1
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Pierce L, Anderson H, Sarkar S, Bauer SR, Sarkar S. Experimental and computational approach to establish fit-for-purpose cell viability assays. Regen Med 2024; 19:27-45. [PMID: 38247346 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2023-0154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Cell viability assays are critical for cell-based products. Here, we demonstrate a combined experimental and computational approach to identify fit-for-purpose cell assays that can predict changes in cell proliferation, a critical biological response in cell expansion. Materials & methods: Jurkat cells were systematically injured using heat (45 ± 1°C). Cell viability was measured at 0 h and 24 h after treatment using assays for membrane integrity, metabolic function and apoptosis. Proliferation kinetics for longer term cultures were modeled using the Gompertz distribution to establish predictive models between cell viability results and proliferation. Results & conclusion: We demonstrate an approach for ranking these assays as predictors of cell proliferation and for setting cell viability specifications when a particular proliferation response is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pierce
- Biosystems & Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Hidayah Anderson
- Division of Cellular & Gene Therapies, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Swarnavo Sarkar
- Biosystems & Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
| | - Steven R Bauer
- Division of Cellular & Gene Therapies, CBER, FDA, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA
| | - Sumona Sarkar
- Biosystems & Biomaterials Division, National Institute of Standards & Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899, USA
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2
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Roesch A, Windisch R, Wichmann C, Wolkers WF, Kersten G, Menzen T. Osmotic properties of T cells determined by flow imaging microscopy in comparison to electrical sensing zone analysis. Cryobiology 2023; 113:104587. [PMID: 37783264 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2023.104587] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
To develop cryopreservation methods for cell-based medicinal products it is important to understand osmotic responses of cells upon immersion into solutions with cryoprotective agents (CPAs) and during freezing. The aim of this study was to assess the osmotic response of T cells by using flow imaging microscopy (FIM) as a novel cell-sizing technique, and to corroborate the findings with electrical impedance measurements conducted on a Coulter counter. Jurkat cells were used as a potential model cell line for primary T cells. Cell volume responses were used to derive important cell parameters for cryopreservation such as the osmotically inactive cell volume Vb and the membrane permeability towards water and various CPAs. Unlike Coulter counter measurement, FIM, combined with Trypan blue staining can differentiate between viable and dead cells, which yields a more accurate estimation of Vb. Membrane permeabilities to water, dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO) and glycerol were measured for Jurkat cells at different temperatures. The permeation of Me2SO into the cells was faster in comparison to glycerol. CPA permeation decreased with decreasing temperature following Arrhenius behavior. Moreover, membrane permeability to water decreased in the presence of CPAs. Vb of Jurkat cells was found to be 49% of the isotonic volume and comparable to that of primary T cells. FIM proved to be a valuable tool to determine the membrane permeability parameters of mammalian cells to water and cryoprotective agents, which in turn can be used to rationally design CPA loading procedures for cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Roesch
- Coriolis Pharma, Fraunhoferstr. 18 b, 82152, Martinsried, Germany; Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, PO Box 9502, 2300, RA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Roland Windisch
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Wichmann
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Willem F Wolkers
- Unit for Reproductive Medicine - Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany; Biostabilization Laboratory - Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gideon Kersten
- Coriolis Pharma, Fraunhoferstr. 18 b, 82152, Martinsried, Germany; Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, PO Box 9502, 2300, RA, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Menzen
- Coriolis Pharma, Fraunhoferstr. 18 b, 82152, Martinsried, Germany.
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3
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Kardorff M, Mahler HC, Huwyler J, Sorret L. Comparison of cell viability methods for human mesenchymal/stromal stem cells and human A549 lung carcinoma cells after freeze-thaw stress. J Pharmacol Toxicol Methods 2023; 124:107474. [PMID: 37866798 DOI: 10.1016/j.vascn.2023.107474] [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: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
For the safety and efficacy of frozen cell therapy products, determination of cellular viability is key. However, results of cell viability measurements do not only depend on the cell line or on the inflicted stress, but also on the assay used, making inter-experimental comparisons difficult. The aim of this study was thus to assess commonly used viability assays in clinically relevant human mesenchymal/stromal stem cells and human A549 lung carcinoma cells. Post freeze-thaw stress viability and proliferation were evaluated under different conditions using trypan blue, acridine orange/DAPI stain, alamarBlue, ATP, and neutral red assays. Significant differences in cell viability between metabolic assays were observed, likely due to their distinct intrinsic detection mechanisms. Membrane-integrity based assays generally overestimated cell viabilities in this study. Furthermore, noticeable differences in inter-assay sensitivities were observed. These differences highlight that cell viability methods should be meticulously selected and their associated results carefully interpreted in a relevant context to ensure reliable conclusions. Indeed, although cell membrane integrity based assays are a popular choice to determine cellular quality attributes after freezing and thawing, we demonstrate that metabolic assays may be more suitable in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Kardorff
- Drug Product Services, Lonza AG, Hochbergerstrasse 60G, 4057 Basel, Switzerland; Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jörg Huwyler
- Division of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Léa Sorret
- Drug Product Services, Lonza AG, Hochbergerstrasse 60G, 4057 Basel, Switzerland.
