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Bramham JE, Wang Y, Moore SA, Golovanov AP. Assessing Photostability of mAb Formulations In Situ Using Light-Coupled NMR Spectroscopy. Anal Chem 2024; 96:9935-9943. [PMID: 38847283 PMCID: PMC11190875 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024]
Abstract
Biopharmaceuticals, such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), need to maintain their chemical and physical stability in formulations throughout their lifecycle. It is known that exposure of mAbs to light, particularly UV, triggers chemical and physical degradation, which can be exacerbated by trace amounts of photosensitizers in the formulation. Although routine assessments of degradation following defined UV dosages are performed, there is a fundamental lack of understanding regarding the intermediates, transient reactive species, and radicals formed during illumination, as well as their lifetimes and immediate impact post-illumination. In this study, we used light-coupled NMR spectroscopy to monitor in situ live spectral changes in sealed samples during and after UV-A illumination of different formulations of four mAbs without added photosensitizers. We observed a complex evolution of spectra, reflecting the appearance within minutes of transient radicals during illumination and persisting for minutes to tens of minutes after the light was switched off. Both mAb and excipient signals were strongly affected by illumination, with some exhibiting fast irreversible photodegradation and others exhibiting partial recovery in the dark. These effects varied depending on the mAb and the presence of excipients, such as polysorbate 80 (PS80) and methionine. Complementary ex situ high-performance size-exclusion chromatography analysis of the same formulations post-UV exposure in the chamber revealed significant loss of purity, confirming formulation-dependent degradation. Both approaches suggested the presence of degradation processes initiated by light but continuing in the dark. Further studies on photoreaction intermediates and transient reactive species may help mitigate the impact of light on biopharmaceutical degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack E. Bramham
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
| | - Yujing Wang
- Dosage
Form Design & Development, BioPharmaceutical
Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | - Stephanie A. Moore
- Dosage
Form Design & Development, BioPharmaceutical
Development, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge CB2 0AA, U.K.
| | - Alexander P. Golovanov
- Department
of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, The University of Manchester, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K.
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2
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Sučec I, Pankratova Y, Parasar M, Hong M. Transmembrane conformation of the envelope protein of an alpha coronavirus, NL63. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4923. [PMID: 38501465 PMCID: PMC10949323 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4923] [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] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
The envelope (E) proteins of coronaviruses (CoVs) form cation-conducting channels that are associated with the pathogenicity of these viruses. To date, high-resolution structural information about these viroporins is limited to the SARS-CoV E protein. To broaden our structural knowledge of other members of this family of viroporins, we now investigate the conformation of the E protein of the human coronavirus (hCoV), NL63. Using two- and three-dimensional magic-angle-spinning NMR, we have measured 13 C and 15 N chemical shifts of the transmembrane domain of E (ETM), which yielded backbone (ϕ, ψ) torsion angles. We further measured the water accessibility of NL63 ETM at neutral pH versus acidic pH in the presence of Ca2+ ions. These data show that NL63 ETM adopts a regular α-helical conformation that is unaffected by pH and the N-terminal ectodomain. Interestingly, the water accessibility of NL63 ETM increases only modestly at acidic pH in the presence of Ca2+ compared to neutral pH, in contrast to SARS ETM, which becomes much more hydrated at acidic pH. This difference suggests a structural basis for the weaker channel conductance of α-CoV compared to β-CoV E proteins. The weaker E channel activity may in turn contribute to the reduced virulence of hCoV-NL63 compared to SARS-CoV viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Sučec
- Department of ChemistryMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Yanina Pankratova
- Department of ChemistryMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Mriganka Parasar
- Department of ChemistryMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
| | - Mei Hong
- Department of ChemistryMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusettsUSA
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3
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Defant P, Regl C, Huber CG, Schubert M. The NMR signature of maltose-based glycation in full-length proteins. JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR NMR 2024; 78:61-72. [PMID: 38114873 PMCID: PMC10981599 DOI: 10.1007/s10858-023-00432-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Reducing sugars can spontaneously react with free amines in protein side chains leading to posttranslational modifications (PTMs) called glycation. In contrast to glycosylation, glycation is a non-enzymatic modification with consequences on the overall charge, solubility, aggregation susceptibility and functionality of a protein. Glycation is a critical quality attribute of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. In addition to glucose, also disaccharides like maltose can form glycation products. We present here a detailed NMR analysis of the Amadori product formed between proteins and maltose. For better comparison, data collection was done under denaturing conditions using 7 M urea-d4 in D2O. The here presented correlation patterns serve as a signature and can be used to identify maltose-based glycation in any protein that can be denatured. In addition to the model protein BSA, which can be readily glycated, we present data of the biotherapeutic abatacept containing maltose in its formulation buffer. With this contribution, we demonstrate that NMR spectroscopy is an independent method for detecting maltose-based glycation, that is suited for cross-validation with other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Defant
