 53:1, 54:1, 55:1, 56:1, 57:1, 58:1, 59:1 or 60:1 (wt/wt). In some embodiments, the wt/wt ratio of the lipid composition to the polynucleotide encoding a therapeutic agent is about 20:1 or about 15:1. [0447] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein can contain more than one polypeptides. For example, a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein can contain two or more polynucleotides (e.g., RNA, e.g., mRNA). [0448] In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticles described herein can comprise polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA) in a lipid:polynucleotide weight ratio of 5:1, 10:1, 15:1, 20:1, 25:1, 30:1, 35:1, 40:1, 45:1, 50:1, 55:1, 60:1 or 70:1, or a range or any of these ratios such as, but not limited to, 5:1 to about 10:1, from about 5:1 to about 15:1, from about 5:1 to about 20:1, from about 5:1 to about 25:1, from about 5:1 to about 30:1, from about 5:1 to about 35:1, from about 5:1 to about 40:1, from about 5:1 to about 45:1, from
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 about 5:1 to about 50:1, from about 5:1 to about 55:1, from about 5:1 to about 60:1, from about 5:1 to about 70:1, from about 10:1 to about 15:1, from about 10:1 to about 20:1, from about 10:1 to about 25:1, from about 10:1 to about 30:1, from about 10:1 to about 35:1, from about 10:1 to about 40:1, from about 10:1 to about 45:1, from about 10:1 to about 50:1, from about 10:1 to about 55:1, from about 10:1 to about 60:1, from about 10:1 to about 70:1, from about 15:1 to about 20:1, from about 15:1 to about 25:1,from about 15:1 to about 30:1, from about 15:1 to about 35:1, from about 15:1 to about 40:1, from about 15:1 to about 45:1, from about 15:1 to about 50:1, from about 15:1 to about 55:1, from about 15:1 to about 60:1 or from about 15:1 to about 70:1. [0449] In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticles described herein can comprise the polynucleotide in a concentration from approximately 0.1 mg/ml to 2 mg/ml such as, but not limited to, 0.1 mg/ml, 0.2 mg/ml, 0.3 mg/ml, 0.4 mg/ml, 0.5 mg/ml, 0.6 mg/ml, 0.7 mg/ml, 0.8 mg/ml, 0.9 mg/ml, 1.0 mg/ml, 1.1 mg/ml, 1.2 mg/ml, 1.3 mg/ml, 1.4 mg/ml, 1.5 mg/ml, 1.6 mg/ml, 1.7 mg/ml, 1.8 mg/ml, 1.9 mg/ml, 2.0 mg/ml or greater than 2.0 mg/ml. (vii) Nanoparticle Compositions [0450] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein are formulated as lipid nanoparticles (LNP). Accordingly, the present disclosure also provides nanoparticle compositions comprising (i) a lipid composition comprising a delivery agent such as compound as described herein, and (ii) a polynucleotide encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein). In such nanoparticle composition, the lipid composition disclosed herein can encapsulate the polynucleotide encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein). [0451] Nanoparticle compositions are typically sized on the order of micrometers or smaller and can include a lipid bilayer. Nanoparticle compositions encompass lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), liposomes (e.g., lipid vesicles), and lipoplexes. For example, a nanoparticle composition can be a liposome having a lipid bilayer with a diameter of 500 nm or less.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0452] Nanoparticle compositions include, for example, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), liposomes, and lipoplexes. In some embodiments, nanoparticle compositions are vesicles including one or more lipid bilayers. In certain embodiments, a nanoparticle composition includes two or more concentric bilayers separated by aqueous compartments. Lipid bilayers can be functionalized and/or crosslinked to one another. Lipid bilayers can include one or more ligands, proteins, or channels. [0453] In one embodiment, a lipid nanoparticle comprises an ionizable amino lipid, a structural lipid, a phospholipid, and mRNA. In some embodiments, the LNP comprises an ionizable amino lipid, a PEG-modified lipid, a sterol and a structural lipid. In some embodiments, the LNP has a molar ratio of about 40-50% ionizable amino lipid; about 5- 15% structural lipid; about 30-45% sterol; and about 1-5% PEG-modified lipid. [0454] In some embodiments, the LNP has a polydispersity value of less than 0.4. In some embodiments, the LNP has a net neutral charge at a neutral pH. In some embodiments, the LNP has a mean diameter of 50-150 nm. In some embodiments, the LNP has a mean diameter of 80-100 nm. [0455] As generally defined herein, the term “lipid” refers to a small molecule that has hydrophobic or amphiphilic properties. Lipids may be naturally occurring or synthetic. Examples of classes of lipids include, but are not limited to, fats, waxes, sterol- containing metabolites, vitamins, fatty acids, glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, saccharolipids, and polyketides, and prenol lipids. In some instances, the amphiphilic properties of some lipids leads them to form liposomes, vesicles, or membranes in aqueous media. [0456] In some embodiments, a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) may comprise an ionizable amino lipid. As used herein, the term “ionizable amino lipid” has its ordinary meaning in the art and may refer to a lipid comprising one or more charged moieties. In some embodiments, an ionizable amino lipid may be positively charged or negatively charged. An ionizable amino lipid may be positively charged, in which case it can be referred to as “cationic lipid”. In certain embodiments, an ionizable amino lipid molecule may comprise an amine group, and can be referred to as an ionizable amino lipid. As used
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 herein, a “charged moiety” is a chemical moiety that carries a formal electronic charge, e.g., monovalent (+1, or -1), divalent (+2, or -2), trivalent (+3, or -3), etc. The charged moiety may be anionic (i.e., negatively charged) or cationic (i.e., positively charged). Examples of positively-charged moieties include amine groups (e.g., primary, secondary, and/or tertiary amines), ammonium groups, pyridinium group, guanidine groups, and imidizolium groups. In a particular embodiment, the charged moieties comprise amine groups. Examples of negatively- charged groups or precursors thereof, include carboxylate groups, sulfonate groups, sulfate groups, phosphonate groups, phosphate groups, hydroxyl groups, and the like. The charge of the charged moiety may vary, in some cases, with the environmental conditions, for example, changes in pH may alter the charge of the moiety, and/or cause the moiety to become charged or uncharged. In general, the charge density of the molecule may be selected as desired. [0457] It should be understood that the terms “charged” or “charged moiety” does not refer to a “partial negative charge" or “partial positive charge" on a molecule. The terms “partial negative charge" and “partial positive charge" are given its ordinary meaning in the art. A “partial negative charge" may result when a functional group comprises a bond that becomes polarized such that electron density is pulled toward one atom of the bond, creating a partial negative charge on the atom. Those of ordinary skill in the art will, in general, recognize bonds that can become polarized in this way. [0458] The ionizable amino lipid is sometimes referred to in the art as an “ionizable cationic lipid”. In one embodiment, the ionizable amino lipid may have a positively charged hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail that are connected via a linker structure. [0459] In addition to these, an ionizable amino lipid may also be a lipid including a cyclic amine group. [0460] In one embodiment, the ionizable amino lipid may be selected from, but not limited to, an ionizable amino lipid described in International Publication Nos. WO2013086354 and WO2013116126; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0461] In yet another embodiment, the ionizable amino lipid may be selected from, but not limited to, Formula CLI-CLXXXXII of US Patent No.7,404,969; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. [0462] In one embodiment, the lipid may be a cleavable lipid such as those described in International Publication No. WO2012170889, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the lipid may be synthesized by methods known in the art and/or as described in International Publication Nos. WO2013086354; the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. [0463] Nanoparticle compositions can be characterized by a variety of methods. For example, microscopy (e.g., transmission electron microscopy or scanning electron microscopy) can be used to examine the morphology and size distribution of a nanoparticle composition. Dynamic light scattering or potentiometry (e.g., potentiometric titrations) can be used to measure zeta potentials. Dynamic light scattering can also be utilized to determine particle sizes. Instruments such as the Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern Instruments Ltd, Malvern, Worcestershire, UK) can also be used to measure multiple characteristics of a nanoparticle composition, such as particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. The size of the nanoparticles can help counter biological reactions such as, but not limited to, inflammation, or can increase the biological effect of the polynucleotide. [0464] As used herein, “size” or “mean size” in the context of nanoparticle compositions refers to the mean diameter of a nanoparticle composition. [0465] In one embodiment, the polynucleotide encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) are formulated in lipid nanoparticles having a diameter from about 10 to about 100 nm such as, but not limited to, about 10 to about 20 nm, about 10 to about 30 nm, about 10 to about 40 nm, about 10 to about 50 nm, about 10 to about 60 nm, about 10 to about 70 nm, about 10 to about 80 nm, about 10 to about 90 nm, about 20 to about 30 nm, about 20 to about 40 nm, about 20 to about 50 nm, about 20 to about 60 nm, about 20 to about 70 nm, about 20 to about 80 nm, about 20 to about 90 nm, about 20 to about 100 nm, about 30 to about 40 nm, about 30 to about 50 nm, about 30 to about 60
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 nm, about 30 to about 70 nm, about 30 to about 80 nm, about 30 to about 90 nm, about 30 to about 100 nm, about 40 to about 50 nm, about 40 to about 60 nm, about 40 to about 70 nm, about 40 to about 80 nm, about 40 to about 90 nm, about 40 to about 100 nm, about 50 to about 60 nm, about 50 to about 70 nm, about 50 to about 80 nm, about 50 to about 90 nm, about 50 to about 100 nm, about 60 to about 70 nm, about 60 to about 80 nm, about 60 to about 90 nm, about 60 to about 100 nm, about 70 to about 80 nm, about 70 to about 90 nm, about 70 to about 100 nm, about 80 to about 90 nm, about 80 to about 100 nm and/or about 90 to about 100 nm. [0466] In one embodiment, the nanoparticles have a diameter from about 10 to 500 nm. In one embodiment, the nanoparticle has a diameter greater than 100 nm, greater than 150 nm, greater than 200 nm, greater than 250 nm, greater than 300 nm, greater than 350 nm, greater than 400 nm, greater than 450 nm, greater than 500 nm, greater than 550 nm, greater than 600 nm, greater than 650 nm, greater than 700 nm, greater than 750 nm, greater than 800 nm, greater than 850 nm, greater than 900 nm, greater than 950 nm or greater than 1000 nm. [0467] In some embodiments, the largest dimension of a nanoparticle composition is 1 µm or shorter (e.g., 1 µm, 900 nm, 800 nm, 700 nm, 600 nm, 500 nm, 400 nm, 300 nm, 200 nm, 175 nm, 150 nm, 125 nm, 100 nm, 75 nm, 50 nm, or shorter). [0468] A nanoparticle composition can be relatively homogenous. A polydispersity index can be used to indicate the homogeneity of a nanoparticle composition, e.g., the particle size distribution of the nanoparticle composition. A small (e.g., less than 0.3) polydispersity index generally indicates a narrow particle size distribution. A nanoparticle composition can have a polydispersity index from about 0 to about 0.25, such as 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, 0.08, 0.09, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.14, 0.15, 0.16, 0.17, 0.18, 0.19, 0.20, 0.21, 0.22, 0.23, 0.24, or 0.25. In some embodiments, the polydispersity index of a nanoparticle composition disclosed herein can be from about 0.10 to about 0.20. [0469] The zeta potential of a nanoparticle composition can be used to indicate the electrokinetic potential of the composition. For example, the zeta potential can describe
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 the surface charge of a nanoparticle composition. Nanoparticle compositions with relatively low charges, positive or negative, are generally desirable, as more highly charged species can interact undesirably with cells, tissues, and other elements in the body. In some embodiments, the zeta potential of a nanoparticle composition disclosed herein can be from about -10 mV to about +20 mV, from about -10 mV to about +15 mV, from about 10 mV to about +10 mV, from about -10 mV to about +5 mV, from about - 10 mV to about 0 mV, from about -10 mV to about -5 mV, from about -5 mV to about +20 mV, from about -5 mV to about +15 mV, from about -5 mV to about +10 mV, from about -5 mV to about +5 mV, from about -5 mV to about 0 mV, from about 0 mV to about +20 mV, from about 0 mV to about +15 mV, from about 0 mV to about +10 mV, from about 0 mV to about +5 mV, from about +5 mV to about +20 mV, from about +5 mV to about +15 mV, or from about +5 mV to about +10 mV. [0470] In some embodiments, the zeta potential of the lipid nanoparticles can be from about 0 mV to about 100 mV, from about 0 mV to about 90 mV, from about 0 mV to about 80 mV, from about 0 mV to about 70 mV, from about 0 mV to about 60 mV, from about 0 mV to about 50 mV, from about 0 mV to about 40 mV, from about 0 mV to about 30 mV, from about 0 mV to about 20 mV, from about 0 mV to about 10 mV, from about 10 mV to about 100 mV, from about 10 mV to about 90 mV, from about 10 mV to about 80 mV, from about 10 mV to about 70 mV, from about 10 mV to about 60 mV, from about 10 mV to about 50 mV, from about 10 mV to about 40 mV, from about 10 mV to about 30 mV, from about 10 mV to about 20 mV, from about 20 mV to about 100 mV, from about 20 mV to about 90 mV, from about 20 mV to about 80 mV, from about 20 mV to about 70 mV, from about 20 mV to about 60 mV, from about 20 mV to about 50 mV, from about 20 mV to about 40 mV, from about 20 mV to about 30 mV, from about 30 mV to about 100 mV, from about 30 mV to about 90 mV, from about 30 mV to about 80 mV, from about 30 mV to about 70 mV, from about 30 mV to about 60 mV, from about 30 mV to about 50 mV, from about 30 mV to about 40 mV, from about 40 mV to about 100 mV, from about 40 mV to about 90 mV, from about 40 mV to about 80 mV, from about 40 mV to about 70 mV, from about 40 mV to about 60 mV, and from
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 about 40 mV to about 50 mV. In some embodiments, the zeta potential of the lipid nanoparticles can be from about 10 mV to about 50 mV, from about 15 mV to about 45 mV, from about 20 mV to about 40 mV, and from about 25 mV to about 35 mV. In some embodiments, the zeta potential of the lipid nanoparticles can be about 10 mV, about 20 mV, about 30 mV, about 40 mV, about 50 mV, about 60 mV, about 70 mV, about 80 mV, about 90 mV, and about 100 mV. [0471] The term “encapsulation efficiency” of a polynucleotide describes the amount of the polynucleotide that is encapsulated by or otherwise associated with a nanoparticle composition after preparation, relative to the initial amount provided. As used herein, “encapsulation” can refer to complete, substantial, or partial enclosure, confinement, surrounding, or encasement. [0472] Encapsulation efficiency is desirably high (e.g., close to 100%). The encapsulation efficiency can be measured, for example, by comparing the amount of the polynucleotide in a solution containing the nanoparticle composition before and after breaking up the nanoparticle composition with one or more organic solvents or detergents. [0473] Fluorescence can be used to measure the amount of free polynucleotide in a solution. For the nanoparticle compositions described herein, the encapsulation efficiency of a polynucleotide can be at least 50%, for example 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%. In some embodiments, the encapsulation efficiency can be at least 80%. In certain embodiments, the encapsulation efficiency can be at least 90%. [0474] The amount of a polynucleotide present in a pharmaceutical composition disclosed herein can depend on multiple factors such as the size of the polynucleotide, desired target and/or application, or other properties of the nanoparticle composition as well as on the properties of the polynucleotide. [0475] For example, the amount of an mRNA useful in a nanoparticle composition can depend on the size (expressed as length, or molecular mass), sequence, and other
