1
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Kalejaye L, Wu IE, Terry T, Lai PK. DeepSP: Deep learning-based spatial properties to predict monoclonal antibody stability. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2220-2229. [PMID: 38827232 PMCID: PMC11140563 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibody development faces challenges due to high viscosities and aggregation tendencies. The spatial charge map (SCM) and spatial aggregation propensity (SAP) are computational techniques that aid in predicting viscosity and aggregation, respectively. These methods rely on structural data derived from molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, which are computationally demanding. DeepSCM, a deep learning surrogate model based on sequence information to predict SCM, was recently developed to screen high-concentration antibody viscosity. This study further utilized a dataset of 20,530 antibody sequences to train a convolutional neural network deep learning surrogate model called Deep Spatial Properties (DeepSP). DeepSP directly predicts SAP and SCM scores in different domains of antibody variable regions based solely on their sequences without performing MD simulations. The linear correlation coefficient between DeepSP scores and MD-derived scores for 30 properties achieved values between 0.76 and 0.96 with an average of 0.87. DeepSP descriptors were employed as features to build machine learning models to predict the aggregation rate of 21 antibodies, and the performance is similar to the results obtained from the previous study using MD simulations. This result demonstrates that the DeepSP approach significantly reduces the computational time required compared to MD simulations. The DeepSP model enables the rapid generation of 30 structural properties that can also be used as features in other research to train machine learning models for predicting various antibody stability using sequences only. DeepSP is freely available as an online tool via https://deepspwebapp.onrender.com and the codes and parameters are freely available at https://github.com/Lailabcode/DeepSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lateefat Kalejaye
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 07030, NJ, United States
| | - I-En Wu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 07030, NJ, United States
| | - Taylor Terry
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 07030, NJ, United States
| | - Pin-Kuang Lai
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken 07030, NJ, United States
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2
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Armstrong GB, Shah V, Sanches P, Patel M, Casey R, Jamieson C, Burley GA, Lewis W, Rattray Z. A framework for the biophysical screening of antibody mutations targeting solvent-accessible hydrophobic and electrostatic patches for enhanced viscosity profiles. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2024; 23:2345-2357. [PMID: 38867721 PMCID: PMC11167247 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2024.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The formulation of high-concentration monoclonal antibody (mAb) solutions in low dose volumes for autoinjector devices poses challenges in manufacturability and patient administration due to elevated solution viscosity. Often many therapeutically potent mAbs are discovered, but their commercial development is stalled by unfavourable developability challenges. In this work, we present a systematic experimental framework for the computational screening of molecular descriptors to guide the design of 24 mutants with modified viscosity profiles accompanied by experimental evaluation. Our experimental observations using a model anti-IL8 mAb and eight engineered mutant variants reveal that viscosity reduction is influenced by the location of hydrophobic interactions, while targeting positively charged patches significantly increases viscosity in comparison to wild-type anti-IL-8 mAb. We conclude that most predicted in silico physicochemical properties exhibit poor correlation with measured experimental parameters for antibodies with suboptimal developability characteristics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive case-by-case evaluation of mAbs. This framework combining molecular design and triage via computational predictions with experimental evaluation aids the agile and rational design of mAbs with tailored solution viscosities, ensuring improved manufacturability and patient convenience in self-administration scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina B. Armstrong
- Drug Substance Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Vidhi Shah
- Large Molecule Discovery, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Paula Sanches
- Drug Substance Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Mitul Patel
- Drug Substance Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Ricky Casey
- Drug Substance Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Craig Jamieson
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Glenn A. Burley
- Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - William Lewis
- Drug Substance Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage, UK
| | - Zahra Rattray
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
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3
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Hassan LF, Sen R, O'Shea TM. Trehalose-based coacervates for local bioactive protein delivery to the central nervous system. Biomaterials 2024; 309:122594. [PMID: 38701641 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122594] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic outcomes of local biomolecule delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) using bulk biomaterials are limited by inadequate drug loading, neuropil disruption, and severe foreign body responses. Effective CNS delivery requires addressing these issues and developing well-tolerated, highly-loaded carriers that are dispersible within local neural parenchyma. Here, we synthesized biodegradable trehalose-based polyelectrolyte oligomers using facile A2:B3:AR thiol-ene Michael addition reactions that form complex coacervates upon mixing of oppositely charged oligomers. Coacervates permit high concentration loading and controlled release of bioactive growth factors, enzymes, and antibodies, with modular formulation parameters that confer tunable release kinetics. Coacervates are cytocompatible with cultured neural cells in vitro and can be formulated to either direct intracellular protein delivery or sequester media containing proteins and remain extracellular. Coacervates serve as effective vehicles for precisely delivering biomolecules, including bioactive neurotrophins, to the mouse striatum following intraparenchymal injection. These results support the use of trehalose-based coacervates as part of therapeutic protein delivery strategies for CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laboni F Hassan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215-2407, USA
| | - Riya Sen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215-2407, USA
| | - Timothy M O'Shea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215-2407, USA.