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christof Regl
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian G Huber
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mario Schubert
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Takustr. 3, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
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4
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Li M, Beaumont VA, Akbar S, Duncan H, Creasy A, Wang W, Sackett K, Marzilli L, Rouse JC, Kim HY. Comprehensive characterization of higher order structure changes in methionine oxidized monoclonal antibodies via NMR chemometric analysis and biophysical approaches. MAbs 2024; 16:2292688. [PMID: 38117548 PMCID: PMC10761137 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2292688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The higher order structure (HOS) of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is an important quality attribute with strong contribution to clinically relevant biological functions and drug safety. Due to the multi-faceted nature of HOS, the synergy of multiple complementary analytical approaches can substantially improve the understanding, accuracy, and resolution of HOS characterization. In this study, we applied one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometric analysis, as well as circular dichroism (CD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and fluorescence spectroscopy as orthogonal methods, to characterize the impact of methionine (Met) oxidation on the HOS of an IgG1 mAb. We used a forced degradation method involving concentration-dependent oxidation by peracetic acid, in which Met oxidation is site-specifically quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Conventional biophysical techniques report nuanced results, in which CD detects no change to the secondary structure and little change in the tertiary structure. Yet, DSC measurements show the destabilization of Fab and Fc domains due to Met oxidation. More importantly, our study demonstrates that 1D and 2D NMR and chemometric analysis can provide semi-quantitative analysis of chemical modifications and resolve localized conformational changes with high sensitivity. Furthermore, we leveraged a novel 15N-Met labeling technique of the antibody to directly observe structural perturbations at the oxidation sites. The NMR methods described here to probe HOS changes are highly reliable and practical in biopharmaceutical characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Li
- Pfizer, Inc. BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Research and Development, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Victor A. Beaumont
- Pfizer, Inc. Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecules, Analytical Research and Development, Sandwich, United Kingdom
| | - Shahajahan Akbar
- Pfizer, Inc. BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Research and Development, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Hannah Duncan
- Pfizer, Inc. BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Research and Development, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Arch Creasy
- Pfizer, Inc. BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioprocess Research and Development, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Wenge Wang
- Pfizer, Inc. BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bioprocess Research and Development, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Kelly Sackett
- Pfizer, Inc. BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Research and Development, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Marzilli
- Pfizer, Inc. BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Research and Development, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Jason C. Rouse
- Pfizer, Inc. BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Research and Development, Andover, MA, USA
| | - Hai-Young Kim
- Pfizer, Inc. BioTherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences, Analytical Research and Development, Andover, MA, USA
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5
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Smith J, Guapo F, Strasser L, Millán-Martín S, Milian SG, Snyder RO, Bones J. Development of a Rapid Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Identity Testing Platform through Comprehensive Intact Mass Analysis of Full-Length AAV Capsid Proteins. J Proteome Res 2023; 23:161-174. [PMID: 38123456 PMCID: PMC10775144 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.3c00513] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are commonly used as vectors for the delivery of gene therapy targets. Characterization of AAV capsid proteins (VPs) and their post-translational modifications (PTMs) have become a critical attribute monitored to evaluate product quality. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of intact AAV VPs provides both quick and reliable serotype identification as well as proteoform information on each VP. Incorporating these analytical strategies into rapid good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant workflows containing robust, but simplified, data processing methods is necessary to ensure effective product quality control (QC) during production. Here, we present a GMP-compliant LC-MS workflow for the rapid identification and in-depth characterization of AAVs. Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) MS with difluoroacetic acid as a mobile phase modifier is utilized to achieve the intact separation and identification of AAV VPs and their potential proteoforms. Peptide mapping is performed to confirm PTMs identified during intact VP analysis and for in-depth PTM characterization. The intact separations platform is then incorporated into a data processing workflow developed using GMP-compliant software capable of rapid AAV serotype identification and, if desired, specific serotype PTM monitoring and characterization. Such a platform provides product QC capabilities that are easily accessible in a regulatory setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Smith
