Thermostability and in vivo performance of AAV9 in a film matrix

Trang Nguyen Kieu Doan; Matthew D Le; Irnela Bajrovic; Lorne Celentano; Charles Krause; Haley Grooms Balyan; Abbie Svancarek; Angela Mote; Anna Tretiakova; R Jude Samulski; Maria A Croyle

doi:10.1038/s43856-022-00212-6

Thermostability and in vivo performance of AAV9 in a film matrix

Commun Med (Lond). 2022 Nov 21;2(1):148. doi: 10.1038/s43856-022-00212-6.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
² AskBio 20T.W. Alexander Drive, Suite 110, Durham, NC, 27709, USA.
³ Jurata Thin Film, 2450 Holcombe Blvd., Suite J, Houston, TX, 77021, USA.
⁴ Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina, 7119 Thurston Bowles Bldg. 104 Manning Dr., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
⁵ The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy, Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Austin, TX, 78712, USA. macroyle@austin.utexas.edu.
⁶ John R. LaMontagne Center for Infectious Disease, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA. macroyle@austin.utexas.edu.

Abstract

Background: Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are stored and shipped frozen which poses logistic and economic barriers for global access to these therapeutics. To address this issue, we developed a method to stabilize AAV serotype 9 (AAV9) in a film matrix that can be stored at ambient temperature and administered by systemic injection.

Methods: AAV9 expressing the luciferase transgene was mixed with formulations, poured into molds and films dried under aseptic conditions. Films were packaged in individual particle-free bags with foil overlays and stored at various temperatures under controlled humidity. Recovery of AAV9 from films was determined by serial dilution of rehydrated film in media and infection of HeLa RC32 cells. Luciferase expression was compared to that of films rehydrated immediately after drying. Biodistribution of vector was determined by in vivo imaging and quantitative real-time PCR. Residual moisture in films was determined by Karl Fischer titration.

Results: AAV9 embedded within a film matrix and stored at 4 °C for 5 months retained 100% of initial titer. High and low viscosity formulations maintained 90 and 85% of initial titer after 6 months at 25 °C respectively. AAV was not detected after 4 months in a Standard Control Formulation under the same conditions. Biodistribution and transgene expression of AAV stored in film at 25 or 4 °C were as robust as vector stored at -80 °C in a Standard Control Formulation.

Conclusions: These results suggest that storage of AAV in a film matrix facilitates easy transport of vector to remote sites without compromising in vivo performance.

Plain language summary

Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are small viruses that are used to deliver medicines and vaccines. Prior to administration, they are stored in freezers set to very low temperatures and must be discarded if they thaw during transportation to clinics. AAV was embedded in a film to protect the virus during transportation and storage. The virus remained stable for 6 months at room temperature and during shipment from Texas to North Carolina. The ability to store and transport AAV without the need for complex packaging and temperature control will increase global access to vaccines and other medicines that use AAVs for delivery.