1
|
Manning MC, Holcomb RE, Payne RW, Stillahn JM, Connolly BD, Katayama DS, Liu H, Matsuura JE, Murphy BM, Henry CS, Crommelin DJA. Stability of Protein Pharmaceuticals: Recent Advances. Pharm Res 2024:10.1007/s11095-024-03726-x. [PMID: 38937372 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-024-03726-x] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
There have been significant advances in the formulation and stabilization of proteins in the liquid state over the past years since our previous review. Our mechanistic understanding of protein-excipient interactions has increased, allowing one to develop formulations in a more rational fashion. The field has moved towards more complex and challenging formulations, such as high concentration formulations to allow for subcutaneous administration and co-formulation. While much of the published work has focused on mAbs, the principles appear to apply to any therapeutic protein, although mAbs clearly have some distinctive features. In this review, we first discuss chemical degradation reactions. This is followed by a section on physical instability issues. Then, more specific topics are addressed: instability induced by interactions with interfaces, predictive methods for physical stability and interplay between chemical and physical instability. The final parts are devoted to discussions how all the above impacts (co-)formulation strategies, in particular for high protein concentration solutions.'
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Cornell Manning
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
| | - Ryan E Holcomb
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Robert W Payne
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | - Joshua M Stillahn
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang SQ, Zhao X, Zhang LJ, Zhao YM, Chen L, Zhang JL, Wang BC, Tang S, Yuan T, Yuan Y, Zhang M, Lee HK, Shi HW. Discrimination of polysorbate 20 by high-performance liquid chromatography-charged aerosol detection and characterization for components by expanding compound database and library. J Pharm Anal 2024; 14:100929. [PMID: 38799234 PMCID: PMC11126531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpha.2023.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Analyzing polysorbate 20 (PS20) composition and the impact of each component on stability and safety is crucial due to formulation variations and individual tolerance. The similar structures and polarities of PS20 components make accurate separation, identification, and quantification challenging. In this work, a high-resolution quantitative method was developed using single-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with charged aerosol detection (CAD) to separate 18 key components with multiple esters. The separated components were characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS) with an identical gradient as the HPLC-CAD analysis. The polysorbate compound database and library were expanded over 7-time compared to the commercial database. The method investigated differences in PS20 samples from various origins and grades for different dosage forms to evaluate the composition-process relationship. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS identified 1329 to 1511 compounds in 4 batches of PS20 from different sources. The method observed the impact of 4 degradation conditions on peak components, identifying stable components and their tendencies to change. HPLC-CAD and UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS results provided insights into fingerprint differences, distinguishing quasi products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Qi Wang
- Jiangsu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanjing, 210019, China
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211112, China
| | - Xun Zhao
- Jiangsu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanjing, 210019, China
| | - Li-Jun Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanjing, 210019, China
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211112, China
| | - Yue-Mei Zhao
- Jiangsu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanjing, 210019, China
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, Beijing, 100061, China
| | - Jin-Lin Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanjing, 210019, China
| | - Bao-Cheng Wang
- Nanjing Well Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., Nanjing, 210018, China
| | - Sheng Tang
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212003, China
| | - Tom Yuan
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, 01003, USA
| | - Yaozuo Yuan
- Jiangsu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanjing, 210019, China
| | - Mei Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanjing, 210019, China
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- School of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, 212003, China
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Hai-Wei Shi
- Jiangsu Institute for Food and Drug Control, Nanjing, 210019, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
King TE, Humphrey JR, Laughton CA, Thomas NR, Hirst JD. Optimizing Excipient Properties to Prevent Aggregation in Biopharmaceutical Formulations. J Chem Inf Model 2024; 64:265-275. [PMID: 38113509 PMCID: PMC10777730 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jcim.3c01898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Excipients are included within protein biotherapeutic solution formulations to improve colloidal and conformational stability but are generally not designed for the specific purpose of preventing aggregation and improving cryoprotection in solution. In this work, we have explored the relationship between the structure and antiaggregation activity of excipients by utilizing coarse-grained molecular dynamics modeling of protein-excipient interaction. We have studied human serum albumin as a model protein, and we report the interaction of 41 excipients (polysorbates, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, fatty acid ethoxylates, phospholipids, glucosides, amino acids, and others) in terms of the reduction of solvent accessible surface area of