Compositions and methods for delivering messenger rna

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions comprising nucleic acid molecules, such as mRNA molecules, encapsulated within lipid particles. The compositions are useful, for example, to introduce the mRNA molecules into a human subject where they are translated to produce a polypeptide that functions to ameliorate one or more symptoms of a disease.

1 . A lipid nanoparticle comprising:
 (a) a cationic lipid;   (b) a non-cationic lipid;   (c) a corticosteroid and;   (d) a nucleic acid, wherein the nucleic acid and the corticosteroid are encapsulated within the lipid nanoparticle.   
     
     
         2 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A lipid nanoparticle formulation comprising a multiplicity of lipid nanoparticles, wherein each lipid nanoparticle comprises:
 (a) a cationic lipid;   (b) a non-cationic lipid; and   (c) mRNA encapsulated within the lipid particle,   
       wherein the lipid nanoparticle formulation has an IFIT response that is no more than 30 fold greater than a reference IFIT response of phosphate buffered saline. 
     
     
         27 - 29 . (canceled) 
     
     
         30 . A lipid nanoparticle comprising:
 (a) a cationic lipid;   (b) a PEG-lipid conjugate present in an amount of at least 3 mole percent; and   (c) mRNA encapsulated within the lipid particle;   
       provided that the lipid particle comprises less than 0.5 mole percent phospholipid. 
     
     
         31 . (canceled)