1
|
Massei A, Falco N, Fissore D. Use of Raman spectroscopy and PCA for quality evaluation and out-of-specification identification in biopharmaceutical products. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 200:114342. [PMID: 38795787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Over the past three decades, there was a remarkable growth in the approval of antibody-based biopharmaceutical products. These molecules are notably susceptible to the stresses occurring during drug manufacturing, often leading to structural alterations. A key concern is thus the ability to detect and comprehend these alterations caused by processes, such as aggregation, fragmentation, oxidation levels, as well as the change in protein concentration throughout the process steps, potentially resulting in out-of-spec products. In the present study, Raman spectroscopy, coupled with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), has proven to be an excellent tool for characterizing protein-based products. Notably, it offers the advantages of being minimally invasive, rapid and relatively insensitive to water. Therefore, it was successfully employed to discriminate between various stresses impacting a monoclonal antibody (mAb). The molecule used in this study is a fully human IgG1 fusion protein. Thermal stress was induced by incubating the samples at 50 °C for one month, while oxidative stress was induced by introducing hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, dilutions were performed to explore a broader range of protein concentrations. Specific key bands were identified in the Raman spectra, which facilitated the PCA classification and allowed for their association with distinct changes in the secondary and tertiary structures of the protein. Notably, it was observed that signals corresponding to amino acids exhibited a decrease in intensity with increasing levels of thermal stress, while other alterations were noted in the amide bands. It was shown that changes in the range 2800-3000 cm-1 pertains to the dilution process, while specific peaks of C-H stretching were essential for the discrimination between the oxidative-stressed samples and the thermal and diluted counterparts. Furthermore, the model calibrated on the mAb demonstrated remarkable performance when used to evaluate a different product, e.g. a hormone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Massei
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy; Global Drug Product Development, Merck Serono SpA, Via Luigi Einaudi 11, 00012 Guidonia Montecelio (Roma), Italy
| | - Nunzia Falco
- Global Drug Product Development, Merck Serono SpA, Via Luigi Einaudi 11, 00012 Guidonia Montecelio (Roma), Italy
| | - Davide Fissore
- Dipartimento di Scienza Applicata e Tecnologia, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Sankaran PK, Poskute R, Dewis L, Watanabe Y, Wong V, Fernandez LP, Shannon R, Wong L, Shrubsall R, Carman L, Holt A, Lepore G, Mishra R, Sewell L, Gothard M, Cheeks M, Lindo V. Comprehensive Stress Stability Studies Reveal the Prominent Stability of the Liquid-Formulated Biotherapeutic Asymmetric Monovalent Bispecific IgG1 Monoclonal Antibody Format. J Pharm Sci 2024:S0022-3549(24)00158-8. [PMID: 38705464 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.04.029] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The developed asymmetric monovalent bispecific IgG1 or Duet monoclonal antibody (Duet mAb) has two distinct fragment antigen-binding region (Fab) subunits that target two different epitope specificities sequentially or simultaneously. The design features include unique engineered disulfide bridges, knob-into-hole mutations, and kappa and lambda chains to produce Duet mAbs. These make it structurally and functionally complex, so one expects challenging developability linked to instability, degradation of products and pathways, and limited reports available. Here, we have treated the product with different sources of extreme stress over a lengthy period, including varying heat, pH, photo stress, chemical oxidative stress, accelerated stress in physiological conditions, and forced glycation conditions. The effects of different stress conditions on the product were assessed using various analytical characterization tools to measure product-related substances, post-translational modifications (PTMs), structural integrity, higher-order disulfide linkages, and biological activity. The results revealed degradation products and pathways of Duet mAb. A moderate increase in size, charge, and hydrophobic variants, PTMs, including deamidation, oxidation, isomerization, and glycation were observed, with most conditions exhibiting biological activity. In addition, the characterization of fractionated charge variants, including deamidated species, showed satisfactory biological activity. This study demonstrated the prominent stability of the Duet mAb format comparable to most marketed mAbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ryte Poskute
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lydia Dewis
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Yasunori Watanabe
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vanessa Wong
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Richard Shannon
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lisa Wong
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rebecca Shrubsall