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4
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Zhai Y, Wang T, Chen Q, Guo J. Low-field NMR works as a rapid, automatic, non-invasive and wide-scale coverage technique for aggregates indication in biomacromolecule development. J Pharm Sci 2024:S0022-3549(24)00267-3. [PMID: 39098520 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2024.07.021] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Protein aggregation is challenging for biopharmaceutical drug, because it affects the stability of protein formulations in real-time. However, current techniques for protein aggregate indication meet a number of limitations including limited aggregate size range, complex pre-treatments and lack of chromatographic approaches. Herein, a rapid, automatic, non-invasive and wide-scale coverage technique for aggregates indication is developed to overcome these challenges. Firstly, the response of low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) to the aggregates is explored by making a comparison with certain established techniques. LF-NMR achieves a high sensitivity of water proton transverse relaxation rate (R2 of H2O, hereinafter referred as R2(H2O)) to protein aggregates from nanometer to micrometer. Then, the quantitative relationship between R2(H2O) and aggregates is investigated furtherly. R2(H2O) could serve as an all-size coverage protein aggregates indicator during development. As a non-invasive method, LF-NMR does not need any sample handling. It takes only 44 s for one test, and saves a lot of manpower, materials and costs. Compared with other established analytical techniques, the technique developed here could be a powerful tool for a rapid, automatic, non-invasive and wide-scale coverage technique for aggregates indication in biomacromolecule development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Zhai
- WuXi Biologics, 190 Hedan Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- WuXi Biologics, 190 Hedan Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China.
| | - Quanmin Chen
- WuXi Biologics, 190 Hedan Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Jeremy Guo
- WuXi Biologics, 190 Hedan Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China.
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5
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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; 41:1301-1367. [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] [MESH Headings] [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.'
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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
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6
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Ait-Oudhia S, Wang YM, Dosne AG, Roy A, Jin JY, Shen J, Kagan L, Musuamba FT, Zhang L, Kijima S, Gastonguay MR, Ouellet D. Challenging the Norm: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Intravenous to Subcutaneous Bridging Strategies for Biologics. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 115:412-421. [PMID: 38069528 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The transition from intravenous (i.v.) to subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of biologics is a critical strategy in drug development aimed at improving patient convenience, compliance, and therapeutic outcomes. Focusing on the increasing role of model-informed drug development (MIDD) in the acceleration of this transition, an in-depth overview of the essential clinical pharmacology, and regulatory considerations for successful i.v. to s.c. bridging for biologics after the i.v. formulation has been approved are presented. Considerations encompass multiple aspects beginning with adequate pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (i.e., exposure-response) evaluations which play a vital role in establishing comparability between the i.v. and s.c. routes of administrations. Selected key recommendations and points to consider include: (i) PK characterization of the s.c. formulation, supported by the increasing preclinical understanding of the s.c. absorption, and robust PK study design and analyses in humans; (ii) a thorough characterization of the exposure-response profiles including important metrics of exposure for both efficacy and safety; (iii) comparability studies designed to meet regulatory considerations and support approval of the s.c. formulation, including noninferiority studies with PK and/or efficacy and safety as primary end points; and (iv) comprehensive safety package addressing assessments of immunogenicity and patients' safety profile with the new route of administration. Recommendations for successful bridging strategies are evolving and MIDD approaches have been used successfully to accelerate the transition to s.c. dosing, ultimately leading to improved patient experiences, adherence, and clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yow-Ming Wang
- US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne-Gaelle Dosne
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Beerse, Belgium
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Amit Roy
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Jin Y Jin
- Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jun Shen
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Leonid Kagan
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Center of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Translational Research and Education, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Flora T Musuamba
- Belgian Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products, Brussels, Belgium
- NAmur Research Institute for LIfe Sciences (NARILIS), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| | - Lucia Zhang
- Health Canada, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs Directorate, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shinichi Kijima
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Daniele Ouellet
- Janssen Research & Development, LLC, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Polimeni M, Zaccarelli E, Gulotta A, Lund M, Stradner A, Schurtenberger P. A multi-scale numerical approach to study monoclonal antibodies in solution. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:016111. [PMID: 38425712 PMCID: PMC10902793 DOI: 10.1063/5.0186642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Developing efficient and robust computational models is essential to improve our understanding of protein solution behavior. This becomes particularly important to tackle the high-concentration regime. In this context, the main challenge is to put forward coarse-grained descriptions able to reduce the level of detail, while retaining key features and relevant information. In this work, we develop an efficient strategy that can be used to investigate and gain insight into monoclonal antibody solutions under different conditions. We use a multi-scale numerical approach, which connects information obtained at all-atom and amino-acid levels to bead models. The latter has the advantage of reproducing the properties of interest while being computationally much faster. Indeed, these models allow us to perform many-protein simulations with a large number of molecules. We can, thus, explore conditions not easily accessible with more detailed descriptions, perform effective comparisons with experimental data up to very high protein concentrations, and efficiently investigate protein-protein interactions and their role in phase behavior and protein self-assembly. Here, a particular emphasis is given to the effects of charges at different ionic strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Polimeni
