RNA containing composition for treatment of tumor diseases

Abstract

The present invention relates to RNA containing compositions for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of tumor and/or cancer diseases, to a pharmaceutical composition, to a kit and to uses of the RNA containing compositions for the treatment or prophylaxis of tumor and/or cancer diseases.

Claims

1. A method for treating a subject having cancer comprising administering (a) a composition comprising non-coding immunostimulating RNA (isRNA) of 5 to 1,000 bases in length to the subject by intratumoral injection, wherein the immunostimulating RNA is complexed with one or more cationic or polycationic compounds, and (b) an immune checkpoint modulator selected from a PD-1 inhibitor and a PD-L1 inhibitor.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the immunostimulating RNA comprises a sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 5, 394 or 10072.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more cationic or polycationic compounds comprise polymers, peptides, polysaccharides, and/or lipids.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the cationic or polycationic compound is a polymeric carrier.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the polymeric carrier comprises disulfide-crosslinked cationic peptides.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the polymeric carrier comprises a cationic peptide CR.sub.12C and/or CR.sub.12.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the immunostimulating RNA comprises a sequence at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 5 and the polymeric carrier comprises a cationic peptides comprising the sequence CR.sub.12C, said cationic peptides comprising crosslinks by C-C disulfide bonds.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises a mRNA encoding a cytokine.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the mRNA encoding a cytokine comprises a 5-UTR element, a 3-UTR element, a histone stem-loop, a 5-CAP structure, a poly(A) sequence, and/or a poly(C) sequence.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering a cytokine.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the cytokine comprises IL-12.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the cytokine comprises a mRNA encoding IL-12.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the mRNA encoding IL-12 is administered via intratumoral injection.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the immune checkpoint modulator is a PD-L1 inhibitor.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising administering CD40L or an mRNA encoding CD40L to the subject.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the immune checkpoint modulator is an antibody directed against PD-L1.

Description

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1: shows survival proportions of mice bearing E.G7-OVA tumors after intratumoral treatment with mRNA encoding IL-12 (IL-12 mRNA) or with recombinant IL-12 protein (rIL-12 protein). The experiment was performed as described in Example 1. Kaplan-Meier survival curves are presented.

(2) FIG. 2: shows that intratumoral treatment of mice with a combination of IL-12 mRNA (R2763, SEQ ID NO: 1) and the polymeric carrier cargo complex (R2391, RNAdjuvant, prepared as described in methods) led to a significantly decreased tumor volume compared to control groups. The experiment was performed as described in Example 2. FIG. 2 shows the mean tumor volume at day 21 after tumor challenge (the last day when all animals were alive). Statistical analysis was performed in GraphPad Prism version 5.04 using Mann Whitney test.

(3) FIG. 3: shows survival proportions of mice bearing CT26 tumors after intratumoral treatment with a combination of IL-12 mRNA and the polymeric carrier cargo complex (RNAdjuvant) as described in Example 2 and in legend of FIG. 2. Kaplan-Meier survival curves are presented. Statistical analysis was performed in GraphPad Prism version 5.04 using Log-rank test.

(4) FIG. 4: shows survival proportions of mice bearing CT26 tumors after intratumoral treatment with mRNA encoding the influenza nucleoprotein. The experiment was performed as described in Example 3. Kaplan-Meier survival curves are presented.

(5) FIGS. 5A-B: Panel (A) shows an analysis of the median tumor growth of mice bearing CT26 tumors after intratumoral treatment with mRNA encoding IL-12, RNAdjuvant, and mRNA encoding soluble PD-1. Respective combinations of these compounds, including control groups, were tested as indicated in the figure. The experiment was performed as described in Example 4. Panel (B) shows survival proportions of mice bearing CT26 tumors after intratumoral treatment with mRNA encoding IL-12, RNAdjuvant, and mRNA encoding soluble PD-1. Respective combinations of these compounds, including control groups, were tested as indicated in the figure. The experiment was performed as described in Example 4. Kaplan-Meier survival curves are presented.

(6) FIG. 6: shows survival proportions of mice bearing CT26 tumors after intratumoral treatment with mRNA encoding IL-12, RNAdjuvant, mRNA encoding soluble PD-1 and intraperitoneal treatment of an anti-CD73 antibody. Respective combinations of these compounds, including control groups, were tested as indicated in the figure. The experiment was performed as described in Example 5. Kaplan-Meier survival curves are presented.