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Lee Carman
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alexander Holt
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Giordana Lepore
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rahul Mishra
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Sewell
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matt Gothard
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Matthew Cheeks
- Cell Culture & Fermentation Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Viv Lindo
- Analytical Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Malani H, Shrivastava A, Nupur N, Rathore AS. LC-MS Characterization and Stability Assessment Elucidate Correlation Between Charge Variant Composition and Degradation of Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics. AAPS J 2024; 26:42. [PMID: 38570351 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00915-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Aggregation stability of monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics is influenced by many critical quality attributes (CQA) such as charge and hydrophobic variants in addition to environmental factors. In this study, correlation between charge heterogeneity and stability of mAbs for bevacizumab and trastuzumab has been investigated under a variety of stresses including thermal stress at 40 °C, thermal stress at 55 °C, shaking (mechanical), and low pH. Size- and charge-based heterogeneities were monitored using analytical size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and cation exchange chromatography (CEX), respectively, while dynamic light scattering was used to assess changes in hydrodynamic size. CEX analysis revealed an increase in cumulative acidic content for all variants of both mAbs post-stress treatment attributed to increased deamidation. Higher charge heterogeneity was observed in variants eluting close to the main peak than the ones eluting further away (25-fold and 42-fold increase in acidic content for main and B1 of bevacizumab and 19-fold for main of trastuzumab, respectively, under thermal stress; 50-fold increase in acidic for main and B1 of bevacizumab and 10% rise in basic content of main of trastuzumab under pH stress). Conversely, variants eluting far away from main exhibit greater aggregation as compared to close-eluting ones. Aggregation kinetics of variants followed different order for the different stresses for both mAbs (2nd order for thermal and pH stresses and 0th order for shaking stress). Half-life of terminal charge variants of both mAbs was 2- to 8-fold less than main indicating increased degradation propensity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Himanshu Malani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Anuj Shrivastava
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Neh Nupur
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Anurag S Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Grunert I, Heinrich K, Ernst J, Hingar M, Briguet A, Leiss M, Wuhrer M, Reusch D, Bulau P. Detailed Analytical Characterization of a Bispecific IgG1 CrossMab Antibody of the Knob-into-Hole Format Applying Various Stress Conditions Revealed Pronounced Stability. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:3671-3679. [PMID: 35128275 PMCID: PMC8811765 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a variety of new antibody formats have been developed. One of these formats allows the binding of one type of antibody to two different epitopes. This can for example be achieved by introduction of the "knob-into-hole" format and a combined CrossMab approach. Due to their complexity, these bispecific antibodies are expected to result in an enhanced variety of different degradation products. Reports on the stability of these molecules are still largely lacking. To address this, a panel of stress conditions, including elevated temperature, pH, oxidizing agents, and forced glycation via glucose incubation, to identify and functionally evaluate critical quality attributes in the complementary-determining and conserved regions of a bispecific antibody was applied in this study. The exertion of various stress conditions combined with an assessment by size exclusion chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, LC-MS/MS peptide mapping, and functional evaluation by cell-based assays was adequate to identify chemical modification sites and assess the stability and integrity, as well as the functionality of a bispecific antibody. Stress conditions induced size variants and post-translational modifications, such as isomerization, deamidation, and oxidation, albeit to a modest extent. Of note, all the observed stress conditions largely maintained functionality. In summary, this study revealed the pronounced stability of IgG1 "knob-into-hole" bispecific CrossMab antibodies compared to already marketed antibody products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Grunert
- Pharma
Technical Development, Roche Diagnostics
GmbH, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Katrin Heinrich
- Pharma
Technical Development, Roche Diagnostics
GmbH, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Juliane Ernst
- Pharma
Technical Development, Roche Diagnostics
GmbH, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Michael Hingar
- Pharma
Technical Development, Roche Diagnostics
