Lipid OC7, as described in the patent WO2022207938A1, is a novel ionizable lipid that serves as the core functional component of the saNppa-LNP delivery system. Its key innovation lies in its unique biodegradable structure featuring an internal ester bond. Under typical physiological conditions, this bond hydrolyzes, triggering a charge shift from a cationic form that complexes nucleic acids to a zwitterionic form that releases them. This property is central to its role in enabling long-acting self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) therapies. Specifically, OC7 facilitates immune stealth by mitigating early interferon responses, supports sustained and efficient intracellular replication of saRNA even at low doses, and enables therapeutic protein expression that persists for over 28 days from a single administration. This combination of efficient delivery, controlled release, and extended duration of action makes OC7-based LNPs a promising platform for long-term treatments, such as for myocardial infarction, as demonstrated in the referenced research.