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Felipe Guapo
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Lisa Strasser
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Silvia Millán-Martín
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Steven G. Milian
- Patheon
Viral Vector Services, 13859 Progress Blvd, Alachua, Florida 32615, United States
| | - Richard O. Snyder
- Patheon
Viral Vector Services, 13859 Progress Blvd, Alachua, Florida 32615, United States
| | - Jonathan Bones
- Characterisation
and Comparability Laboratory, The National
Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Dublin A94 X099, Ireland
- School
of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin D04 V1W8.F, Ireland
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6
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Moises JE, Regl C, Hinterholzer A, Huber CG, Schubert M. Unambiguous Identification of Glucose-Induced Glycation in mAbs and other Proteins by NMR Spectroscopy. Pharm Res 2023; 40:1341-1353. [PMID: 36510116 PMCID: PMC10338404 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-022-03454-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Glycation is a non-enzymatic and spontaneous post-translational modification (PTM) generated by the reaction between reducing sugars and primary amine groups within proteins. Because glycation can alter the properties of proteins, it is a critical quality attribute of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and should therefore be carefully monitored. The most abundant product of glycation is formed by glucose and lysine side chains resulting in fructoselysine after Amadori rearrangement. In proteomics, which routinely uses a combination of chromatography and mass spectrometry to analyze PTMs, there is no straight-forward way to distinguish between glycation products of a reducing monosaccharide and an additional hexose within a glycan, since both lead to a mass difference of 162 Da. METHODS To verify that the observed mass change is indeed a glycation product, we developed an approach based on 2D NMR spectroscopy spectroscopy and full-length protein samples denatured using high concentrations of deuterated urea. RESULTS The dominating β-pyranose form of the Amadori product shows a characteristic chemical shift correlation pattern in 1H-13C HSQC spectra suited to identify glucose-induced glycation. The same pattern was observed in spectra of a variety of artificially glycated proteins, including two mAbs, as well as natural proteins. CONCLUSION Based on this unique correlation pattern, 2D NMR spectroscopy can be used to unambiguously identify glucose-induced glycation in any protein of interest. We provide a robust method that is orthogonal to MS-based methods and can also be used for cross-validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Moises
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christof Regl
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Arthur Hinterholzer
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christian G Huber
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mario Schubert
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020, Salzburg, Austria.
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7
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Thakkar H, Eerla R, Sharma L, Shah RP. A rapid discriminative hydrogen-deuterium exchange and LC-HRMS/MS strategy for primary and higher order structural mapping of therapeutic proteins: a case study using filgrastim. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2023; 15:1527-1535. [PMID: 36880166 DOI: 10.1039/d2ay01788a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A vast number of therapeutic proteins are approved and available on the market. However, there are very limited analytical approaches available for the rapid determination of primary and higher-order structures which can be utilized for counterfeit identification. In the present study, filgrastim biosimilar products from different manufacturers were considered for developing discriminative orthogonal analytical techniques to determine structural variations. The developed intact mass analytical method and peptide mapping through LC-HRMS were able to differentiate three biosimilars based on deconvoluted mass and possible structural modification, respectively. Another structural attribute employed was charge heterogeneity through isoelectric focusing, which provides a snapshot of the presence of charge variants/impurities and was able to differentiate various marketed formulations of filgrastim. These three techniques can certainly differentiate the products that contain counterfeit drugs due to their capability concerning selectivity. Additionally, a unique HDX technique on LC-HRMS was developed, which can determine the labile hydrogen exposed to deuterium exchange in a specified time. HDX aids in identifying the workup process or changes in the host cell in the counterfeit product by differentiating the protein based on its higher-order structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsh Thakkar
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Opposite Air force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India.
| | - Rameswari Eerla
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Opposite Air force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India.
| | - Lokesh Sharma
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Opposite Air force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India.
| | - Ravi P Shah
- National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research-Ahmedabad, Opposite Air force Station, Palaj, Gandhinagar 382355, Gujarat, India.
