WO2019191597A1 - Very long chain saturated fatty acid compounds, compositions containing same, and methods of use - Google Patents

Abstract

Very long chain saturated fatty acid compounds, as well as conjugates thereof and nanoparticles containing same, are disclosed. Also disclosed are compositions containing the compounds, conjugates, and nanoparticles, as well as methods of using these compositions in various treatment methods, such as (but not limited to) as a topical treatment for enhancing acylceramide production in skin.

Description

VERY LONG CHAIN SATURATED FATTY ACID COMPOUNDS,

COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING SAME, AND METHODS OF USE

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/ INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE STATEMENT

[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of US Serial No. 62/650,417, filed March 30, 2018. The entire contents of the above-referenced application are explicitly incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Very Long Chain Saturated Fatty Acids (VLC-SFAs) have been found to play a variety of important roles in normal physiology. An absence or deficiency of these lipids can cause a number of pathological conditions, including skin, eye, and brain disorders, and in some cases even leading to death.

[0004] Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorder worldwide with an annual cost to society exceeding $5 billion in the US alone. There is a profound decrement to the economic, social, psychological, occupational, and educational quality of life felt by patients and the families of patients suffering from AD. A fundamental physiological hallmark of AD is the breakdown of the epidermal skin barrier. Current treatments for patients with AD are only marginally effective, in that they only treat the inflammation/rash or provide temporary superficial barrier restoration, but do not treat the underlying chronic epidermal barrier deficit that allows for inflammation and loss of moisture to occur. If this problem is not solved, the socioeconomic burden of AD will continue to grow; in fact, within the past decade world-wide, AD incidences have increased two to three fold, now exceeding 225 million people. This holds especially negative consequences given the significant mental health burden on patients suffering from dermatitis. Additionally, children with AD are continuously exposed to immunogenic environmental factors, and as a consequence, often develop asthma later in life, a comorbidity that further increases the cost to society, while limiting that patient’s function within society.

[0005] The total market size for AD is massive, with a global dermatitis incidence exceeding 225 million people. Even the market in the U.S. is substantial, surpassing 14 million people, with the majority of these patients suffering specifically from AD. Patients in the US with severe, life-long dermatitis, who are always looking for new avenues to relief, make up about 7 million people. Evidence indicates that on average consumers/patients spend $100- $200 a month to treat their dermatitis, with varying results.

[0006] Current topical treatments, like CERAVE^® (New York, NY) or CERAMEDX^® (Santa Barbara, CA) topical products, contain ceramides and deliver a temporary barrier. Another product, EPICERAM^® controlled release skin barrier emulsion (PURACAP^® Pharmaceutical, LLC, Piscataway, NJ) utilizes similar barrier lipids, but is cost prohibitive for most AD sufferers, and therefore is not widely used. Currently, only steroids or immunomodulators are used to medically treat AD, and these do not repair the damaged barrier and have use restrictions, especially in infants (< 2 years of age), which make up a large portion of the patient population. Furthermore, even when the children are old enough for the available medications, parents do not want to put their children on immune-modulating drugs and steroids, as these are an unacceptable long-term solution. Thus, there is a critical need for affordable and effective treatments, particularly ones which can be used in children.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 shows chemical structures of several exemplary conjugate compounds produced in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 shows chemical structures of several additional exemplary conjugates produced in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 shows MTT cell viability data in primary human keratinocytes following treatment with conjugates prepared in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 shows efficacy of a nanoparticle cocktail prepared in accordance with the present disclosure on ceramide production in primary human keratinocytes. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The novel Very Long Chain Saturated Fatty Acid (VLC-SFA) compositions of the present disclosure provide cost-effective ways to enable skin cells to continually self-repair their barrier between applications, resulting in a safe and robust preventative. In at least certain embodiments, the compositions comprise VLC-SFAs, water insoluble waxy compounds, which have been reformulated and conjugated to other compounds (such as polymers) to make novel nanoparticle formulations; these nanoparticle formulations are soluble in water, absorbed in the epidermis, and able to pass through the skin to be used as building blocks for the skin’s epidermal barrier ceramides. This epidermal barrier acts to retain water in the skin while keeping allergens and pathogens out. The core deficit of AD, other forms of dermatitis, and common dry skin is the loss of a functional skin barrier with a significant reduction in both SFAs and the downstream ceramide lipids that incorporate them. By delivering these VLC- SFA-containing nanoparticles topically to the skin, the cells are allowed to repair their own barrier from the inside out via synthesis of the barrier ceramides from the VLC-SFAs. Functionally, the nanoparticles of the present disclosure prevent/reduce the frequency of symptoms seen in AD, other types of barrier-related skin disorders, and other diseases and disorders discussed elsewhere herein or otherwise contemplated in the art. This novel lipid nanoparticle technology delivers on innovations including, but not limited to: (1) providing novel compositions to enhance VLC-SFA uptake into the skin, (2) lipid metabolic engineering to achieve cellular self-repair, (3) driving production of barrier lipids as a treatment for AD and other skin barrier disorders, (4) repairing and protecting the epidermal barrier via topical application, and (5) providing non-steroidal therapeutics which are safe for use on infants. The presently disclosed VLC-SFA formulations can be used as a treatment for at least one of, but not limited to: (1) a skin disorder, (2) epilepsy, (3) enhancing/protecting neural development and function, (4) a neurodegenerative disease, (5) an ocular disorder, (6) a retinal disorder, and (7) any disease resulting from mutations or functional deficiencies in the human ELOVL4 gene or in any of its mammalian analogs including, but not limited to: non-human primates, equine, canine, and other mammals listed elsewhere herein or otherwise contemplated in the art.

[0012] Before further describing various embodiments of the compounds, compositions, and methods of the present disclosure in more detail by way of exemplary description, examples, and results, it is to be understood that the compounds, compositions, and methods of the present disclosure are not limited in application to the details of specific embodiments and examples as set forth in the following description. The description provided herein is intended for purposes of illustration only and is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. As such, the language used herein is intended to be given the broadest possible scope and meaning, and the embodiments and examples are meant to be exemplary, not exhaustive. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting unless otherwise indicated as so. Moreover, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, features which are well known to persons of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessary complication of the description. It is intended that all alternatives, substitutions, modifications, and equivalents apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art are included within the scope of the present disclosure. While the compounds, compositions, and methods of the present disclosure have been described in terms of particular embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the compounds, compositions, and/or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0013] All patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification or referenced in any portion of this application (including but not limited to U.S PatentNo. 8,021,874, and U.S. Published Application No. US 2017/0014365) are herein expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0015] As utilized in accordance with the methods and compositions of the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings:

[0016] The use of the word“a” or“an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean“one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of“one or more,”“at least one,” and“one or more than one.” The use of the term“or” in the claims is used to mean“and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or when the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and“and/or.” The use of the term“at least one” will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one, including but not limited to, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, or any integer inclusive therein. The term“at least one” may extend up to 100 or 1000 or more, depending on the term to which it is attached; in addition, the quantities of 100/1000 are not to be considered limiting, as higher limits may also produce satisfactory results. In addition, the use of the term“at least one of X, Y, and Z” will be understood to include X alone, Y alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X, Y, and Z.