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Emanuela Zaccarelli
- Institute for Complex Systems, National Research Council (ISC-CNR), Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mikael Lund
- Division of Computational Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Stradner
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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8
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Song J, Taraban M, Yu YB, Lu L, Biswas PG, Xu W, Xi H, Bhambhani A, Hu G, Su Y. In-situ biophysical characterization of high-concentration protein formulations using wNMR. MAbs 2024; 16:2304624. [PMID: 38299343 PMCID: PMC10841025 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2304624] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
High-concentration protein formulation is of paramount importance in patient-centric drug product development, but it also presents challenges due to the potential for enhanced aggregation and increased viscosity. The analysis of critical quality attributes often necessitates the transfer of samples from their primary containers together with sample dilution. Therefore, there is a demand for noninvasive, in situ biophysical methods to assess protein drug products directly in primary sterile containers, such as prefilled syringes, without dilution. In this study, we introduce a novel application of water proton nuclear magnetic resonance (wNMR) to evaluate the aggregation propensity of a high-concentration drug product, Dupixent® (dupilumab), under stress conditions. wNMR results demonstrate a concentration-dependent, reversible association of dupilumab in the commercial formulation, as well as irreversible aggregation when exposed to accelerated thermal stress, but gradually reversible aggregation when exposed to freeze and thaw cycles. Importantly, these results show a strong correlation with data obtained from established biophysical analytical tools widely used in the pharmaceutical industry. The application of wNMR represents a promising approach for in situ noninvasive analysis of high-concentration protein formulations directly in their primary containers, providing valuable insights for drug development and quality assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Song
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Marc Taraban
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Y. Bruce Yu
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Lynn Lu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Pallavi Guha Biswas
- University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Wei Xu
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Hanmi Xi
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Akhilesh Bhambhani
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Guangli Hu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
| | - Yongchao Su
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
- Pharmaceutical Sciences and Clinical Supply, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, USA
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9
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Härdter N, Geidobler R, Presser I, Winter G. Microwave-Assisted Freeze-Drying: Impact of Microwave Radiation on the Quality of High-Concentration Antibody Formulations. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2783. [PMID: 38140123 PMCID: PMC10747838 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Microwave-assisted freeze-drying (MFD) offers significant time savings compared to conventional freeze-drying (CFD). While a few studies have investigated the stability of biopharmaceuticals with low protein concentrations after MFD and storage, the impact of MFD on high-concentration monoclonal antibody (mAb) formulations remains unclear. In this study, we systematically examined the effect of protein concentration in MFD and assessed protein stability following MFD, CFD, and subsequent storage using seven protein formulations with various stabilizers and concentrations. We demonstrated that microwaves directly interact with the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), leading to decreased physical stability, specifically aggregation, in high-concentration antibody formulations. Furthermore, typically used sugar:protein ratios from CFD were insufficient for stabilizing mAbs when applying microwaves. We identified the intermediate drying phase as the most critical for particle formation, and cooling the samples provided some protection for the mAb. Our findings suggest that MFD technology may not be universally applicable to formulations well tested in CFD and could be particularly beneficial for formulations with low API concentrations requiring substantial amounts of glass-forming excipients, such as vaccines and RNA-based products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Härdter
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Raimund Geidobler
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Ingo Presser
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals, 88397 Biberach an der Riß, Germany
| | - Gerhard Winter
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377 Munich, Germany
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10
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Hobson AD. Antibody drug conjugates beyond cytotoxic payloads. PROGRESS IN MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY 2023; 62:1-59. [PMID: 37981349 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmch.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
For many years, antibody drug conjugates (ADC) have teased with the promise of targeted payload delivery to diseased cells, embracing the targeting of the antibody to which a cytotoxic payload is conjugated. During the past decade this promise has started to be realised with the approval of more than a dozen ADCs for the treatment of various cancers. Of these ADCs, brentuximab vedotin really laid the foundations of a template for a successful ADC with lysosomal payload release from a cleavable dipeptide linker, measured DAR by conjugation to the Cys-Cys interchain bonds of the antibody and a cytotoxic payload. Using this ADC design model oncology has now expanded their repertoire of payloads to include non-cytotoxic compounds. These new payload classes have their origins in prior medicinal chemistry programmes aiming to design selective oral small molecule drugs. While this may not have been achieved, the resulting compounds provide excellent starting points for ADC programmes with some compounds amenable to immediate linker attachment while for others extensive SAR and structural information offer invaluable design insights. Many of these new oncology payload classes are of interest to other therapeutic areas facilitating rapid access to drug-linkers for exploration as non-oncology ADCs. Other therapeutic areas have also pursued unique payload classes with glucocorticoid receptor modulators (GRM) being the most clinically advanced in immunology. Here, ADC payloads come full circle, as oncology is now investigating GRM payloads for the treatment of cancer. This chapter aims to cover all these new ADC approaches while describing the medicinal chemistry origins of the new non-cytotoxic payloads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian D Hobson
- Small Molecule Therapeutics & Platform Technologies, AbbVie Bioresearch Center, Worcester, MA, United States.
