Published Technical Disclosure Archive

Enhanced Synthetic pDNA Vaccines against COVID-19

Publication ID: 24-11857621_0001_PTD
Published: October 28, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Synthetic pDNA Vaccines against COVID-19,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857621_0001_PTD, Published October 28, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857621_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,621.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

An improved synthetic pDNA vaccine platform against COVID-19, offering enhanced stability, immunogenicity, and delivery, thereby increasing its effectiveness and scalability.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed a synthetic pDNA vaccine against COVID-19, but it had limitations in terms of stability, delivery, and immunogenicity. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing codon optimization, GC-rich regions, lipid nanoparticle formulation, CpG motifs, and cell-free expression systems to create a more efficient and effective vaccine.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The new inventive concept comprises a plasmid with a codon-optimized SARS-CoV-2 S protein-encoding polynucleotide, which is at least 98% identical to SEQ ID NO: 1. The plasmid further includes a GC-rich region for enhanced stability. The inventive concept also encompasses a method for inducing an immune response against SARS-CoV-2, which involves administering the plasmid formulated with a lipid nanoparticle for improved delivery. Additionally, the inventive concept includes a DNA vaccine comprising the plasmid modified to include a CpG motif for enhanced immunogenicity, and a system for producing the vaccine using a cell-free expression system for rapid and scalable production.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce several novel features, including codon optimization, GC-rich regions, lipid nanoparticle formulation, CpG motifs, and cell-free expression systems, which are not present in the original patent. These features provide a significant improvement over the original patent, making the new inventive concept non-obvious and novel.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include different codon optimization strategies, various lipid nanoparticle formulations, and alternative CpG motifs. Additionally, the cell-free expression system could be replaced with other scalable production methods, such as bacterial or yeast-based systems.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced synthetic pDNA vaccine platform has significant commercial potential in the vaccine market, particularly in the context of COVID-19 pandemic response. The inventive concept could be licensed to vaccine manufacturers, biotech companies, or governments, and could be used to develop vaccines for other diseases as well.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61K39/215
A A61 A61K9/0019
A A61 A61P31/14
C C07 C07K14/005
A A61 A61K2039/53
A A61 A61K2039/54
A A61 A61K2039/545
C C12 C12N2770/20022
C C12 C12N2770/20034
C C12 C12N2770/20071

Field of Art

Molecular biology, vaccine development, and genetic engineering, with specific expertise in DNA vaccine design, plasmid engineering, and SARS-CoV-2 immunological interventions

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A researcher with advanced degrees in molecular biology or virology, experienced in genetic engineering techniques, vaccine design, and molecular cloning, with knowledge of codon optimization, plasmid modification, and vaccine delivery systems

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the PTD's modifications represent predictable variations of the source patent's core vaccine technology. The proposed enhancements like codon optimization, lipid nanoparticle formulation, and CpG motif inclusion are well-established techniques in DNA vaccine development. These modifications would be considered routine optimization strategies by a skilled practitioner seeking to improve vaccine efficacy and stability.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Plasmid-based DNA vaccine targeting SARS-CoV-2 S protein
PTD Variation
Codon-optimized S protein-encoding polynucleotide with 98% sequence identity
Obviousness Reasoning
Codon optimization is a standard technique for improving protein expression and is a predictable design choice for enhancing vaccine performance
Source Patent Element
Plasmid DNA vaccine construct
PTD Variation
Addition of GC-rich region for enhanced plasmid stability
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying plasmid backbone with stabilizing elements is a known strategy for improving genetic construct durability and is a predictable engineering approach
Source Patent Element
Basic DNA vaccine platform
PTD Variation
Lipid nanoparticle formulation for improved delivery
Obviousness Reasoning
Lipid nanoparticle delivery is a well-established method in nucleic acid vaccine technology, representing a predictable enhancement for vaccine administration
Source Patent Element
Plasmid-based immunogenic construct
PTD Variation
Incorporation of CpG motif to enhance immunogenicity
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding immunostimulatory elements like CpG motifs is a standard approach for improving vaccine immune response and represents a finite, known strategy
Source Patent Element
Traditional vaccine production methods
PTD Variation
Cell-free expression system for rapid and scalable production
Obviousness Reasoning
Alternative production technologies are predictable extensions of existing manufacturing approaches, representing a design choice within the skill of an ordinary practitioner
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. ยง 103, the variations disclosed in this publication would have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art at the time of invention, with a reasonable expectation of success, when considering the teachings of US Patent 11857621 in combination with known molecular biology techniques. The proposed modifications represent routine optimization strategies that do not rise to the level of non-obvious invention.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,621
TitleSynthetic pDNA vaccines against COVID-19
Assignee(s)Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University