[0017] As used herein, all numerical values or ranges include fractions of the values and integers within such ranges and fractions of the integers within such ranges unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, to illustrate, reference to a numerical range, such as 1-10 includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, as well as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, etc., and so forth. Reference to a range of 1-50 therefore includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, etc., up to and including 50, as well as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, etc., 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, etc., and so forth. Reference to a series of ranges includes ranges which combine the values of the boundaries of different ranges within the series. Thus, to illustrate reference to a series of ranges, for example, of 1-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, 50-60, 60-75, 75-100, 100-150, 150- 200, 200-250, 250-300, 300-400, 400-500, 500-750, 750-1,000, includes ranges of 1-20, 10- 50, 50-100, 100-500, and 500-1,000, for example.

[0018] As used in this specification and claims, the words“comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as“comprise” and“comprises”),“having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and“has”),“including” (and any form of including, such as“includes” and“include”), or“containing” (and any form of containing, such as“contains” and“contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0019] The term“or combinations thereof’ as used herein refers to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example,“A, B, C, or combinations thereof’ is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item or term, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0020] Throughout this application, the terms“about” and“approximately” are used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the composition, the method used to administer the composition, or the variation that exists among the study subjects. As used herein the qualifiers“about” or“approximately” are intended to include not only the exact value, amount, degree, orientation, or other qualified characteristic or value, but are intended to include some slight variations due to measuring error, manufacturing tolerances, stress exerted on various parts or components, observer error, wear and tear, and combinations thereof, for example. The term“about” or“approximately,” where used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass, for example, variations of ± 10%, or ± 5%, or ± 1%, or ± 0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods and as understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art. As used herein, the term“substantially” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance completely occurs or that the subsequently described event or circumstance occurs to a great extent or degree. For example, the term “substantially” means that the subsequently described event or circumstance occurs at least 90% of the time, or at least 95% of the time, or at least 98% of the time.

[0021] As used herein, any reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment and may be included in other embodiments. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment and are not necessarily limited to a single or particular embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.

[0022] The term“pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to compounds and compositions which are suitable for administration to humans and/or animals without undue adverse side effects such as toxicity, irritation, and/or allergic response commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio. The compounds (e.g., VLC-SFAs) of the present disclosure may be combined with one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable excipients, carriers, vehicles, and/or diluents which may improve solubility, deliverability, dispersion, stability, and/or conformational integrity of the compounds or conjugates thereof.

[0023] As used herein,“pure” or“substantially pure” means an object species is the predominant species present (i.e., on a molar basis it is more abundant than any other object species in the composition thereof), and particularly a substantially purified fraction is a composition wherein the object species comprises at least about 50 percent (on a molar basis) of all macromolecular species present. Generally, a substantially pure composition will comprise more than about 80% of all macromolecular species present in the composition, more particularly more than about 85%, more than about 90%, more than about 95%, or more than about 99%. The term“pure” or“substantially pure” also refers to preparations where the object species is at least 60% (w/w) pure, or at least 70% (w/w) pure, or at least 75% (w/w) pure, or at least 80% (w/w) pure, or at least 85% (w/w) pure, or at least 90% (w/w) pure, or at least 92% (w/w) pure, or at least 95% (w/w) pure, or at least 96% (w/w) pure, or at least 97% (w/w) pure, or at least 98% (w/w) pure, or at least 99% (w/w) pure, or 100% (w/w) pure.

[0024] Non-limiting examples of animals which can be treated with the compositions of the present disclosure include dogs, cats, rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, horses, goats, cattle, sheep, zoo animals, Old and New World monkeys, non-human primates, and humans.

[0025] “Treatment” refers to therapeutic treatments.“Prevention” refers to prophylactic or preventative treatment measures for reducing the onset of a condition or disease. The term “treating” refers to administering the composition to a subject for therapeutic purposes and/or for prevention. Non-limiting examples of modes of administration include oral, inhalation, topical, retrobulbar, subconjunctival, transdermal, parenteral, cutaneous, subcutaneous, intranasal, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravitreal, vaginal, rectal, nasal, and intravenous routes, including both local and systemic applications. The term“topical” is used herein to define a mode of administration through an epithelial surface, such as but not limited to, the skin, eye, or internal epithelial surfaces. In addition, the compositions of the present disclosure may be designed to provide delayed, controlled, extended, and/or sustained release using formulation techniques which are well known in the art. For example, oral formulations may be formulated such that the VLC-SFA conjugate passes through a portion of the digestive system before being released; for example, it may not be released until reaching the small intestine.

[0026] The terms“therapeutic composition” and“pharmaceutical composition” refer to a composition containing a VLC-SFA or VLC-SFA conjugate as described herein that may be administered to a subject by any method known in the art or otherwise contemplated herein, wherein administration of the composition brings about a therapeutic effect as described elsewhere herein.

[0027] The term“effective amount” refers to an amount of a free VLC-SFA compound or VLC-SFA conjugate which is sufficient to exhibit a detectable therapeutic, amelioration, or treatment effect in a subject without excessive adverse side effects (such as substantial toxicity, irritation, and allergic response) commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio when used in the manner of the present disclosure. The effective amount for a subject will depend upon the subject’s type, size, and health, the nature and severity of the condition to be treated, the method of administration, the duration of treatment, the nature of concurrent therapy (if any), the specific formulations employed, and the like. Thus, it is not possible to specify an exact effective amount in advance. However, the effective amount for a given situation can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art using routine experimentation based on the information provided herein.

[0028] The term“ameliorate” means a detectable or measurable improvement in a subj ect’ s condition or a symptom thereof. A detectable or measurable improvement includes a subjective or objective decrease, reduction, inhibition, suppression, limit, or control in the occurrence, frequency, severity, progression, or duration of the condition, or an improvement in a symptom or an underlying cause or a consequence of the condition, or a reversal of the condition. A successful treatment outcome can lead to a“therapeutic effect” or“benefit” of ameliorating, decreasing, reducing, inhibiting, suppressing, limiting, controlling, or preventing the occurrence, frequency, severity, progression, or duration of a condition, or consequences of the condition in a subject.

[0029] A decrease or reduction in worsening, such as stabilizing the condition, is also a successful treatment outcome. A therapeutic benefit therefore need not be complete ablation or reversal of the condition, or any one, most, or all adverse symptoms, complications, consequences, or underlying causes associated with the condition. Thus, a satisfactory endpoint may be achieved when there is an incremental improvement such as a partial decrease, reduction, inhibition, suppression, limit, control, or prevention in the occurrence, frequency, severity, progression, or duration, or inhibition or reversal of the condition (e.g., stabilizing), over a short or long duration of time (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months).