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11
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Meza NP, Hardy CA, Morin KH, Huang C, Raghava S, Song J, Zhang J, Wang Y. Predicting Colloidal Stability of High-Concentration Monoclonal Antibody Formulations in Common Pharmaceutical Buffers Using Improved Polyethylene Glycol Induced Protein Precipitation Assay. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:5842-5855. [PMID: 37867303 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00694] [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] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Colloidal stability is an important consideration when developing high concentration mAb formulations. PEG-induced protein precipitation is a commonly used assay to assess the colloidal stability of protein solutions. However, the practical usefulness and the current theoretical model for this assay have yet to be verified over a large formulation space across multiple mAbs and mAb-based modalities. In the present study, we used PEG-induced protein precipitation assays to evaluate colloidal stability of 3 mAbs in 24 common formulation buffers at 20 and 5 °C. These prediction assays were conducted at low protein concentration (1 mg/mL). We also directly characterized high concentration (100 mg/mL) formulations for cold-induced phase separation, turbidity, and concentratibility by ultrafiltration. This systematic study allowed analysis of the correlation between the results of low concentration assays and the high concentration attributes. The key findings of this study include the following: (1) verification of the usefulness of three different parameters (Cmid, μB, and Tcloud) from PEG-induced protein precipitation assays for ranking colloidal stability of high concentration mAb formulations; (2) a new method to implement PEG-induced protein precipitation assay suitable for high throughput screening with low sample consumption; (3) improvement in the theoretical model for calculating robust thermodynamic parameters of colloidal stability (μB and εB) that are independent of specific experimental settings; (4) systematic evaluation of the effects of pH and buffer salts on colloidal stability of mAbs in common formulation buffers. These findings provide improved theoretical and practical tools for assessing the colloidal stability of mAbs and mAb-based modalities during formulation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noemi P Meza
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, United States
| | - Colin A Hardy
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, United States
| | - Kylie H Morin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, United States
| | - Chengbin Huang
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Smita Raghava
- Sterile and Specialty Products, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Jing Song
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Jingtao Zhang
- Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of North Carolina Wilmington, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403, United States
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12
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Elsayed A, Jaber N, Al-Remawi M, Abu-Salah K. From cell factories to patients: Stability challenges in biopharmaceuticals manufacturing and administration with mitigation strategies. Int J Pharm 2023; 645:123360. [PMID: 37657507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123360] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Active ingredients of biopharmaceuticals consist of a wide array of biomolecular structures, including those of enzymes, monoclonal antibodies, nucleic acids, and recombinant proteins. Recently, these molecules have dominated the pharmaceutical industry owing to their safety and efficacy. However, their manufacturing is hindered by high cost, inadequate batch-to-batch equivalence, inherent instability, and other quality issues. This article is an up-to-date review of the challenges encountered during different stages of biopharmaceutical production and mitigation of problems arising during their development, formulation, manufacturing, and administration. It is a broad overview discussion of stability issues encountered during product life cycle i.e., upstream processing (aggregation, solubility, host cell proteins, color change), downstream bioprocessing (aggregation, fragmentation), formulation, manufacturing, and delivery to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Elsayed
- College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nisrein Jaber
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Mayyas Al-Remawi
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 1196, Jordan.
| | - Khalid Abu-Salah
- King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Department of Nanomedicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Hobson AD, Xu J, Welch DS, Marvin CC, McPherson MJ, Gates B, Liao X, Hollmann M, Gattner MJ, Dzeyk K, Sarvaiya H, Shenoy VM, Fettis MM, Bischoff AK, Wang L, Santora LC, Wang L, Fitzgibbons J, Salomon P, Hernandez A, Jia Y, Goess CA, Mathieu SL, Bryant SH, Larsen ME, Cui B, Tian Y. Discovery of ABBV-154, an anti-TNF Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator Immunology Antibody-Drug Conjugate (iADC). J Med Chem 2023; 66:12544-12558. [PMID: 37656698 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Stable attachment of drug-linkers to the antibody is a critical requirement, and for maleimide conjugation to cysteine, it is achieved by ring hydrolysis of the succinimide ring. During ADC profiling in our in-house property screening funnel, we discovered that the succinimide ring open form is in equilibrium with the ring closed succinimide. Bromoacetamide (BrAc) was identified as the optimal replacement, as it affords stable attachment of the drug-linker to the antibody while completely removing the undesired ring open-closed equilibrium. Additionally, BrAc also offers multiple benefits over maleimide, especially with respect to homogeneity of the ADC structure. In combination with a short, hydrophilic linker and phosphate prodrug on the payload, this afforded a stable ADC (ABBV-154) with the desired properties to enable long-term stability to facilitate subcutaneous self-administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian D Hobson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jianwen Xu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Dennie S Welch
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | | | - Michael J McPherson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Bradley Gates
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Xiaoli Liao
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Markus Hollmann
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Michael J Gattner
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Kristina Dzeyk
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Hetal Sarvaiya
- AbbVie Inc., 1000 Gateway Blvd, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Vikram M Shenoy
- AbbVie Inc., 1000 Gateway Blvd, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Margaret M Fettis
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Agnieszka K Bischoff
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ling C Santora
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Julia Fitzgibbons
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Paulin Salomon
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Axel Hernandez
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ying Jia
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Christian A Goess
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Suzanne L Mathieu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Shaughn H Bryant
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Mary E Larsen
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Baoliang Cui
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Yu Tian
