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Bluemel O, Anuschek M, Buecheler JW, Hoelzl G, Bechtold-Peters K, Friess W. The effect of mAb and excipient cryoconcentration on long-term frozen storage stability – Part 1: Higher molecular weight species and subvisible particle formation. Int J Pharm X 2022; 4:100108. [PMID: 35024603 PMCID: PMC8724966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2021.100108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryoconcentration upon large-scale freezing of monoclonal antibody (mAb) solutions leads to regions of different ratios of low molecular weight excipients, like buffer species or sugars, to protein. This study focused on the impact of the buffer species to mAb ratio on aggregate formation after frozen storage at −80 °C, −20 °C, and − 10 °C after 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. An optimised sample preparation was established to measure Tg′ of samples with different mAb to histidine ratios via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). After storage higher molecular weight species (HMWS) and subvisible particles (SVPs) were detected using size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) and FlowCam, respectively. For all samples, sigmoidal curves in DSC thermograms allowed to precisely determine Tg′ in formulations without glass forming sugars. Storage below Tg′ did not lead to mAb aggregation. Above Tg′, at −20 °C and − 10 °C, small changes in mAb and buffer concentration markedly impacted stability. Samples with lower mAb concentration showed increased formation of HMWS. In contrast, higher concentrated samples led to more SVPs. A shift in the mAb to histidine ratio towards mAb significantly increased overall stability. Cryoconcentration upon large-scale freezing affects mAb stability, although relative changes compared to the initial concentration are small. Storage below Tg′ completely prevents mAb aggregation and particle formation.
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Bluemel O, Rodrigues MA, Buecheler JW, Geraldes V, Hoelzl G, Hauptmann A, Bechtold-Peters K, Friess W. Evaluation of Two Novel Scale-Down Devices for Testing Monoclonal Antibody Aggregation During Large-Scale Freezing. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:1973-1983. [PMID: 35007568 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
There is a need for representative small volume devices that reflect monoclonal antibody (mAb) aggregation during freezing and thawing (FT) in large containers. We characterised two novel devices that aim to mimic the stress in rectangular 2 L bottles. The first scale-down device (SDD) consists of a 125 mL bottle surrounded by a 3D printed cover that manipulates heat exchange. The second device, a micro scale-down device (mSDD), adapts cooling and heating of 10 mL vials to extend stress time. MAb aggregation upon repeated FT was evaluated considering formation of higher molecular weight species, subvisible particles, and the increase in hydrodynamic radius, polydispersity index, and optical density at 350 nm. Three different mAb solutions were processed. Both an unshielded 125 mL bottle and the SDD can be used to predict aggregation during FT in 2 L bottles. In specific cases the unshielded 125 mL bottle underestimates whereas the SDD slightly overestimates soluble aggregate formation. The mSDD increases aggregation compared to 10 mL vials but is less representative than the SDD. Ultimately, both SDDs enable characterisation of protein sensitivity to large-scale FT with two orders of magnitude less volume and are superior to simply using smaller bottles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Bluemel
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Miguel A Rodrigues
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Department of Chemical Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
| | - Jakob W Buecheler
- Technical Research and Development, Novartis Pharma AG, 4002 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vitor Geraldes
- CeFEMA, Department of Chemical Engineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Lisboa 1049-001, Portugal
| | | | | | | | - Wolfgang Friess
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Department of Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, 81377 Munich, Germany
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Bluemel O, Buecheler JW, Hauptmann A, Hoelzl G, Bechtold-Peters K, Friess W. Scaling Down Large-Scale Thawing of Monoclonal Antibody Solutions: 3D Temperature Profiles, Changes in Concentration, and Density Gradients. Pharm Res 2021; 38:1977-1989. [PMID: 34729702 PMCID: PMC8688388 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03117-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Scale-down devices (SDD) are designed to simulate large-scale thawing of protein drug substance, but require only a fraction of the material. To evaluate the performance of a new SDD that aims to predict thawing in large-scale 2 L bottles, we characterised 3D temperature profiles and changes in concentration and density in comparison to 125 mL and 2 L bottles. Differences in diffusion between a monoclonal antibody (mAb) and histidine buffer after thawing were examined. METHODS Temperature profiles at six distinct positions were recorded with type T thermocouples. Size-exclusion chromatography allowed quantification of mAb and histidine. Polysorbate 80 was quantified using a fluorescent dye assay. In addition, the solution's density at different locations in bottles and the SDD was identified. RESULTS The temperature profiles in the SDD and the large-scale 2 L bottle during thawing were similar. Significant concentration gradients were detected in the 2 L bottle leading to marked density gradients. The SDD slightly overestimated the dilution in the top region and the maximum concentrations at the bottom. Fast diffusion resulted in rapid equilibration of histidine. CONCLUSION The innovative SDD allows a realistic characterisation and helps to understand thawing processes of mAb solutions in large-scale 2 L bottles. Only a fraction of material is needed to gain insights into the thawing behaviour that is associated with several possible detrimental limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Bluemel
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jakob W Buecheler
- Technical Research and Development, Novartis Pharma AG, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Wolfgang Friess
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, 81377, Munich, Germany.