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 characteristics of the mRNA. The relative amounts of a polynucleotide in a nanoparticle composition can also vary. [0476] The relative amounts of the lipid composition and the polynucleotide present in a lipid nanoparticle composition of the present disclosure can be optimized according to considerations of efficacy and tolerability. For compositions including an mRNA as a polynucleotide, the N:P ratio can serve as a useful metric. [0477] As the N:P ratio of a nanoparticle composition controls both expression and tolerability, nanoparticle compositions with low N:P ratios and strong expression are desirable. N:P ratios vary according to the ratio of lipids to RNA in a nanoparticle composition. [0478] In general, a lower N:P ratio is preferred. The one or more RNA, lipids, and amounts thereof can be selected to provide an N:P ratio from about 2:1 to about 30:1, such as 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 12:1, 14:1, 16:1, 18:1, 20:1, 22:1, 24:1, 26:1, 28:1, or 30:1. In certain embodiments, the N:P ratio can be from about 2:1 to about 8:1. In other embodiments, the N:P ratio is from about 5:1 to about 8:1. In certain embodiments, the N:P ratio is between 5:1 and 6:1. In one specific aspect, the N:P ratio is about is about 5.67:1. [0479] In addition to providing nanoparticle compositions, the present disclosure also provides methods of producing lipid nanoparticles comprising encapsulating a polynucleotide. Such method comprises using any of the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein and producing lipid nanoparticles in accordance with methods of production of lipid nanoparticles known in the art. See, e.g., Wang et al. (2015) “Delivery of oligonucleotides with lipid nanoparticles” Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev.87:68-80; Silva et al. (2015) “Delivery Systems for Biopharmaceuticals. Part I: Nanoparticles and Microparticles” Curr. Pharm. Technol.16: 940-954; Naseri et al. (2015) “Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Structure, Preparation and Application” Adv. Pharm. Bull.5:305-13; Silva et al. (2015) “Lipid nanoparticles for the delivery of biopharmaceuticals” Curr. Pharm. Biotechnol.16:291-302, and references cited therein.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 mRNA-Lipid Adducts [0480] It has been determined that certain ionizable lipids are susceptible to the formation of lipid-polynucleotide adducts. In particular, ionizable lipids that comprise a tertiary amine group may decompose into one or both of a secondary amine and a reactive aldehyde species capable of interacting with polynucleotides (such as mRNA) to form an ionizable lipid-polynucleotide adduct impurity that can be detected by reverse phase ion pair chromatography (RP-IP HPLC). For example, oxidation of the tertiary amine may lead to N-oxide formation that can undergo acid/base-catalyzed hydrolysis at the amine to generate aldehydes and secondary amines which may form adducts with mRNA. Thus, in some aspects, the ionizable lipid-polynucleotide adduct impurity is an aldehyde-mRNA adduct impurity. [0481] It also has been determined that such adducts may disrupt mRNA translation and impact the activity of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) formulated mRNA products. Thus, it can be advantageous to prepare and use LNP compositions with a reduced content of ionizable lipid-polynucleotide adduct impurity, such as wherein less than about 20%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, or less than about 1%, of the mRNA is in the form of ionizable lipid-polynucleotide adduct impurity, as may be measured by RP-IP HPLC. Thus, in accordance with some aspects, an LNP composition is provided wherein less than about 10%, less than about 5%, or less than about 1%, of the mRNA is in the form of ionizable lipid-polynucleotide adduct impurity, including less than 10%, less than 5%, or less than 1%, as may be measured by RP-IP HPLC. [0482] In some aspects, an amount of lipid aldehydes in the composition is less than about 50 ppm, including less than 50 ppm. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects an amount of N-oxide compounds in the composition is less than about 50 ppm, including less than 50 ppm. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects an amount of transition metals, such as Fe, in the composition is less than about 50 ppm, including less than 50 ppm. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects an amount of alkyl halide compounds in the composition is less than about 50 ppm, including less than 50 ppm. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects an amount of anhydride compounds in the
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 composition is less than about 50 ppm, including less than 50 ppm. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects an amount of ketone compounds in the composition is less than about 50 ppm, including less than 50 ppm. Additionally or alternatively, in some aspects an amount of conjugated diene compounds in the composition is less than about 50 ppm, including less than 50 ppm. [0483] In some aspects, the composition is stable against the formation of ionizable lipid-polynucleotide adduct impurity. In some aspects, an amount of ionizable lipid- polynucleotide adduct impurity in the composition increases at an average rate of less than about 2% per day when stored at a temperature of about 25 °C or below, including at an average rate of less than 2% per day. In some aspects, an amount of ionizable lipid- polynucleotide adduct impurity in the composition increases at an average rate of less than about 0.5% per day when stored at a temperature of about 5 °C or below, including at an average rate of less than 0.5% per day. In some aspects, an amount of ionizable lipid-polynucleotide adduct impurity in the composition increases at an average rate of less than about 0.5% per day when stored at a refrigerated temperature, optionally wherein the refrigerated temperature is about 5 °C. [0484] Lipid vehicle (e.g., LNP) compositions with a reduced content of ionizable lipid-polynucleotide adduct impurity can be prepared by methods that inhibit formation of one or both of N-oxides and aldehydes. Such methods may comprise treating a composition comprising an ionizable lipid comprising a tertiary amine group to inhibit formation of one or both of N-oxides and aldehydes, such as by treating the composition with a reducing agent; treating the composition with a chelating agent; adjusting the pH of the composition; adjusting the temperature of the composition; and adjusting the buffer in the composition. Such methods may comprise, prior to combining the ionizable lipid with a polynucleotide, one or more of treating the ionizable lipid with a scavenging agent; treating the ionizable lipid with a reductive treatment agent; treating the ionizable lipid with a reducing agent; treating the ionizable lipid with a chelating agent; treating the polynucleotide with a reducing agent; and treating the polynucleotide with a chelating agent.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0485] In accordance with any of the foregoing, the scavenging agent, reductive treatment agent, and/or reducing agent may be an agent that reacts with aldehyde, ketone, anhydride and/or diene compounds. A scavenging agent may comprise one or more selected from (O-(2,3,4,5,6-Pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine hydrochloride) (PFBHA), methoxyamine (e.g., methoxyamine hydrochloride), benzyloxyamine (e.g., benzyloxyamine hydrochloride), ethoxyamine (e.g., ethoxyamine hydrochloride), 4-[2- (aminooxy)ethyl]morpholine dihydrochloride, butoxyamine (e.g., tert-butoxyamine hydrochloride), 4-Dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO), Triethylamine (TEA), Piperidine 4-carboxylate (BPPC), and combinations thereof. A reductive treatment agent may comprise a boron compound (e.g., sodium borohydride and/or bis(pinacolato)diboron). A reductive treatment agent may comprise a boron compound, such as one or both of sodium borohydride and bis(pinacolato)diboron). A chelating agent may comprise immobilized iminodiacetic acid. A reducing agent may comprise an immobilized reducing agent, such as immobilized diphenylphosphine on silica (Si-DPP), immobilized thiol on agarose (Ag- Thiol), immobilized cysteine on silica (Si-Cysteine), immobilized thiol on silica (Si- Thiol), or a combination thereof. A reducing agent may comprise a free reducing agent, such as potassium metabisulfite, sodium thioglycolate, tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP), sodium thiosulfate, N-acetyl cysteine, glutathione, dithiothreitol (DTT), cystamine, dithioerythritol (DTE), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), homocysteine, lipoic acid, or a combination thereof. [0486] In accordance with any of the foregoing, the pH may be, or adjusted to be, a pH of from about 7 to about 9. [0487] In accordance with any of the foregoing, a buffer may be selected from sodium phosphate, sodium citrate, sodium succinate, histidine, histidine-HCl, sodium malate, sodium carbonate, and TRIS (tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane). In accordance with any of the foregoing, a buffer may be TRIS and may be, or adjusted to be, from about 20 mM to about 150 mM TRIS.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0488] In accordance with any of the foregoing, the temperature of the composition may be, or adjusted to be, 25 ⁰C or less. [0489] The composition may also comprise a free reducing agent or antioxidant. Other Delivery Agents Liposomes, Lipoplexes, and Lipid Nanoparticles [0490] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise a delivery agent, e.g., a liposome, a lioplexes, a lipid nanoparticle, or any combination thereof. The polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) can be formulated using one or more liposomes, lipoplexes, or lipid nanoparticles. Liposomes, lipoplexes, or lipid nanoparticles can be used to improve the efficacy of the polynucleotides directed protein production as these formulations can increase cell transfection by the polynucleotide; and/or increase the translation of encoded protein. The liposomes, lipoplexes, or lipid nanoparticles can also be used to increase the stability of the polynucleotides. [0491] Liposomes are artificially-prepared vesicles that can primarily be composed of a lipid bilayer and can be used as a delivery vehicle for the administration of pharmaceutical formulations. Liposomes can be of different sizes. A multilamellar vesicle (MLV) can be hundreds of nanometers in diameter, and can contain a series of concentric bilayers separated by narrow aqueous compartments. A small unicellular vesicle (SUV) can be smaller than 50 nm in diameter, and a large unilamellar vesicle (LUV) can be between 50 and 500 nm in diameter. Liposome design can include, but is not limited to, opsonins or ligands to improve the attachment of liposomes to unhealthy tissue or to activate events such as, but not limited to, endocytosis. Liposomes can contain a low or a high pH value in order to improve the delivery of the pharmaceutical formulations. [0492] The formation of liposomes can depend on the pharmaceutical formulation entrapped and the liposomal ingredients, the nature of the medium in which the lipid
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 vesicles are dispersed, the effective concentration of the entrapped substance and its potential toxicity, any additional processes involved during the application and/or delivery of the vesicles, the optimal size, polydispersity and the shelf-life of the vesicles for the intended application, and the batch-to-batch reproducibility and scale up production of safe and efficient liposomal products, etc. [0493] As a non-limiting example, liposomes such as synthetic membrane vesicles can be prepared by the methods, apparatus and devices described in U.S. Pub. Nos. US20130177638, US20130177637, US20130177636, US20130177635, US20130177634, US20130177633, US20130183375, US20130183373, and US20130183372. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be encapsulated by the liposome and/or it can be contained in an aqueous core that can then be encapsulated by the liposome as described in, e.g., Intl. Pub. Nos. WO2012031046, WO2012031043, WO2012030901, WO2012006378, and WO2013086526; and U.S. Pub.Nos. US20130189351, US20130195969 and US20130202684. Each of the references in herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0494] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in a cationic oil-in-water emulsion where the emulsion particle comprises an oil core and a cationic lipid that can interact with the polynucleotide anchoring the molecule to the emulsion particle. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in a water-in-oil emulsion comprising a continuous hydrophobic phase in which the hydrophilic phase is dispersed. Exemplary emulsions can be made by the methods described in Intl. Pub. Nos. WO2012006380 and WO201087791, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0495] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in a lipid-polycation complex. The formation of the lipid-polycation complex can be accomplished by methods as described in, e.g., U.S. Pub. No. US20120178702. As a non-limiting example, the polycation can include a cationic peptide or a polypeptide such as, but not limited to, polylysine, polyornithine and/or polyarginine and the cationic
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 peptides described in Intl. Pub. No. WO2012013326 or U.S. Pub. No. US20130142818. Each of the references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0496] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) such as those described in Intl. Pub. Nos. WO2013123523, WO2012170930, WO2011127255 and WO2008103276; and U.S. Pub. No. US20130171646, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0497] Lipid nanoparticle formulations typically comprise one or more lipids. In some embodiments, the lipid is an ionizable amino lipid, sometimes referred to in the art as an “ionizable cationic lipid”. In some embodiments, lipid nanoparticle formulations further comprise other components, including a phospholipid, a structural lipid, and a molecule capable of reducing particle aggregation, for example a PEG or PEG-modified lipid. [0498] Exemplary ionizable amino lipids include, but not limited to, any Compounds II, VI, A, and B disclosed herein, DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3), DLin-DMA, DLenDMA, DLin-D-DMA, DLin-K-DMA, DLin-M-C2-DMA, DLin-K-DMA, DLin-KC2-DMA, DLin-KC3-DMA, DLin-KC4-DMA, DLin-C2K-DMA, DLin-MP-DMA, DODMA, 98N12-5, C12-200, DLin-C-DAP, DLin-DAC, DLinDAP, DLinAP, DLin-EG-DMA, DLin-2-DMAP, KL10, KL22, KL25, Octyl-CLinDMA, Octyl-CLinDMA (2R), Octyl- CLinDMA (2S), and any combination thereof. Other exemplary ionizable amino lipids include, (13Z,16Z)-N,N-dimethyl-3-nonyldocosa-13,16-dien-1-amine (L608), (20Z,23Z)- N,N-dimethylnonacosa-20,23-dien-10-amine, (17Z,20Z)-N,N-dimemylhexacosa-17,20- dien-9-amine, (16Z,19Z)-N5N-dimethylpentacosa-16,19-dien-8-amine, (13Z,16Z)-N,N- dimethyldocosa-13,16-dien-5-amine, (12Z,15Z)-N,N-dimethylhenicosa-12,15-dien-4- amine, (14Z,17Z)-N,N-dimethyltricosa-14,17-dien-6-amine, (15Z,18Z)-N,N- dimethyltetracosa-15,18-dien-7-amine, (18Z,21Z)-N,N-dimethylheptacosa-18,21-dien- 10-amine, (15Z,18Z)-N,N-dimethyltetracosa-15,18-dien-5-amine, (14Z,17Z)-N,N- dimethyltricosa-14,17-dien-4-amine, (19Z,22Z)-N,N-dimeihyloctacosa-19,22-dien-9- amine, (18Z,21Z)-N,N-dimethylheptacosa-18,21-dien-8-amine, (17Z,20Z)-N,N- dimethylhexacosa-17,20-dien-7-amine, (16Z,19Z)-N,N-dimethylpentacosa-16,19-dien-6-
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 amine, (22Z,25Z)-N,N-dimethylhentriaconta-22,25-dien-10-amine, (21Z,24Z)-N,N- dimethyltriaconta-21,24-dien-9-amine, (18Z)-N,N-dimetylheptacos-18-en-10-amine, (17Z)-N,N-dimethylhexacos-17-en-9-amine, (19Z,22Z)-N,N-dimethyloctacosa-19,22- dien-7-amine, Ν,Ν-dimethylheptacosan-10-amine, (20Z,23Z)-N-ethyl-N- methylnonacosa-20,23-dien-10-amine, 1-[(11Z,14Z)-l-nonylicosa-11,14-dien-l- yl]pyrrolidine, (20Z)-N,N-dimethylheptacos-20-en-10-amine, (15Z)-N,N-dimethyl eptacos-15-en-10-amine, (14Z)-N,N-dimethylnonacos-14-en-10-amine, (17Z)-N,N- dimethylnonacos-17-en-10-amine, (24Z)-N,N-dimethyltritriacont-24-en-10-amine, (20Z)-N,N-dimethylnonacos-20-en-10-amine, (22Z)-N,N-dimethylhentriacont-22-en-10- amine, (16Z)-N,N-dimethylpentacos-16-en-8-amine, (12Z,15Z)-N,N-dimethyl-2- nonylhenicosa-12,15-dien-1-amine, N,N-dimethyl-l-[(lS,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl] eptadecan-8-amine, l-[(1S,2R)-2-hexylcyclopropyl]-N,N-dimethylnonadecan-10-amine, N,N-dimethyl-1-[(1S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]nonadecan-10-amine, N,N-dimethyl-21- [(1S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]henicosan-10-amine, N,N-dimethyl-l-[(lS,2S)-2-{[(1R,2R)- 2-pentylcycIopropyl]methyl}cyclopropyl]nonadecan-10-amine, N,N-dimethyl-l- [(1S,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]hexadecan-8-amine, N,N-dimethyl-[(lR,2S)-2- undecyIcyclopropyl]tetradecan-5-amine, N,N-dimethyl-3-{7-[(lS,2R)-2- octylcyclopropyl]heptyl}dodecan-1-amine, 1-[(1R,2S)-2-heptylcyclopropyl]-N,N- dimethyloctadecan-9-amine, 1-[(1S,2R)-2-decylcyclopropyl]-N,N-dimethylpentadecan-6- amine, N,N-dimethyl-l-[(lS,2R)-2-octylcyclopropyl]pentadecan-8-amine, R-N,N- dimethyl-1-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, S-N,N- dimethyl-1-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, 1-{2- [(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-1-[(octyloxy)methyl]ethyl}pyrrolidine, (2S)-Ν,Ν- dimethyl-1-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-3-[(5Z)-oct-5-en-1-yloxy]propan-2- amine, 1-{2-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]-1-[(octyloxy)methyl]ethyl}azetidine, (2S)-1-(hexyloxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-2- amine, (2S)-1-(heptyloxy)-N,N-dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1- yloxy]propan-2-amine, Ν,Ν-dimethyl-1-(nonyloxy)-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-1- yloxy]propan-2-amine, Ν,Ν-dimethyl-1-[(9Z)-octadec-9-en-l-yloxy]-3-(octyloxy)propan-