(7) FIG. 7: shows survival proportions of mice bearing CT26 tumors after intratumoral treatment with mRNA encoding IL-12, RNAdjuvant, mRNA encoding soluble PD-1 and intraperitoneal treatment of an anti-CD173 antibody. Respective combinations of these compounds, including control groups, were tested as indicated in the figure. The experiment was performed as described in Example 6. Kaplan-Meier survival curves are presented.

(8) FIG. 8: shows survival proportions of mice bearing CT26 tumors after intratumoral treatment with RNAdjuvant and intraperitoneal treatment of an anti-PD-1 antibody. Respective combinations of these compounds, including control groups, were tested as indicated in the figure. The experiment was performed as described in Example 7. Kaplan-Meier survival curves are presented.

(9) FIG. 9: shows survival proportions of mice bearing CT26 tumors after intratumoral treatment with mRNA encoding IL-12, RNAdjuvant, mRNA encoding CD40L compared to intratumoral treatment with mRNA encoding IL-12 alone. Respective combinations of these compounds, including control groups, were tested as indicated in the figure. The experiment was performed as described in Example 8. Kaplan-Meier survival curves are presented.

(10) FIG. 10: shows the mRNA sequence R3571 encoding murine CD40L (MmCD40L) according to SEQ ID NO. 10.073

EXAMPLES

Methods: Preparation of the RNA

(11) 1. Preparation of DNA and RNA Constructs

(12) For the present examples DNA sequences encoding the indicated RNAs (see Table 17) were prepared and used for subsequent RNA in vitro transcription reactions.

(13) TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 17 RNA constructs RNA Description 5-UTR 3-UTR SEQ ID NO. R1328 Murine IL-12 encoding mRNA Muag (3-UTR of SEQ ID NO: (MmIL-12(GC))-sc-Flag) alpha globin)-A64- 1 C30 R491 mRNA encoding Photinus Muag (3-UTR of SEQ ID NO: pyralis luciferase (pPLuc (GC)) alpha globin)-A64- 2 (irrelevant mRNA) C30 R2763 Murine IL-12 encoding mRNA 5-TOP-UTR albumin-3-UTR- SEQ ID NO: (MmIL-12 (GC)) derived from A64-C30-histone 3 the ribosomal stem-loop protein 32 L R2244 Luciferase encoding mRNA 5-TOP-UTR albumin-3-UTR- SEQ ID NO: (PpLuc(GC)) derived from A64-C30-histone 4 the ribosomal stem-loop protein 32 L R2025 Non-coding SEQ ID NO: R2391 immunostimulatory RNA 5 (RNAdjuvant) (SEQ ID NO. 118 of WO2009095226) R2650 mRNA coding for the 5-TOP-UTR albumin-3-UTR- SEQ ID NO: R2651 influenza nucleoprotein derived from A64-C30-histone 6 (H1N1(PR8)-NP(GC)) the ribosomal stem-loop protein 32 L R3971 mRNA encoding solPD-1 5-TOP-UTR albumin-3-UTR- SEQ ID NO: derived from A64-C30-histone 389 the ribosomal stem-loop protein 32 L R3571 mRNA encoding murine 5-TOP-UTR albumin-3-UTR- SEQ ID NO: CD40L (MmCD40L) derived from A64-C30-histone 10.073 the ribosomal stem-loop protein 32 L

(14) The constructs of MmIL-12(GC), Influenza NP (GC), soIPD-1 and PpLuc(GC)) were prepared by introducing a 5-TOP-UTR derived from the ribosomal protein 32 L, modifying the wild type coding sequence by introducing a GC-optimized sequence for stabilization, followed by a stabilizing sequence derived from the albumin-3-UTR, a stretch of 64 adenosines (poly(A)-sequence), a stretch of 30 cytosines (poly(C)-sequence), and a histone stem loop. Most DNA sequences were prepared by modifying the wild type encoding DNA sequences by introducing a GC-optimized sequence for stabilization, using an in silico algorithm that increase the GC content of the respective coding sequence compared to the wild type coding sequence (in Table 12 indicated as GC).

(15) For the present example a DNA sequence encoding the non-coding immunostimulatory RNA (isRNA) R2025 was prepared and used for subsequent RNA in vitro transcription reactions.

(16) 2. RNA In Vitro Transcription

(17) The respective DNA plasmids prepared according to section 1 above were transcribed in vitro using T7 polymerase. The RNA in vitro transcription reactions of the IL-12, the NP, PpLuc, CD40L and soluble PD-1 encoding constructs were performed in the presence of a CAP analog (m.sup.7GpppG). The isRNA R2025 was prepared without CAP analog. Subsequently, the RNA was purified using PureMessenger (CureVac, Tbingen, Germany; WO2008/077592A1).