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8
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Solomon TL, Delaglio F, Giddens JP, Marino JP, Yu YB, Taraban MB, Brinson RG. Correlated analytical and functional evaluation of higher order structure perturbations from oxidation of NISTmAb. MAbs 2023; 15:2160227. [PMID: 36683157 PMCID: PMC9872951 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2160227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The clinical efficacy and safety of protein-based drugs such as monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) rely on the integrity of the protein higher order structure (HOS) during product development, manufacturing, storage, and patient administration. As mAb-based drugs are becoming more prevalent in the treatment of many illnesses, the need to establish metrics for quality attributes of mAb therapeutics through high-resolution techniques is also becoming evident. To this end, here we used a forced degradation method, time-dependent oxidation by hydrogen peroxide, on the model biotherapeutic NISTmAb and evaluated the effects on HOS with orthogonal analytical methods and a functional assay. To monitor the oxidation process, the experimental workflow involved incubation of NISTmAb with hydrogen peroxide in a benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR) that followed the reaction kinetics, in real-time through the water proton transverse relaxation rate R2(1H2O). Aliquots taken at defined time points were further analyzed by high-field 2D 1H-13C methyl correlation fingerprint spectra in parallel with other analytical techniques, including thermal unfolding, size-exclusion chromatography, and surface plasmon resonance, to assess changes in stability, heterogeneity, and binding affinities. The complementary measurement outputs from the different techniques demonstrate the utility of combining NMR with other analytical tools to monitor oxidation kinetics and extract the resulting structural changes in mAbs that are functionally relevant, allowing rigorous assessment of HOS attributes relevant to the efficacy and safety of mAb-based drug products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsega L. Solomon
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - Frank Delaglio
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - John P. Giddens
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - John P. Marino
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - Yihua Bruce Yu
- Bio- and Nano-Technology Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - Marc B. Taraban
- Bio- and Nano-Technology Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, Rockville, Maryland, United States
| | - Robert G. Brinson
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology and the University of Maryland, Rockville, Maryland, United States,CONTACT Robert G. Brinson Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 9600 Gudelsky Drive Rockville, Rockville, Maryland20850, United States
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9
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Theillet FX, Luchinat E. In-cell NMR: Why and how? PROGRESS IN NUCLEAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 132-133:1-112. [PMID: 36496255 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnmrs.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
NMR spectroscopy has been applied to cells and tissues analysis since its beginnings, as early as 1950. We have attempted to gather here in a didactic fashion the broad diversity of data and ideas that emerged from NMR investigations on living cells. Covering a large proportion of the periodic table, NMR spectroscopy permits scrutiny of a great variety of atomic nuclei in all living organisms non-invasively. It has thus provided quantitative information on cellular atoms and their chemical environment, dynamics, or interactions. We will show that NMR studies have generated valuable knowledge on a vast array of cellular molecules and events, from water, salts, metabolites, cell walls, proteins, nucleic acids, drugs and drug targets, to pH, redox equilibria and chemical reactions. The characterization of such a multitude of objects at the atomic scale has thus shaped our mental representation of cellular life at multiple levels, together with major techniques like mass-spectrometry or microscopies. NMR studies on cells has accompanied the developments of MRI and metabolomics, and various subfields have flourished, coined with appealing names: fluxomics, foodomics, MRI and MRS (i.e. imaging and localized spectroscopy of living tissues, respectively), whole-cell NMR, on-cell ligand-based NMR, systems NMR, cellular structural biology, in-cell NMR… All these have not grown separately, but rather by reinforcing each other like a braided trunk. Hence, we try here to provide an analytical account of a large ensemble of intricately linked approaches, whose integration has been and will be key to their success. We present extensive overviews, firstly on the various types of information provided by NMR in a cellular environment (the "why", oriented towards a broad readership), and secondly on the employed NMR techniques and setups (the "how", where we discuss the past, current and future methods). Each subsection is constructed as a historical anthology, showing how the intrinsic properties of NMR spectroscopy and its developments structured the accessible knowledge on cellular phenomena. Using this systematic approach, we sought i) to make this review accessible to the broadest audience and ii) to highlight some early techniques that may find renewed interest. Finally, we present a brief discussion on what may be potential and desirable developments in the context of integrative studies in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois-Xavier Theillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
