Analysing the In-Use Stability of mRNA-LNP COVID-19 Vaccines Comirnaty™ (Pfizer) and Spikevax™ (Moderna): A Comparative Study of the Particulate

Abstract

Comirnaty™ and Spikevax™ were the first vaccines approved for human use based on modified non-replicating mRNA lipophilic nanoparticle (mRNA-LNP) technology, with great success in the treatment of COVID-19. They have been used massively worldwide. One of the major inconveniences of these vaccines is related to pharmaceutical stability issues. Proper transportation, storage, and in-use handling before administration to patients are critical steps since failures can potentially reduce potency. In this research, the in-use stability of Comirnaty™ and Spikevax™ clinical samples was analysed and the results were compared. As changes in the size of the mRNA-LNPs are related to potency, these modifications were analysed by qualitative Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) as a stability-indicating method for control and stressed vaccine samples. Strong stress factors (accelerated light irradiation, manual shaking, and vortex vibration) and conditions that mimic in-use handling (exposure to natural light and room temperature, repeated cycles of injections, and 24 h storage in syringes) were checked. The morphology of the mRNA-LNPs was analysed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to better interpret and support the DLS results. Although the two vaccines are based on the same mRNA-LNP technology, the results demonstrate that they are characterised by very different particle size profiles and behaviours against different handling/stress conditions.