Our 2026 TIDES USA research poster describes A Novel Ionizable Lipid JK-102 Enables Efficient mRNA Delivery and Robust T-Cell Responses Comparable to SM-102 .
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a leading platform for mRNA delivery, with ionizable lipids critically influencing their efficacy and immunogenicity. In this study JenKem Technology shows the results of the evaluation of its novel ionizable lipid, JK-102, in comparison with the clinically validated lipid SM-102.
LNPs encapsulating luciferase, GFP, or ovalbumin (OVA) mRNA were formulated separately with JK-102, and SM-102. In vitro studies in murine (DC2.4, RAW264.7) and human (A549, 293T) cell lines showed comparable luciferase expression between JK-102 and SM-102 containing LNPs. Following intramuscular (IM) administration in mice, the JK-102 LNP demonstrated comparable or enhanced in vivo luciferase expression, compared to the SM-102 LNP. Ex vivo imaging revealed both JK-102 LNP and SM-102 LNP distributed in the liver, draining lymph nodes, and spleen. GFP expression was detected in splenic immune cells, including dendritic cells and B cells. Immunization with OVA mRNA-LNPs induced robust antigen-specific T-cell responses, as measured by IFN-γ ELISpot, with the JK-102 LNP showing comparable immunogenicity to SM-102 LNP.
In conclusion, JK-102 LNPs support efficient mRNA expression, comparable biodistribution to SM-102, and strong cellular immune responses, highlighting their potential as an alternative platform for mRNA vaccine delivery.
Founded in 2001 by experts in PEG synthesis and PEGylation, JenKem Technology specializes exclusively in the development and manufacturing of high quality polyethylene glycol (PEG) products and derivatives, and related custom synthesis and PEGylation services. JenKem Technology is ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified, and adheres to ICH Q7 guidelines for GMP manufacture. The production of JenKem® PEGs is back-integrated to in-house polymerization from ethylene oxide, enabling facile traceability for regulated customers. JenKem Technology caters to the PEGylation needs of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and diagnostics, and emerging chemical specialty markets, from laboratory scale through large commercial scale.