(18) 3. Preparation of the Polymeric Cargo Complex (RNAdjuvant)

(19) The following cationic peptide as cationic component of the polymeric carrier was used (Cys-Arg.sub.12-Cys or CR.sub.12C) according to SEQ ID NO: 7.

(20) For synthesis of the polymeric carrier cargo complexes an RNA molecule having the RNA sequence R2025 as defined in section 1 above was mixed with the cationic CR12C peptide component as defined above. The specified amount of the RNA was mixed with the respective cationic component in mass ratios as indicated below, thereby forming a complex. If polymerizing cationic components were used according to the present invention, polymerization of the cationic components took place simultaneously to complexation of the nucleic acid cargo. Afterwards, the resulting solution was adjusted with water to a final volume of 50 l and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature. Further details are described in WO2012013326.

(21) The mass ratio of peptide:RNA was 1:3.7. The polymeric carrier cargo complex is formed by the disulfide-crosslinked cationic peptide CR12C as carrier and the immunostimulatory R2025 as nucleic acid cargo. This polymeric carrier cargo complex R2025/CR12C (designated R2391) was used as adjuvant in the following examples (referred to as RNAdjuvant)

(22) 4. Preparation of the Vaccine Formulation Coding for the Influenza Nucleoprotein (H1N1(PR8)-NP(GC)) (R2651)

(23) The mRNA (R2650) was complexed with protamine by addition of protamine to the mRNA in the ratio (1:2) (w/w) (adjuvant component). After incubation for 10 min, the same amount of free mRNA used as antigen-providing mRNA was added. This vaccine formulation is termed herein R2651 (according to WO2010037539). The vaccine was administered in Ringer's Lactate solution.

(24) 5. Preparation of the RNA for Administration

(25) The naked (that is, non-formulated) PpLuc mRNA (R2244, R491)), IL-12 mRNA (R2763, R1328), soluble PD-1 mRNA (R3971), CD40L mRNA (R3571) were administered in Ringer's Lactate (RiLa) solution. The co-formulation of naked mRNAs and the polymeric carrier cargo complex RNAdjuvant (R2391) were also administered in Ringer's Lactate (RiLa) after mixing of both components directly before injection.

Example 1: Intratumoral Application of mRNA Coding for IL-12

(26) 5 female C57BL/6 mice per treatment group were inoculated with 10.sup.6 cells E.G7-OVA cells 5 days before the first treatment. For each treatment group 5 established (about 100 mm.sup.3) subcutaneously implanted EG.7-OVA tumors were treated. Tumors were treated with 16 g mRNA coding for MmIL-12 (MmIL-12(GC))-sc-Flag) (R1328) or 0.5 g MmIL-12 protein on d 0, 2, 4, 21, 23 and 25 with 50 g (1 g/l). As control mice were treated with an irrelevant mRNA (pPLuc) (R491).

(27) Study day 0 is defined as the first day of treatment. Tumor growth was monitored frequently (every 2-3 days). Mice with a volume of >3 cm.sup.3 were killed.

Results of Example 1

(28) FIG. 1 shows that the intratumoral treatment with the mRNA-encoded IL-12 (IL-12 mRNA) resulted in a significant increase in survival compared to the control group. Furthermore an increased survival could be observed compared to the intratumoral application of recombinant IL-12 protein (rIL-12 protein).

Example 2: Intratumoral Treatment with mRNA Encoding IL-12 in Combination with an Immunostimulating RNA (RNAdjuvant)

(29) The following table 18 summarizes the RNA constructs used for the example 2.

(30) TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 18 RNA constructs for example 2 RNA Description FIG. SEQ ID NO. R2763 Murine IL-12 encoding mRNA 1 SEQ ID NO. 1 R2244 Luciferase encoding mRNA (PpLuc) 2 SEQ ID NO. 2 R2025 Non-coding immunostimulatory RNA 3 SEQ ID NO. 3

(31) Balb/c mice (n=6 or 7, see table 14) were injected subcutaneously (s.c.) with 110.sup.6 CT26 cells (colon carcinoma cell line) per mouse (in a volume of 100 l PBS) on the right flank on day 0 of the experiment. At day 9 after tumor challenge, mice were sorted according to the tumor size to obtain groups with a mean tumor volume of approximately 60 mm.sup.3. Intratumoral (i.t.) therapy started at day 9 and continued for additional 4 injections every 3-4 days. Mice were injected with a combination of mRNA-encoded IL-12 (25 g of R2763)+RNAdjuvant (25 g of R2391) (group A). To control for local inflammation due to RNA application or the injection procedure, mice were injected with control mRNA coding for luciferase (PpLuc, R2244, group B) or buffer (RiLa, group C), respectively. Untreated mice served as additional control (group D).