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Duarte A, Rego P, Ferreira A, Dias P, Geraldes V, Rodrigues MA. Interfacial Stress and Container Failure During Freezing of Bulk Protein Solutions Can Be Prevented by Local Heating. AAPS PharmSciTech 2020; 21:251. [PMID: 32875440 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-020-01794-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bottles and carboys are used for frozen storage and transport of biopharmaceutical formulations under a wide range of conditions. The quality of freezing and thawing in these systems has been questioned due to the formation of heterogeneous ice structures and deformation of containers. This work shows that during freezing of bulk protein solutions, the liquid at the air-liquid interface freezes first, forming an ice crust and enclosing the liquid phase. As the enclosed liquid freezes, internal pressure rises, pushing the liquid phase through the porous ice crust towards the air interface, leading to interfacial stress and protein aggregation. The aggregation of bovine serum albumin was more intense in the foam-like ice mound that was formed at the top, where bubbles were entrapped. This was characterized experimentally with the assistance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An isothermal cover is proposed to prevent the early freezing of the liquid at the air interface, attenuating substantially interfacial stress to proteins and releasing hydrostatic pressure, preserving the shape and integrity of the containers.
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Cryoconcentration and 3D Temperature Profiles During Freezing of mAb Solutions in Large-Scale PET Bottles and a Novel Scale-Down Device. Pharm Res 2020; 37:179. [PMID: 32864719 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02886-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Small-scale models that simulate large-scale freezing of bulk drug substance of biopharmaceuticals are highly needed to define freezing and formulation parameters based on process understanding. We evaluated a novel scale-down device (SDD), which is based on a specially designed insulation cover, with respect to changes in concentration after freezing, referred to as cryoconcentration, and 3D temperature profiles. Furthermore, the effect of the initial monoclonal antibody (mAb) concentration on cryoconcentration was addressed. METHODS 2 L and 125 mL bottles were utilized. Temperatures were mapped using type T thermocouples. Frozen blocks were cut and mAb and histidine concentrations were analysed by HPLC. In addition, concentration- and temperature-dependent viscosities were measured. RESULTS 3D freezing profiles in the SDD were comparable to large-scale bottles. The SDD accurately predicted cryoconcentration of both mAb and histidine of large-scale freezing. Concentric changes in concentration were evident as well as an unforeseen diluted core at the last point to freeze. At low initial mAb concentration cryoconcentration was substantial, while high initial mAb concentration suppressed cryoconcentration almost completely. CONCLUSION The novel SDD gives detailed insights into large-scale freezing of mAb solutions using only a fraction of the simulated volume. It is a promising material- and cost-saving tool to understand large-scale freezing processes.
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Holstein M, Hung J, Feroz H, Ranjan S, Du C, Ghose S, Li ZJ. Strategies for high‐concentration drug substance manufacturing to facilitate subcutaneous administration: A review. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:3591-3606. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.27510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Holstein
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Jessica Hung
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Hasin Feroz
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Swarnim Ranjan
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Cheng Du
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
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Authelin JR, Rodrigues MA, Tchessalov S, Singh SK, McCoy T, Wang S, Shalaev E. Freezing of Biologicals Revisited: Scale, Stability, Excipients, and Degradation Stresses. J Pharm Sci 2019; 109:44-61. [PMID: 31705870 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.10.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Although many biotech products are successfully stored in the frozen state, there are cases of degradation of biologicals during freeze storage. These examples are discussed in the Perspective to emphasize the fact that stability of frozen biologicals should not be taken for granted. Frozen-state degradation (predominantly, aggregation) has been linked to crystallization of a cryoprotector in many cases. Other factors, for example, protein unfolding (either due to cold denaturation or interaction of protein molecules with ice crystals), could also contribute to the instability. As a hypothesis, additional freezing-related destabilization pathways are introduced in the paper, that is, air bubbles formed on the ice crystallization front, and local pressure and mechanical stresses due to volume expansion during water-to-ice transformation. Furthermore, stability of frozen biologicals can depend on the sample size, via its impact on the freezing kinetics (i.e., cooling rates and freezing time) and cryoconcentration effects, as well as on the mechanical stresses associated with freezing. We conclude that, although fundamentals of freezing processes are fairly well described in the current literature, there are important gaps to be addressed in both scientific foundations of the freezing-related manufacturing processes and implementation of the available knowledge in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel A Rodrigues
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Satish K Singh
- Drug Product Development, Moderna Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
| | - Timothy McCoy
- Biologics Drug Product Development, Sanofi, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701
| | - Stuart Wang
- Drug Product Development, Moderna Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139; WuXi AppTec, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142
| | - Evgenyi Shalaev
- Pharmaceutical Development, Allergan Inc., Irvine, California 92612.
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Gomez N, Barkhordarian H, Lull J, Huh J, GhattyVenkataKrishna P, Zhang X. Perfusion CHO cell culture applied to lower aggregation and increase volumetric productivity for a bispecific recombinant protein. J Biotechnol 2019; 304:70-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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