GmbH, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Alexandre Briguet
- Pharma
Technical Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Michael Leiss
- Pharma
Technical Development, Roche Diagnostics
GmbH, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Manfred Wuhrer
- Center
for Proteomics and Metabolomics, Leiden
University Medical Center, Leiden 2333ZA, The Netherlands
| | - Dietmar Reusch
- Pharma
Technical Development, Roche Diagnostics
GmbH, Penzberg 82377, Germany
| | - Patrick Bulau
- Pharma
Technical Development, Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Jaccoulet E, Daniel T, Prognon P, Caudron E. Forced Degradation of Monoclonal Antibodies After Compounding: Impact on Routine Hospital Quality Control. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:3252-3261. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
6
|
Duerr C, Friess W. Antibody-drug conjugates- stability and formulation. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2019; 139:168-176. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2019.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
|
7
|
Gassner C, Karlsson R, Lipsmeier F, Moelleken J. Beyond conventional dose-response curves: Sensorgram comparison in SPR allows single concentration activity and similarity assessment. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2018. [PMID: 29533859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Previously we have introduced two SPR-based assay principles (dual-binding assay and bridging assay), which allow the determination of two out of three possible interaction parameters for bispecific molecules within one assay setup: two individual interactions to both targets, and/or one simultaneous/overall interaction, which potentially reflects the inter-dependency of both individual binding events. However, activity and similarity are determined by comparing report points over a concentration range, which also mirrors the way data is generated by conventional ELISA-based methods So far, binding kinetics have not been specifically considered in generic approaches for activity assessment. Here, we introduce an improved slope-ratio model which, together with a sensorgram comparison based similarity assessment, allows the development of a detailed, USP-conformal ligand binding assay using only a single sample concentration. We compare this novel analysis method to the usual concentration-range approach for both SPR-based assay principles and discuss its impact on data quality and increased sample throughput.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gassner
- Large Molecule Research, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Germany.
| | | | - F Lipsmeier
- pRED Informatics, Pharma Research & Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Moelleken
- Large Molecule Research, Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Montoliu-Gaya L, Murciano-Calles J, Martinez JC, Villegas S. Towards the improvement in stability of an anti-Aβ single-chain variable fragment, scFv-h3D6, as a way to enhance its therapeutic potential. Amyloid 2017; 24:167-175. [PMID: 28699800 DOI: 10.1080/13506129.2017.1348347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
ScFv-h3D6 is a single-chain variable fragment derived from the monoclonal antibody bapineuzumab that prevents Aβ-induced cytotoxicity by capturing Aβ oligomers. The benefits of scFv-h3D6 treatment in Alzheimer's disease are known at the behavioural, cellular and molecular levels in the 3xTg-AD mouse model. Antibody-based therapeutics are only stable in a limited temperature range, so their benefit in vivo depends on their capability for maintaining the proper fold. Here, we have stabilized the scFv-h3D6 folding by introducing the mutation VH-K64R and combining it with the previously described elongation of the VL domain (C3). The stabilities of the different scFv-h3D6 constructs were calculated from urea and thermal denaturation followed by Trp-fluorescence, CD and DSC and resulted in the order C3 > K64R/C3 > VH-K64R ≥ scFv-h3D6; showing that the combination of both mutations was not additive, instead they partially cancelled each other. The three mutants assayed showed a decreased aggregation tendency but maintained their capability to aggregate in the form of worm-like fibrils, basis of the protective effect of scFv-h3D6. Cytotoxicity assays showed that all the mutants recovered cell viability of Aβ-treated neuroblastoma cell cultures in a dose-dependent manner and with efficiencies that correlated with stability, therefore improving the therapeutic ability of this antibody.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laia Montoliu-Gaya
- a Protein Folding and Stability Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular , Unitat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Spain
| | - Javier Murciano-Calles
- b Department of Physical Chemistry and Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences , University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva , Granada , Spain
| | - Jose C Martinez
- b Department of Physical Chemistry and Institute of Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences , University of Granada, Campus Fuentenueva , Granada , Spain
| | - Sandra Villegas