(32) Tumor growth was monitored by measuring the tumor size in three dimensions using a calliper. Tumor volume was calculated according to the following formula:

(33) $\mathrm{volume}\left({\mathrm{mm}}^3\right)=\frac{\mathrm{length}\left(\mathrm{mm}\right){\mathrm{width}}^2\left({\mathrm{mm}}^2\right)}{6}$

(34) On day 9, 11, 14, 17 and 21 of the experiment mice were injected intratumorally (i.t.) with RNA according to the table 19 below. The volume for intratumoral injection was 50 l.

(35) TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 19 Animal groups Strain Number Dose per Route, Group sex of mice RNA mouse volume A BALB/c 7 R2763, 25 g i.t., Female R2391 of each 50 l RNA B BALB/c 7 R2244 50 g i.t., Female 50 l C BALB/c 6 RiLa i.t., Female 50 l D BALB/c 6 Female

Results of Example 2

(36) FIG. 2 shows that the intratumoral treatment with the combination of mRNA-encoded IL-12 (R2763) and RNAdjuvant (R2391) resulted in a statistically significant decrease in tumor volume at day 21 after tumor challenge compared to all control groups.

(37) FIG. 3 shows that the intratumoral treatment with the combination of mRNA-encoded IL-12 (R2763) and RNAdjuvant (R2391) resulted in a statistically significant increase in survival compared to all three control groups (group A vs. group B*p=0.0104, group A vs. group C**p=0.0035, group A vs. Group D*p==0.0263).

Example 3: Vaccination of Mice with mRNA Encoding the Influenza Nucleoprotein (NP) and Subsequent Intratumoral Treatment with NP-Encoding mRNA

(38) The objective of this experiment was to test whether a pre-existing immune response can be harnessed against an established tumor. To this end, mice were first vaccinated with RNActive (vaccine formulation complexed with protamine) encoding the influenza nucleoprotein (NP) (R2651) which induces a high level of anti-NP CD8+ T cell responses, then challenged with CT26 tumor cells followed by intratumoral treatment with naked RNA encoding NP (R2650).

(39) 27 Balb/c mice were vaccinated intradermally (i.d.) with 40 g of H1N1(PR8)-NP(GC) RNActive (R2651) (250 up or Ringer-Lactate buffer (RiLa) as control on day 0, day 7 and day 16 of the experiment. On day 14 all mice were challenged subcutaneously (s.c.) with 110.sup.6 CT26 cells per mouse (in a volume of 100 l PBS) on the right flank. On day 22, mice were assigned to the different groups as shown in Table 20.

(40) On day 23, seven days after the second boost, intratumoral (i.t.) application of 50 g naked H1N1(PR8)-NP(GC) mRNA (R2650) started (only group C) and continued for additional four injections (at day 25, day 28, day 31 and day 35). The volume for intratumoral injection was 50 l. A detailed treatment schedule is shown in Table 21.

(41) Tumor growth was monitored by measuring the tumor size in three dimensions using a calliper. Tumor volume was calculated according to the following formula:

(42) $\mathrm{volume}\left({\mathrm{mm}}^3\right)=\frac{\mathrm{length}\left(\mathrm{mm}\right){\mathrm{width}}^2\left({\mathrm{mm}}^2\right)}{6}$

(43) TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 20 Animal groups Strain Number mRNA Group sex of mice i.d. mRNA i.t. A BALB/c 9 RiLa Female B BALB/c 9 R2651 Female (40 g) C BALB/c 9 R2651 R2650 Female (40 g) (50 g)

(44) TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 21 Vaccination schedule Day Treatment 0 i.d. vaccination all groups 7 i.d. vaccination all groups 14 Tumor challenge of all groups (1 10.sup.6 CT26 cells/mouse) 16 i.d. vaccination all groups 23 i.t. vaccination group C 25,28, 31,35 i.t. vaccination group C

Results of Example 3

(45) FIG. 4 shows that pre-existent immunity (induced in this model by the NP vaccination) increased the median survival time (MST) of mice which received intratumoral application of NP-encoded mRNA compared to mice which were treated with buffer only (MST=28 vs. MST=21, respectively).