[0030] Turning now to the compositions of the present disclosure, certain non-limiting embodiments thereof are directed to compositions comprising at least one of any of the conjugates described or otherwise contemplated herein (such as, but not limited to, the conjugates of Formula I described herein below and comprising a VLC-SFA conjugated to PEG) and/or compositions comprising at least one nanoparticle comprising at least one of any of the conjugates described or otherwise contemplated herein (such as, but not limited to, the conjugates of Formula I).

[0031] In one particular (but non-limiting) embodiment, these compositions may comprise a plurality of any of the conjugates descrined or otherwise contemplated herein. [0032] In particular non-limiting embodiments, these compositions may be topical compositions, such as those described in greater detail herein below or otherwise contemplated in the art.

[0033] In addition, the conjugates may be present in the compositions at any concentration that allows the conjugates to function in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, but not by way of limitation, the conjugate may be present in a composition at a concentration in a range of from about 1 ng/ml to about 10 mg/ml, such as (but not limited to), a range of from about 10 ng/ml to about 1 mg/ml, a range of from about 100 ng/ml to about 100 pg/ml, or a range of from about 5 pg/ml to about 50 pg/ml. In a particular embodiment, the conjugate is present in the composition at a concentration of at least 10 pg/ml.

[0034] The VLC-SFAs referred to herein may have a carbon chain length of at least about 28 carbons (such as, but not limited to, at least 28 carbons, at least 29 carbons, at least 30 carbons, at least 31 carbons, at least 32 carbons, at least 33 carbons, at least 34 carbons, at least 35 carbons, at least 36 carbons, at least 37 carbons, at least 38 carbons, at least 39 carbons, or at least 40 carbons). VLC-SFAs used to form the conjugates of the present disclosure can be obtained by any methods known in the art, including (but not limited to): purification from natural lipid sources (such as but not limited to beeswax) or synthetic production via the ELOVL4 elongase enzyme (e.g., using synthesis methods as described in U.S. Patent No. 8,021,874), using for example (but not by way of limitation) C24 and/or C26 SFA precursor molecules. The VLC-SFAs of the present disclosure may be complexed within an elastic liposome that contains at least one edge-activating surfactant, and a ratio of phospholipids and sphingolipids that, in combination, produces a VLC-SFA-containing liposome with an elasticity co-efficient capable of permeating the human stratum comeum. Examples of elastic liposomes include, but are not limited to, those shown in U.S. Patent No. 9,254,276, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. The VLC-SFA may be directly conjugated to a molecule of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or other polymeric compound. In certain embodiments the PEG or other polymeric compound comprises n repeating units (e.g., ethylene glycol units), wherein n is in the range of, but not limited to, 4 to 250 (i.e., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,

15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39,

40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64,

65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89,

90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110,

111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167,

168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186,

187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205,

206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224,

225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243,

244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, or 250). In at least certain embodiments, the presently disclosed compositions are comprised of VLC-SFAs conjugated to PEG carrier molecules in a range of molecular weights including, but not limited to, 300 to 20,000 Daltons. Specific examples of PEGs which may be used include, but are not limited to: PEG750 Amine, PEG750 Ester, PEG705 Thiol, PEG2000 Amine, PEG2000 Ester, PEG2000 Thiol, PEG5000 Amine, PEG5000 Ester, PEG5000 Thiol, PEG6000 Amine, PEG6000 Ester, PEG6000 Thiol, PEG8000 Amine, PEG8000 Ester, PEG8000 Thiol, PEG10000 Amine, PEG10000 Ester, and PEG10000 Thiol.

[0035] Where used herein, the term“a linkage derived from click chemistry” refers to a covalent linkage formed by a type of reaction known in the art as a“click chemistry” reaction for attaching a biomolecule to another molecule. Examples of“click chemistry” reactions are well known in the art. Non-limiting examples of click chemistry reactions are shown and discussed in U.S. Patent Nos. 9,457,107; 9,549,549; 9,758,606; 9,890,361; 9,907,862; and 9,908,871; just to mention a few, each of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0036] In at least certain embodiments, the fatty acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugates (also referred to herein as“VLC-SFA conjugates”) of the present disclosure comprise a chemical structure as represented by Formula I:

Formula I

wherein X is selected from oxygen (-0-), nitrogen (-N-), a disulfide linkage (S-S), S- maleimide, and a linkage derived from click chemistry; Y is a polyethylene glycol (PEG); m is an integer in a range of from about 26 to about 38; and n is an integer in a range of from about 4 to about 250. [0037] Non-limiting examples of conjugates produced in accordance with the present disclosure are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example (but not by way of limitation), in one particular embodiment of Formula I (as shown in the top four structures of FIG. 1), X is oxygen or nitrogen, m is 26 or 28, and n is an integer in a range of from about 13 to about 18. In another non-limiting embodiment of Formula I (as shown in the bottom two structure of FIG. 1 and the top two structures of FIG. 2), X is oxygen or nitrogen, m is 26 or 28, and n is an integer in a range of from about 40 to about 46. In yet another non-limiting embodiment of Formula I (as shown in the bottom four structures of FIG. 2), X is oxygen or nitrogen, m is 26 or 28, and n is an integer in a range of from about 100 to about 107.

[0038] In alternate embodiments, certain peptides or ligands can be conj ugated to the VLC- SFA instead of PEG, including but not limited to, any peptide sequence containing a targeting motif or sequence to facilitate cellular uptake, trafficking, or utilization, e.g., Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF/FGF7). Examples of such peptides include, but are not limited to: SYPIPDT (SEQ ID NO: l, epidermal growth factor receptor-binding peptide); AEYLR (SEQ ID NO:2, epidermal growth factor receptor peptide); Tigerl7 (c[WCKPKPKPRCH]NH2: SEQ ID NO:3, an antimicrobial peptide which promotes wound healing); Epha2 (targeting ephrin- Al-Fc peptide, which promotes keratinocyte differentiation); FGF10/KGF2 ligand for keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR)/fibroblast growth factor receptor; acetyl hexapeptides and KTTKS (SEQ ID NO:4) pentapeptide (components of anti -wrinkle creams); and QHREDGS (SEQ ID NO:5) from angiopoietin 1 (targets diabetic wound healing). For targeting VLC-SFA nanomicelles or liposomes to the central or peripheral nervous system, e.g., for treatment of neurological disorders such as epilepsy, non-limiting examples of targeting peptides include a GLA (amino acid sequence: GLAHSFSDFARDFVA, SEQ ID NO:6), or GYR (amino acid sequence: GYRPVHNIRGHWAPG, SEQ ID NO:7) peptide sequence to enhance blood brain barrier penetration and brain-binding of the VLC-SFA compound.

[0039] In alternate embodiments, certain peptides (such as any of the peptides described herein above) as well as drugs or ligands (such as those described in further detail herein below or otherwise contemplated herein) can be conjugated to the any of the conjugates described or otherwise contemplated herein. For example (but not by way of limitation), a peptide/drug/ligand can be conjugated to the PEG carrier molecule of the conjugate to form a VLC-SFA-PEG-peptide/drug/ligand conjugate.

