Scientific background

SOLYRNA technology is the result of years of fundamental research on protein-RNA interactions at the University of Vienna / Molecular Biophysics group of Prof. Dr. Bojan Zagrovic.

Currently, the chosen method to dissolve proteins involves a trial-and-error exploration of different formulations, consisting of different excipients such as salts or detergents. There is a great need for more rationally based approaches rooted in fundamental scientific principles when designing antibody/protein formulations,
particularly as there can be undesired side effects from these formulations.

RNA technology has come to the forefront since the release of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. RNAs are molecules that are normally found within cells and are important for a number of cellular functions. RNAs are commonly found in association with proteins and, in fact, this is one way that proteins are made soluble within our own cells. These RNA-protein interactions occur in a specific manner, based on the make-up of the RNA and protein molecules in question. RNA molecules are relatively easy to synthesize in a laboratory, and so can be custom-built to match a protein of interest.

The scientists behind this technology have found that using protein-matched RNA can effectively increase the solubility of antibodies and other proteins, increasing the concentration, but also enabling a better control of the viscosity of the solution, making it easier for delivery into organism. Going forward, they can develop new custom-made protein formulations as well as offer a range of RNA formulations that are suitable for certain classes of proteins (e.g. particular antibody types, which contain similar features). The technology is aimed at medically relevant proteins/antibodies, but could be further expanded to any industrial applications that involve protein engineering.