Example 4: Intratumoral Treatment with an Immunostimulating RNA (RNAdiuvant) and an mRNA Encoding Soluble PD-1 and an mRNA Encoding IL-12

(46) Table 22 summarizes the treatment as used in the present example. RNAdjuvant and the mRNA constructs encoding IL-12 and soluble PD-1 were administered intratumorally (i.t.). In CT26 tumor challenged mice, survival rates and median tumor growth were analyzed.

(47) TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 22 Groups, treatment and RNA dilution Nr. of i.t treatment Vaccination Group mice (25 g for each component schedule A 10 IL-12 + RNAdjuvant + soluble 2 week PD-1 B 10 IL-12 2 week C 10 RNAdjuvant 2 week D 10 RiLa 2 week

(48) Tumor Challenge and Administration of the Inventive Composition:

(49) 60 Balb/c mice were challenged subcutaneously with 110.sup.6 CT26 cells per mouse (volume in 100 l PBS) on the right flank on day 0 of the experiment. On day 8 mice were sorted according to tumor size. According to tumor size, the first vaccination took place on day 8 or 9 (tumors should have a size of about 40-50 mm.sup.3). Mice were vaccinated with different combinations of mRNAs and RNAdjuvant according to the table above. Six vaccinations took place. Volume for intratumoral injection was 50 l.

(50) Mice were injected according to the indicated scheme shown in Table 22. Median tumor growth was determined according to example 3. The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 5, wherein FIG. 5A shows the effect of the inventive composition on tumor growth, and FIG. 5B shows the effect of the inventive composition on survival.

(51) Results:

(52) The results in FIG. 5A show that the inventive composition comprising an mRNA encoding IL-12 and mRNA encoding soluble PD-1 in combination with RNAdjuvant (group A according to Table 22) to strongly decreased the median tumor volume compared to the other treatments (groups B-D according to Table 22). In addition, the results in FIG. 5B show that the inventive composition comprising an mRNA encoding IL-12 and mRNA encoding soluble PD-1 in combination with RNAdjuvant (group A according to Table 22) strongly increased the survival of tumor challenged mice compared to the other treatments (groups B-D according to Table 22).

Example 5: Intratumoral Treatment with mRNA Encoding IL-12 in Combination with an Immunostimulating RNA (RNAdjuvant) and mRNA Encoding Sol PD-1 and Anti-CD73 Antibody

(53) Table 23 summarizes the treatment as used in the present example. In addition to RNAdjuvant and mRNA constructs encoding IL-12 and soluble PD-1 (administered intratumorally (i.t.)), an anti CD73 antibody (BioXCell) was co-administered intraperitoreally (i.p.). In CT26 tumor challenged mice, survival rates were analyzed.

(54) TABLE-US-00026 TABLE 23 Groups, treatment and RNA dilution Nr. of i.t. treatment i.p. Vaccination Group mice (25 g for each component) treatment schedule A 10 IL-12 + RNAdjuvant + soluble a-CD73 2 week PD-1 B 10 IL-12 + RNAdjuvant + soluble Rat IgG2a 2 week PD-1 C 10 RiLa a-CD73 2 week D 10 RiLa Rat IgG2a 2 week

(55) Tumor Challenge and Administration of the Inventive Composition:

(56) The tumor challenge was performed according to the previous experiments (see Example 4).

(57) Mice were injected according to the indicated scheme shown in Table 23.

(58) The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 6.

(59) Results:

(60) FIG. 6 shows that the intratumoral treatment with mRNA-encoded IL-12 (R2763), mRNA encoded sol-PD-1 (R3971) and RNAdjuvant (R2391) in combination with an i.p. administration of anti CD73 antibody (Group A according to Table 23) resulted in a statistically significant increase in survival compared to the relevant control group that only received an anti CD73 antibody (Group C according to Table 23) and in an increase in survival rates compared to the treatment with IL-12+RNAdjuvant+soluble PD-1 and a control antibody (Rat IgG2a, BioXCell) (Group B according to Table 23).