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 2-amine; (2S)-N,N-dimethyl-l-[(6Z,9Z,12Z)-octadeca-6,9,12-trien-l-yloxy]-3- (octyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2S)-1-[(11Z,14Z)-icosa-11,14-dien-1-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl- 3-(pentyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2S)-1-(hexyloxy)-3-[(11Z,14Z)-icosa-11,14-dien-l- yloxy]-N,N-dimethylpropan-2-amine, 1-[(11Z,14Z)-icosa-11,14-dien-l-yloxy]-N,N- dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, 1-[(13Z,16Z)-docosa-13,16-dien-l-yloxy]-N,N- dimethyl-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2S)-1-[(13Z, 16Z)-docosa-13,16-dien-1-yloxy]- 3-(hexyloxy)-N,N-dimethylpropan-2-amine, (2S)-1-[(13Z)-docos-13-en-1-yloxy]-3- (hexyloxy)-N,N-dimethylpropan-2-amine, 1-[(13Z)-docos-13-en-1-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl- 3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, 1-[(9Z)-hexadec-9-en-1-yloxy]-N,N-dimethyl-3- (octyloxy)propan-2-amine, (2R)-N,N-dimethyl-H(1-metoyloctyl)oxy]-3-[(9Z,12Z)- octadeca-9,12-dien-1-yloxy]propan-2-amine, (2R)-1-[(3,7-dimethyloctyl)oxy]-N,N- dimethyl-3-[(9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dien-l-yloxy]propan-2-amine, Ν,Ν-dimethyl-1- (octyloxy)-3-({8-[(1S,2S)-2-{[(1R,2R)-2- pentylcyclopropyl]methyl}cyclopropyl]octyl}oxy)propan-2-amine, Ν,Ν-dimethyl-1-{[8- (2-oclylcyclopropyl)octyl]oxy}-3-(octyloxy)propan-2-amine, and (11E,20Z,23Z)-N,N- dimethylnonacosa-11,20,2-trien-10-amine, and any combination thereof. [0499] Phospholipids include, but are not limited to, glycerophospholipids such as phosphatidylcholines, phosphatidylethanolamines, phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylinositols, phosphatidy glycerols, and phosphatidic acids. Phospholipids also include phosphosphingolipid, such as sphingomyelin. In some embodiments, the phospholipids are DLPC, DMPC, DOPC, DPPC, DSPC, DUPC, 18:0 Diether PC, DLnPC, DAPC, DHAPC, DOPE, 4ME 16:0 PE, DSPE, DLPE,DLnPE, DAPE, DHAPE, DOPG, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the phospholipids are MPPC, MSPC, PMPC, PSPC, SMPC, SPPC, DHAPE, DOPG, and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the amount of phospholipids (e.g., DSPC) in the lipid composition ranges from about 1 mol% to about 20 mol%. In some embodiments, the amount of phospholipids (e.g., DSPC) in the lipid composition ranges from about 5-15 mol%, optionally 10-12 mol%, for example, 5-6 mol%, 6-7 mol%, 7-8 mol%, 8-9 mol%, 9-10 mol%, 10-11 mol%, 11-12 mol%, 12-13 mol%, 13-14 mol%, or 14-15 mol%.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0500] The structural lipids include sterols and lipids containing sterol moieties. In some embodiments, the structural lipids include cholesterol, fecosterol, sitosterol, ergosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, tomatidine, tomatine, ursolic acid, alpha-tocopherol, and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the structural lipid is cholesterol. In some embodiments, the amount of the structural lipids (e.g., cholesterol) in the lipid composition ranges from about 20 mol% to about 60 mol%. In some embodiments, the amount of the structural lipids (e.g., cholesterol) in the lipid composition ranges from about 30-45 mol%, optionally 35-40 mol%, for example, 30-31 mol%, 31-32 mol%, 32-33 mol%, 33-34 mol%, 35-35 mol%, 35-36 mol%, 36-37 mol%, 38-38 mol%, 38-39 mol%, or 39-40 mol%. [0501] The PEG-modified lipids include PEG-modified phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidic acid, PEG-ceramide conjugates (e.g., PEG-CerC14 or PEG-CerC20), PEG-modified dialkylamines and PEG-modified 1,2-diacyloxypropan-3-amines. Such lipids are also referred to as PEGylated lipids. For example, a PEG lipid can be PEG-c- DOMG, PEG-DMG, PEG-DLPE, PEG DMPE, PEG-DPPC, or a PEG-DSPE lipid. In some embodiments, the PEG-lipid are 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycerol methoxypolyethylene glycol (PEG-DMG), 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N- [amino(polyethylene glycol)] (PEG-DSPE), PEG-disteryl glycerol (PEG-DSG), PEG- dipalmetoleyl, PEG-dioleyl, PEG-distearyl, PEG-diacylglycamide (PEG-DAG), PEG- dipalmitoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (PEG-DPPE), or PEG-l,2-dimyristyloxlpropyl-3- amine (PEG-c-DMA). In some embodiments, the PEG moiety has a size of about 1000, 2000, 5000, 10,000, 15,000 or 20,000 daltons. In some embodiments, the amount of PEG-lipid in the lipid composition ranges from about 0 mol% to about 5 mol%. In some embodiments, the amount of PEG-lipid in the lipid composition ranges from about 1-5%, optionally 1-3 mol%, for example 1.5 to 2.5 mol%, 1-2 mol%, 2-3 mol%, 3-4 mol%, or 4-5 mol%. [0502] In some embodiments, the LNP formulations described herein can additionally comprise a permeability enhancer molecule. Non-limiting permeability
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 enhancer molecules are described in U.S. Pub. No. US20050222064, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0503] The LNP formulations can further contain a phosphate conjugate. The phosphate conjugate can increase in vivo circulation times and/or increase the targeted delivery of the nanoparticle. Phosphate conjugates can be made by the methods described in, e.g., Intl. Pub. No. WO2013033438 or U.S. Pub. No. US20130196948. The LNP formulation can also contain a polymer conjugate (e.g., a water soluble conjugate) as described in, e.g., U.S. Pub. Nos. US20130059360, US20130196948, and US20130072709. Each of the references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0504] The LNP formulations can comprise a conjugate to enhance the delivery of nanoparticles of the present invention in a subject. Further, the conjugate can inhibit phagocytic clearance of the nanoparticles in a subject. In some embodiments, the conjugate can be a "self" peptide designed from the human membrane protein CD47 (e.g., the "self" particles described by Rodriguez et al, Science 2013339, 971-975, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). As shown by Rodriguez et al. the self peptides delayed macrophage-mediated clearance of nanoparticles which enhanced delivery of the nanoparticles. [0505] The LNP formulations can comprise a carbohydrate carrier. As a non-limiting example, the carbohydrate carrier can include, but is not limited to, an anhydride- modified phytoglycogen or glycogen-type material, phytoglycogen octenyl succinate, phytoglycogen beta-dextrin, anhydride-modified phytoglycogen beta-dextrin (e.g., Intl. Pub. No. WO2012109121, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). [0506] The LNP formulations can be coated with a surfactant or polymer to improve the delivery of the particle. In some embodiments, the LNP can be coated with a hydrophilic coating such as, but not limited to, PEG coatings and/or coatings that have a neutral surface charge as described in U.S. Pub. No. US20130183244, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0507] The LNP formulations can be engineered to alter the surface properties of particles so that the lipid nanoparticles can penetrate the mucosal barrier as described in U.S. Pat. No.8,241,670 or Intl. Pub. No. WO2013110028, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0508] The LNP engineered to penetrate mucus can comprise a polymeric material (i.e., a polymeric core) and/or a polymer-vitamin conjugate and/or a tri-block co- polymer. The polymeric material can include, but is not limited to, polyamines, polyethers, polyamides, polyesters, polycarbamates, polyureas, polycarbonates, poly(styrenes), polyimides, polysulfones, polyurethanes, polyacetylenes, polyethylenes, polyethyeneimines, polyisocyanates, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyacrylonitriles, and polyarylates. [0509] LNP engineered to penetrate mucus can also include surface altering agents such as, but not limited to, polynucleotides, anionic proteins (e.g., bovine serum albumin), surfactants (e.g., cationic surfactants such as for example dimethyldioctadecyl- ammonium bromide), sugars or sugar derivatives (e.g., cyclodextrin), nucleic acids, polymers (e.g., heparin, polyethylene glycol and poloxamer), mucolytic agents (e.g., N- acetylcysteine, mugwort, bromelain, papain, clerodendrum, acetylcysteine, bromhexine, carbocisteine, eprazinone, mesna, ambroxol, sobrerol, domiodol, letosteine, stepronin, tiopronin, gelsolin, thymosin β4 dornase alfa, neltenexine, erdosteine) and various DNases including rhDNase. [0510] In some embodiments, the mucus penetrating LNP can be a hypotonic formulation comprising a mucosal penetration enhancing coating. The formulation can be hypotonic for the epithelium to which it is being delivered. Non-limiting examples of hypotonic formulations can be found in, e.g., Intl. Pub. No. WO2013110028, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0511] In some embodiments, the polynucleotide described herein is formulated as a lipoplex, such as, without limitation, the ATUPLEXTM system, the DACC system, the DBTC system and other siRNA-lipoplex technology from Silence Therapeutics (London, United Kingdom), STEMFECTTM from STEMGENT® (Cambridge, MA), and
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 polyethylenimine (PEI) or protamine-based targeted and non-targeted delivery of nucleic acids (Aleku et al. Cancer Res.200868:9788-9798; Strumberg et al. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 201250:76-78; Santel et al., Gene Ther 200613:1222-1234; Santel et al., Gene Ther 200613:1360-1370; Gutbier et al., Pulm Pharmacol. Ther.201023:334-344; Kaufmann et al. Microvasc Res 201080:286-293Weide et al. J Immunother.2009 32:498-507; Weide et al. J Immunother.200831:180-188; Pascolo Expert Opin. Biol. Ther.4:1285-1294; Fotin-Mleczek et al., 2011 J. Immunother.34:1-15; Song et al., Nature Biotechnol.2005, 23:709-717; Peer et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2007 6;104:4095-4100; deFougerolles Hum Gene Ther.200819:125-132; all of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). [0512] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein are formulated as a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN), which can be spherical with an average diameter between 10 to 1000 nm. SLN possess a solid lipid core matrix that can solubilize lipophilic molecules and can be stabilized with surfactants and/or emulsifiers. Exemplary SLN can be those as described in Intl. Pub. No. WO2013105101, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0513] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated for controlled release and/or targeted delivery. As used herein, "controlled release" refers to a pharmaceutical composition or compound release profile that conforms to a particular pattern of release to effect a therapeutic outcome. In one embodiment, the polynucleotides can be encapsulated into a delivery agent described herein and/or known in the art for controlled release and/or targeted delivery. As used herein, the term "encapsulate" means to enclose, surround or encase. As it relates to the formulation of the compounds of the invention, encapsulation can be substantial, complete or partial. The term "substantially encapsulated" means that at least greater than 50, 60, 70, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or greater than 99% of the pharmaceutical composition or compound of the invention can be enclosed, surrounded or encased within the delivery agent. "Partially encapsulation" means that less than 10, 10, 20, 30, 4050 or less of the
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 pharmaceutical composition or compound of the invention can be enclosed, surrounded or encased within the delivery agent. [0514] Advantageously, encapsulation can be determined by measuring the escape or the activity of the pharmaceutical composition or compound of the invention using fluorescence and/or electron micrograph. For example, at least 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 99.9, or greater than 99% of the pharmaceutical composition or compound of the invention are encapsulated in the delivery agent. [0515] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be encapsulated in a therapeutic nanoparticle, referred to herein as "therapeutic nanoparticle polynucleotides." Therapeutic nanoparticles can be formulated by methods described in, e.g., Intl. Pub. Nos. WO2010005740, WO2010030763, WO2010005721, WO2010005723, and WO2012054923; and U.S. Pub. Nos. US20110262491, US20100104645, US20100087337, US20100068285, US20110274759, US20100068286, US20120288541, US20120140790, US20130123351 and US20130230567; and U.S. Pat. Nos.8,206,747, 8,293,276, 8,318,208 and 8,318,211, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0516] In some embodiments, the therapeutic nanoparticle polynucleotide can be formulated for sustained release. As used herein, "sustained release" refers to a pharmaceutical composition or compound that conforms to a release rate over a specific period of time. The period of time can include, but is not limited to, hours, days, weeks, months and years. As a non-limiting example, the sustained release nanoparticle of the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated as disclosed in Intl. Pub. No. WO2010075072 and U.S. Pub. Nos. US20100216804, US20110217377, US20120201859 and US20130150295, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. [0517] In some embodiments, the therapeutic nanoparticle polynucleotide can be formulated to be target specific, such as those described in Intl. Pub. Nos. WO2008121949, WO2010005726, WO2010005725, WO2011084521 and
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 WO2011084518; and U.S. Pub. Nos. US20100069426, US20120004293 and US20100104655, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0518] The LNPs can be prepared using microfluidic mixers or micromixers. Exemplary microfluidic mixers can include, but are not limited to, a slit interdigital micromixer including, but not limited to those manufactured by Microinnova (Allerheiligen bei Wildon, Austria) and/or a staggered herringbone micromixer (SHM) (see Zhigaltsevet al., "Bottom-up design and synthesis of limit size lipid nanoparticle systems with aqueous and triglyceride cores using millisecond microfluidic mixing," Langmuir 28:3633-40 (2012); Belliveau et al., "Microfluidic synthesis of highly potent limit-size lipid nanoparticles for in vivo delivery of siRNA," Molecular Therapy-Nucleic Acids.1:e37 (2012); Chen et al., "Rapid discovery of potent siRNA-containing lipid nanoparticles enabled by controlled microfluidic formulation," J. Am. Chem. Soc. 134(16):6948-51 (2012); each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Exemplary micromixers include Slit Interdigital Microstructured Mixer (SIMM-V2) or a Standard Slit Interdigital Micro Mixer (SSIMM) or Caterpillar (CPMM) or Impinging-jet (IJMM,) from the Institut für Mikrotechnik Mainz GmbH, Mainz Germany. In some embodiments, methods of making LNP using SHM further comprise mixing at least two input streams wherein mixing occurs by microstructure-induced chaotic advection (MICA). According to this method, fluid streams flow through channels present in a herringbone pattern causing rotational flow and folding the fluids around each other. This method can also comprise a surface for fluid mixing wherein the surface changes orientations during fluid cycling. Methods of generating LNPs using SHM include those disclosed in U.S. Pub. Nos. US20040262223 and US20120276209, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [0519] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in lipid nanoparticles using microfluidic technology (see Whitesides, George M., "The Origins and the Future of Microfluidics," Nature 442: 368-373 (2006); and Abraham et al., "Chaotic Mixer for Microchannels," Science 295: 647-651 (2002); each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, the
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 polynucleotides can be formulated in lipid nanoparticles using a micromixer chip such as, but not limited to, those from Harvard Apparatus (Holliston, MA) or Dolomite Microfluidics (Royston, UK). A micromixer chip can be used for rapid mixing of two or more fluid streams with a split and recombine mechanism. [0520] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in lipid nanoparticles having a diameter from about 1 nm to about 100 nm such as, but not limited to, about 1 nm to about 20 nm, from about 1 nm to about 30 nm, from about 1 nm to about 40 nm, from about 1 nm to about 50 nm, from about 1 nm to about 60 nm, from about 1 nm to about 70 nm, from about 1 nm to about 80 nm, from about 1 nm to about 90 nm, from about 5 nm to about from 100 nm, from about 5 nm to about 10 nm, about 5 nm to about 20 nm, from about 5 nm to about 30 nm, from about 5 nm to about 40 nm, from about 5 nm to about 50 nm, from about 5 nm to about 60 nm, from about 5 nm to about 70 nm, from about 5 nm to about 80 nm, from about 5 nm to about 90 nm, about 10 to about 20 nm, about 10 to about 30 nm, about 10 to about 40 nm, about 10 to about 50 nm, about 10 to about 60 nm, about 10 to about 70 nm, about 10 to about 80 nm, about 10 to about 90 nm, about 20 to about 30 nm, about 20 to about 40 nm, about 20 to about 50 nm, about 20 to about 60 nm, about 20 to about 70 nm, about 20 to about 80 nm, about 20 to about 90 nm, about 20 to about 100 nm, about 30 to about 40 nm, about 30 to about 50 nm, about 30 to about 60 nm, about 30 to about 70 nm, about 30 to about 80 nm, about 30 to about 90 nm, about 30 to about 100 nm, about 40 to about 50 nm, about 40 to about 60 nm, about 40 to about 70 nm, about 40 to about 80 nm, about 40 to about 90 nm, about 40 to about 100 nm, about 50 to about 60 nm, about 50 to about 70 nm about 50 to about 80 nm, about 50 to about 90 nm, about 50 to about 100 nm, about 60 to about 70 nm, about 60 to about 80 nm, about 60 to about 90 nm, about 60 to about 100 nm, about 70 to about 80 nm, about 70 to about 90 nm, about 70 to about 100 nm, about 80 to about 90 nm, about 80 to about 100 nm and/or about 90 to about 100 nm. [0521] In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticles can have a diameter from about 10 to 500 nm. In one embodiment, the lipid nanoparticle can have a diameter greater than 100 nm, greater than 150 nm, greater than 200 nm, greater than 250 nm, greater than 300