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4
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The Impact of Biotechnologically Produced Lactobionic Acid in the Diet of Lactating Dairy Cows on Their Performance and Quality Traits of Milk. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050815. [PMID: 36899672 PMCID: PMC10000126 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050815] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Dairy processing is one of the most polluting sectors of the food industry as it causes water pollution. Given considerable whey quantities obtained via traditional cheese and curd production methods, manufacturers worldwide are encountering challenges for its rational use. However, with the advancement in biotechnology, the sustainability of whey management can be fostered by applying microbial cultures for the bioconversion of whey components such as lactose to functional molecules. The present work was undertaken to demonstrate the potential utilization of whey for producing a fraction rich in lactobionic acid (Lba), which was further used in the dietary treatment of lactating dairy cows. The analysis utilizing high-performance liquid chromatography with refractive index (HPLC-RID) detection confirmed the abundance of Lba in biotechnologically processed whey, corresponding to 11.3 g L-1. The basic diet of two dairy cow groups involving nine animals, Holstein Black and White or Red breeds in each, was supplemented either with 1.0 kg sugar beet molasses (Group A) or 5.0 kg of the liquid fraction containing 56.5 g Lba (Group B). Overall, the use of Lba in the diet of dairy cows during the lactation period equal to molasses affected cows' performances and quality traits, especially fat composition. The observed values of urea content revealed that animals of Group B and, to a lesser extent, Group A received a sufficient amount of proteins, as the amount of urea in the milk decreased by 21.7% and 35.1%, respectively. After six months of the feeding trial, a significantly higher concentration of essential amino acids (AAs), i.e., isoleucine and valine, was observed in Group B. The percentage increase corresponded to 5.8% and 3.3%, respectively. A similar trend of increase was found for branched-chain AAs, indicating an increase of 2.4% compared with the initial value. Overall, the content of fatty acids (FAs) in milk samples was affected by feeding. Without reference to the decrease in individual FAs, the higher values of monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs) were achieved via the supplementation of lactating cows' diets with molasses. In contrast, the dietary inclusion of Lba in the diet promoted an increase in saturated FA (SFA) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) content in the milk after six months of the feeding trial.
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5
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Cryoprotection in Human Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells: Synergistic Impact of Urea and Glucose. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:1681-1686. [PMID: 36754231 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Standard freezing protocols of clinically relevant cell lines commonly employ agents such as fetal bovine serum and dimethyl sulfoxide, which are a potential concern from both a regulatory and a patient safety perspective. The aim of this work was to develop formulations with safe and well tolerated excipients for the (cryo-) preservation of cell therapy products. We evaluated the cryoprotective capabilities of urea and glucose through measurements of cell metabolic activity. Freezing of clinically relevant human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells and human dermal fibroblasts at ≤ - 65°C at equimolar ratios of urea and glucose resulted in comparable viabilities to established dimethyl sulfoxide. Pre-incubation of human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells in trehalose and addition of mannitol and sucrose to the formulation further enhanced cell viability after freeze-thaw stress. Other cell types assessed (A549 and SK-N-AS) could not satisfactorily be preserved with urea and glucose, highlighting the need for tailored formulations to sustain acceptable cryopreservation.
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6
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Page S, Khan T, Kühl P, Schwach G, Storch K, Chokshi H. Patient Centricity Driving Formulation Innovation: Improvements in Patient Care Facilitated by Novel Therapeutics and Drug Delivery Technologies. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2022; 62:341-363. [PMID: 34990203 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-052120-093517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Innovative formulation technologies can play a crucial role in transforming a novel molecule to a medicine that significantly enhances patients' lives. Improved mechanistic understanding of diseases has inspired researchers to expand the druggable space using new therapeutic modalities such as interfering RNA, protein degraders, and novel formats of monoclonal antibodies. Sophisticated formulation strategies are needed to deliver the drugs to their sites of action and to achieve patient centricity, exemplified by messenger RNA vaccines and oral peptides. Moreover, access to medical information via digital platforms has resulted in better-informed patient groups that are requesting consideration of their needs during drug development. This request is consistent with health authority efforts to upgrade their regulations to advance age-appropriate product development for patients. This review describes formulation innovations contributingto improvements in patient care: convenience of administration, preferred route of administration, reducing dosing burden, and achieving targeted delivery of new modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Page
- Pharma Technical Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Tarik Khan
- Pharma Technical Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Peter Kühl
- Pharma Technical Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Gregoire Schwach
- Pharma Technical Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., 4070 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Kirsten Storch
- Pharma Technical Development, Roche Diagnostics GmbH, 68305 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hitesh Chokshi
- Pharma Technical Development, Roche TCRC Inc., Little Falls, New Jersey 07424, USA
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Particles in Biopharmaceutical Formulations, Part 2: An Update on Analytical Techniques and Applications for Therapeutic Proteins, Viruses, Vaccines and Cells. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:933-950. [PMID: 34919969 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.12.011] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Particles in biopharmaceutical formulations remain a hot topic in drug product development. With new product classes emerging it is crucial to discriminate particulate active pharmaceutical ingredients from particulate impurities. Technical improvements, new analytical developments and emerging tools (e.g., machine learning tools) increase the amount of information generated for particles. For a proper interpretation and judgment of the generated data a thorough understanding of the measurement principle, suitable application fields and potential limitations and pitfalls is required. Our review provides a comprehensive overview of novel particle analysis techniques emerging in the last decade for particulate impurities in therapeutic protein formulations (protein-related, excipient-related and primary packaging material-related), as well as particulate biopharmaceutical formulations (virus particles, virus-like particles, lipid nanoparticles and cell-based medicinal products). In addition, we review the literature on applications, describe specific analytical approaches and illustrate advantages and drawbacks of currently available techniques for particulate biopharmaceutical formulations.