| | - Enrico Luchinat
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Agro-Alimentari, Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna, Piazza Goidanich 60, 47521 Cesena, Italy; CERM - Magnetic Resonance Center, and Neurofarba Department, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
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10
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NMR based quality evaluation of mAb therapeutics: A proof of concept higher order structure biosimilarity assessment of trastuzumab biosimilars. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2022; 214:114710. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2022.114710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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11
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Abstract
In-cell structural biology aims at extracting structural information about proteins or nucleic acids in their native, cellular environment. This emerging field holds great promise and is already providing new facts and outlooks of interest at both fundamental and applied levels. NMR spectroscopy has important contributions on this stage: It brings information on a broad variety of nuclei at the atomic scale, which ensures its great versatility and uniqueness. Here, we detail the methods, the fundamental knowledge, and the applications in biomedical engineering related to in-cell structural biology by NMR. We finally propose a brief overview of the main other techniques in the field (EPR, smFRET, cryo-ET, etc.) to draw some advisable developments for in-cell NMR. In the era of large-scale screenings and deep learning, both accurate and qualitative experimental evidence are as essential as ever to understand the interior life of cells. In-cell structural biology by NMR spectroscopy can generate such a knowledge, and it does so at the atomic scale. This review is meant to deliver comprehensive but accessible information, with advanced technical details and reflections on the methods, the nature of the results, and the future of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francois-Xavier Theillet
- Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), 91198 Gif-sur-Yvette, France
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12
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Nupur N, Joshi S, Gulliarme D, Rathore AS. Analytical Similarity Assessment of Biosimilars: Global Regulatory Landscape, Recent Studies and Major Advancements in Orthogonal Platforms. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:832059. [PMID: 35223794 PMCID: PMC8865741 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.832059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Biopharmaceuticals are one of the fastest-growing sectors in the biotechnology industry. Within the umbrella of biopharmaceuticals, the biosimilar segment is expanding with currently over 200 approved biosimilars, globally. The key step towards achieving a successful biosimilar approval is to establish analytical and clinical biosimilarity with the innovator. The objective of an analytical biosimilarity study is to demonstrate a highly similar profile with respect to variations in critical quality attributes (CQAs) of the biosimilar product, and these variations must lie within the range set by the innovator. This comprises a detailed comparative structural and functional characterization using appropriate, validated analytical methods to fingerprint the molecule and helps reduce the economic burden towards regulatory requirement of extensive preclinical/clinical similarity data, thus making biotechnological drugs more affordable. In the last decade, biosimilar manufacturing and associated regulations have become more established, leading to numerous approvals. Biosimilarity assessment exercises conducted towards approval are also published more frequently in the public domain. Consequently, some technical advancements in analytical sciences have also percolated to applications in analytical biosimilarity assessment. Keeping this in mind, this review aims at providing a holistic view of progresses in biosimilar analysis and approval. In this review, we have summarized the major developments in the global regulatory landscape with respect to biosimilar approvals and also catalogued biosimilarity assessment studies for recombinant DNA products available in the public domain. We have also covered recent advancements in analytical methods, orthogonal techniques, and platforms for biosimilar characterization, since 2015. The review specifically aims to serve as a comprehensive catalog for published biosimilarity assessment studies with details on analytical platform used and critical quality attributes (CQAs) covered for multiple biotherapeutic products. Through this compilation, the emergent evolution of techniques with respect to each CQA has also been charted and discussed. Lastly, the information resource of published biosimilarity assessment studies, created during literature search is anticipated to serve as a helpful reference for biopharmaceutical scientists and biosimilar developers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neh Nupur
- Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Srishti Joshi
- Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
| | - Davy Gulliarme
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland (ISPSO), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anurag S. Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, India
- *Correspondence: Anurag S. Rathore,
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13
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Hinterholzer A, Moises J, Regl C, Schwap S, Rapp E, Huber CG, Schubert M. Unambiguous identification of α-Gal epitopes in intact monoclonal antibodies by NMR spectroscopy. MAbs 2022; 14:2132977. [PMID: 36239533 PMCID: PMC9578466 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2132977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The α-Gal epitope consisting of the terminal trisaccharide Galα1,3Galβ1,4GlcNAc exposed on cell or protein surfaces can cause severe immune reactions, such as hypersensitivity reactions, in humans. This epitope is also called the xenotransplantation epitope because it is one of the main reasons for the rejection of non-human organ transplants by the human innate immune response. Recombinant therapeutic proteins expressed in murine cell lines may contain α-Gal epitopes, and therefore their absence or presence needs to be tightly monitored to minimize any undesired adverse effects. The analytical identification of α-Gal epitopes in glycoproteins using the common standard techniques based on liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry is challenging, mainly due to the isobaricity of hexose stereoisomers. Here, we present a straightforward NMR approach to detect the presence of α-Gal in biotherapeutics based on a quick screen with sensitive 1H-1H TOCSY spectra followed by a confirmation using 1H-13C HSQC spectra.Abbreviations: α-Gal: α1,3-linked galactose; AGC: automatic gain control; CHO: Chinese hamster ovary; CE: capillary electrophoreses coupled to mass spectrometry; COSY: correlation spectroscopy; DSS: 2,2-dimethyl-2-silapentane-5-sulfonate; DTT: dithiothreitol; GlcNAc: N-acetyl glusomamine; HCD: higher-energy collisional dissociation; HMBC: heteronuclear multiple-bond correlation; HPLC: high-performance liquid chromatography; HSQC: heteronuclear single-quantum corre; LacNAc: N-acetyl lactosamine; mAb: monoclonal antibody; MS: mass spectrometry; NMR: nuclear magnetic resonance; NOESY: 2D) nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy; PEG: polyethylenglycol; pH*: observed pH meter reading without correction for isotope effects; PTM: post-translational modification; TCEP: tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride; TOCSY: total correlation spectroscopy; xCGE-LIF: multiplex capillary gel electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Hinterholzer
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria,Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jennifer Moises
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Christof Regl
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria,Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sebastian Schwap
- Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria,Bundesrealgymnasium Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Erdmann Rapp
- glyXera GmbH, Brenneckestraße, Magdeburg, Germany,Max Planck Institute for Dynamics of Complex Technical Systems, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christian G. Huber
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria,Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mario Schubert
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Innovative Tools for Biosimilar Characterization, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria,Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria,CONTACT Mario Schubert Department of Biosciences and Medical Biology,University of Salzburg, Hellbrunnerstrasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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14
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Hipper E, Blech M, Hinderberger D, Garidel P, Kaiser W. Photo-Oxidation of Therapeutic Protein Formulations: From Radical Formation to Analytical Techniques. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:72. [PMID: 35056968 PMCID: PMC8779573 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
UV and ambient light-induced modifications and related degradation of therapeutic proteins are observed during manufacturing and storage. Therefore, to ensure product quality, protein formulations need to be analyzed with respect to photo-degradation processes and eventually protected from light exposure. This task usually demands the application and combination of various analytical methods. This review addresses analytical aspects of investigating photo-oxidation products and related mediators such as reactive oxygen species generated via UV and ambient light with well-established and novel techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Hipper
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (E.H.); (D.H.)
| | - Michaela Blech
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Dariush Hinderberger
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (E.H.); (D.H.)
