1
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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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2
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Lv JY, Ingle RG, Wu H, Liu C, Fang WJ. Histidine as a versatile excipient in the protein-based biopharmaceutical formulations. Int J Pharm 2024; 662:124472. [PMID: 39013532 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124472] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024]
Abstract
Adequate stabilization is essential for marketed protein-based biopharmaceutical formulations to withstand the various stresses that can be exerted during the pre- and post-manufacturing processes. Therefore, a suitable choice of excipient is a significant step in the manufacturing of such delicate products. Histidine, an essential amino acid, has been extensively used in protein-based biopharmaceutical formulations. The physicochemical properties of histidine are unique among amino acids and could afford multifaceted benefits to protein-based biopharmaceutical formulations. With a pKa of approximately 6.0 at the side chain, histidine has been primarily used as a buffering agent, especially for pH 5.5-6.5. Additionally, histidine exhibited several affirmative properties similar to those of carbohydrates (e.g., sucrose and trehalose) and could therefore be considered to be an alternative approach to established protein-based formulation strategies. The current review describes the general physicochemical properties of histidine, lists all commercial histidine-containing protein-based biopharmaceutical products, and discusses a brief outline of the existing research focused on the versatile applications of histidine, which can act as a buffering agent, stabilizer, cryo-/lyo-protectant, antioxidant, viscosity reducer, and solubilizing agent. The interaction between histidine and proteins in protein-based biopharmaceutical formulations, such as the Donnan effect during diafiltration of monoclonal antibody solutions and the degradation of polysorbates in histidine buffer, has also been discussed. As the first review of histidine in protein biopharmaceuticals, it helps to deepen our understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with histidine as an excipient for protein-based biopharmaceutical formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Yi Lv
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Taizhou Institute of Zhejiang University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, 4221 Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Rahul G Ingle
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Datta Meghe College of Pharmacy, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education & Research (Deemed to University), Sawangi, Wardha, India
| | - Hao Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Cuihua Liu
- Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510530, China
| | - Wei-Jie Fang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Taizhou Institute of Zhejiang University, Taizhou, Zhejiang 317000, China; Innovation Center of Translational Pharmacy, Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, 321000, China; Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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3
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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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4
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Prašnikar M, Proj M, Bjelošević Žiberna M, Lebar B, Knez B, Kržišnik N, Roškar R, Gobec S, Grabnar I, Žula A, Ahlin Grabnar P. The search for novel proline analogs for viscosity reduction and stabilization of highly concentrated monoclonal antibody solutions. Int J Pharm 2024; 655:124055. [PMID: 38554741 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124055] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Administration of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is currently focused on subcutaneous injection associated with increased patient adherence and reduced treatment cost, leading to sustainable healthcare. The main bottleneck is low volume that can be injected, requiring highly concentrated mAb solutions. The latter results in increased solution viscosity with pronounced mAb aggregation propensity because of intensive protein-protein interactions. Small molecule excipients have been proposed to restrict the protein-protein interactions, contributing to reduced viscosity. The aim of the study was to discover novel compounds that reduce the viscosity of highly concentrated mAb solution. First, the chemical space of proline analogs was explored and 35 compounds were determined. Viscosity measurements revealed that 18 proline analogs reduced the mAb solution viscosity similar to or more than proline. The compounds forming both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions with mAb reduced the viscosity of the formulation more efficiently without detrimentally effecting mAb physical stability. A correlation between the level of interaction and viscosity-reducing effect was confirmed with molecular dynamic simulations. Structure rigidity of the compounds and aromaticity contributed to their viscosity-reducing effect, dependent on molecule size. The study results highlight the novel proline analogs as an effective approach in viscosity reduction in development of biopharmaceuticals for subcutaneous administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Prašnikar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Matic Proj
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Blaž Lebar
- Biologics Drug Product, Technical Research and Development, Global Drug Development, Novartis, Slovenia
| | - Benjamin Knez
- Biologics Drug Product, Technical Research and Development, Global Drug Development, Novartis, Slovenia
| | - Nika Kržišnik
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Roškar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Stanislav Gobec
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iztok Grabnar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aleš Žula
- Biologics Drug Product, Technical Research and Development, Global Drug Development, Novartis, Slovenia
| | - Pegi Ahlin Grabnar
- University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Pharmacy, Aškerčeva cesta 7, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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5