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
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14
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Mosca I, Pounot K, Beck C, Colin L, Matsarskaia O, Grapentin C, Seydel T, Schreiber F. Biophysical Determinants for the Viscosity of Concentrated Monoclonal Antibody Solutions. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:4698-4713. [PMID: 37549226 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00440] [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] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are particularly relevant for therapeutics due to their high specificity and versatility, and mAb-based drugs are hence used to treat numerous diseases. The increased patient compliance of self-administration motivates the formulation of products for subcutaneous (SC) administration. The associated challenge is to formulate highly concentrated antibody solutions to achieve a significant therapeutic effect, while limiting their viscosity and preserving their physicochemical stability. Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are in fact the root cause of several potential problems concerning the stability, manufacturability, and delivery of a drug product. The understanding of macroscopic viscosity requires an in-depth knowledge on protein diffusion, PPIs, and self-association/aggregation. Here, we study the self-diffusion of different mAbs of the IgG1 subtype in aqueous solution as a function of the concentration and temperature by quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS). QENS allows us to probe the short-time self-diffusion of the molecules and therefore to determine the hydrodynamic mAb cluster size and to gain information on the internal mAb dynamics. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) is jointly employed to probe structural details and to understand the nature and intensity of PPIs. Complementary information is provided by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and viscometry, thus obtaining a comprehensive picture of mAb diffusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Mosca
- Institut für Angewandte Physik, Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin, 71 Av. des Martyrs, Grenoble 38042, France
| | - Kévin Pounot
- Institut für Angewandte Physik, Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin, 71 Av. des Martyrs, Grenoble 38042, France
| | - Christian Beck
- Institut für Angewandte Physik, Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin, 71 Av. des Martyrs, Grenoble 38042, France
| | - Louise Colin
- Institut für Angewandte Physik, Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, Tübingen 72076, Germany
- Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin, 71 Av. des Martyrs, Grenoble 38042, France
| | - Olga Matsarskaia
- Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin, 71 Av. des Martyrs, Grenoble 38042, France
| | | | - Tilo Seydel
- Institut Max von Laue - Paul Langevin, 71 Av. des Martyrs, Grenoble 38042, France
| | - Frank Schreiber
- Institut für Angewandte Physik, Universität Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 10, Tübingen 72076, Germany
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15
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Erfani A, Reichert P, Narasimhan CN, Doyle PS. Injectable hydrogel particles for amorphous solid formulation of biologics. iScience 2023; 26:107452. [PMID: 37593455 PMCID: PMC10428138 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107452] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The fast pace of breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy, combined with the new paradigm of moving toward high-concentration dosages and combinatorial treatments, is generating new challenges in the formulation of biologics. To address these challenges, we describe a method of formulation that enables high-concentration injectable and stable formulation of biologics as amorphous solids in aqueous suspension. This technology combines the benefits of liquid formulation with the stability of solid formulation and eliminates the need for drying and reconstitution. This widely applicable formulation integrates the amorphous solid forms of antibodies with the injectability, lubricity, and tunability of soft alginate hydrogel particles using a minimal process. The platform was evaluated for anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab and human immunoglobulin G at concentrations up to 300 mg/mL with confirmed quality after release. The soft nature of the hydrogel matrix allowed packing the particles to high volume fractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Erfani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | | | | | - Patrick S. Doyle
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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16
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Schöneich C. Primary Processes of Free Radical Formation in Pharmaceutical Formulations of Therapeutic Proteins. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1142. [PMID: 37509177 PMCID: PMC10376966 DOI: 10.3390/biom13071142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidation represents a major pathway for the chemical degradation of pharmaceutical formulations. Few specific details are available on the mechanisms that trigger oxidation reactions in these formulations, specifically with respect to the formation of free radicals. Hence, these mechanisms must be formulated based on information on impurities and stress factors resulting from manufacturing, transportation and storage. In more detail, this article focusses on autoxidation, metal-catalyzed oxidation, photo-degradation and radicals generated from cavitation as a result of mechanical stress. Emphasis is placed on probable rather than theoretically possible pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Schöneich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
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17
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Mieczkowski CA. The Evolution of Commercial Antibody Formulations. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:1801-1810. [PMID: 37037341 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
It has been nearly four decades since the first therapeutic monoclonal antibodies were approved and made available for widespread human use. Herein, US and EU approved antibody formulations are reviewed, and their nature and compositions are evaluated over time. From 1986 through Jan 2023, significant formulation trends have occurred and to represent this, 165 commercial antibody therapeutic formulations were binned into 5 different periods of time. Overall, we have observed the following: 1) The average formulation pH has decreased in recent years by over 0.5 units along with a decrease in variability that is largely driven by non-high concentration liquid in vial presentations for IV administration, 2) The use of certain excipients and buffers such as histidine, sucrose, metal chelators, arginine and methionine has become significantly more common, whereas formulations that contain phosphate, salt, no sugar or no surfactant have fallen out of favor, 3) Overall formulation space has increasingly become more homogenous and has converged in terms of formulation pH and excipient preferences regardless of formulation concentration, drug product presentation, and route of administration, 4) The average calculated isoelectric point (pI) has decreased 0.26 units, and 5) Overall, the average formulation pH and calculated pI for all commercial antibodies surveyed was 6.0 and 8.4, respectively. These trends and formulation convergence may be driven by multiple factors such as advancements in high-throughput computational and analytical technologies, the increased emphasis and understanding of certain developability attributes and formulation principles during lead selection and formulation development, and the adoption of low-risk development platform approaches.