aggregation-prone regions, proposed as a mechanism of aggregation prevention. Polyoxyethylene sorbitan had the greatest degree of interaction with aggregation-prone regions, decreasing the solvent accessible surface area of APRs by 20.7 nm2 (40.1%). Physicochemical descriptors generated by Mordred are employed to probe the structure-property relationship using partial least-squares regression. A leave-one-out cross-validated model had a root-mean-square error of prediction of 4.1 nm2 and a mean relative error of prediction of 0.077. Generally, longer molecules with a large number of alcohol-terminated PEG units tended to interact more, with qualitatively different protein interactions, wrapping around the protein. Shorter or less ethoxylated compounds tend to form hemimicellar clusters at the protein surface. We propose that an improved design would feature many short chains of 5 to 10 PEG units in many distinct branches and at least some hydrophobic content in the form of medium-length or greater aliphatic chains (i.e., six or more carbon atoms). The combination of molecular dynamics simulation and quantitative modeling is an important first step in an all-purpose protein-independent model for the computer-aided design of stabilizing excipients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toby E. King
- Biodiscovery
Institute, School of Pharmacy, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | | | - Charles A. Laughton
- Biodiscovery
Institute, School of Pharmacy, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Neil R. Thomas
- Biodiscovery
Institute, School of Chemistry, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gregoritza K, Theodorou C, Heitz M, Graf T, Germershaus O, Gregoritza M. Enzymatic degradation pattern of polysorbate 20 impacts interfacial properties of monoclonal antibody formulations. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 194:74-84. [PMID: 38042510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.11.024] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Polysorbate 20 (PS20) is widely used to maintain protein stability in biopharmaceutical formulations. However, PS20 is susceptible to hydrolytic degradation catalyzed by trace amounts of residual host cell proteins present in monoclonal antibody (mAb) formulations. The resulting loss of intact surfactant and the presence of PS20 degradation products, such as free fatty acids (FFAs), may impair protein stability. In this study, two hydrolytically-active immobilized lipases, which primarily targeted either monoester or higher-order ester species in PS20, were used to generate partially-degraded PS20. The impact of PS20 degradation pattern on critical micelle concentration (CMC), surface tension, interfacial rheology parameters and agitation protection was assessed. CMC was slightly increased upon monoester degradation, but significantly increased upon higher-order ester degradation. The PS20 degradation pattern also significantly impacted the dynamic surface tension of a mAb formulation, whereas changes in the equilibrium surface tension were mainly caused by the adsorption of FFAs onto the air-water interface. In an agitation protection study, monoester degradation resulted in the formation of soluble mAb aggregates and proteinaceous particles, suggesting that preferential degradation of PS20 monoester species can significantly impair mAb stability. Additional mAbs should be tested in the future to assess the impact of the protein format.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Gregoritza
- Pharmaceutical and Processing Development, Pharma Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Christos Theodorou
- Pharmaceutical and Processing Development, Pharma Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Heitz
- Pharmaceutical and Processing Development, Pharma Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Graf
- Analytical Development and Quality Control, Pharma Technical Development Biologics Europe, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Germershaus
- Institute for Pharma Technology, School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Gregoritza
- Analytical Development and Quality Control, Pharma Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Weber J, Buske J, Mäder K, Garidel P, Diederichs T. Oxidation of polysorbates - An underestimated degradation pathway? Int J Pharm X 2023; 6:100202. [PMID: 37680877 PMCID: PMC10480556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2023.100202] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To ensure the stability of biologicals over their entire shelf-life, non-ionic surface-active compounds (surfactants) are added to protect biologics from denaturation and particle formation. In this context, polysorbate 20 and 80 are the most used detergents. Despite their benefits of low toxicity and high biocompatibility, specific factors are influencing the intrinsic stability of polysorbates, leading to degradation, loss in efficacy, or even particle formation. Polysorbate degradation can be categorized into chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis and oxidation. Under pharmaceutical relevant conditions, hydrolysis is commonly originated from host cell proteins, whereas oxidative degradation may be caused by multiple factors such as light, presence of residual metal traces, peroxides, or temperature, which can be introduced upon manufacturing or could be already present in the raw materials. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on polysorbates with a focus on oxidative degradation. Subsequently, degradation products and key characteristics of oxidative-mediated polysorbate degradation in respect of different types and grades are summarized, followed by an extensive comparison between polysorbate 20 and 80. A better understanding of the radical-induced oxidative PS degradation pathway could support specific mitigation strategies. Finally, buffer conditions, various stressors, as well as appropriate mitigation strategies, reagents, and alternative stabilizers are discussed. Prior manufacturing, careful consideration and a meticulous risk-benefit analysis are highly recommended in terms of polysorbate qualities, buffers, storage conditions, as well as mitigation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Weber