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 nm, greater than 350 nm, greater than 400 nm, greater than 450 nm, greater than 500 nm, greater than 550 nm, greater than 600 nm, greater than 650 nm, greater than 700 nm, greater than 750 nm, greater than 800 nm, greater than 850 nm, greater than 900 nm, greater than 950 nm or greater than 1000 nm. [0522] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides can be delivered using smaller LNPs. Such particles can comprise a diameter from below 0.1 µm up to 100 nm such as, but not limited to, less than 0.1 µm, less than 1.0 µm, less than 5µm, less than 10 µm, less than 15 um, less than 20 um, less than 25 um, less than 30 um, less than 35 um, less than 40 um, less than 50 um, less than 55 um, less than 60 um, less than 65 um, less than 70 um, less than 75 um, less than 80 um, less than 85 um, less than 90 um, less than 95 um, less than 100 um, less than 125 um, less than 150 um, less than 175 um, less than 200 um, less than 225 um, less than 250 um, less than 275 um, less than 300 um, less than 325 um, less than 350 um, less than 375 um, less than 400 um, less than 425 um, less than 450 um, less than 475 um, less than 500 um, less than 525 um, less than 550 um, less than 575 um, less than 600 um, less than 625 um, less than 650 um, less than 675 um, less than 700 um, less than 725 um, less than 750 um, less than 775 um, less than 800 um, less than 825 um, less than 850 um, less than 875 um, less than 900 um, less than 925 um, less than 950 um, or less than 975 um. [0523] The nanoparticles and microparticles described herein can be geometrically engineered to modulate macrophage and/or the immune response. The geometrically engineered particles can have varied shapes, sizes and/or surface charges to incorporate the polynucleotides described herein for targeted delivery such as, but not limited to, pulmonary delivery (see, e.g., Intl. Pub. No. WO2013082111, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Other physical features the geometrically engineering particles can include, but are not limited to, fenestrations, angled arms, asymmetry and surface roughness, charge that can alter the interactions with cells and tissues. [0524] In some embodiment, the nanoparticles described herein are stealth nanoparticles or target-specific stealth nanoparticles such as, but not limited to, those described in U.S. Pub. No. US20130172406, herein incorporated by reference in its
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 entirety. The stealth or target-specific stealth nanoparticles can comprise a polymeric matrix, which can comprise two or more polymers such as, but not limited to, polyethylenes, polycarbonates, polyanhydrides, polyhydroxyacids, polypropylfumerates, polycaprolactones, polyamides, polyacetals, polyethers, polyesters, poly(orthoesters), polycyanoacrylates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyurethanes, polyphosphazenes, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polycyanoacrylates, polyureas, polystyrenes, polyamines, polyesters, polyanhydrides, polyethers, polyurethanes, polymethacrylates, polyacrylates, polycyanoacrylates, or combinations thereof. Lipidoids [0525] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise a delivery agent, e.g., a lipidoid. The polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) can be formulated with lipidoids. Complexes, micelles, liposomes or particles can be prepared containing these lipidoids and therefore to achieve an effective delivery of the polynucleotide, as judged by the production of an encoded protein, following the injection of a lipidoid formulation via localized and/or systemic routes of administration. Lipidoid complexes of polynucleotides can be administered by various means including, but not limited to, intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes. [0526] The synthesis of lipidoids is described in literature (see Mahon et al., Bioconjug. Chem.201021:1448-1454; Schroeder et al., J Intern Med.2010267:9-21; Akinc et al., Nat Biotechnol.200826:561-569; Love et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010107:1864-1869; Siegwart et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2011108:12996-3001; all of which are incorporated herein in their entireties). [0527] Formulations with the different lipidoids, including, but not limited to penta[3-(1-laurylaminopropionyl)]-triethylenetetramine hydrochloride (TETA-5LAP; also known as 98N12-5, see Murugaiah et al., Analytical Biochemistry, 401:61 (2010)), C12-200 (including derivatives and variants), and MD1, can be tested for in vivo activity. The lipidoid "98N12-5" is disclosed by Akinc et al., Mol Ther.200917:872-879. The
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 lipidoid "C12-200" is disclosed by Love et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2010 107:1864-1869 and Liu and Huang, Molecular Therapy.2010669-670. Each of the references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0528] In one embodiment, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in an aminoalcohol lipidoid. Aminoalcohol lipidoids can be prepared by the methods described in U.S. Patent No.8,450,298 (herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). [0529] The lipidoid formulations can include particles comprising either 3 or 4 or more components in addition to polynucleotides. Lipidoids and polynucleotide formulations comprising lipidoids are described in Intl. Pub. No. WO 2015051214 (herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Hyaluronidase [0530] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) and hyaluronidase for injection (e.g., intramuscular or subcutaneous injection). Hyaluronidase catalyzes the hydrolysis of hyaluronan, which is a constituent of the interstitial barrier. Hyaluronidase lowers the viscosity of hyaluronan, thereby increases tissue permeability (Frost, Expert Opin. Drug Deliv. (2007) 4:427-440). Alternatively, the hyaluronidase can be used to increase the number of cells exposed to the polynucleotides administered intramuscularly, or subcutaneously. Nanoparticle Mimics [0531] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) is encapsulated within and/or absorbed to a nanoparticle mimic. A nanoparticle mimic can mimic the delivery function organisms or particles such as, but not limited to, pathogens, viruses, bacteria, fungus, parasites, prions and cells. As a non- limiting example, the polynucleotides described herein can be encapsulated in a non- viron particle that can mimic the delivery function of a virus (see e.g., Intl. Pub. No. WO2012006376 and U.S. Pub. Nos. US20130171241 and US20130195968, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 Self-Assembled Nanoparticles, or Self-Assembled Macromolecules [0532] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) in self-assembled nanoparticles, or amphiphilic macromolecules (AMs) for delivery. AMs comprise biocompatible amphiphilic polymers that have an alkylated sugar backbone covalently linked to poly(ethylene glycol). In aqueous solution, the AMs self-assemble to form micelles. Nucleic acid self-assembled nanoparticles are described in Intl. Appl. No. PCT/US2014/027077, and AMs and methods of forming AMs are described in U.S. Pub. No. US20130217753, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Cations and Anions [0533] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) and a cation or anion, such as Z
n2+, Ca
2+, Cu
2+, Mg
2+ and combinations thereof. Exemplary formulations can include polymers and a polynucleotide complexed with a metal cation as described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.6,265,389 and 6,555,525, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, cationic nanoparticles can contain a combination of divalent and monovalent cations. The delivery of polynucleotides in cationic nanoparticles or in one or more depot comprising cationic nanoparticles can improve polynucleotide bioavailability by acting as a long- acting depot and/or reducing the rate of degradation by nucleases. Amino Acid Lipids [0534] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) that is formulation with an amino acid lipid. Amino acid lipids are lipophilic
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 compounds comprising an amino acid residue and one or more lipophilic tails. Non- limiting examples of amino acid lipids and methods of making amino acid lipids are described in U.S. Pat. No.8,501,824. The amino acid lipid formulations can deliver a polynucleotide in releasable form that comprises an amino acid lipid that binds and releases the polynucleotides. As a non-limiting example, the release of the polynucleotides described herein can be provided by an acid-labile linker as described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.7,098,032, 6,897,196, 6,426,086, 7,138,382, 5,563,250, and 5,505,931, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Interpolyelectrolyte Complexes [0535] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) in an interpolyelectrolyte complex. Interpolyelectrolyte complexes are formed when charge-dynamic polymers are complexed with one or more anionic molecules. Non-limiting examples of charge-dynamic polymers and interpolyelectrolyte complexes and methods of making interpolyelectrolyte complexes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,524,368, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Crystalline Polymeric Systems [0536] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) in crystalline polymeric systems. Crystalline polymeric systems are polymers with crystalline moieties and/or terminal units comprising crystalline moieties. Exemplary polymers are described in U.S. Pat. No.8,524,259 (herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). Polymers, Biodegradable Nanoparticles, and Core-Shell Nanoparticles [0537] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) and a natural and/or synthetic polymer. The polymers include, but not limited to, polyethenes, polyethylene glycol (PEG), poly(l-lysine)(PLL), PEG grafted to PLL, cationic lipopolymer, biodegradable cationic lipopolymer, polyethyleneimine (PEI), cross-linked branched poly(alkylene imines), a polyamine derivative, a modified poloxamer, elastic biodegradable polymer, biodegradable copolymer, biodegradable polyester copolymer, biodegradable polyester copolymer, multiblock copolymers, poly[α-(4-aminobutyl)-L-glycolic acid) (PAGA), biodegradable cross-linked cationic multi-block copolymers, polycarbonates, polyanhydrides, polyhydroxyacids, polypropylfumerates, polycaprolactones, polyamides, polyacetals, polyethers, polyesters, poly(orthoesters), polycyanoacrylates, polyvinyl alcohols, polyurethanes, polyphosphazenes, polyureas, polystyrenes, polyamines, polylysine, poly(ethylene imine), poly(serine ester), poly(L-lactide-co-L-lysine), poly(4-hydroxy-L-proline ester), amine-containing polymers, dextran polymers, dextran polymer derivatives or combinations thereof. [0538] Exemplary polymers include, DYNAMIC POLYCONJUGATE® (Arrowhead Research Corp., Pasadena, CA) formulations from MIRUS® Bio (Madison, WI) and Roche Madison (Madison, WI), PHASERXTM polymer formulations such as, without limitation, SMARTT POLYMER TECHNOLOGY™ (PHASERX®, Seattle, WA), DMRI/DOPE, poloxamer, VAXFECTIN® adjuvant from Vical (San Diego, CA), chitosan, cyclodextrin from Calando Pharmaceuticals (Pasadena, CA), dendrimers and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymers. RONDELTM (RNAi/Oligonucleotide Nanoparticle Delivery) polymers (Arrowhead Research Corporation, Pasadena, CA) and pH responsive co-block polymers such as PHASERX® (Seattle, WA). [0539] The polymer formulations allow a sustained or delayed release of the polynucleotide (e.g., following intramuscular or subcutaneous injection). The altered release profile for the polynucleotide can result in, for example, translation of an encoded protein over an extended period of time. The polymer formulation can also be used to increase the stability of the polynucleotide. Sustained release formulations can include,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 but are not limited to, PLGA microspheres, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVAc), poloxamer, GELSITE® (Nanotherapeutics, Inc. Alachua, FL), HYLENEX® (Halozyme Therapeutics, San Diego CA), surgical sealants such as fibrinogen polymers (Ethicon Inc. Cornelia, GA), TISSELL® (Baxter International, Inc. Deerfield, IL), PEG-based sealants, and COSEAL® (Baxter International, Inc. Deerfield, IL). [0540] As a non-limiting example modified mRNA can be formulated in PLGA microspheres by preparing the PLGA microspheres with tunable release rates (e.g., days and weeks) and encapsulating the modified mRNA in the PLGA microspheres while maintaining the integrity of the modified mRNA during the encapsulation process. EVAc are non-biodegradable, biocompatible polymers that are used extensively in pre-clinical sustained release implant applications (e.g., extended release products Ocusert a pilocarpine ophthalmic insert for glaucoma or progestasert a sustained release progesterone intrauterine device; transdermal delivery systems Testoderm, Duragesic and Selegiline; catheters). Poloxamer F-407 NF is a hydrophilic, non-ionic surfactant triblock copolymer of polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene having a low viscosity at temperatures less than 5ºC and forms a solid gel at temperatures greater than 15ºC. [0541] As a non-limiting example, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated with the polymeric compound of PEG grafted with PLL as described in U.S. Pat. No.6,177,274. As another non-limiting example, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated with a block copolymer such as a PLGA-PEG block copolymer (see e.g., U.S. Pub. No. US20120004293 and U.S. Pat. Nos.8,236,330 and 8,246,968), or a PLGA-PEG-PLGA block copolymer (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No.6,004,573). Each of the references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0542] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated with at least one amine-containing polymer such as, but not limited to polylysine, polyethylene imine, poly(amidoamine) dendrimers, poly(amine-co-esters) or combinations thereof. Exemplary polyamine polymers and their use as delivery agents
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 are described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.8,460,696, 8,236,280, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0543] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in a biodegradable cationic lipopolymer, a biodegradable polymer, or a biodegradable copolymer, a biodegradable polyester copolymer, a biodegradable polyester polymer, a linear biodegradable copolymer, PAGA, a biodegradable cross-linked cationic multi- block copolymer or combinations thereof as described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos.6,696,038, 6,517,869, 6,267,987, 6,217,912, 6,652,886, 8,057,821, and 8,444,992; U.S. Pub. Nos. US20030073619, US20040142474, US20100004315, US2012009145 and US20130195920; and Intl Pub. Nos. WO2006063249 and WO2013086322, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0544] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in or with at least one cyclodextrin polymer as described in U.S. Pub. No. US20130184453. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in or with at least one crosslinked cation-binding polymers as described in Intl. Pub. Nos. WO2013106072, WO2013106073 and WO2013106086. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be formulated in or with at least PEGylated albumin polymer as described in U.S. Pub. No. US20130231287. Each of the references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0545] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides disclosed herein can be formulated as a nanoparticle using a combination of polymers, lipids, and/or other biodegradable agents, such as, but not limited to, calcium phosphate. Components can be combined in a core-shell, hybrid, and/or layer-by-layer architecture, to allow for fine-tuning of the nanoparticle for delivery (Wang et al., Nat Mater.20065:791-796; Fuller et al., Biomaterials.200829:1526-1532; DeKoker et al., Adv Drug Deliv Rev.201163:748- 761; Endres et al., Biomaterials.201132:7721-7731; Su et al., Mol Pharm.2011 Jun 6;8(3):774-87; herein incorporated by reference in their entireties). As a non-limiting example, the nanoparticle can comprise a plurality of polymers such as, but not limited to hydrophilic-hydrophobic polymers (e.g., PEG-PLGA), hydrophobic polymers (e.g., PEG)
