mRNA Therapeutics:

D-LockTM Stabilization Technology

Our Value-Added Solution Improves mRNA Stability During Synthesis and Storage

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Deuterium and mRNA Stabilization

Problems Arising from mRNA’s Inherent Instability

mRNA is inherently unstable. It is susceptible to both thermal and enzymatic degradation. mRNA degradation is a temperature dependent process. Higher temperatures will lead to more degradation. Even at refrigerated temperatures of 4°C, mRNA integrity is only maintained for a short period of time. As a result, -80°C freezers are often required to preserve the integrity of mRNA therapeutics.

This is costly and problematic for mRNA storage and distribution; in remote locations with poor infrastructure, maintaining cold chain transportation can be unfeasible.

deutraMed’s Solution:

D-LockTM mRNA Stabilization Technology

deutraMed has developed a patented deuterium-based mRNA stabilization technology called “D-Lock™”. Among other benefits, D-Lock™ offers a promising solution to the significant cost and challenge of cold-chain logistics.

What is mRNA and why
is it important?

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of
RNA that is required for protein
production.

It differs from DNA, which stores the genetic information in our bodies, mRNA carries the genetic information that direct cells to produce proteins. In the case of vaccines, the proteins can result in an immune response that helps protect against disease.

What is Deuterium?

Deuterium is an isotope of the hydrogen atom. Deuterium oxide (D2O) is a molecule composed of two atoms of deuterium and one atom of oxygen. D2O is non-toxic and behaves like H²O in the body.

D-Lock™ Stabilizes mRNA

Research led by deutraMed scientists demonstrates that D-Lock™ stabilization technology not only successfully transcribes mRNA molecules but significantly retains mRNA integrity compared to conventional synthesis methods.

D-Lock™-stabilized mRNA compared to conventional mRNA stored at 37°C.
Agarose gel shows improved D-Lock™ mRNA integrity after 8 months of storage at refrigeration temperatures (4°C) compared to conventional methods.

The control (C) was stored at -80°C and the treatment (T) was stored at 4°C.

D-Lock™ Enhances mRNA Transcription and Translation Efficiency

mRNA synthesis using D-Lock™ technology significantly improves both transcription and translation efficiency compared with conventional in vitro technology. Translation refers to the process by which a protein is synthesized from information contained in an mRNA molecule. Transcription is the process by which the genetic information in a strand of DNA is copied into a new molecule of mRNA.

Translation mRNA
D-Lock™ increases mRNA translation: Conventional mRNA vs D-Lock™-treated mRNA, demonstrating successfully translated proteins based on relative fluorescent intensity. * The T-test yielded p<0.05 between the sample conditions.
Forward scatter plot demonstrating successful in vivo translation of D-Lock™ mRNA in mice. Mice were injected with either a negative control (saline) or stabilized mRNA (no carrier). Cells were extracted and analyzed by flow cytometry. mRNA produced with D-Lock™ technology is stable and can express functional protein in vivo.
Evidence of successful transcription using D-Lock™
*2-way ANOVA & Tukey correction resulted in no signifcant difference with D-LockTM but a p<0.001 from conventional methods.

deutraMed’s mRNA stabilization research program is led by the company’s Chief Scientist, Dr. Pavel Gris, PhD, MRSC, C.Chem., and an Adjunct Professor in University of Waterloo’s Department of Chemistry. The work has been conducted with support from deutraMed’s Scientific Advisory Board.

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