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Julia Buske
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, TIP, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, TIP, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Tim Diederichs
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, TIP, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Glücklich N, Carle S, Diederichs T, Buske J, Mäder K, Garidel P. How enzymatic hydrolysis of polysorbate 20 influences colloidal protein stability. Eur J Pharm Sci 2023; 191:106597. [PMID: 37770006 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2023.106597] [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: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Polysorbates (PS) are esters of ethoxylated sorbitol anhydrides of different composition and are widely used surfactants in biologics. PSs are applied to increase protein stability and concomitant shelf-life via shielding against e.g., interfacial stresses. Due to the presence of specific lipolytic host cell protein (HCP) contaminations in the drug substance, PSs can be degraded via enzymatic hydrolysis. Surfactant hydrolysis leads to the formation of degradants, such as free fatty acids that might form fatty acid particles. In addition, PS degradation may reduce surfactant functionality and thus reduce the protection of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Although enzymatic degradation was observed and reported in the last years, less is known about the relationship between certain polysorbate degradation patterns and the increase of mechanical and interfacial stress towards the API. In this study, the impact of specifically hydrolyzed polysorbate 20 (PS20) towards the stabilization of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) during accelerated shaking stress conditions was investigated. The results show that a specific enzymatic degradation pattern of PS20 can influence the colloidal stability of biopharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, the kinetics of the appearance of visual phenomena, opalescence, and particle formation depended on the polysorbate degradation fingerprint as induced via the presence of surrogate enzymes. The current case study shows the importance of focusing on specific polysorbate ester fractions to understand the overall colloidal protein stabilizing effect. The performed study gives first insight into the functional properties of PS and helps to evaluate the impact of PS degradation in the formulation development of biopharmaceuticals in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Glücklich
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Stefan Carle
- Innovation Unit, PDB, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Tim Diederichs
- Innovation Unit, PDB, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Julia Buske
- Innovation Unit, PDB, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Innovation Unit, PDB, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany; Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Physical and Theoretical Chemistry, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bai L, Zhang Y, Zhang C, Lu Y, Li Z, Huang G, Meng B. Investigation of excipients impact on polysorbate 80 degradation in biopharmaceutical formulation buffers. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 233:115496. [PMID: 37285658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
A study on the polysorbate 80 stability in various formulation buffers commonly used in biopharmaceuticals was performed, to investigate the excipients influence on polysorbate 80 degradation. Polysorbate 80 is a common excipient in biopharmaceutical products. However, its degradation will potentially impact the drug product quality, and may trigger protein aggregation and particles formation. Due to the heterogeneity of the polysorbates and the mutual effects with other formulation compositions, the study of polysorbate degradation is challenging. Herein, a real-time stability study was designed and performed. The polysorbate 80 degradation trend was monitored by fluorescence micelle-based assay (FMA), reversed-phase-ultra-performance liquid chromatography-evaporative light scattering detector (RP-UPLC-ELSD) assay, and LC-MS assay. These assays provide orthogonal results to reveal both the micelle-forming capability and the compositional changes of polysorbate 80 in different buffer systems. The degradation occurred after a period of storage under 25 °C in different trend, which indicates the excipients could impact the degradation kinetics. Upon comparison, the degradation is prone to happen in histidine buffer than in acetate, phosphate or citrate buffers. LC-MS confirms oxidation as an independent degradation pathway with detection of the oxidative aldehyde. Thus, it is necessary to pay more attention to the excipients selection and their potential impact on polysorbate 80 stability to achieve longer shelf life for the biopharmaceuticals. Besides, the protective roles of several additives were figured out, which could be applied as potential industrial solutions to the polysorbate 80 degradation issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Bai
- Analytical Sciences, WuXi Biologics, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201400, China
| | - Yanlan Zhang
- Analytical Sciences, WuXi Biologics, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201400, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Analytical Sciences, WuXi Biologics, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201400, China
| | - Yuchen Lu
- Analytical Sciences, WuXi Biologics, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201400, China
| | - Zhiguo Li
- Analytical Sciences, WuXi Biologics, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201400, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Analytical Sciences, WuXi Biologics, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201400, China
| | - Bo Meng
- Analytical Sciences, WuXi Biologics, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai, 201400, China.
| |
Collapse
|