Nucleic acid
We support the development of your nucleic acid-based drug product with science-driven solutions
Nucleic acid drugs are a very promising novel therapeutic modality with the potential to address many challenging medical needs including cancer, genetic defects, and viral infections. From a molecular perspective, they are somewhere between a small molecule and a biological compound. Their size ranges from a few base pairs (oligonucleotides) to several hundred base pairs (nucleic acid macromolecules). Several nucleic acid-based drug products have gained market approval, including the mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.
Nucleic acids can achieve long-lasting or even curative effects via gene expression, inhibition, addition, replacement or editing. They are highly specific, functionally diverse and have overall a low toxicity. Some nucleic acid-based products contain a conjugated or chemically modified nucleic acid to increase cellular uptake and chemical stability during storage and administration. But most nucleic acids require a viral or non-viral vector for a targeted and efficient delivery.
Improving the stability of nucleic acids
All nucleic acids, whether delivered with or without a vector, are susceptible to various types of degradation. Oxidation or other chemical modifications as well as conformational changes upon mechanical stress can impair the effectivity of the drug product. Especially large nucleic acid macromolecules encounter stability issues in aqueous solutions.
Coriolis offers many science-driven services to assess and improve the stability and cellular uptake of nucleic acid-based drug products. Our expert scientists develop liquid and lyophilized formulations for naked, viral, or non-viral delivery. They also develop and employ sensitive and orthogonal analytical techniques for product characterization. We support your drug development from early pre-clinical research until and beyond market approval with tailored solutions and scientific excellence.
Let's talk!
Our experts are happy to discuss how we can support the development of your nucleic acid-based drug product.
Specialized services for your nucleic acid
Coriolis science-driven solutions are based on our deep understanding of the specific challenges of developing a nucleic acid-based therapeutic drug product. Our expert scientists will devise dedicated study designs tailored to the needs of your product and development phase.
Nucleic acid secondary structure
The conformation of a nucleic acid critically influences the stability and effectivity of the drug product. Chemical, physical, or mechanical stress can impair the structural integrity of the nucleic acid. Thus, a robust drug product ensures the conformational stability of the drug substance throughout the intended shelf-life.
A successful drug product development, thus, is based on robust and sensitive analytical portfolio. We at Coriolis develop and employ state-of-the-art methods including circular dichroism (CD) Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to assess the conformational structure of nucleic acids.
We offer this service under R&D and up to Biosafety Level S2
Characterization of non-viral vectors
Non-viral vectors are nanoparticulate systems comprising lipids, polymers, or other materials. Their size and concentration are fundamental for their function and the absence of free nucleotides and visible particles is critical as well.
Coriolis has a strong scientific background and a long history in developing and employing state-of-the-art as well as novel analytical techniques for particle characterization. Our impressive analytical portfolio covers six orders of magnitude from the low nanometer to the visible size range. We have successfully applied those methods for the in-depth characterization of non-viral vectors during (formulation) development.
We offer this service under R&D and up to Biosafety Level S2
Development of viral vector drug products
Viral vectors are delivery systems commonly used to bring a therapeutic nucleic acid into the target cells and include adenoviruses, retroviruses, or adeno-associated viruses (AAVs).
The development of a stable and effective viral vector drug product is a challenge on its own. A high infectivity, target cell specificity and low immunogenicity/toxicity is desired. Also, the vector shall maintain its properties during the intended shelf-life until administration. We offer research, development, and analytical services dedicated to viral vectors.
We offer this service under R&D and up to Biosafety Level S2
Development services for your nucleic acid
Explore our large portfolio of development services. In a unique collaborative approach, we individually design each study to meet your expectations and the needs of your current development phase. You will benefit from the scientific experience and advise of our expert scientists to achieve your development goals faster and with a higher chance of success.
Analytical services for your nucleic acid
Choose from a large set of analytical techniques in a variety of categories or get our expert opinion on the most suitable methods for your analytical challenge. We offer standardized analytical methods for many common sample types and perform dedicated method development specific for your analytical challenge and drug product. Explore our analytical portfolio ranging from discovery phase analysis to lot release testing methods.
Let's talk!
Our experts are happy to discuss how we can support the development of your nucleic acid-based drug product.
Our know-how related to nucleic acids
Coriolis is a science-driven service provider. We perform internal research projects with academic and industrial partners to develop new technologies and create in-depth knowledge, which directly benefits our client projects. Our internal Unit Science & Technology, hosting PhD candidates and Postdocs, also actively contributes to the scientific community with numerous peer-reviewed publications each year. Explore our latest publications, articles, and webinars.
Knowledge items
Other product types
We tailor our services to your specific product type and development phase. In a unique collaborative approach, our expert scientists focus on your scientific question or development milestone and support your drug development program with their many years of experience. Select your product type to learn more about our services.
Contact us
Contact us
Please contact Dr. Jörg Müller for inquiries related to viral vectors
Phone: +49 89 41 77 60 – 111
Mail: joerg.mueller@coriolis-pharma.com