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 and/or hydrophilic polymers (Intl. Pub. No. WO20120225129, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). [0546] The use of core-shell nanoparticles has additionally focused on a high- throughput approach to synthesize cationic cross-linked nanogel cores and various shells (Siegwart et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A.2011108:12996-13001; herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). The complexation, delivery, and internalization of the polymeric nanoparticles can be precisely controlled by altering the chemical composition in both the core and shell components of the nanoparticle. For example, the core-shell nanoparticles can efficiently deliver siRNA to mouse hepatocytes after they covalently attach cholesterol to the nanoparticle. [0547] In some embodiments, a hollow lipid core comprising a middle PLGA layer and an outer neutral lipid layer containing PEG can be used to delivery of the polynucleotides as described herein. In some embodiments, the lipid nanoparticles can comprise a core of the polynucleotides disclosed herein and a polymer shell, which is used to protect the polynucleotides in the core. The polymer shell can be any of the polymers described herein and are known in the art. The polymer shell can be used to protect the polynucleotides in the core. [0548] Core–shell nanoparticles for use with the polynucleotides described herein are described in U.S. Pat. No.8,313,777 or Intl. Pub. No. WO2013124867, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Peptides and Proteins [0549] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) that is formulated with peptides and/or proteins to increase transfection of cells by the polynucleotide, and/or to alter the biodistribution of the polynucleotide (e.g., by targeting specific tissues or cell types), and/or increase the translation of encoded protein (e.g., Intl. Pub. Nos. WO2012110636 and WO2013123298. In some embodiments, the peptides can be those described in U.S. Pub. Nos. US20130129726, US20130137644 and
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 US20130164219. Each of the references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Conjugates [0550] In some embodiments, the compositions or formulations of the present disclosure comprise the polynucleotides described herein (e.g., a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)) that is covalently linked to a carrier or targeting group, or including two encoding regions that together produce a fusion protein (e.g., bearing a targeting group and therapeutic protein or peptide) as a conjugate. The conjugate can be a peptide that selectively directs the nanoparticle to neurons in a tissue or organism, or assists in crossing the blood-brain barrier. [0551] The conjugates include a naturally occurring substance, such as a protein (e.g., human serum albumin (HSA), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or globulin); an carbohydrate (e.g., a dextran, pullulan, chitin, chitosan, inulin, cyclodextrin or hyaluronic acid); or a lipid. The ligand can also be a recombinant or synthetic molecule, such as a synthetic polymer, e.g., a synthetic polyamino acid, an oligonucleotide (e.g., an aptamer). Examples of polyamino acids include polyamino acid is a polylysine (PLL), poly L-aspartic acid, poly L-glutamic acid, styrene-maleic acid anhydride copolymer, poly(L-lactide-co-glycolied) copolymer, divinyl ether-maleic anhydride copolymer, N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymer (HMPA), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyurethane, poly(2-ethylacryllic acid), N-isopropylacrylamide polymers, or polyphosphazine. Example of polyamines include: polyethylenimine, polylysine (PLL), spermine, spermidine, polyamine, pseudopeptide-polyamine, peptidomimetic polyamine, dendrimer polyamine, arginine, amidine, protamine, cationic lipid, cationic porphyrin, quaternary salt of a polyamine, or an alpha helical peptide. [0552] In some embodiments, the conjugate can function as a carrier for the polynucleotide disclosed herein. The conjugate can comprise a cationic polymer such as, but not limited to, polyamine, polylysine, polyalkylenimine, and polyethylenimine that
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 can be grafted to with poly(ethylene glycol). Exemplary conjugates and their preparations are described in U.S. Pat. No.6,586,524 and U.S. Pub. No. US20130211249, each of which herein is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [0553] The conjugates can also include targeting groups, e.g., a cell or tissue targeting agent, e.g., a lectin, glycoprotein, lipid or protein, e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type such as a kidney cell. A targeting group can be a thyrotropin, melanotropin, lectin, glycoprotein, surfactant protein A, Mucin carbohydrate, multivalent lactose, multivalent galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine multivalent mannose, multivalent fucose, glycosylated polyaminoacids, multivalent galactose, transferrin, bisphosphonate, polyglutamate, polyaspartate, a lipid, cholesterol, a steroid, bile acid, folate, vitamin B12, biotin, an RGD peptide, an RGD peptide mimetic or an aptamer. [0554] Targeting groups can be proteins, e.g., glycoproteins, or peptides, e.g., molecules having a specific affinity for a co-ligand, or antibodies e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type such as an endothelial cell or bone cell. Targeting groups can also include hormones and hormone receptors. They can also include non-peptidic species, such as lipids, lectins, carbohydrates, vitamins, cofactors, multivalent lactose, multivalent galactose, N-acetyl-galactosamine, N-acetyl-glucosamine multivalent mannose, multivalent frucose, or aptamers. The ligand can be, for example, a lipopolysaccharide, or an activator of p38 MAP kinase. [0555] The targeting group can be any ligand that is capable of targeting a specific receptor. Examples include, without limitation, folate, GalNAc, galactose, mannose, mannose-6P, apatamers, integrin receptor ligands, chemokine receptor ligands, transferrin, biotin, serotonin receptor ligands, PSMA, endothelin, GCPII, somatostatin, LDL, and HDL ligands. In particular embodiments, the targeting group is an aptamer. The aptamer can be unmodified or have any combination of modifications disclosed herein. As a non-limiting example, the targeting group can be a glutathione receptor (GR)-binding conjugate for targeted delivery across the blood-central nervous system
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 barrier as described in, e.g., U.S. Pub. No. US2013021661012 (herein incorporated by reference in its entirety). [0556] In some embodiments, the conjugate can be a synergistic biomolecule- polymer conjugate, which comprises a long-acting continuous-release system to provide a greater therapeutic efficacy. The synergistic biomolecule-polymer conjugate can be those described in U.S. Pub. No. US20130195799. In some embodiments, the conjugate can be an aptamer conjugate as described in Intl. Pat. Pub. No. WO2012040524. In some embodiments, the conjugate can be an amine containing polymer conjugate as described in U.S. Pat. No.8,507,653. Each of the references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides can be conjugated to SMARTT POLYMER TECHNOLOGY® (PHASERX®, Inc. Seattle, WA). [0557] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein are covalently conjugated to a cell penetrating polypeptide, which can also include a signal sequence or a targeting sequence. The conjugates can be designed to have increased stability, and/or increased cell transfection; and/or altered the biodistribution (e.g., targeted to specific tissues or cell types). [0558] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides described herein can be conjugated to an agent to enhance delivery. In some embodiments, the agent can be a monomer or polymer such as a targeting monomer or a polymer having targeting blocks as described in Intl. Pub. No. WO2011062965. In some embodiments, the agent can be a transport agent covalently coupled to a polynucleotide as described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,835.393 and 7,374,778. In some embodiments, the agent can be a membrane barrier transport enhancing agent such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos.7,737,108 and 8,003,129. Each of the references is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Methods of Use [0559] The polynucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations described above are used in the preparation, manufacture and therapeutic use of compositions to treat and/or prevent heart failure (HF). In some instances, the HF is acute heart failure. In
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 some instances, the HF is chronic heart failure. In some instances, the HF is acute coronary syndrome. [0560] HF involves the inability of the left ventricle to fill with or eject blood, reducing the capacity to deliver oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. It is a more common, more costly, and more deadly than cancer. Heart failure is a complex disease with a number of underlying causes and various co-morbidities. Some of the major causes of HF include: coronary artery disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, abnormal heart valve(s), cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, congenital heart defect(s), diabetes, obesity, lung disease, and sleep apnea. In response to heart failure, the body attempts to adapt and deliver the necessary blood, which can result in heart enlargement, increased cardiac muscle mass, increased heart rate, blood vessel narrowing, and the diversion of blood away from other organs. Treatment decisions are typically made on a patient-by-patient basis due to the heterogeneity of the disease. [0561] There are two types of HF: acute (approximately 10% of HF cases), which develops rapidly and requires hospitalization, and chronic (approximately 90% of HF cases), which develops gradually and requires long term treatment. Among the two types, there are four classes of heart failure: class I (asymptomatic, 40% of HF patients), class II (HF symptoms with moderate exertion, 30% of HF patients), class III (HF symptoms with minimal exertion, 20% of HF patients), and class IV (HF symptoms at rest, 10% of HF patients). The mortality of subjects with heart failure is as follows: in- hospital (6%), 30-day post-discharge (11%), one-year (30%), and five-year (50%). [0562] Heart failure can be graded quantified using ejection fraction (EF), a measure of how well the heart pumps blood to the body. EF compares the amount of blood in the heart to the amount of blood pumped out. It is calculated as the amount of blood pumped out divided by the amount of blood in the chamber. [0563] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations of the invention are used to treat acute HF for both inpatient and follow-up dosing. In further embodiments, a polynucleotide, pharmaceutical composition or
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 formulation of the present disclosure is used to relieve HF symptoms, prevent disease progression and mortality, and/or decrease HF hospitalization. [0564] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations of the invention are used in methods for increasing the levels of relaxin proteins in a subject with heart failure. For instance, one aspect of the invention provides a method of alleviating the symptoms of heart failure, comprising the administration of a composition or formulation comprising a polynucleotide encoding relaxin to that subject (e.g., an mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein)). [0565] In some embodiments, the administration of a composition or formulation comprising polynucleotide, pharmaceutical composition or formulation of the present disclosure to a subject results in an increase in relaxin protein in cells to a level at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or to 100% higher than the level observed prior to the administration of the composition or formulation. [0566] In some embodiments, the administration of the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical composition or formulation of the present disclosure results in expression of relaxin protein in cells of the subject. In some embodiments, administering the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical composition or formulation of the present disclosure results in an increase of relaxin protein activity in the subject. For example, in some embodiments, the polynucleotides of the present disclosure are used in methods of administering a composition or formulation comprising an mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) to a subject, wherein the method results in an increase of relaxin protein activity in at least some cells of a subject. [0567] In some embodiments, the administration of a composition or formulation comprising an mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) to a subject results in an increase of relaxin protein activity in cells subject to a level at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or to 100% or more of the activity level expected in a normal subject, e.g., a human not suffering from heart disease. [0568] In some embodiments, the administration of the polynucleotide, pharmaceutical composition or formulation of the present disclosure results in expression of a relaxin protein in at least some of the cells of a subject that persists for a period of time sufficient to allow significant metabolism to occur. [0569] In another embodiment, the polynucleotides, pharmaceutical compositions, or formulations of the present disclosure can be repeatedly administered such that relaxin protein is expressed at a therapeutic level for a period of time sufficient to have a beneficial biological effect as described herein. [0570] In some embodiments, the expression of the encoded polypeptide is increased. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide increases relaxin protein expression levels in cells when introduced into those cells, e.g., by at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or to 100% with respect to the relaxin protein expression level in the cells before the polypeptide is introduced in the cells. [0571] In some embodiments, the method or use comprises administering a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, comprising a nucleotide sequence having sequence similarity to a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:2, wherein the polynucleotide encodes a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein, e.g., SEQ ID NO:3). [0572] In some embodiments, the method or use comprises administering a polynucleotide, e.g., mRNA, comprising a nucleotide sequence having sequence similarity to a polynucleotide of SEQ ID NO:4, wherein the polynucleotide encodes a relaxin fusion protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3). [0573] Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to transplantation of cells containing polynucleotides to a mammalian subject. Administration of cells to mammalian subjects is known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and includes, but is not limited to, local implantation (e.g., topical or subcutaneous administration), organ