- a Protein Folding and Stability Group, Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular , Unitat de Biociències, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona , Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Haidari H, Zhang Q, Melville E, Kopecki Z, Song Y, Cowin AJ, Garg S. Development of Topical Delivery Systems for Flightless Neutralizing Antibody. J Pharm Sci 2017; 106:1795-1804. [PMID: 28336300 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Flightless I (Flii) is an actin remodeling protein important for cytoskeletal regulation and cellular processes including migration, proliferation, and adhesion. Previous studies have clearly identified Flii as a novel therapeutical target for improved wound repair and have demonstrated Flii regulation using Flii neutralizing antibodies (FnAb) in different models of wound healing in vivo. Here we describe the development of an optimized topical delivery system that can neutralize Flii activity in the epidermis. Topical delivery of FnAb is an attractive approach as it provides a convenient application, sustained release, localized effect, and reduced dosage. Three successful formulations were developed, and their physical and chemical stability examined. The in vitro release revealed prolonged and sustained release of FnAb in all the tested formulations. Additionally, penetration studies using intact porcine skin showed that FnAb penetrated the epidermis and upper papillary dermis. The penetrated FnAb significantly reduced Flii expression compared to dosed matched IgG controls. This study has successfully developed a topical delivery system for FnAb that could serve as a potential platform for future localized wound treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanif Haidari
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation and Development, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Qian Zhang
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation and Development, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Melville
- Regenerative Medicine, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Zlatko Kopecki
- Regenerative Medicine, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Yunmei Song
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation and Development, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - Allison J Cowin
- Regenerative Medicine, Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sanjay Garg
- Centre for Pharmaceutical Innovation and Development, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation: A Useful Tool for the Separation of Protein Pharmaceuticals and Particulate Systems. ADVANCES IN DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-4029-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
|
11
|
Borotto NB, Zhou Y, Hollingsworth SR, Hale JE, Graban EM, Vaughan RC, Vachet RW. Investigating Therapeutic Protein Structure with Diethylpyrocarbonate Labeling and Mass Spectrometry. Anal Chem 2015; 87:10627-34. [PMID: 26399599 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.5b03180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics are rapidly transforming the pharmaceutical industry. Unlike for small molecule therapeutics, current technologies are challenged to provide the rapid, high-resolution analyses of protein higher order structures needed to ensure drug efficacy and safety. Consequently, significant attention has turned to developing new methods that can quickly, accurately, and reproducibly characterize the three-dimensional structure of protein therapeutics. In this work, we describe a method that uses diethylpyrocarbonate (DEPC) labeling and mass spectrometry to detect three-dimensional structural changes in therapeutic proteins that have been exposed to degrading conditions. Using β2-microglobulin, immunoglobulin G1, and human growth hormone as model systems, we demonstrate that DEPC labeling can identify both specific protein regions that mediate aggregation and those regions that undergo more subtle structural changes upon mishandling of these proteins. Importantly, DEPC labeling is able to provide information for up to 30% of the surface residues in a given protein, thereby providing excellent structural resolution. Given the simplicity of the DEPC labeling chemistry and the relatively straightforward mass spectral analysis of DEPC-labeled proteins, we expect this method should be amenable to a wide range of protein therapeutics and their different formulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas B Borotto
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts , Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Yuping Zhou
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts , Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Stephen R Hollingsworth
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - John E Hale
- QuarryBio , Bloomington, Indiana 47404, United States
| | - Eric M Graban
- QuarryBio , Bloomington, Indiana 47404, United States
| | - Robert C Vaughan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Indiana University , Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Richard W Vachet
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts , Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Davidoff SN, Ditto NT, Brooks AE, Eckman J, Brooks BD. Surface Plasmon Resonance for Therapeutic Antibody Characterization. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2617-6_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|