[0040] In certain embodiments, any drug, anti-microbial, steroid, anti-cancer, or gene therapy therapeutic can be contained within the lipid core of a nanomicelle or within the aqueous core of a liposome which contains the VLC-SFA or VLC-SFA-PEG conjugate of the present disclosure (or otherwise attached to the conjugate). For example, curcumin, a known skin property-enhancer, could be encapsulated in liposomes or micelles for delivery into the skin. Gentiana lutea extract (GE), one non-limiting example of a CERS3 agonist, could be encapsulated or incorporated into liposomes or micelles to drive further production of the unique epidermal barrier lipids being made from the VLC-SFA precursors. Non-limiting examples of lipophilic drugs include: antimicrobials, such as fluoroquinolones, macrolides, tigecyline, and lincosamides; steroids, such as androsterone, epi-androsterone, dehydro-epi- androsterone, testosterone, estradiol, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterol, hydrocortisone, and cholesterol; and anticancer agents, such as paclitaxel, docetaxel, campothecin, etoposide, curcumin, all-trans-retinoic acid, luteolin, cabozantinib, nintendanib, rapamycin, and buparlisib. Non-limiting examples of hydrophilic drugs include antimicrobials such as aminoglycoside, beta-lactams, glycopeptides, and colistin; and anticancer drugs such as doxorubicin.

[0041] The present disclosure includes any combination of the VLC-SFA, PEG, peptides, or additional embodiments to form either homomeric or polymeric nanoparticles that can generate a multi-particle system/formation to control the enhancement of formulation efficacy and duration or enable additional use applications or licenses for this technology, including but not limited to: cosmetics, other personal consumer care products, or any industrial or technical venture or product that would benefit from the addition of the VLC-SFA compounds as an ingredient or component.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the conjugates of the present disclosure naturally form nanoparticle shapes when synthesized and purified. These nanoparticles can have any size that allows the nanoparticles to function in accordance with the present disclosure. In a particular (but non-limiting) embodiment, the nanoparticles can have an average diameter in a range of from about 50 nm to about 150 nm.

[0043] In alternate embodiments, in place of a PEG molecule, the conjugate can be formed using poly [N-(carboxymethyl)-2-(isobutyryloxy)-N,N-dimethylethanammonium], known as superhydrophilic polymer (SHP), wherein the resulting conjugate is VLC-SFA-SHP.

[0044] The PEG carrier molecule can be functionalized at its terminal end to carry one or more carboxyl, amine, sulfhydryl, or aldehyde groups enabling conjugation of drugs, ligands, peptides, or other polymers to the PEG as contemplated elsewhere herein. The present disclosure is directed, in certain embodiments, to compositions containing VLC-FAs for treatment or inhibition of diseases resulting from or caused by mutations in ELOVL4 proteins or genes. Incorporation of VLC-SFAs into target tissues (skin, brain, retina, and testes) can be via oral, intravenous, or parenteral administration or via other means of administration described herein.

[0045] As noted, the compositions of the present disclosure can be administered to a subject topically, orally, parenterally, intravenously, or otherwise internally or externally. One nutritional composition for internal consumption is an infant formula or an oral dosage form for treatment or prevention of a disease condition, or a vitamin supplement which includes one or more VLC-SFAs or VLC-SFA conjugates as described herein. In one embodiment, the nutritional compositions are in a liquid form or a solid form as discussed elsewhere herein. In one non-limiting embodiment of a supplement, the VLC-SFA conjugates disclosed herein are dissolved in a vegetable oil and supplied, for example, at a rate of from about 1 mg to about 1000 mg of VLC-SFA per day, from about 10 mg to about 750 mg of VLC-SFA per day, from about 50 mg to about 500 mg VLC-SFA per day, or any suitable rate determined for a particular subject or patient.

[0046] As described herein, the VLC-SFAs of the compositions of the present disclosure may also be provided as a carrier molecule conjugate wherein the VLC-SFA is linked or otherwise conjugated to a carrier molecule such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecule

[0047] In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to methods of treating a patient or subject to mitigate a disease or condition such as, but not limited to, Stargardt disease, cortical atrophy, delayed myelinization, seizure disorders, mental retardation, erythematous ichthyosis, retinal diseases, or any disease or condition caused by a mutation in ELOVL4 (or treating subjects or patients to prevent or delay progression of such diseases) by administration of the compositions described or otherwise contemplated herein, for example (but not by way of limitation) either by oral supplementation, dietary supplementation, or intravenous supplementation such as via a PICC line, or any other suitable means of delivery. Stargardt- like macular dystrophies are a group of progressive photoreceptor degenerative disorders that eventually lead to loss of vision.

[0048] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure includes a method of treating a subject for a condition related to an ELOVL4 deficiency, in which an effective amount of a VLC-SFA conjugate described herein is administered to a subject in need of such therapy. An effective amount of a VLC-SFA composition of the present disclosure will generally contain sufficient active substance (VLC-SFA) to deliver from about 0.01 ig/kg to about 100 mg/kg (weight of VLC-SFA /body weight of the subject) to the subject. For example (but not by way of limitation), the composition will deliver from about 0.1 «g/kg to about 50 mg/kg, and more particularly from about 1 «g/kg to about 20 mg/kg, to the subject.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the present disclosure includes a method of enhancing acylceramide production in keratinocytes in skin of a subject by topically applying a composition comprising at least one of any of the conjugates described herein (or a nanoparticle containing same) to the skin of the subject. Application of the composition to the subject delivers the conjugate to the keratinocytes of the subject in any amount required for effectively increasing acylceramide production therein. For example (but not by way of limitation), the conjugate may be delivered to the keratinocytes in an amount in a range of from about 5 pg/ml to about 50 pg/ml. Alternatively (but not by way of limitation), application of the composition to the subject can delivers at least about 10 pg/ml conjugate to the keratinocytes of the subject.

[0050] Practice of the methods of the present disclosure may comprise, in at least one embodiment, administration of an effective amount of the VLC-SFA to a subject in any suitable systemic and/or local formulation, in an amount effective to deliver a dosage disclosed herein. The dosage can be administered, for example but not by way of limitation, on a one-time basis, or administered at multiple times (for example, but not by way of limitation, from one to five times per day, or once or twice per week), or continuously via a venous drip, depending on the desired therapeutic effect. In one non-limiting example of a therapeutic method of the present disclosure, the dosage is provided in an IV infusion in the range of from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg of body weight once a day.