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Tian Z, Jiang X, Chen Z, Huang C, Qian F. Quantifying Protein Shape to Elucidate Its Influence on Solution Viscosity in High-Concentration Electrolyte Solutions. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1719-1728. [PMID: 38411904 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01075] [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: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins with a high concentration and low viscosity are highly desirable for subcutaneous and certain local injections. The shape of a protein is known to influence solution viscosity; however, the precise quantification of protein shape and its relative impact compared to other factors like charge-charge interactions remains unclear. In this study, we utilized seven model proteins of varying shapes and experimentally determined their shape factors (v) based on Einstein's viscosity theory, which correlate strongly with the ratios of the proteins' surface area to the 2/3 power of their respective volumes, based on protein crystal structures resolved experimentally or predicted by AlphaFold. This finding confirms the feasibility of computationally estimating protein shape factors from amino acid sequences alone. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that, in high-concentration electrolyte solutions, a more spherical protein shape increases the protein's critical concentration (C*), the transition concentration beyond which protein viscosity increases exponentially relative to concentration increases. In summary, our work elucidates protein shape as a key determinant of solution viscosity through quantitative analysis and comparison with other contributing factors. This provides insights into molecular engineering strategies to optimize the molecular design of therapeutic proteins, thus optimizing their viscosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Xuling Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Zhidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Chengnan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
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6
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Huang C, Wang Y, Huang J, Liu H, Chen Z, Jiang Y, Chen Y, Qian F. A bioengineered anti-VEGF protein with high affinity and high concentration for intravitreal treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10632. [PMID: 38435828 PMCID: PMC10905556 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Intravitreal (IVT) injection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) has greatly improved the treatment of many retinal disorders, including wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD), which is the third leading cause of blindness. However, frequent injections can be difficult for patients and may lead to various risks such as elevated intraocular pressure, infection, and retinal detachment. To address this issue, researchers have found that IVT injection of anti-VEGF proteins at their maximally viable concentration and dose can be an effective strategy. However, the intrinsic protein structure can limit the maximum concentration due to stability and solution viscosity. To overcome this challenge, we developed a novel anti-VEGF protein called nanoFc by fusing anti-VEGF nanobodies with a crystallizable fragment (Fc). NanoFc has demonstrated high binding affinity to VEGF165 through multivalency and potent bioactivity in various bioassays. Furthermore, nanoFc maintains satisfactory chemical and physical stability at 4°C over 1 month and is easily injectable at concentrations up to 200 mg/mL due to its unique architecture that yields a smaller shape factor. The design of nanoFc offers a bioengineering strategy to ensure both strong anti-VEGF binding affinity and high protein concentration, with the goal of reducing the frequency of IV injections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengnan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Tsinghua UniversityBeijingPeople's Republic of China
- Present address:
Department of AnesthesiaUniversity of California at San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Yuelin Wang
- Department of OphthalmologyPeking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingPeople's Republic of China
- Key Lab of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jinliang Huang
- Quaerite Biopharm ResearchBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Huiqin Liu
- Quaerite Biopharm ResearchBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Zhidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Tsinghua UniversityBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Yang Jiang
- Department of OphthalmologyPeking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingPeople's Republic of China
- Key Lab of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Youxin Chen
- Department of OphthalmologyPeking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingPeople's Republic of China
- Key Lab of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijingPeople's Republic of China
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education)Tsinghua UniversityBeijingPeople's Republic of China
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7
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Lapenna A, Dagallier C, Huille S, Tribet C. Poly(glutamic acid)-Based Viscosity Reducers for Concentrated Formulations of a Monoclonal IgG Antibody. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:982-991. [PMID: 38240032 PMCID: PMC10849046 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c01159] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Above a concentration threshold, the viscosity of solutions of proteins increases abruptly, which hampers the injectability of therapeutic formulations. Concentrations above 200 g/L are an ideal goal for subcutaneous application of antibodies. Molecular additives, such as amino acids (e.g., arginine) help decrease the viscosity, but they are used at concentrations as high as about 200 mmol/L. We addressed the question of whether poly(amino acids) could be more efficient than small molecular additives. We observed marked fluidification of a model therapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) solution by poly(d,l-glutamic acid) and poly(l-glutamic acid) derivatives added at concentrations of <6.5 g/L (i.e., a mAb/polymer chain molar ratio between 4:1 and 1:1 mol/mol). The bare poly(glutamate) parent chains were compared with polyethylene glycol-grafted chains as PEGylation is a common way to enhance stability. Viscosity could be decreased to ∼20 mPa s as compared to values of ∼100 mPa s in the absence of polymers at 200 g/L mAb. Formation of complexes between the mAb and the polyglutamates was characterized by capillary electrophoresis analysis in dilute solutions (1 g/L mAb) and by observation of phase separation at higher concentrations, suggesting tight association at about 2:1 mol/mol mAb/polymer. Altogether, these results show that polyglutamate derivatives hold an untapped potential as an excipient for fluidification of concentrated protein solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Lapenna