Example 6: Intratumoral Treatment with mRNA Encoding IL-12 in Combination with an Immunostimulating RNA (RNAdjuvant) and an Anti-CD137 Antibody

(61) Table 24 summarizes the treatment as used in the present example. In addition to RNAdjuvant and the mRNA constructs encoding IL-12 and soluble PD-1 (administered intratumorally (i.t.)), an anti CD137 antibody (BioXCell) was co-administered intraperitoreally (i.p.). In CT26 tumor challenged mice, survival rates were analyzed.

(62) TABLE-US-00027 TABLE 24 Groups, treatment and RNA dilution Nr. of i.p. Vaccination Group mice i.t. treatment (25 g) treatment schedule A 10 IL-12 + RNAdjuvant + soluble a-CD137 2 week PD-1 B 10 IL-12 + RNAdjuvant + soluble Rat IgG2a 2 week PD-1 C 10 RiLa a-CD137 2 week D 10 RiLa Rat IgG2a 2 week

(63) Tumor Challenge and Administration of the Inventive Composition:

(64) The tumor challenge was performed according to the previous experiments (see Example 4).

(65) Mice were injected according to the indicated scheme shown in Table 24.

(66) The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 7.

(67) Results:

(68) FIG. 7 shows that the intratumoral treatment with mRNA-encoded IL-12 (R2763) sol-PD-1 (R3971) and RNAdjuvant (R2391) in combination with an i.p. administration of anti CD-137 antibody (Group A according to Table 24) resulted in a significant increase in survival compared to the relevant control group that only received the antibody anti CD-137 (Group C according to Table 24) and in an increase in survival rates compared to the treatment with IL-12+RNAdjuvant+soluble PD-1 and a control antibody (Rat IgG2a, BioXCell) (Group B according to Table 24).

Example 7: Treatment with an Immunostimulating RNA (RNAdjuvant) in Combination with a Checkpoint Inhibitor Anti PD-1 Antibody

(69) Table 25 summarizes the treatment as used in the present example. In addition to RNAdjuvant (administered i.t.), a checkpoint inhibitor anti PD-1 (BioXCell) was administered i.p. In CT26 tumor challenged mice, survival rates were analyzed.

(70) TABLE-US-00028 TABLE 25 Groups, treatment and RNA dilution /antibody dilution Amount of Vaccination Group Construct Antibody RNA (g) schedule A RiLa (i.t.) 2 week B RNAdjuvant Control Ab (i.p.)(100 g) 25 2 week (i.t.) C RNAdjuvant Anti-PD-1 (i.p.) (200 g) 25 2 week (i.t.) D RiLa (i.t.) Anti-PD-1 (i.p.) (200 g) 2 week

(71) Tumor Challenge and Administration of the Inventive Composition:

(72) The tumor challenge was performed according to the previous experiments (see Example 4).

(73) Mice were injected according to the indicated scheme shown in Table 25.

(74) The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 8.

(75) Results:

(76) FIG. 8 shows that the intratumoral (i.t.) treatment with RNAdjuvant (R2391) in combination with an i.p. administration of anti PD-1 antibody (Group C according to Table 25) resulted in an increase in survival compared to the relevant control group that only received the checkpoint inhibitor anti PD-1 antibody (Group D according to Table 25) and in an increase in survival rates compared to the treatment with RNAdjuvant and a control antibody (anti hamster IgG, BioXCell) (Group B according to Table 25).

Example 8: Intratumoral Treatment with an Immunostimulating RNA (RNAdjuvant) and an mRNA Encoding CD40 Ligand (CD40L) and an mRNA Encoding IL-12

(77) Table 26 summarizes the treatment as used in the present example. RNAdjuvant and the mRNA constructs encoding IL-12 and murine CD40L were administered intratumorally (i.t.). In CT26 tumor challenged mice, survival rates were analyzed.

(78) TABLE-US-00029 TABLE 26 Groups, treatment and RNA dilution Nr. of Vaccination Group mice i.t. treatment (25 g per RNA) schedule A 8 IL-12 + RNAdjuvant + CD40L 2 week B 8 IL-12 2 week C 8 RiLa 2 week

(79) Tumor Challenge and Administration of the Inventive Composition:

(80) The tumor challenge was performed according to the previous experiments (see Example 4).

(81) Mice were injected according to the indicated scheme shown in Table 26.

(82) The results of the experiment are shown in FIG. 9.

(83) Results:

(84) The results in FIG. 9 show that the inventive composition comprising an mRNA encoding IL-12 and an mRNA encoding CD40L in combination with RNAdjuvant (group A according to table 26) strongly increased the median survival of tumor challenged mice compared to the other treatments (groups B-C according to table 26).