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 delivery or systemic injection (e.g., intravenous injection or inhalation), and the formulation of cells in pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. [0574] The present disclosure also provides methods to increase relaxin activity in a subject with heart failure, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition or formulation comprising mRNA encoding a relaxin protein disclosed herein, e.g., a human relaxin protein, a mutant thereof, or a fusion protein comprising a human relaxin (e.g., SEQ ID NO:3). [0575] In some aspects, the relaxin activity measured after administration to a subject with heart failure is at least the normal relaxin activity level observed in healthy human subjects. In some aspects, the relaxin activity measured after administration is at higher than the relaxin activity level observed in patients having heart failure, e.g., untreated patients having heart failure. In some aspects, the increase in relaxin activity in a subject with heart failure, after administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition or formulation comprising mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) disclosed herein is at least about 5, at least about 10, at least about 15, at least about 20, at least about 25, at least about 30, at least about 35, at least about 40, at least about 45, at least about 50, at least about 55, at least about 60, at least about 65, at least about 70, at least about 75, at least about 80, at least about 85, at least about 90, at least about 95, at least about 100, or greater than 100 percent of the normal relaxin activity level observed in healthy human subjects. In some aspects, the increase in relaxin activity above the relaxin activity level observed in patients having heart failure after administering to the subject a composition or formulation comprising an mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) disclosed herein (e.g., after a single dose administration) is maintained for at least 1 day, at least 2 days, at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days, at least 7 days, at least 8 days, at least 9 days, at least 10 days, at least 12 days, at least 14 days, at least 21 days, or at least 28 days. [0576] The present disclosure also provides a method to treat, prevent, or ameliorate the symptoms of heart failure, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 effective amount of a composition or formulation comprising mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) disclosed herein. In some aspects, the administration of a therapeutically effective amount of a composition or formulation comprising mRNA encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) disclosed herein to a subject in need of treatment for heart failure results in reducing the symptoms of heart failure. [0577] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides (e.g., mRNA), pharmaceutical compositions and formulations used in the methods of the invention comprise a uracil- modified sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) disclosed herein and a miRNA binding site disclosed herein, e.g., a miRNA binding site that binds to miR-142 and/or a miRNA binding site that binds to miR-126. In some embodiments, the uracil-modified sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., a relaxin fusion protein) comprises at least one chemically modified nucleobase, e.g., N1-methylpseudouracil or 5-methoxyuracil. In some embodiments, at least 95% of a type of nucleobase (e.g., uracil) in a uracil-modified sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) of the invention are modified nucleobases. In some embodiments, at least 95% of uracil in a uracil-modified sequence encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) is 1-N- methylpseudouridine or 5-methoxyuridine. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) disclosed herein is formulated with a delivery agent comprising, e.g., a compound having the Formula (I), e.g., Compound II or Compound B; or a compound having the Formula (III), (IV), (V), or (VI), e.g., Compound I or Compound VI, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the delivery agent comprises an ionizable amino lipid (e.g., Compound II, VI, or B), a helper lipid (e.g., DSPC), a sterol (e.g., Cholesterol), and a PEG lipid (e.g., Compound I or PEG-DMG), e.g., with a mole ratio in the range of about (i) 40-50 mol% ionizable amino lipid (e.g., Compound II, VI, or B), optionally 45-50 mol% ionizable amino lipid, for example, 45- 46 mol%, 46-47 mol%, 47-48 mol%, 48-49 mol%, or 49-50 mol% for example about 45 mol%, 45.5 mol%, 46 mol%, 46.5 mol%, 47 mol%, 47.5 mol%, 48 mol%, 48.5 mol%, 49 mol%, or 49.5 mol%; (ii) 30-45 mol% sterol (e.g., cholesterol), optionally 35-42 mol% sterol, for example, 30-31 mol%, 31-32 mol%, 32-33 mol%, 33-34 mol%, 35-35 mol%,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 35-36 mol%, 36-37 mol%, 37-38 mol%, 38-39 mol%, or 39-40 mol%, or 40-42 mol% sterol; (iii) 5-15 mol% helper lipid (e.g., DSPC), optionally 10-15 mol% helper lipid, for example, 5-6 mol%, 6-7 mol%, 7-8 mol%, 8-9 mol%, 9-10 mol%, 10-11 mol%, 11-12 mol%, 12-13 mol%, 13-14 mol%, or 14-15 mol% helper lipid; and (iv) 1-5% PEG lipid (e.g., Compound I or PEG-DMG), optionally 1-5 mol% PEG lipid, for example 1.5 to 2.5 mol%, 1-2 mol%, 2-3 mol%, 3-4 mol%, or 4-5 mol% PEG lipid. In some embodiments, the delivery agent comprises Compound II, Cholesterol, DSPC, and Compound I. [0578] The skilled artisan will appreciate that the therapeutic effectiveness of a drug or a treatment of the instant invention can be characterized or determined by measuring the level of expression of an encoded protein in a sample or in samples taken from a subject (e.g., from a preclinical test subject (rodent, primate, etc.) or from a clinical subject (human)). Likewise, the therapeutic effectiveness of a drug or a treatment of the instant invention can be characterized or determined by measuring the level of activity of an encoded protein (e.g., enzyme) in a sample or in samples taken from a subject (e.g., from a preclinical test subject (rodent, primate, etc.) or from a clinical subject (human). Furthermore, the therapeutic effectiveness of a drug or a treatment of the instant invention can be characterized or determined by measuring the level of an appropriate biomarker in sample(s) taken from a subject. Levels of protein and/or biomarkers can be determined post-administration with a single dose of an mRNA therapeutic of the invention or can be determined and/or monitored at several time points following administration with a single dose or can be determined and/or monitored throughout a course of treatment, e.g., a multi-dose treatment. Relaxin Protein Expression Levels [0579] Certain aspects of the invention feature measurement, determination and/or monitoring of the expression level or levels of relaxin protein in a subject, for example, in an animal (e.g., rodents, primates, and the like) or in a human subject. Animals include normal, healthy or wildtype animals, as well as animal models for use in understanding heart failure and treatments thereof. Exemplary animal models include rodent models,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 for example, relaxin deficient mice also referred to as cardiovascular disease mice. Relaxin protein expression levels can be measured or determined by any art-recognized method for determining protein levels in biological samples, e.g., serum or plasma sample. The term "level" or "level of a protein" as used herein, preferably means the weight, mass or concentration of the protein within a sample or a subject. It will be understood by the skilled artisan that in certain embodiments the sample may be subjected, e.g., to any of the following: purification, precipitation, separation, e.g. centrifugation and/or HPLC, and subsequently subjected to determining the level of the protein, e.g., using mass and/or spectrometric analysis. In exemplary embodiments, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) can be used to determine protein expression levels. In other exemplary embodiments, protein purification, separation and LC-MS can be used as a means for determining the level of a protein according to the invention. In some embodiments, an mRNA therapy of the invention (e.g., a single intravenous dose) results in increased relaxin protein expression levels in the plasma or serum of the subject (e.g., 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold, 8-fold, 9-fold, or 10-fold increase and/or increased to at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least100% normal levels) for at least 6 hours, at least 12 hours, at least 24 hours, at least 36 hours, at least 48 hours, at least 60 hours, at least 72 hours, at least 84 hours, at least 96 hours, at least 108 hours, at least 122 hours after administration of a single dose of the mRNA therapy. Relaxin Protein Activity [0580] In heart failure patients, relaxin activity is reduced, e.g., to about 25%, 30%, 40% or 50% of normal. Further aspects of the invention feature measurement, determination and/or monitoring of the activity level(s) of relaxin protein in a subject, for example, in an animal (e.g., rodent, primate, and the like) or in a human subject. Activity levels can be measured or determined by any art-recognized method for determining activity levels in biological samples. The term "activity level" as used herein, preferably
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 means the activity of the protein per volume, mass or weight of sample or total protein within a sample. [0581] In exemplary embodiments, an mRNA therapy of the invention features a pharmaceutical composition comprising a dose of mRNA effective to result in at least 5 U/mg, at least 10 U/mg, at least 20 U/mg, at least 30 U/mg, at least 40 U/mg, at least 50 U/mg, at least 60 U/mg, at least 70 U/mg, at least 80 U/mg, at least 90 U/mg, at least 100 U/mg, or at least 150 U/mg of relaxin activity in tissue (e.g., plasma) between 6 and 12 hours, or between 12 and 24, between 24 and 48, or between 48 and 72 hours post administration (e.g., at 48 or at 72 hours post administration). In exemplary embodiments, an mRNA therapy of the invention features a pharmaceutical composition comprising a dose of mRNA effective to result in at least 50 U/mg, at least 100 U/mg, at least 200 U/mg, at least 300 U/mg, at least 400 U/mg, at least 500 U/mg, at least 600 U/mg, at least 700 U/mg, at least 800 U/mg, at least 900 U/mg, at least 1,000 U/mg, or at least 1,500 U/mg of relaxin activity in plasma between 6 and 12 hours, or between 12 and 24, between 24 and 48, or between 48 and 72 hours post administration (e.g., at 48 or at 72 hours post administration). [0582] In exemplary embodiments, an mRNA therapy of the invention features a pharmaceutical composition comprising a single intravenous dose of mRNA that results in the above-described levels of activity. In another embodiment, an mRNA therapy of the invention features a pharmaceutical composition which can be administered in multiple single unit intravenous doses of mRNA that maintain the above-described levels of activity. Relaxin Biomarkers [0583] Further aspects of the invention feature determining the level (or levels) of a biomarker, e.g., cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-CTnT), N-terminal prohormone–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT- proBNP), soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2), creatinine, cystatin C, renal
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 blood flow, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), determined in a sample or subject as compared to a level (e.g., a reference level) of the same or another biomarker in another sample, e.g., from the same patient, from another patient, from a control and/or from the same or different time points, and/or a physiologic level, and/or an elevated level, and/or a supraphysiologic level, and/or a level of a control. The skilled artisan will be familiar with physiologic levels of biomarkers, for example, levels in normal or wildtype animals, normal or healthy subjects, and the like, in particular, the level or levels characteristic of subjects who are healthy and/or normal functioning. As used herein, the phrase “elevated level” means amounts greater than normally found in a normal or wildtype preclinical animal or in a normal or healthy subject, e.g. a human subject. As used herein, the term “supraphysiologic” means amounts greater than normally found in a normal or wildtype preclinical animal or in a normal or healthy subject, e.g. a human subject, optionally producing a significantly enhanced physiologic response. As used herein, the term "comparing" or "compared to" preferably means the mathematical comparison of the two or more values, e.g., of the levels of the biomarker(s). It will thus be readily apparent to the skilled artisan whether one of the values is higher, lower or identical to another value or group of values if at least two of such values are compared with each other. Comparing or comparison to can be in the context, for example, of comparing to a control value, e.g., as compared to a reference cAMP, cGMP, hsCRP, hs-CTnT, NT-proBNP, sST2, creatinine, cystatin C, renal blood flow, or eGFR level in said subject prior to administration (e.g., in a person suffering from heart failure) or in a normal or healthy subject. Comparing or comparison to can also be in the context, for example, of comparing to a control value, e.g., as compared to a reference cAMP, cGMP, hsCRP, hs-CTnT, NT-proBNP, sST2, creatinine, cystatin C, renal blood flow, or eGFR level in said subject prior to administration (e.g., in a person suffering from heart failure) or in a normal or healthy subject. [0584] As used herein, a “control” is preferably a sample from a subject wherein the heart failure status of said subject is known. In one embodiment, a control is a sample of a healthy patient. In another embodiment, the control is a sample from at least one subject
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 having a known heart failure status, for example, a severe, mild, or healthy heart failure status, e.g. a control patient. In another embodiment, the control is a sample from a subject not being treated for heart failure. In a still further embodiment, the control is a sample from a single subject or a pool of samples from different subjects and/or samples taken from the subject(s) at different time points. [0585] The term "level" or "level of a biomarker" as used herein, preferably means the mass, weight or concentration of a biomarker of the invention within a sample or a subject. Biomarkers of the invention include, for example, cAMP, cGMP, hsCRP, hs- CTnT, NT-proBNP, sST2, creatinine, or cystatin C level. Biomarkers also include renal blood flow and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). It will be understood by the skilled artisan that in certain embodiments the sample may be subjected to, e.g., one or more of the following: substance purification, precipitation, separation, e.g. centrifugation and/or HPLC and subsequently subjected to determining the level of the biomarker, e.g. using mass spectrometric analysis. In exemplary embodiments, LC-MS can be used as a means for determining the level of a biomarker according to the invention. [0586] The term "determining the level" of a biomarker as used herein can mean methods which include quantifying an amount of at least one substance in a sample from a subject, for example, in a bodily fluid from the subject (e.g., serum, plasma, urine, blood, lymph, fecal, etc.) or in a tissue of the subject (e.g., liver, heart, spleen kidney, etc.). The term "determining the level" of a biomarker as used herein can mean methods which include quantifying rate of the biomarker, e.g., the renal blood flow or eGFR, in the subject. [0587] The term "reference level" as used herein can refer to levels (e.g., of a biomarker) in a subject prior to administration of an mRNA therapy of the invention (e.g., in a person suffering from heart failure) or in a normal or healthy subject. [0588] In some embodiments, comparing the level of the biomarker in a sample from a subject in need of treatment for heart failure or in a subject being treated for heart failure to a control level of the biomarker comprises comparing the level of the biomarker
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 in the sample from the subject (in need of treatment or being treated for heart failure) to a baseline or reference level, wherein if a level of the biomarker in the sample from the subject (in need of treatment or being treated for heart failure) is elevated, increased or higher compared to the baseline or reference level, this is indicative that the subject is suffering from heart failure and/or is in need of treatment; and/or wherein if a level of the biomarker in the sample from the subject (in need of treatment or being treated for heart failure) is decreased or lower compared to the baseline level this is indicative that the subject is not suffering from, is successfully being treated for heart failure, or is not in need of treatment for heart failure. The stronger the reduction (e.g., at least 2-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 4-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 6-fold, at least 7-fold, at least 8-fold, at least 10-fold reduction and/or at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30% at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 100% reduction) of the level of a biomarker, e.g., hsCRP, hs-CTnT, NT-proBNP, sST2, creatinine, or cystatin C, within a certain time period, e.g., within 6 hours, within 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, 60 hours, or 72 hours, and/or for a certain duration of time, e.g., 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, 120 hours, 144 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, etc. the more successful is a therapy, such as for example an mRNA therapy of the invention (e.g., a single dose or a multiple regimen). [0589] A reduction of at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least 100% or more of the level of biomarker, in particular, in bodily fluid (e.g., plasma, urine, e.g., urinary sediment) or in tissue(s) in a subject (e.g., liver, heart, spleen, kidney, brain or lung), for example a hsCRP, hs-CTnT, NT-proBNP, sST2, creatinine, or cystatin C, within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more days following administration is indicative of a dose suitable for successful treatment heart failure, wherein reduction as used herein, preferably means that the level of biomarker determined at the end of a specified time period (e.g., post-administration, for example, of a single intravenous dose) is compared