[0051] When an effective amount of the VLC-SFA composition is administered orally, it may be in the form of a solid or liquid preparation, such as (but not limited to) a capsule, a pill, a tablet, a lozenge, a melt, a powder, a suspension, a solution, an elixir, an emulsion, or any combination thereof. Solid unit dosage forms can be capsules of the ordinary gelatin type containing, for example, surfactants, lubricants, and inert fillers such as lactose, sucrose, and cornstarch; alternatively (and/or in addition thereto), the dosage forms can be sustained release preparations. The pharmaceutical composition may contain a solid carrier, such as (but not limited to) a gelatin or an adjuvant. The tablet, capsule, and powder may contain from about 0.05 to about 95% of the active substance compound by dry weight. When administered in liquid form, a liquid carrier such as (but not limited to) water, petroleum, one or more oils of animal or plant origin (such as, but not limited to, peanut oil, mineral oil, soybean oil, or sesame oil), or one or more synthetic oils may be added. The liquid form of the pharmaceutical composition may further contain physiological saline solution, dextrose or other saccharide solution, or glycols such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, or polyethylene glycol. When administered in liquid form, the pharmaceutical composition particularly contains from about 0.005 to about 95% by weight of the active substance. For example, a dose of from about 10 mg to about 1000 mg once or twice a day could be administered orally. As noted above, in at least one embodiment, the composition comprises a VLC-SFA-PEG conjugate.

[0052] In another embodiment, the VLC-SFAs of the present disclosure can be tableted with conventional tablet bases (such as, but not limited to, lactose, sucrose, and cornstarch) in combination with binders (such as, but not limited to, acacia, cornstarch, or gelatin), disintegrating agents (such as, but not limited to, potato starch or alginic acid), and a lubricant (such as, but not limited to, stearic acid or magnesium stearate). Liquid preparations are prepared by dissolving the VLC-SFA conjugates in an aqueous or non-aqueous pharmaceutically acceptable solvent which may also contain suspending agents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, and preservative agents as are known in the art.

[0053] For parenteral administration, for example, the VLC-SFA conjugate compositions may be dissolved in a physiologically acceptable pharmaceutical carrier and administered as either a solution or a suspension. Illustrative of suitable pharmaceutical carriers are water, saline, dextrose solutions, fructose solutions, ethanol, or oils of animal, vegetative, or synthetic origin. The pharmaceutical carrier may also contain preservatives and buffers as are known in the art.

[0054] When an effective amount of the VLC-SFA conjugate composition is administered by injection, it may be in the form of a pyrogen-free, parenterally acceptable aqueous solution or suspension. The preparation of such parenterally acceptable solutions, having due regard to pH, isotonicity, stability, and the like, is well within the skill in the art. A particular pharmaceutical composition for such injection may contain, in addition to the VLC-SFA compound, an isotonic vehicle such as Sodium Chloride Injection, Ringer's Injection, Dextrose Injection, Dextrose and Sodium Chloride Injection, Lactated Ringer's Injection, or other vehicle as known in the art. The compositions of the present disclosure may also contain stabilizers, preservatives, buffers, antioxidants, or other additives known to those of skill in the art.

[0055] As noted, particular amounts and modes of administration can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art. One of ordinary skill in the art of preparing formulations can readily select the proper form and mode of administration, depending upon the particular characteristics of the VLC-SFA compositions selected, the condition to be treated, the stage of the condition, and other relevant circumstances using formulation technology known in the art, described, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 21^st ed.

(Philadelphia, PA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2005).

[0056] As noted elsewhere, the VLC-SFA conjugates of the present disclosure can be packaged within a liposome. For example, the pharmaceutical composition of the present disclosure may be in the form of a liposome in which the peptide compound is disposed, in addition to other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, with amphipathic agents such as lipids which exist in aggregated form as micelles, insoluble monolayers, liquid crystals, or lamellar layers in aqueous solution. Suitable lipids for liposomal formulation include, without limitation, monoglycerides, diglycerides, sulfatides, lysolecithin, phospholipids, saponin, bile acids, and the like. Preparation of such liposomal formulations is within the level of skill in the art, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 4,235,871; U.S. Patent No. 4,501,728; U.S. Patent No. 4,837,028; and U.S. Patent No. 4,737,323, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. It is also possible to entrap the peptide compounds in microcapsules prepared, for example, by coacervation techniques or by interfacial polymerization (for example, hydroxymethylcellulose or gelatine-microcapsules and poly-(methylmethacylate) microcapsules, respectively), in colloidal drug delivery systems (for example, liposomes, albumin microspheres, microemulsions, nano-particles, and nanocapsules), or in macroemulsions. Such techniques are well known to persons having ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] UTILITIES

[0058] The compositions of the present disclosure can be used to treat a number of diseases, disorders, and/or conditions in the areas of dermatology, cosmetics, wound healing, central nervous system disorders, and peripheral nervous system disorders. Non-limiting examples are described below.

[0059] Dermatology

[0060] Currently there are no technologies that reinforce the skin barrier function through critical precursor delivery. One current technology, EPICERAM^® controlled release skin barrier emulsion (PURACAP^® Pharmaceutical, LLC, Piscataway, NJ), delivers end-point ceramides, cholesterol, and free fatty acids in a topical formulation which replenishes these factors within the lamellar bilayers, but does not stimulate the production of these factors in keratinocytes. This topical therapy is safe and has little to no adverse effects. Other current strategies include topical application of emollients and moisturizers which work to prevent transepidermal water loss or hydrate the skin, but these compositions do not functionally restore skin barrier function or prevent skin barrier dysfunction. In most dermatological disorders, inflammation either induces skin barrier dysfunction or is a result of skin barrier dysfunction. Therefore, current treatments (e.g., corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, immunosuppressants) and developing treatments (e.g., PDE-4 inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, CRTH2 antagonists, monoclonal antibodies) are used to stifle the inflammatory response by topical anti-inflammatory treatment or systemic anti-inflammatory treatment pharmacologically or immunomodulatory. These treatments do not restore barrier dysfunction and can have mild to severe adverse effects and even induce skin thinning and refractory inflammatory responses, thus worsening the initial problem. The presently disclosed technology indirectly inhibits the inflammatory response by providing support to the skin barrier with no adverse effects, thereby preventing transepidermal water loss and exposure to pathogens and allergens that initiate the inflammatory response. In non-limiting embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure can be used to reinforce the skin barrier by delivering VLC-SFAs to the keratinocytes of the epidermis for use by these cells as precursors in forming critical components (e.g., w-0-acylceramides) in lamellar bilayers of the stratum comeum that function to prevent transepidermal water loss and provide resistance to external pathogens and allergens. The application of the presently disclosed technology to reinforcing the skin barrier or preventing skin barrier breakdown are exemplary uses for the dermatology markets (e.g., dermatitis).

[0061] Cosmetics

[0062] Currently, hyaluronic acid is the“gold standard” for preventing collagen decline with aging by interacting with collagen and lipids, resulting in suppler hydrated skin due to increased water retention. However, for hyaluronic acids, injections are the best route of delivery. Currently available“over-the-counter” cosmetics work topically to moisturize and hydrate the skin through emollients and moisturizers, but they do not boost the skin barrier. These topical cosmetics also lack the ability to work on skin that has both dry and oily areas. They tend to improve hydration of dry skin, but leave other areas of the skin overly greasy and/or oily. The technology of the present disclosure improves moisture retention and skin tautness without leaving a greasy or oily topical layer. In the technology of the present disclosure, the critical lipid precursors (VLC-SFAs) that are the necessary factors in skin barrier function are designed for topical and transdermal delivery, thus making these compositions and methods more convenient and cheaper than industry standards. In non- limiting embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure can be used to reinforce the skin barrier by delivering VLC-SFAs to the keratinocytes of the epidermis for use by these cells as precursors in forming critical components (e.g., w-0-acylceramides) in lamellar bilayers of the stratum comeum that function to prevent transepidermal water loss improving skin hydration and tautness preventing or restoring deficits in skin hydration and structure with normal aging.