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8
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Katz JS, Chou DK, Christian TR, Das TK, Patel M, Singh SN, Wen Y. Emerging Challenges and Innovations in Surfactant-mediated Stabilization of Biologic Formulations. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:919-932. [PMID: 34883096 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Biologics may be subjected to various destabilizing conditions during manufacturing, transportation, storage, and use. Therefore, biologics must be appropriately formulated to meet their desired quality target product profiles. In the formulations of protein-based biologics, one critical component is surfactant. Polysorbate 80 and Polysorbate 20 remain the most commonly used surfactants. Surfactants can stabilize proteins through different mechanisms and help the proteins withstand destabilization stresses. However, the challenges associated with surfactants, for instance, impurities, degradation, and potential triggering of adverse immune responses, have been encountered. Therefore, there are continued efforts to develop novel surfactants to overcome these challenges associated with traditional surfactants. Meanwhile, surfactants have also found their use in formulations of newer and novel modalities, namely, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and adeno-associated viruses (AAV). This review provides an updated in-depth discussion of surfactants in the above-mentioned areas, namely mechanism of action of surfactants, a critical review of challenges with surfactants and current mitigation approaches, and emerging technologies to develop novel surfactants. In addition, gaps, current mitigations, and future directions have been presented to trigger further discussion and research to facilitate the use and development of novel surfactants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S Katz
- Pharma Solutions R&D, International Flavors and Fragrances, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
| | - Danny K Chou
- Compassion BioSolution, LLC, Lomita, CA 90717, USA
| | | | - Tapan K Das
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Biologics Development, New Brunswick, NJ 08903, USA
| | - Mayank Patel
- Dosage Form Design and Development, BioPharmaceuticals Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA
| | - Shubhadra N Singh
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Biopharmaceutical Product Sciences, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Yi Wen
- Lilly Research Laboratory, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
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9
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Sun Y, Feng L, Liang L, Stacey GN, Wang C, Wang Y, Hu B. Neuronal cell-based medicines from pluripotent stem cells: Development, production, and preclinical assessment. Stem Cells Transl Med 2021; 10 Suppl 2:S31-S40. [PMID: 34724724 PMCID: PMC8560198 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.20-0522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain degeneration and damage is difficult to cure due to the limited endogenous repair capability of the central nervous system. Furthermore, drug development for treatment of diseases of the central nervous system remains a major challenge. However, it now appears that using human pluripotent stem cell-derived neural cells to replace degenerating cells provides a promising cell-based medicine for rejuvenation of brain function. Accordingly, a large number of studies have carried out preclinical assessments, which have involved different neural cell types in several neurological diseases. Recent advances in animal models identify the transplantation of neural derivatives from pluripotent stem cells as a promising path toward the clinical application of cell therapies [Stem Cells Transl Med 2019;8:681-693; Drug Discov Today 2019;24:992-999; Nat Med 2019;25:1045-1053]. Some groups are moving toward clinical testing in humans. However, the difficulty in selection of valuable critical quality criteria for cell products and the lack of functional assays that could indicate suitability for clinical effect continue to hinder neural cell-based medicine development [Biologicals 2019;59:68-71]. In this review, we summarize the current status of preclinical studies progress in this area and outline the biological characteristics of neural cells that have been used in new developing clinical studies. We also discuss the requirements for translation of stem cell-derived neural cells in examples of stem cell-based clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lin Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lingmin Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Glyn N Stacey
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- International Stem Cell Banking Initiative, Barley, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Chaoqun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yukai Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Baoyang Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- National Stem Cell Resource Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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10
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Jiskoot W. Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products: What's in a Name? J Pharm Sci 2020; 109:3282-3284. [PMID: 32871153 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this commentary I briefly discuss the term advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). The last two words, medicinal products, correctly indicate that we are dealing with medicines. However, oftentimes ATMPs and products within the ATMP family are erroneously called therapies, which may raise confusion, as illustrated with some examples, and may lead to ignorance of the importance of pharmaceutical product quality. The first two words, advanced therapy, are arguable as well, because they do not accurately describe the products involved and advanced is a temporal description of therapies, many of which may not (yet) be advanced at all. It is recommended to avoid such confusing wording and instead call medicines by their proper name.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Jiskoot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands; Coriolis Pharma, Martinsried, Germany.
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