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 to the level of the same biomarker determined at the beginning of said time period (e.g., pre-administration of said dose). Exemplary time periods include 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 or 144 hours post administration, in particular 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours post administration. [0590] A sustained reduction in substrate levels (e.g., hsCRP, hs-CTnT, NT-proBNP, sST2, creatinine, or cystatin C) is particularly indicative of mRNA therapeutic dosing and/or administration regimens successful for treatment of heart failure. Such sustained reduction can be referred to herein as “duration” of effect. In exemplary embodiments, a reduction of at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% or more of the level of biomarker, in particular, in a bodily fluid (e.g., plasma, urine, e.g., urinary sediment) or in tissue(s) in a subject (e.g., liver, heart, spleen, kidney, brain or lung), for example hsCRP, hs-CTnT, NT-proBNP, sST2, creatinine, or cystatin C, within 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more days following administration is indicative of a successful therapeutic approach. In exemplary embodiments, sustained reduction in substrate (e.g., biomarker) levels in one or more samples (e.g., fluids and/or tissues) is preferred. For example, mRNA therapies resulting in sustained reduction in hsCRP, hs-CTnT, NT-proBNP, sST2, creatinine, or cystatin C (as defined herein), optionally in combination with sustained reduction of said biomarker in at least one tissue, preferably two, three, four, five or more tissues, is indicative of successful treatment. [0591] In some embodiments, comparing the level of the biomarker in a sample from a subject in need of treatment for heart failure or in a subject being treated for heart failure to a control level of the biomarker comprises comparing the level of the biomarker in the sample from the subject (in need of treatment or being treated for heart failure) to a baseline or reference level, wherein if a level of the biomarker in the sample from the subject (in need of treatment or being treated for heart failure) is decreased or lower compared to the baseline or reference level, this is indicative that the subject is suffering from heart failure and/or is in need of treatment; and/or wherein if a level of the biomarker in the sample from the subject (in need of treatment or being treated for heart
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 failure) is increased, elevated, or higher compared to the baseline level this is indicative that the subject is not suffering from, is successfully being treated for heart failure, or is not in need of treatment for heart failure. The stronger the increase (e.g., at least 2-fold, at least 3-fold, at least 4-fold, at least 5-fold, at least 6-fold, at least 7-fold, at least 8-fold, at least 10-fold reduction and/or at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30% at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 100% increase) of the level of a biomarker, e.g., cAMP, cGMP, renal blood flow, or eGFR, within a certain time period, e.g., within 6 hours, within 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours, 60 hours, or 72 hours, and/or for a certain duration of time, e.g., 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, 120 hours, 144 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 7 months, 8 months, 9 months, 10 months, 11 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, etc. the more successful is a therapy, such as for example an mRNA therapy of the invention (e.g., a single dose or a multiple regimen). [0592] An increase of at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least 100% or more of the level of biomarker, in particular, in bodily fluid (e.g., plasma, urine, e.g., urinary sediment) or in tissue(s) in a subject (e.g., liver, heart, spleen, kidney, brain or lung), for example a cAMP, cGMP, renal blood flow, or eGFR level, within 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more days following administration is indicative of a dose suitable for successful treatment of heart failure, wherein increase as used herein, preferably means that the level of biomarker determined at the end of a specified time period (e.g., post-administration, for example, of a single intravenous dose) is compared to the level of the same biomarker determined at the beginning of said time period (e.g., pre-administration of said dose). Exemplary time periods include 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 or 144 hours post administration, in particular 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours post administration. [0593] A sustained increase in biomarker levels (e.g., cAMP, cGMP, renal blood flow, or eGFR) is particularly indicative of mRNA therapeutic dosing and/or administration regimens successful for treatment of heart failure. Such sustained
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 reduction can be referred to herein as “duration” of effect. In exemplary embodiments, an increase of at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% or more of the level of biomarker, in particular, in a bodily fluid (e.g., plasma, urine, e.g., urinary sediment) or in tissue(s) in a subject (e.g., liver, heart, spleen, kidney, brain or lung), for example cAMP, cGMP, renal blood flow, or eGFR, within 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or more days following administration is indicative of a successful therapeutic approach. In exemplary embodiments, sustained increase in biomarker levels in one or more samples (e.g., fluids and/or tissues) is preferred. For example, mRNA therapies resulting in sustained increase in cAMP, cGMP, renal blood flow, or eGFR (as defined herein), optionally in combination with sustained increase of said biomarker in at least one tissue, preferably two, three, four, five or more tissues, is indicative of successful treatment. [0594] In some embodiments, a single dose of an mRNA therapy of the invention is about 0.025 mg/kg to about 1.0 mg/kg. In some embodiments, a single dose of an mRNA therapy of the invention is about 0.025 mg/kg. In some embodiments, a single dose of an mRNA therapy of the invention is 0.025 mg/kg. In some embodiments, a single dose of an mRNA therapy of the invention is about 1.0 mg/kg. In some embodiments, a single dose of an mRNA therapy of the invention is 1.0 mg/kg. Compositions and Formulations for Use [0595] Certain aspects of the invention are directed to compositions or formulations comprising any of the polynucleotides disclosed above. [0596] In some embodiments, the composition or formulation comprises: (i) a polynucleotide (e.g., a RNA, e.g., an mRNA) comprising a sequence-optimized nucleotide sequence (e.g., an ORF) encoding a relaxin protein (e.g., the wild-type sequence, functional fragment, fusion or variant thereof), wherein the polynucleotide comprises at least one chemically modified nucleobase, e.g., N1-methylpseudouracil or 5-methoxyuracil (e.g., wherein at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%,
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 99%, or 100% of the uracils are N1-methylpseudouracils or 5-methoxyuracils), and wherein the polynucleotide further comprises a miRNA binding site, e.g., a miRNA binding site that binds to miR-142 (e.g., a miR-142-3p or miR-142-5p binding site) and/or a miRNA binding site that binds to miR-126 (e.g., a miR-126-3p or miR-126-5p binding site); and (ii) a delivery agent comprising a compound having the Formula (I), e.g., Compound II or Compound B; a compound having the Formula (III), (IV), (V), or (VI), e.g., Compound I or Compound VI, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the delivery agent is a lipid nanoparticle comprising Compound II, Compound VI, a salt or a stereoisomer thereof, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the delivery agent comprises an ionizable amino lipid (e.g., Compound II, VI, or B), a helper lipid (e.g., DSPC), a sterol (e.g., Cholesterol), and a PEG lipid (e.g., Compound I or PEG-DMG), e.g., with a mole ratio in the range of about (i) 40-50 mol% ionizable amino lipid (e.g., Compound II, VI, or B), optionally 45-50 mol% ionizable amino lipid, for example, 45-46 mol%, 46-47 mol%, 47-48 mol%, 48-49 mol%, or 49-50 mol% for example about 45 mol%, 45.5 mol%, 46 mol%, 46.5 mol%, 47 mol%, 47.5 mol%, 48 mol%, 48.5 mol%, 49 mol%, or 49.5 mol%; (ii) 30-45 mol% sterol (e.g., cholesterol), optionally 35-42 mol% sterol, for example, 30-31 mol%, 31-32 mol%, 32-33 mol%, 33-34 mol%, 35-35 mol%, 35-36 mol%, 36-37 mol%, 37-38 mol%, 38-39 mol%, or 39-40 mol%, or 40-42 mol% sterol; (iii) 5-15 mol% helper lipid (e.g., DSPC), optionally 10-15 mol% helper lipid, for example, 5-6 mol%, 6-7 mol%, 7-8 mol%, 8-9 mol%, 9-10 mol%, 10-11 mol%, 11-12 mol%, 12-13 mol%, 13-14 mol%, or 14-15 mol% helper lipid; and (iv) 1-5% PEG lipid (e.g., Compound I or PEG-DMG), optionally 1-5 mol% PEG lipid, for example 1.5 to 2.5 mol%, 1-2 mol%, 2-3 mol%, 3-4 mol%, or 4-5 mol% PEG lipid. In some embodiments, the delivery agent comprises Compound II, Cholesterol, DSPC, and Compound I. [0597] In some embodiments, the uracil or thymine content of the ORF relative to the theoretical minimum uracil or thymine content of a nucleotide sequence encoding the
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 relaxin protein (e.g., relaxin fusion protein) (%U
TM or %T
TM), is between about 100% and about 150%. [0598] In some embodiments, the polynucleotides, compositions or formulations above are used to treat and/or prevent heart failure. Definitions [0599] In order that the present disclosure can be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined. As used in this application, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, each of the following terms shall have the meaning set forth below. Additional definitions are set forth throughout the application. [0600] The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention includes embodiments in which more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. [0601] In this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "a" (or "an"), as well as the terms "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. In certain aspects, the term "a" or "an" means "single." In other aspects, the term "a" or "an" includes "two or more" or "multiple." [0602] Furthermore, "and/or" where used herein is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. Thus, the term "and/or" as used in a phrase such as "A and/or B" herein is intended to include "A and B," "A or B," "A" (alone), and "B" (alone). Likewise, the term "and/or" as used in a phrase such as "A, B, and/or C" is intended to encompass each of the following aspects: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone). [0603] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 this disclosure is related. For example, the Concise Dictionary of Biomedicine and Molecular Biology, Juo, Pei-Show, 2nd ed., 2002, CRC Press; The Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology, 3rd ed., 1999, Academic Press; and the Oxford Dictionary Of Biochemistry And Molecular Biology, Revised, 2000, Oxford University Press, provide one of skill with a general dictionary of many of the terms used in this disclosure. [0604] Wherever aspects are described herein with the language "comprising," otherwise analogous aspects described in terms of "consisting of" and/or "consisting essentially of" are also provided. [0605] Units, prefixes, and symbols are denoted in their Système International de Unites (SI) accepted form. Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. Where a range of values is recited, it is to be understood that each intervening integer value, and each fraction thereof, between the recited upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed, along with each subrange between such values. The upper and lower limits of any range can independently be included in or excluded from the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included is also encompassed within the invention. Where a value is explicitly recited, it is to be understood that values which are about the same quantity or amount as the recited value are also within the scope of the invention. Where a combination is disclosed, each subcombination of the elements of that combination is also specifically disclosed and is within the scope of the invention. Conversely, where different elements or groups of elements are individually disclosed, combinations thereof are also disclosed. Where any element of an invention is disclosed as having a plurality of alternatives, examples of that invention in which each alternative is excluded singly or in any combination with the other alternatives are also hereby disclosed; more than one element of an invention can have such exclusions, and all combinations of elements having such exclusions are hereby disclosed. [0606] Nucleotides are referred to by their commonly accepted single-letter codes. Unless otherwise indicated, nucleic acids are written left to right in 5′ to 3′ orientation. Nucleobases are referred to herein by their commonly known one-letter symbols
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 recommended by the IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission. Accordingly, A represents adenine, C represents cytosine, G represents guanine, T represents thymine, U represents uracil. [0607] Amino acids are referred to herein by either their commonly known three letter symbols or by the one-letter symbols recommended by the IUPAC-IUB Biochemical Nomenclature Commission. Unless otherwise indicated, amino acid sequences are written left to right in amino to carboxy orientation. [0608] About: The term "about" as used in connection with a numerical value throughout the specification and the claims denotes an interval of accuracy, familiar and acceptable to a person skilled in the art, such interval of accuracy is ± 10 %. [0609] Where ranges are given, endpoints are included. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values that are expressed as ranges can assume any specific value or subrange within the stated ranges in different embodiments of the invention, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0610] Approximately: As used herein, the term "approximately," as applied to one or more values of interest, refers to a value that is similar to a stated reference value. In certain embodiments, the term "approximately" refers to a range of values that fall within 25%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17%, 16%, 15%, 14%, 13%, 12%, 11%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, or less in either direction (greater than or less than) of the stated reference value unless otherwise stated or otherwise evident from the context (except where such number would exceed 100% of a possible value). [0611] Dosing regimen: As used herein, a "dosing regimen" or a "dosing regimen" is a schedule of administration or physician determined regimen of treatment, prophylaxis, or palliative care. [0612] Effective Amount: As used herein, the term "effective amount" of an agent is that amount sufficient to effect beneficial or desired results, for example, clinical results, and, as such, an "effective amount" depends upon the context in which it is being applied.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 For example, in the context of administering an agent that treats a protein deficiency (e.g., a relaxin deficiency), an effective amount of an agent is, for example, an amount of mRNA expressing sufficient relaxin to ameliorate, reduce, eliminate, or prevent the symptoms associated with the relaxin deficiency, as compared to the severity of the symptom observed without administration of the agent. The term "effective amount" can be used interchangeably with "effective dose," "therapeutically effective amount," or "therapeutically effective dose." [0613] Ionizable amino lipid: The term “ionizable amino lipid” includes those lipids having one, two, three, or more fatty acid or fatty alkyl chains and a pH-titratable amino head group (e.g., an alkylamino or dialkylamino head group). An ionizable amino lipid is typically protonated (i.e., positively charged) at a pH below the pKa of the amino head group and is substantially not charged at a pH above the pKa. Such ionizable amino lipids include, but are not limited to DLin-MC3-DMA (MC3), (13Z,165Z)-N,N-dimethyl-3- nonydocosa-13-16-dien-1-amine (L608), and a compound of any one of Formula I, II, and II described herein (e.g., any one of Compound II, Compound VI, and Compound B). [0614] Methods of Administration: As used herein, “methods of administration” can include intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal, subcutaneous, or other methods of delivering a composition to a subject. A method of administration can be selected to target delivery (e.g., to specifically deliver) to a specific region or system of a body. [0615] Nanoparticle Composition: As used herein, a “nanoparticle composition” is a composition comprising one or more lipids. Nanoparticle compositions are typically sized on the order of micrometers or smaller and can include a lipid bilayer. Nanoparticle compositions encompass lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), liposomes (e.g., lipid vesicles), and lipoplexes. For example, a nanoparticle composition can be a liposome having a lipid bilayer with a diameter of 500 nm or less. [0616] The phrase "nucleotide sequence encoding" refers to the nucleic acid (e.g., an mRNA or DNA molecule) coding sequence which encodes a polypeptide. The coding sequence can further include initiation and termination signals operably linked to regulatory elements including a promoter and polyadenylation signal capable of directing