[0063] Wound healing

[0064] Currently, primary treatments for superficial wound healing include wound dressings (e.g., gauze, films, hydrogels), bioprosthetic skin substitutes, growth factors, and skin grafts. Such treatment methods facilitate the healing process by enabling sterile and protected conditions, but do not promote pre-injured skin barrier states through keratinocyte migration. The presently disclosed technology can promote wound healing by providing skin barrier reinforcement and enhanced normal keratinocyte migration. In non-limiting embodiments, the compositions of the present disclosure can be used to reinforce the skin barrier by delivering VLC-SFAs to the keratinocytes of the epidermis for use by these cells as precursors in forming critical components (e.g., w-0-acylceramides) in lamellar bilayers of the stratum comeum to restore skin barrier breakdown associated with superficial wounding (e.g., cuts, abrasions, UV damage) and to promote the self-repair and healing of normal skin through enhanced keratinocyte migration and secretions of factors necessary and sufficient for barrier integrity. The compositions can also be used in the treatment of bums and in post-operative care for skin- grafts. Disulfide-linked VLC-SFA-PEG conjugates of the present disclosure are particularly useful for closure of wounds, particularly when rapid wound closure is desirable. The disulfide linkage of the conjugate cleaves when brought into contact with an open wound environment, depositing a high concentration of wax-like VLC-SFA, effectively creating a wax plug for rapid wound closure.

[0065] Central nervous system disorders

[0066] Current treatments of central nervous system disorders include: nerve pain medication (e.g., topimirate, gabapentin, pregabalin), sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines), and anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, topimirate). These medications generally work through depression of brain activity (e.g., sodium channel inhibition, GABA receptor agonists) and pain associated with overactive nerve firing, but are often associated with moderate-to-severe adverse effects and a multitude of drug-drug interactions. The technology of the present disclosure can be used to slow the release of neurotransmitters resulting in similar beneficial effects as sedatives and anticonvulsants, but without the psychological adverse effects and drug interactions. In particular, the compositions of the present disclosure can be used to systemically deliver VLC-SFAs into neuronal cells within the central nervous system and act to regulate the membrane biophysical properties of synaptic membranes to alter neurotransmitter release-rates from presynaptic terminals to treat central nervous system disorders. In one non-limiting example, the VLC-SFAs can be delivered across the blood brain barrier for treatment of epilepsy.

[0067] Peripheral nervous system disorders

[0068] Currently available treatments of peripheral neuropathies include nerve blocks and anticonvulsants (e.g., carbamazepine, topimirate). Nerve blocks must be administered by healthcare professionals. They work to inhibit pain sensations from inflammation transmitted through peripheral nerves and usually only have temporary effects. Anticonvulsants work through depression of brain activity (e.g., sodium channel inhibition, GABA receptor agonists) and pain associated with overactive nerve firing, but are often associated with moderate-to- severe adverse effects and a multitude of drug-drug interactions. The technology of the present disclosure can slow the release of neurotransmitters, thereby resulting in similar beneficial effects as nerve blocks and anticonvulsants but without the adverse effects and drug interactions. In particular, the compositions disclosed herein can be used to topically or systemically deliver VLC-SFAs into peripheral neuronal cells within the peripheral nervous system and act to regulate the membrane biophysical properties of synaptic membranes to alter neurotransmitter release-rates from presynaptic terminals to treat peripheral nervous system disorders (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, sciatica). In non-limiting embodiments, the compositions can be used for topical application and penetration of VLC-SFAs to the dermal nerve bed to reduce the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy.

[0069] The inventive concepts and uses of the present disclosure, having now been generally described, will be more readily understood by reference to the following additional examples and embodiments, which are included merely for purposes of illustration of certain aspects and embodiments thereof, and are not intended to be limiting. The following detailed examples are to be construed, as noted above, only as illustrative, and not as limitations of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. Those skilled in the art will promptly recognize appropriate variations from the various conjugates, nanoparticles, compositions, procedures, and methods.

EXAMPLES

[0070] Examples are provided hereinbelow. However, the present disclosure is to be understood to not be limited in its application to the specific experimentation, results, and laboratory procedures disclosed herein. Rather, the Examples are simply provided as one of various embodiments and are meant to be exemplary, not exhaustive. Example 1 : Synthesis of N-linked VLC-SFA-PEG Conjugates

[0071] A VLC-SFA is complexed to a PEG Amine via formation of an Amide (N-linked) bond through Carbodiimide//V-Hydroxybenzotri azole (HOBt) coupling to yield the conjugate product (e.g., by the method shown in Chan et al.,“Kinetics of Amide Formation through Carbodiimide/N-Hyroxybenzotriazole (HOBt) Couplings” J. Org. Chem, 2007, 72, 8863- 8869). Alternatively, the VLC-SFA-PEG conjugate is formed by generating Fatty acid 2,5- dioxo-pyrrolidin-l-yl ester (SFA-NHS) by reacting equimolar amounts of VLC-SFA (-10 mmol), N-hydroxysuccinimide, and N,N’-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide in anhydrous dimethylformamide (100 mL) with vigorous stirring for 24 hours. The solid precipitate that forms is then filtered, and the solution is concentrated by evaporating the solvent under reduced pressure. The crude product is then purified on a silica gel column using dichloromethane and ethyl acetate (90: 10), and the final yield is calculated and characterized by NMR, MS, and melting point. Final VLC-SFA-NHS conjugate is then complexed to PEG by allowing equimolar amounts of VLC-SFA-NHS (-0.16 mmol) and methoxy PEGxAmine (where subscript x = the molecular weight of the PEG) with HC1 salt in DMSO (7 mL) in the presence of 0.04 mL of triethly amine. This mixture is stirred vigorously at 45°C for 24 hours. The final product, VLC-SFA-N-PEG, is then purified by dialysis using benzoylated cellulose tubing (e.g., MWCO 2000) against DMSO for 24 hours and then again against water for 48 hours. Finally, a powdered conjugate is obtained by freeze drying. Final yield can be calculated and characterized by NMR, MS, and melting point. To examine the hydrophobic domain formation of VLC-SFA-PEG in aqueous solution, fluorescence spectral changes of N- phenylnaphthylamine (NPN) as a function of [VLC-SFA-PEG] can be measured. The samples are prepared by adding increasing concentrations of VLC-SFA-PEG (0.5 to 8.0 mM) into a saturated aqueous solution of NPN. The solutions are kept undisturbed overnight at room temperature before measuring fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence spectra are recorded at a 90° detection angle using a spectrofluorophotometer equipped with a Xenon excitation source. Synthesis of the conjugates generally takes place using a stoichiometric ratio of components to generate each individual FA-polymer conjugate. Reactions generally take place from 0°C to l00°C, and more particularly within a temperature range of from about 25°C to about 37°C.