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18
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Hobson AD, Xu J, Marvin CC, McPherson MJ, Hollmann M, Gattner M, Dzeyk K, Fettis MM, Bischoff AK, Wang L, Fitzgibbons J, Wang L, Salomon P, Hernandez A, Jia Y, Sarvaiya H, Goess CA, Mathieu SL, Santora LC. Optimization of Drug-Linker to Enable Long-term Storage of Antibody-Drug Conjugate for Subcutaneous Dosing. J Med Chem 2023. [PMID: 37379257 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
To facilitate subcutaneous dosing, biotherapeutics need to exhibit properties that enable high-concentration formulation and long-term stability in the formulation buffer. For antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), the introduction of drug-linkers can lead to increased hydrophobicity and higher levels of aggregation, which are both detrimental to the properties required for subcutaneous dosing. Herein we show how the physicochemical properties of ADCs could be controlled through the drug-linker chemistry in combination with prodrug chemistry of the payload, and how optimization of these combinations could afford ADCs with significantly improved solution stability. Key to achieving this optimization is the use of an accelerated stress test performed in a minimal formulation buffer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian D Hobson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Jianwen Xu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Christopher C Marvin
- AbbVie Inc., 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, United States
| | - Michael J McPherson
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Markus Hollmann
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Michael Gattner
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Kristina Dzeyk
- AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Knollstrasse 50, 67061 Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Margaret M Fettis
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Agnieszka K Bischoff
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Julia Fitzgibbons
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Lu Wang
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Paulin Salomon
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Axel Hernandez
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ying Jia
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Hetal Sarvaiya
- AbbVie Inc., 1000 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Christian A Goess
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Suzanne L Mathieu
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
| | - Ling C Santora
- AbbVie Bioresearch Center, 381 Plantation Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01605, United States
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19
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Rojekar S, Pallapati AR, Gimenez-Roig J, Korkmaz F, Sultana F, Sant D, Haeck C, Macdonald A, Kim SM, Rosen CJ, Barak O, Meseck M, Caminis J, Lizneva D, Yuen T, Zaidi M. Development and Biophysical Characterization of a Humanized FSH-Blocking Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutic Formulated at an Ultra-High Concentration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.11.540323. [PMID: 37214886 PMCID: PMC10197643 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.11.540323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Highly concentrated antibody formulations are oftentimes required for subcutaneous, self-administered biologics. Here, we report the creation of a unique formulation for our first-in- class FSH-blocking humanized antibody, MS-Hu6, which we propose to move to the clinic for osteoporosis, obesity, and Alzheimer's disease. The studies were carried out using our Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) platform, compliant with the Code of Federal Regulations (Title 21, Part 58). We first used protein thermal shift, size exclusion chromatography, and dynamic light scattering to examine MS-Hu6 concentrations between 1 and 100 mg/mL. We found that thermal, monomeric, and colloidal stability of formulated MS-Hu6 was maintained at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. The addition of the antioxidant L-methionine and chelating agent disodium EDTA improved the formulation's long-term colloidal and thermal stability. Thermal stability was further confirmed by Nano differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Physiochemical properties of formulated MS-Hu6, including viscosity, turbidity, and clarity, conformed with acceptable industry standards. That the structural integrity of MS-Hu6 in formulation was maintained was proven through Circular Dichroism (CD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Three rapid freeze-thaw cycles at -80°C/25°C or -80°C/37°C further revealed excellent thermal and colloidal stability. Furthermore, formulated MS-Hu6, particularly its Fab domain, displayed thermal and monomeric storage stability for more than 90 days at 4°C and 25°C. Finally, the unfolding temperature (T m ) for formulated MS-Hu6 increased by >4.80°C upon binding to recombinant FSH, indicating highly specific ligand binding. Overall, we document the feasibility of developing a stable, manufacturable and transportable MS-Hu6 formulation at a ultra-high concentration at industry standards. The study should become a resource for developing biologic formulations in academic medical centers.
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20
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Orr AA, Tao A, Guvench O, MacKerell AD. Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation-Biologics Approach for Structure-Based Protein Charge Prediction. Mol Pharm 2023; 20:2600-2611. [PMID: 37017675 PMCID: PMC10159941 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00064] [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: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based therapeutics typically require high concentrations of the active protein, which can lead to protein aggregation and high solution viscosity. Such solution behaviors can limit the stability, bioavailability, and manufacturability of protein-based therapeutics and are directly influenced by the charge of a protein. Protein charge is a system property affected by its environment, including the buffer composition, pH, and temperature. Thus, the charge calculated by summing the charges of each residue in a protein, as is commonly done in computational methods, may significantly differ from the effective charge of the protein as these calculations do not account for contributions from bound ions. Here, we present an extension of the structure-based approach termed site identification by ligand competitive saturation-biologics (SILCS-Biologics) to predict the effective charge of proteins. The SILCS-Biologics approach was applied on a range of protein targets in different salt environments for which membrane-confined electrophoresis-determined charges were previously reported. SILCS-Biologics maps the 3D distribution and predicted occupancy of ions, buffer molecules, and excipient molecules bound to the protein surface in a given salt environment. Using this information, the effective charge of the protein is predicted such that the concentrations of the ions and the presence of excipients or buffers are accounted for. Additionally, SILCS-Biologics also produces 3D structures of the binding sites of ions on the proteins, which enable further analyses such as the characterization of protein surface charge distribution and dipole moments in different environments. Notable is the capability of the method to account for competition between salts, excipients, and buffers on the calculated electrostatic properties in different protein formulations. Our study demonstrates the ability of the SILCS-Biologics approach to predict the effective charge of proteins and its applicability in uncovering protein-ion interactions and their contributions to protein solubility and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asuka A. Orr
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aoxiang Tao
- SilcsBio LLC, 1100 Wicomico Street, Suite 323, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Olgun Guvench
- SilcsBio LLC, 1100 Wicomico Street, Suite 323, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alexander D. MacKerell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