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Kaiser
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
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15
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Daley EJ, Khatri A, Dean T, Vilardaga JP, Zaidi SA, Katritch V, Gardella TJ. Ligand-Dependent Effects of Methionine-8 Oxidation in Parathyroid Hormone Peptide Analogues. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6006902. [PMID: 33242090 PMCID: PMC7774776 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
LA-PTH is a long-acting parathyroid hormone (PTH) peptide analogue in preclinical development for hypoparathyroidism (HP). Like native PTH, LA-PTH contains a methionine at position 8 (Met8) that is predicted to be critical for function. We assessed the impact of Met oxidation on the functional properties of LA-PTH and control PTH ligands. Oxidation of PTH(1-34) resulted in marked (~20-fold) reductions in binding affinity on the PTH receptor-1 (PTHR1) in cell membranes, similarly diminished potency for 3',5'-cyclic AMP signaling in osteoblastic cell lines (SaOS-2 and UMR106), and impaired efficacy for raising blood calcium in mice. Surprisingly, oxidation of LA-PTH resulted in little or no change in these functional responses. The signaling potency of oxidized-LA-PTH was, however, reduced approximately 40-fold compared to LA-PTH in cells expressing a PTHR1 construct that lacks the N-terminal extracellular domain (ECD). Molecular modeling revealed that while Met8 of both LA-PTH and PTH(1-34) is situated within the orthosteric ligand-binding pocket of the receptor's transmembrane domain bundle (TMD), the Met8 sidechain position is shifted for the 2 ligands so that on Met8 oxidation of PTH(1-34), steric clashes occur that are not seen with oxidized LA-PTH. The findings suggest that LA-PTH and PTH(1-34) engage the receptor differently in the Met8-interaction environment of the TMD bundle, and that this interaction environment can be allosterically influenced by the ECD component of the ligand-receptor complex. The findings should be useful for the future development of novel PTH-based peptide therapeutics for diseases of bone and mineral ion metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen J Daley
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ashok Khatri
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Thomas Dean
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Vilardaga
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, Laboratory for GPCR Biology, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Saheem A Zaidi
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Thomas J Gardella
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Correspondence: Thomas J. Gardella, PhD, Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Blossom St, Thier 10, Boston, MA 02474, USA.
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16
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Maffei ME. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP): Natural Occurrence, Analysis, Biosynthesis, Biotechnology, Physiology and Toxicology. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:E181. [PMID: 33375373 PMCID: PMC7796270 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is both a drug and a natural component of some dietary supplements. 5-HTP is produced from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), which is present in two isoforms (TPH1 and TPH2). Decarboxylation of 5-HTP yields serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) that is further transformed to melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine). 5-HTP plays a major role both in neurologic and metabolic diseases and its synthesis from tryptophan represents the limiting step in serotonin and melatonin biosynthesis. In this review, after an look at the main natural sources of 5-HTP, the chemical analysis and synthesis, biosynthesis and microbial production of 5-HTP by molecular engineering will be described. The physiological effects of 5-HTP are discussed in both animal studies and human clinical trials. The physiological role of 5-HTP in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, sleep disorders, obesity, myoclonus and serotonin syndrome are also discussed. 5-HTP toxicity and the occurrence of toxic impurities present in tryptophan and 5-HTP preparations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo E Maffei
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Via Quarello 15/a, 10135 Turin, Italy
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17
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Zhuo Y, Keire DA, Chen K. Minor N-Glycan Mapping of Monoclonal Antibody Therapeutics Using Middle-Down NMR Spectroscopy. Mol Pharm 2020; 18:441-450. [PMID: 33305950 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The N-glycosylation pattern of Asn-297 may have impacts on monoclonal antibody (mAb) drug plasma clearance, antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). Notably, the changes in the relative abundance of certain minor glycans, like the afucosylation, high-mannose, or galactosylation are known to change mAb properties and functions. Here, a middle-down NMR spectroscopy based analytical procedure was applied to assess the composition and structure of glycans on adalimumab and trastuzumab without glycan cleavage from the mAbs. The anomeric 2D 1H-13C spectra showed distinct patterns that could be used to profile and differentiate mAb glycan compositions. Specifically, the anomeric C1/H1 resonances from N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc2 and -5) and mannose (Man4) were identified as characteristic peaks for key glycan anomeric linkages and branching states. They were also utilized for measuring the relative abundance of minor glycans of total afucosylation (aFuc%), high mannose (HM%), and branch specific galactosylation (Gal1-3% and Gal1-6%). The obtained total aFuc% value of 11-12% was similar between the two mAbs; however, trastuzumab had significantly lower level of high mannose and a higher level of galactosylation than adalimumab. Overall, the 2D-NMR measurements provided functionally relevant mAb glycan composition and structure information. The method was deemed fit-for-purpose for assessment of these mAb quality attributes and involved fewer chemical preparation steps than the classical approaches that cleave glycans prior to making measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Zhuo
- Division of Complex Drug Analysis, Office of Testing and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland 20993, United States
| | - David A Keire
- Office of Testing and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, United States
| | - Kang Chen
- Division of Complex Drug Analysis, Office of Testing and Research, Office of Pharmaceutical Quality, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland 20993, United States
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