[0072] Alternatively, O-linked conjugates of VLC-SFAs are formed using PEG esters as starting materials, and disulfide-linked conjugates of VLC-SFAs are formed using PEG thiols as starting materials. Example 2: General Synthetic Methods and in vivo Efficacy of the VLC-SFA Nanoparticles

[0073] Commercially available NEh-PEGn (0.4000 mmol, 1.1 eq), CH3(CH2)mCOOH (0.3636 mmol, eq), DIPEA (139 mΐ, 0.7999 mmol, 2.2eq), and HBTU (165.47 mg, 0.4363 mmol l.2eq) were added to a 5 ml anhydrous DMF in 10 ml round-bottom flask equipped with magnetic stir bar and allowed to stir overnight at room temperature. The crude reaction mixture was passed through a SEPHADEX^® cross-linked dextran gel column LH-20 (GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL) using methanol as an eluant. The products were collected as fast-moving spots from the solvent front. The products were dialyzed (MWCO of 1000 Da) against DCM for 12 h to eliminate any residual DMF. The products in DCM were then concentrated in vacuo to obtain white solids (yields >70%). The following N-linked compounds were synthesized: (1) PEG750-28, (2) PEG750-30, (3) PEG2000-28, (4) PEG2000-30, (5) PEG5000-28, and (6) PEG5000-30. These compounds, using the notation of Formula I, comprised: (1) m=26, X=NH, h=13-18 (FIG. 1, top left structure); (2) m=28, X=NH, h=13-18 (FIG. 1, middle left structure); (3) m=26, X=NH, n=40-46 (FIG. 1, bohom left structure); (4) m=28, X=NH, n=40- 46 (FIG. 2, top left structure); (5) m=26, X=NH, h=100-107 (FIG. 2, middle left structure); and (6) m=28, X=NH, h=100-107 (FIG. 2, bohom left structure).

[0074] Synthesis of PEG750-28: Reaction of NH2-PEG750 (300 mg, 0.4 mmol, 1.1 eq) with CH₃(CH₂)26COOH (154.164 mg, 0.3636 mmol, 1.0 eq), DIPEA (139 mΐ, 0.7999 mmol, 2.2 eq), and HBTU (165.47 mg, 0.4363 mmol l.2eq) following the general procedure gave a pale yellow solid as a final product (411 mg, 90%).

[0075] Synthesis of PEG750-30: Reaction of NH2-PEG750 (300mg, 0.4mmol, l.leq) with CH₃(CH₂)28COOH(l64.64mg, 0.3636mmol, l.Oeq), DIPEA (139 mΐ, 0.7999mmol, 2.2eq), and HBTU (165.47 mg, 0.4363mmol l.2eq) following the general procedure gave a white solid as a final product (383 mg, 82%).

[0076] Synthesis of PEG2000-28: Reaction of NH2-PEG2000 (400mg, 0.2mmol, 1.1 eq) with CH₃(CH₂)26COOH(77.082 mg, 0. l8l8mmol, l.Oeq), DIPEA (69.5 mΐ, O..4mmol, 2.2eq), and HBTU (82.74 mg, 0.2l82mmol, l.2eq) following the general procedure gave a white solid as a final product (335 mg, 70.23%).

[0077] Synthesis of PEG2000-30: Reaction of NH2-PEG2000 (400mg, 0.2mmol, 1.1 eq) with CH₃(CH₂)28COOH(82.32mg, 0.3636mmol, l.Oeq), DIPEA (69.5 mΐ, 0.4000mmol, 2.2eq), and HBTU (82.74 mg, 0.2l82mmol l.2eq) following the general procedure gave a white solid as a final product (335 mg, 71.06%).

[0078] Synthesis ofPEG5000-28: Reaction ofNH2-PEG5ooo (500mg, O.lmmol, l. leq) with CH₃(CH₂)26COOH(38.54 mg, 0.0909mmol, l.Oeq), DIPEA (34.75 mΐ, 0.2mmol, 2.2eq), and HBTU (41.37 mg, 0. l09lmmol l.2eq) following the general procedure gave a white solid as a final product (420 mg, 75.80%).

[0079] Synthesis of PEG5000-28: Reaction of NH2-PEG5000 (500mg, O.lmmol, l. leq) with CH₃(CH₂)28COOH(4l. l6 mg, 0.0909mmol, l.Oeq), DIPEA (34.75 pl, 0.2mmol, 2.2eq), and HBTU (41.37 mg, 0. l09lmmol l.2eq) following the general procedure gave a white solid as a final product (400 mg, 70.92%).

Example 3: Effects of VLC-SFA-P EG Nanoparticles on Cell (Keratinocvte) Viability

[0080] Equimolar combinations of the following six N -linked compounds (PEG750- 28+PEG750-30, PEG2000-28+PEG2000-30, PEG5000-28+PEG5000-30) were used in three treatments, grouped by the common PEG carrier (e.g., PEG750 N-linked to C28 was combined with PEG750 N-linked to C30 as one treatment group). Cells were tested for nanoparticle safety testing by MTT assay at 72 hours following application of each nanoparticle treatment group on differentiated primary human keratinocytes at 10 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, 10 pg/ml, 100 pg/ml, and 1 mg/ml concentrations (FIG. 3). The MTT assay is a colorimetric assay for assessing cell metabolic activity, and under the defined conditions met, reflects the number of viable cells present in following each treatment group compared to the number of viable cells present in the control group following vehicle treatment.

[0081] The results of FIG. 3 show there is no significant alteration of cell viability following treatment of primary human keratinocytes with the compounds PEG750-28 + PEG750-30 (left cluster), PEG2000-28 + PEG2000-30 (middle cluster), and PEG5000-28 + PEG5000-30 (right cluster), as compared to the vehicle treated control group (far left, black). These results indicate that each PEG variant of the nanoparticles is safe and non-toxic to primary human keratinocytes up to the maximum dose tested (1 mg/ml).

Example 4: Confirmation of an in vivo Effect in Keratinocytes - Production of Acylceramide Cerl (EOS ceramide)

[0082] An equimolar combination normalized to PEG750-28 of the following six N-linked compounds (PEG750-28 + PEG750-30 + PEG2000-28 + PEG2000-30 + PEG5000-28 + PEG5000-30) was used as a single treatment at three different concentrations (1 pg/ml, 10 pg/ml, and 100 pg/ml). Differentiated primary human keratinocytes were treated with the nanoparticle cocktail at each concentration every other day for 7 days prior to cell harvest and testing for EOS ceramide 1 production by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) (FIG. 4). The prior art ( McMahon et al., 2011 - DOI l0. H94/jlr.M0l44l5) demonstrated that using a transgenic approach to restore EOS ceramides in the skin was able to achieve a meaningful functional rescue by restoring a 0.3-fold increase in EOS ceramides relative to wild-type levels. Therefore, prior to the experiment, the margin for success was set to be greater than or equal to a 0.3-fold increase in EOS ceramide 1 following treatment with the nanoparticle cocktail.