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21
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Rama B, Ribeiro AJ. Role of nanotechnology in the prolonged release of drugs by the subcutaneous route. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:559-577. [PMID: 37305971 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2214362] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Subcutaneous physiology is distinct from other parenteral routes that benefit the administration of prolonged-release formulations. A prolonged-release effect is particularly convenient for treating chronic diseases because it is associated with complex and often prolonged posologies. Therefore, drug-delivery systems focused on nanotechnology are proposed as alternatives that can overcome the limitations of current therapeutic regimens and improve therapeutic efficacy. AREAS COVERED This review presents an updated systematization of nanosystems, focusing on their applications in highly prevalent chronic diseases. Subcutaneous-delivered nanosystem-based therapies comprehensively summarize nanosystems, drugs, and diseases and their advantages, limitations, and strategies to increase their translation into clinical applications. An outline of the potential contribution of quality-by-design (QbD) and artificial intelligence (AI) to the pharmaceutical development of nanosystems is presented. EXPERT OPINION Although recent academic research and development (R&D) advances in the subcutaneous delivery of nanosystems have exhibited promising results, pharmaceutical industries and regulatory agencies need to catch up. The lack of standardized methodologies for analyzing in vitro data from nanosystems for subcutaneous administration and subsequent in vivo correlation limits their access to clinical trials. There is an urgent need for regulatory agencies to develop methods that faithfully mimic subcutaneous administration and specific guidelines for evaluating nanosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Rama
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A J Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Genetics of Cognitive Disfunction, i3S, IBMC, Porto, Portugal
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22
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Curreri AM, Kim J, Dunne M, Angsantikul P, Goetz M, Gao Y, Mitragotri S. Deep Eutectic Solvents for Subcutaneous Delivery of Protein Therapeutics. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205389. [PMID: 36642846 PMCID: PMC9982585 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Proteins are among the most common therapeutics for the treatment of diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and metabolic diseases, among others. Despite their common use, current protein therapies, most of which are injectables, have several limitations. Large proteins such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) suffer from poor absorption after subcutaneous injections, thus forcing their administration by intravenous injections. Even small proteins such as insulin suffer from slow pharmacokinetics which poses limitations in effective management of diabetes. Here, a deep eutectic-based delivery strategy is used to offer a generalized approach for improving protein absorption after subcutaneous injections. The lead formulation enhances absorption of mAbs after subcutaneous injections by ≈200%. The same composition also improves systemic absorption of subcutaneously injected insulin faster than Humalog, the current gold-standard of rapid acting insulin. Mechanistic studies reveal that the beneficial effect of deep eutectics on subcutaneous absorption is mediated by their ability to reduce the interactions of proteins with the subcutaneous matrix, especially collagen. Studies also confirm that these deep eutectics are safe for subcutaneous injections. Deep eutectic-based formulations described here open new possibilities for subcutaneous injections of therapeutic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander M. Curreri
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard University150 Western AveAllstonMA02134USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University3 Blackfan StBostonMA02115USA
| | - Jayoung Kim
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard University150 Western AveAllstonMA02134USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University3 Blackfan StBostonMA02115USA
| | - Michael Dunne
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard University150 Western AveAllstonMA02134USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University3 Blackfan StBostonMA02115USA
| | - Pavimol Angsantikul
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard University150 Western AveAllstonMA02134USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University3 Blackfan StBostonMA02115USA
- Present address:
The Population CouncilOne Dag Hammarskjold PlazaNew YorkNY10017USA
| | - Morgan Goetz
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard University150 Western AveAllstonMA02134USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University3 Blackfan StBostonMA02115USA
| | - Yongsheng Gao
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard University150 Western AveAllstonMA02134USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University3 Blackfan StBostonMA02115USA
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied SciencesHarvard University150 Western AveAllstonMA02134USA
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University3 Blackfan StBostonMA02115USA
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23
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Bittner B. Drug delivery improvements to enable a flexible care setting for monoclonal antibody medications in oncology - Analogue-based decision framework. Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2023; 20:457-470. [PMID: 36855292 DOI: 10.1080/17425247.2023.2184343] [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: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The substantial acceleration in healthcare spending together with the expenditures to manage the COVID19 pandemic demand drug delivery solutions that enable a flexible care setting for high-dose monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in oncology. AREAS COVERED This expert opinion introduces an analogue-based framework applied to guide decision-making for associated product improvements for mAb medications that are either already authorized or in late-stage clinical development. The four pillars of this framework comprise (1) the drug delivery profile of current and emerging treatments in the market, (2) the needs and preferences of people treated with mAbs, (3) existing healthcare infrastructures, and (4) country-dependent reimbursement and procurement models. The following product optimization examples for mAb-based treatments are evaluated based on original research and review articles in the field: subcutaneous formulations, an established drug delivery modality to reduce parenteral dosing complexity, fixed-dose combinations, an emerging concept to complement combination therapy, and (connected) on-body delivery systems, an identified future opportunity to support dosing outside of a controlled healthcare institutional environment. EXPERT OPINION Leveraging existing synergies and learnings from other disease areas is a measure to reduce associated development and commercialization costs and thus to provide sustainable product offerings already at the initial launch of a medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Bittner
- Global Product Strategy - Product Optimization, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
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24