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 expression in the cells of an individual or mammal to which the nucleic acid is administered. The coding sequence can further include sequences that encode signal peptides. [0617] Patient: As used herein, "patient" refers to a subject who can seek or be in need of treatment, requires treatment, is receiving treatment, will receive treatment, or a subject who is under care by a trained professional for a particular disease or condition. In some embodiments, the treatment is needed, required, or received to prevent or decrease the risk of developing acute disease, i.e., it is a prophylactic treatment. [0618] Pseudouridine: As used herein, pseudouridine (ψ) refers to the C-glycoside isomer of the nucleoside uridine. A "pseudouridine analog" is any modification, variant, isoform or derivative of pseudouridine. For example, pseudouridine analogs include but are not limited to 1-carboxymethyl-pseudouridine, 1-propynyl-pseudouridine, 1- taurinomethyl-pseudouridine, 1-taurinomethyl-4-thio-pseudouridine, 1- methylpseudouridine (m
1ψ) (also known as N1-methyl-pseudouridine), 1-methyl-4-thio- pseudouridine (m
1s
4ψ), 4-thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine, 3-methyl-pseudouridine (m
3ψ), 2- thio-1-methyl-pseudouridine, 1-methyl-1-deaza-pseudouridine, 2-thio-1-methyl-1-deaza- pseudouridine, dihydropseudouridine, 2-thio-dihydropseudouridine, 2-methoxyuridine, 2- methoxy-4-thio-uridine, 4-methoxy-pseudouridine, 4-methoxy-2-thio-pseudouridine, 1- methyl-3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)pseudouridine (acp
3 ψ), and 2′-O-methyl- pseudouridine (ψm). [0619] Subject: By "subject" or "individual" or "animal" or "patient" or "mammal," is meant any subject, particularly a mammalian subject, for whom diagnosis, prognosis, or therapy is desired. Mammalian subjects include, but are not limited to, humans, domestic animals, farm animals, zoo animals, sport animals, pet animals such as dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, mice, horses, cattle, cows; primates such as apes, monkeys, orangutans, and chimpanzees; canids such as dogs and wolves; felids such as cats, lions, and tigers; equids such as horses, donkeys, and zebras; bears, food animals such as cows, pigs, and sheep; ungulates such as deer and giraffes; rodents such as mice, rats, hamsters and guinea pigs; and so on. In certain embodiments, the mammal is a human subject. In other
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 embodiments, a subject is a human patient. In a particular embodiment, a subject is a human patient in need of treatment. [0620] Therapeutically effective amount: As used herein, the term "therapeutically effective amount" means an amount of an agent to be delivered (e.g., nucleic acid, drug, therapeutic agent, diagnostic agent, prophylactic agent, etc.) that is sufficient, when administered to a subject suffering from or susceptible to an infection, disease, disorder, and/or condition, to treat, improve symptoms of, diagnose, prevent, and/or delay the onset of the infection, disease, disorder, and/or condition. [0621] Uracil: Uracil is one of the four nucleobases in the nucleic acid of RNA, and it is represented by the letter U. Uracil can be attached to a ribose ring, or more specifically, a ribofuranose via a ^-N
1-glycosidic bond to yield the nucleoside uridine. The nucleoside uridine is also commonly abbreviated according to the one letter code of its nucleobase, i.e., U. Thus, in the context of the present disclosure, when a monomer in a polynucleotide sequence is U, such U is designated interchangeably as a "uracil" or a "uridine." [0622] Uridine Content: The terms "uridine content" or "uracil content" are interchangeable and refer to the amount of uracil or uridine present in a certain nucleic acid sequence. Uridine content or uracil content can be expressed as an absolute value (total number of uridine or uracil in the sequence) or relative (uridine or uracil percentage respect to the total number of nucleobases in the nucleic acid sequence). [0623] Uridine-Modified Sequence: The terms "uridine-modified sequence" refers to a sequence optimized nucleic acid (e.g., a synthetic mRNA sequence) with a different overall or local uridine content (higher or lower uridine content) or with different uridine patterns (e.g., gradient distribution or clustering) with respect to the uridine content and/or uridine patterns of a candidate nucleic acid sequence. In the content of the present disclosure, the terms "uridine-modified sequence" and "uracil-modified sequence" are considered equivalent and interchangeable. [0624] Nucleobase: As used herein, the term “nucleobase” (alternatively “nucleotide base” or “nitrogenous base”) refers to a purine or pyrimidine heterocyclic compound
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 found in nucleic acids, including any derivatives or analogs of the naturally occurring purines and pyrimidines that confer improved properties (e.g., binding affinity, nuclease resistance, chemical stability) to a nucleic acid or a portion or segment thereof. Adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine, and uracil are the nucleobases predominately found in natural nucleic acids. Other natural, non-natural, and/or synthetic nucleobases, as known in the art and/or described herein, can be incorporated into nucleic acids. Unless otherwise specified, the nucleobase sequence of a SEQ ID NO described herein encompasses both natural nucleobases and chemically modified nucleobases (e.g., a “U” designation in a SEQ ID NO encompasses both uracil and chemically modified uracil). [0625] Nucleoside/Nucleotide: As used herein, the term “nucleoside” refers to a compound containing a sugar molecule (e.g., a ribose in RNA or a deoxyribose in DNA), or derivative or analog thereof, covalently linked to a nucleobase (e.g., a purine or pyrimidine), or a derivative or analog thereof (also referred to herein as “nucleobase”), but lacking an internucleoside linking group (e.g., a phosphate group). As used herein, the term “nucleotide” refers to a nucleoside covalently bonded to an internucleoside linking group (e.g., a phosphate group), or any derivative, analog, or modification thereof that confers improved chemical and/or functional properties (e.g., binding affinity, nuclease resistance, chemical stability) to a nucleic acid or a portion or segment thereof. [0626] Nucleic acid: As used herein, the term “nucleic acid” is used in its broadest sense and encompasses any compound and/or substance that includes a polymer of nucleotides, or derivatives or analogs thereof. These polymers are often referred to as “polynucleotides”. Accordingly, as used herein the terms “nucleic acid” and “polynucleotide” are equivalent and are used interchangeably. Exemplary nucleic acids or polynucleotides of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, ribonucleic acids (RNAs), deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs), DNA-RNA hybrids, RNAi-inducing agents, RNAi agents, siRNAs, shRNAs, mRNAs, modified mRNAs, miRNAs, antisense RNAs, ribozymes, catalytic DNA, RNAs that induce triple helix formation, threose nucleic acids (TNAs), glycol nucleic acids (GNAs), peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), locked nucleic acids (LNAs, including LNA having a β-D-ribo configuration, α-LNA having an α-L-ribo
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 configuration (a diastereomer of LNA), 2'-amino-LNA having a 2'-amino functionalization, and 2'-amino-α-LNA having a 2'-amino functionalization) or hybrids thereof. [0627] Open Reading Frame: As used herein, the term “open reading frame”, abbreviated as “ORF”, refers to a segment or region of an mRNA molecule that encodes a polypeptide. The ORF comprises a continuous stretch of non-overlapping, in-frame codons, beginning with the initiation codon and ending with a stop codon, and is translated by the ribosome. Equivalents and Scope [0628] Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments in accordance with the invention described herein. The scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the above Description, but rather is as set forth in the appended claims. [0629] In the claims, articles such as "a," "an," and "the" can mean one or more than one unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. Claims or descriptions that include "or" between one or more members of a group are considered satisfied if one, more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process unless indicated to the contrary or otherwise evident from the context. The invention includes embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. The invention includes embodiments in which more than one, or all of the group members are present in, employed in, or otherwise relevant to a given product or process. [0630] It is also noted that the term "comprising" is intended to be open and permits but does not require the inclusion of additional elements or steps. When the term "comprising" is used herein, the term "consisting of" is thus also encompassed and disclosed.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0631] Where ranges are given, endpoints are included. Furthermore, it is to be understood that unless otherwise indicated or otherwise evident from the context and understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values that are expressed as ranges can assume any specific value or subrange within the stated ranges in different embodiments of the invention, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. [0632] In addition, it is to be understood that any particular embodiment of the present invention that falls within the prior art can be explicitly excluded from any one or more of the claims. Since such embodiments are deemed to be known to one of ordinary skill in the art, they can be excluded even if the exclusion is not set forth explicitly herein. Any particular embodiment of the compositions of the invention (e.g., any nucleic acid or protein encoded thereby; any method of production; any method of use; etc.) can be excluded from any one or more claims, for any reason, whether or not related to the existence of prior art. [0633] All cited sources, for example, references, publications, databases, database entries, and art cited herein, are incorporated into this application by reference, even if not expressly stated in the citation. In case of conflicting statements of a cited source and the instant application, the statement in the instant application shall control. [0634] Section and table headings are not intended to be limiting. EXAMPLES EXAMPLE 1: Synthesis of mRNA Encoding Relaxin Fusion Protein [0635] An mRNA encoding a relaxin fusion protein (SEQ ID NO:3) can be constructed by using the ORF sequence (nucleotide) provided in SEQ ID NO:4. The mRNA sequence includes both 5' and 3' UTR regions flanking the ORF sequence. In an exemplary construct (SEQ ID NO:5), the 5' UTR and 3' UTR sequences are SEQ ID NO:58 and SEQ ID NO:137, respectively.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 [0636] The relaxin mRNA sequence is prepared as modified mRNA. Specifically, during in vitro transcription, modified mRNA can be generated using N1- methylpseudouridine-5′-triphosphate to ensure that the mRNAs contain 100% N1- methylpseudouridine instead of uridine. Further, relaxin-mRNA can be synthesized with a primer that introduces a polyA-tail, and a cap structure is generated on both mRNAs using co-transcriptional capping via m
7G-ppp-Gm-AG tetranucleotide to incorporate a m
7G-ppp-Gm-AG 5′ cap1. Alternatively, relaxin-mRNA can be synthesized and the polyA-tail introduced during Gibson assembly of the DNA template. EXAMPLE 2: Production of Nanoparticle Compositions A. Production of nanoparticle compositions [0637] Nanoparticles can be made with mixing processes such as microfluidics and T-junction mixing of two fluid streams, one of which contains the polynucleotide and the other has the lipid components. [0638] Lipid compositions are prepared by combining an ionizable amino lipid disclosed herein, e.g., a lipid according to Formula (I) such as Compound II or a lipid according to Formula (III) such as Compound VI, a phospholipid (such as DOPE or DSPC, obtainable from Avanti Polar Lipids, Alabaster, AL), a PEG lipid (such as 1,2 dimyristoyl sn glycerol methoxypolyethylene glycol, also known as PEG-DMG, obtainable from Avanti Polar Lipids, Alabaster, AL), and a structural lipid (such as cholesterol, obtainable from Sigma Aldrich, Taufkirchen, Germany, or a corticosteroid (such as prednisolone, dexamethasone, prednisone, and hydrocortisone), or a combination thereof) at concentrations of about 50 mM in ethanol. Solutions should be refrigerated for storage at, for example, -20° C. Lipids are combined to yield desired molar ratios and diluted with water and ethanol to a final lipid concentration of between about 5.5 mM and about 25 mM. [0639] Nanoparticle compositions including a polynucleotide and a lipid composition are prepared by combining the lipid solution with a solution including the polynucleotide at lipid composition to polynucleotide wt:wt ratios between about 5:1 and about 50:1.
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 The lipid solution is rapidly injected using a NanoAssemblr microfluidic based system at flow rates between about 10 ml/min and about 18 ml/min into the polynucleotide solution to produce a suspension with a water to ethanol ratio between about 1:1 and about 4:1. [0640] For nanoparticle compositions including an RNA, solutions of the RNA at concentrations of 0.1 mg/ml in deionized water are diluted in 50 mM sodium citrate buffer at a pH between 3 and 4 to form a stock solution. [0641] Nanoparticle compositions can be processed by dialysis to remove ethanol and achieve buffer exchange. Formulations are dialyzed twice against phosphate buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4, at volumes 200 times that of the primary product using Slide-A- Lyzer cassettes (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Rockford, IL) with a molecular weight cutoff of 10 kD. The first dialysis is carried out at room temperature for 3 hours. The formulations are then dialyzed overnight at 4° C. The resulting nanoparticle suspension is filtered through 0.2 μm sterile filters (Sarstedt, Nümbrecht, Germany) into glass vials and sealed with crimp closures. Nanoparticle composition solutions of 0.01 mg/ml to 0.10 mg/ml are generally obtained. [0642] The method described above induces nano-precipitation and particle formation. Alternative processes including, but not limited to, T-junction and direct injection, can be used to achieve the same nano-precipitation. B. Characterization of nanoparticle compositions [0643] A Zetasizer Nano ZS (Malvern Instruments Ltd, Malvern, Worcestershire, UK) can be used to determine the particle size, the polydispersity index (PDI) and the zeta potential of the nanoparticle compositions in 1×PBS in determining particle size and 15 mM PBS in determining zeta potential. [0644] Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy can be used to determine the concentration of a polynucleotide (e.g., RNA) in nanoparticle compositions.100 μL of the diluted formulation in 1×PBS is added to 900 μL of a 4:1 (v/v) mixture of methanol and chloroform. After mixing, the absorbance spectrum of the solution is recorded, for example, between 230 nm and 330 nm on a DU 800 spectrophotometer (Beckman Coulter, Beckman Coulter, Inc., Brea, CA). The concentration of polynucleotide in the
Attorney Docket No.45817-0129WO1 / MTX964.20 nanoparticle composition can be calculated based on the extinction coefficient of the polynucleotide used in the composition and on the difference between the absorbance at a wavelength of, for example, 260 nm and the baseline value at a wavelength of, for example, 330 nm. [0645] For nanoparticle compositions including an RNA, a QUANT-IT™ RIBOGREEN® RNA assay (Invitrogen Corporation Carlsbad, CA) can be used to evaluate the encapsulation of an RNA by the nanoparticle composition. The samples are diluted to a concentration of approximately 5 μg/mL in a TE buffer solution (10 mM Tris-HCl, 1 mM EDTA, pH 7.5). 50 μL of the diluted samples are transferred to a polystyrene 96 well plate and either 50 μL of TE buffer or 50 μL of a 2% Triton X-100 solution is added to the wells. The plate is incubated at a temperature of 37° C for 15 minutes. The RIBOGREEN® reagent is diluted 1:100 in TE buffer, and 100 μL of this solution is added to each well. The fluorescence intensity can be measured using a fluorescence plate reader (Wallac Victor 1420 Multilablel Counter; Perkin Elmer, Waltham, MA) at an excitation wavelength of, for example, about 480 nm and an emission wavelength of, for example, about 520 nm. The fluorescence values of the reagent blank are subtracted from that of each of the samples and the percentage of free RNA is determined by dividing the fluorescence intensity of the intact sample (without addition of Triton X-100) by the fluorescence value of the disrupted sample (caused by the addition of Triton X-100). [0646] Exemplary formulations of the nanoparticle compositions are presented in the Table 6 below. The term "Compound" refers to an ionizable amino lipid such as MC3, Compound II, Compound VI, or Compound B. "Phospholipid" can be DSPC or DOPE. "PEG-lipid" can be PEG-DMG or Compound I.