[0083] The results of FIG. 4 demonstrate that using the nanoparticle cocktail made up of an equimolar ratio of all six N-linked PEG+FA variants approach to bypass the need for a transgene; EOS ceramide levels were increased in differentiated primary human keratinocytes by 0.75-fold (18.4/24.467) relative to the vehicle treated control, as measured by validated LC/MS protocols and normalized to deuterated internal standards. In the experiment, of the three doses, the effective dose exceeding the margin for success was found to be 10 pg/ml. The nanoparticle cocktail was able to more than double the margin for success established in the literature for elevating EOS ceramides in the skin to re-establish a functional epidermal barrier. This demonstrates that topical application of these nanoparticles to human skin cells will be capable of driving a clinically relevant increase in EOS skin-barrier ceramides at an in vivo concentration of 10 pg/ml, in at least one embodiment.

[0084] The compounds, conjugates, compositions, and methods of production and application of the VLC-SFAs described herein can be made and executed in light of the present disclosure. While the present disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments so that aspects thereof may be more fully understood and appreciated, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited to these particular embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended that all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents are included within the scope of the present disclosure. Thus the examples described above, which include particular embodiments, will serve to illustrate the practice of the present disclosure, it being understood that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of particular embodiments only and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of procedures as well as of the principles and conceptual aspects of the presently disclosed methods and compositions. Changes may be made in the formulation of the various compositions described herein, the methods described herein or in the steps or the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A composition, comprising:

at least one fatty acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate having a chemical structure represented by Formula I:

Formula I

wherein:

X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), a disulfide linkage (S-S), S-maleimide, and a linkage derived from click chemistry;

Y is a polyethylene glycol (PEG);

m is an integer in a range of from about 26 to about 38; and

n is an integer in a range of from about 4 to about 250.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein X is oxygen or nitrogen; m is 26 or 28; and n is an integer in a range of from about 13 to about 18, an integer in a range of from about 40 to about 46, or an integer in a range of from about 100 to about 107.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one fatty acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate has a peptide conjugated to the PEG.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one fatty acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate has a drug conjugated thereto.

5. The composition of claim 1, further defined as comprising a plurality of fatty acid-PEG conjugates having the chemical structure of Formula I.

6 The composition of claim 1, further defined as a topical composition.

7. The composition of claim 1, wherein the conjugate is present in the composition at a concentration of at least about 10 pg/ml.

8. A composition, comprising:

at least one nanoparticle comprising at least one fatty acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate having a chemical structure represented by Formula I:

Formula I

wherein:

X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), a disulfide linkage (S-S), S-maleimide, and a linkage derived from click chemistry;

Y is a polyethylene glycol (PEG);

m is an integer in a range of from about 26 to about 38; and

n is an integer in a range of from about 4 to about 250.

9. The composition of claim 8, wherein the nanoparticle has an average diameter in a range of from about 50 nm to about 150 nm.

10. The composition of claim 8, wherein in Formula I: X is oxygen or nitrogen; m is 26 or 28; and n is an integer in a range of from about 13 to about 18, an integer in a range of from about 40 to about 46, or an integer in a range of from about 100 to about 107.

11. The composition of claim 8, wherein the at least one fatty acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate has a peptide conjugated to the PEG.

12. The composition of claim 8, wherein the at least one fatty acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate has a drug conjugated thereto.

13. The composition of claim 8, further defined as comprising a plurality of fatty acid-PEG conjugates having the chemical structure of Formula I.

14. The composition of claim 8, further defined as a topical composition.

15. The composition of claim 8, wherein the nanoparticle is present in the composition at a concentration of at least about 10 pg/ml.

16. A method of enhancing acylceramide production in keratinocytes in skin of a subject, the method comprising the step of:

topically applying a composition comprising at least one fatty acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate or nanoparticle containing same to the skin of the subject, the conjugate having a chemical structure represented by Formula I:

Formula I

wherein:

X is selected from the group consisting of oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), a disulfide linkage (S-S), S-maleimide, and a linkage derived from click chemistry; Y is a polyethylene glycol (PEG);

m is an integer in a range of from about 26 to about 38; and

n is an integer in a range of from about 4 to about 250.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein application of the composition to the subject delivers the conjugate to keratinocytes of the subject in an amount in a range of from about 5 pg/ml to about 50 pg/ml.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein application of the composition to the subject delivers at least about 10 pg/ml conjugate to keratinocytes of the subject.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein in Formula I: X is oxygen or nitrogen; m is 26 or 28; and n is an integer in a range of from about 13 to about 18, an integer in a range of from about 40 to about 46, or an integer in a range of from about 100 to about 107.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the composition comprises at least one peptide and/or at least one drug.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein the composition comprises a plurality of fatty acid- PEG conjugates having the chemical structure of Formula I.

22. The composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one fatty acid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate has a peptide conjugated to the PEG.

23. The composition of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the at least one fatty acid- polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate has a drug conjugated thereto.

24. The composition of any one of claims 1-4, further defined as comprising a plurality of fatty acid-PEG conjugates having the chemical structure of Formula I.

25. The composition of any one of claims 1-5, further defined as a topical composition.

26. The composition of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the conjugate is present in the composition at a concentration of at least about 10 pg/ml.

27. The composition of claim 8 or 9, wherein in Formula I: X is oxygen or nitrogen; m is 26 or 28; and n is an integer in a range of from about 13 to about 18, an integer in a range of from about 40 to about 46, or an integer in a range of from about 100 to about 107.

28. The composition of any one of claims 8-10, wherein the at least one fatty acid- polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate has a peptide conjugated to the PEG.

29. The composition of any one of claims 8-11, wherein the at least one fatty acid- polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate has a drug conjugated thereto.

30. The composition of any one of claims 8-12, further defined as comprising a plurality of fatty acid-PEG conjugates having the chemical structure of Formula I.

31. The composition of any one of claims 8-13, further defined as a topical composition.

32. The composition of any one of claims 8-14, wherein the nanoparticle is present in the composition at a concentration of at least about 10 pg/ml.

33. The method of claim 16 or 17, wherein application of the composition to the subject delivers at least about 10 pg/ml conjugate to keratinocytes of the subject.

34. The method of any one of claims 16-18, wherein in Formula I: X is oxygen or nitrogen; m is 26 or 28; and n is an integer in a range of from about 13 to about 18, an integer in a range of from about 40 to about 46, or an integer in a range of from about 100 to about 107.

35. The method of any one of claims 16-19, wherein the composition comprises at least one peptide and/or at least one drug.

36. The method of any one of claims 16-20, wherein the composition comprises a plurality of fatty acid-PEG conjugates having the chemical structure of Formula I.