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Desai M, Kundu A, Hageman M, Lou H, Boisvert D. Monoclonal antibody and protein therapeutic formulations for subcutaneous delivery: high-concentration, low-volume vs. low-concentration, high-volume. MAbs 2023; 15:2285277. [PMID: 38013454 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2285277] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologic drugs are used to treat a variety of cancers and chronic diseases. While most of these treatments are administered intravenously by trained healthcare professionals, a noticeable trend has emerged favoring subcutaneous (SC) administration. SC administration of biologics poses several challenges. Biologic drugs often require higher doses for optimal efficacy, surpassing the low volume capacity of traditional SC delivery methods like autoinjectors. Consequently, high concentrations of active ingredients are needed, creating time-consuming formulation obstacles. Alternatives to traditional SC delivery systems are therefore needed to support higher-volume biologic formulations and to reduce development time and other risks associated with high-concentration biologic formulations. Here, we outline key considerations for SC biologic drug formulations and delivery and explore a paradigm shift: the flexibility afforded by low-to-moderate-concentration drugs in high-volume formulations as an alternative to the traditionally difficult approach of high-concentration, low-volume SC formulation delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Desai
- Medical Affairs, Enable Injections, Inc, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - A Kundu
- Manufacturing Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Brooklyn Park, MN, USA
| | - M Hageman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - H Lou
- Biopharmaceutical Innovation & Optimization Center, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - D Boisvert
- Independent Chemistry Manufacturing & Controls (CMC) Consultant, El Cerrito, CA, USA
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25
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Schmitt J, Razvi A, Grapentin C. Predictive modeling of concentration-dependent viscosity behavior of monoclonal antibody solutions using artificial neural networks. MAbs 2023; 15:2169440. [PMID: 36705325 PMCID: PMC9888472 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2169440] [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] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Solutions of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can show increased viscosity at high concentration, which can be a disadvantage during protein purification, filling, and administration. The viscosity is determined by protein-protein-interactions, which are influenced by the antibody's sequence as well as solution conditions, like pH, buffer type, or the presence of salts and other excipients. To predict viscosity, experimental parameters, like the diffusion interaction parameter (kD), or computational tools harnessing information derived from primary sequence, are often used, but a reliable predictive tool is still missing. We present a modeling approach employing artificial neural networks (ANNs) using experimental factors combined with simulation-derived parameters plus viscosity data from 27 highly concentrated (180 mg/mL) mAbs. These ANNs can be used to predict if mAbs exhibit problematic viscosity at distinct concentrations or to model viscosity-concentration-curves.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abbas Razvi
- Lonza AG/Ltd, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Grapentin
- Lonza AG/Ltd, Drug Product Services, Basel, Switzerland,CONTACT Christoph Grapentin
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26
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Svilenov HL, Arosio P, Menzen T, Tessier P, Sormanni P. Approaches to expand the conventional toolbox for discovery and selection of antibodies with drug-like physicochemical properties. MAbs 2023; 15:2164459. [PMID: 36629855 PMCID: PMC9839375 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2164459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody drugs should exhibit not only high-binding affinity for their target antigens but also favorable physicochemical drug-like properties. Such drug-like biophysical properties are essential for the successful development of antibody drug products. The traditional approaches used in antibody drug development require significant experimentation to produce, optimize, and characterize many candidates. Therefore, it is attractive to integrate new methods that can optimize the process of selecting antibodies with both desired target-binding and drug-like biophysical properties. Here, we summarize a selection of techniques that can complement the conventional toolbox used to de-risk antibody drug development. These techniques can be integrated at different stages of the antibody development process to reduce the frequency of physicochemical liabilities in antibody libraries during initial discovery and to co-optimize multiple antibody features during early-stage antibody engineering and affinity maturation. Moreover, we highlight biophysical and computational approaches that can be used to predict physical degradation pathways relevant for long-term storage and in-use stability to reduce the need for extensive experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristo L. Svilenov
- Laboratory of General Biochemistry and Physical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Tim Menzen
- Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH, Martinsried, 82152, Germany
| | - Peter Tessier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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27
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Bittner B. Customer-centric product presentations for monoclonal antibodies. AAPS OPEN 2023; 9:3. [PMID: 36713112 PMCID: PMC9869842 DOI: 10.1186/s41120-022-00069-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivering customer-centric product presentations for biotherapeutics, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), represents a long-standing and paramount area of engagement for pharmaceutical scientists. Activities include improving experience with the dosing procedure, reducing drug administration-related expenditures, and ultimately shifting parenteral treatments outside of a controlled healthcare institutional setting. In times of increasingly cost-constrained markets and reinforced with the coronavirus pandemic, this discipline of "Product Optimization" in healthcare has gained momentum and changed from a nice-to-have into a must. This review summarizes latest trends in the healthcare ecosystem that inform key strategies for developing customer-centric products, including the availability of a wider array of sustainable drug delivery options and treatment management plans that support dosing in a flexible care setting. Three disease area archetypes with varying degree of implementation of customer-centric concepts are introduced to highlight relevant market differences and similarities. Namely, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, and oncology have been chosen due to differences in the availability of subcutaneously dosed and ready-to-use self-administration products for mAb medicines and their follow-on biologics. Different launch scenarios are described from a manufacturer's perspective highlighting the necessity of platform approaches. To unfold the full potential of customer-centric care, value-based healthcare provider reimbursement schemes that incentivize the efficiency of care need to be broadly implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beate Bittner
- grid.417570.00000 0004 0374 1269F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Global Product Strategy - Product Optimization, Grenzacher Strasse 124, CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
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28
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Designing antibodies as therapeutics. Cell 2022; 185:2789-2805. [PMID: 35868279 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2022.05.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Antibody therapeutics are a large and rapidly expanding drug class providing major health benefits. We provide a snapshot of current antibody therapeutics including their formats, common targets, therapeutic areas, and routes of administration. Our focus is on selected emerging directions in antibody design where progress may provide a broad benefit. These topics include enhancing antibodies for cancer, antibody delivery to organs such as the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and lungs, plus antibody developability challenges including immunogenicity risk assessment and mitigation and subcutaneous delivery. Machine learning has the potential, albeit as yet largely unrealized, for a transformative future impact on antibody discovery and engineering.
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