- Département
de Chimie, PASTEUR, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Paris 75005, France
| | - Camille Dagallier
- Biologics
Formulation & Process Development, Biologics
Drug Product Development Department, SANOFI R&D, 13 quai Jules Guesde- BP 14, Vitry-sur-Seine 94403, France
| | - Sylvain Huille
- Biologics
Formulation & Process Development, Biologics
Drug Product Development Department, SANOFI R&D, 13 quai Jules Guesde- BP 14, Vitry-sur-Seine 94403, France
| | - Christophe Tribet
- Département
de Chimie, PASTEUR, École Normale Supérieure, PSL University, Sorbonne Université, CNRS, Paris 75005, France
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8
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Floyd JA, Gillespie AJ, Nightlinger NS, Siska C, Kerwin BA. The Development of a Novel Aflibercept Formulation for Ocular Delivery. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:366-376. [PMID: 38042344 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Aflibercept is a recombinant fusion protein that is commercially available for several ocular diseases impacting millions of people worldwide. Here, we use a case study approach to examine alternative liquid formulations for aflibercept for ocular delivery, utilizing different stabilizers, buffering agents, and surfactants with the goal of improving the thermostability to allow for limited storage outside the cold chain. The formulations were developed by studying the effects of pH changes, substituting amino acids for sucrose and salt, and using polysorbate 80 or poloxamer 188 instead of polysorbate 20. A formulation containing acetate, proline, and poloxamer 188 had lower rates of aggregate formation at 4, 30, and 40°C when compared to the marketed commercial formulation containing phosphate, sucrose, sodium chloride, and polysorbate 20. Further studies examining subvisible particles after exposure to a transport stress and long-term stability at 4°C, post-translational modifications by multi-attribute method, purity by reduced and non-reduced capillary electrophoresis, and potency by cell proliferation also demonstrated a comparable or improved stability for the enhanced formulation of acetate, proline, and poloxamer 188. This enhanced stability could enable limited storage outside of the cold chain, allowing for easier distribution in low to middle income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Alaina Floyd
- Just- Evotec Biologics, 401 Terry Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
| | | | | | - Christine Siska
- Just- Evotec Biologics, 401 Terry Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Bruce A Kerwin
- Just- Evotec Biologics, 401 Terry Ave N., Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
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9
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Pang MJ, Wang MW, Mao LF, Guo Z, Qian C, Zheng XH, Fang WJ. The Osmolality and Hemolysis of High-Concentration Monoclonal Antibody Formulations. Pharm Res 2024; 41:281-291. [PMID: 38172366 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-023-03650-6] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSES Highly concentrated monoclonal antibody (mAb) formulations for subcutaneous administration are becoming increasingly preferred within the biopharmaceutical industry for ease of use and improved patient compliance. A common phenomenon observed in the industry is that osmolality detected via freezing-point depression (FPD) in high-concentration mAb formulations is much higher than the theoretical concentrations, yet the occurrence of this phenomenon and its possible safety issues have been rarely reported. METHODS The current study summarized theoretical osmolality of U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved high-concentration mAb formulations and evaluated effects of high osmolality on safety using hemolysis experiments for the first time. Two mAbs formulated at 150 mg/mL were used as models and configured into two isotonic solutions: a, a theoretically calculated molarity in the isotonic range (H) and b, an osmolality value measured via the FPD in the isotonic range (I). The H and I formulations of each mAb were individually subjected to hemolysis experiments, and the hemolysis rates of the two formulations of the same mAb were compared. Besides, the effect of mAb concentration on osmolality detected by FPD was explored as well. RESULTS The results indicated that the hemolysis rates were similar between the H and I formulations of mAbs at the same sample addition volume, and the osmolality values increased approximately linearly with the increase in mAb concentration. CONCLUSIONS High osmolality for high-concentration mAb formulations would not affect product safety and the excipients could be added at relatively high levels to maintain product stability, especially for labile products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Juan Pang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Meng-Wen Wang
- Zhejiang Bioray Biopharmaceutical Co., Taizhou, 317000, China
| | - Li-Fei Mao
- Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Co., Taizhou, 317000, China
| | - Ze Guo
- Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Co., Taizhou, 317000, China
| | - Ci Qian
- Zhejiang Bioray Biopharmaceutical Co., Taizhou, 317000, China
| | - Xiao-He Zheng
- Zhejiang Hisun Pharmaceutical Co., Taizhou, 317000, China
| | - Wei-Jie Fang
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
- Innovation Center of Translational Pharmacy, Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, 321000, China.
- Taizhou Institute of Zhejiang University, Taizhou, 317000, China.
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10
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Sutliff BP, Farrell C, Martin SM, Bortner MJ. Flow induced attrition of cellulose nanocrystals. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 321:121252. [PMID: 37739516 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121252] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
To study the potential impacts of shear stress on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), a microcapillary rheometer was employed to repeatedly shear approximately 10 mL of 6 wt% aqueous CNC suspension at 25 °C and rates ranging from 1,000 s-1 to 501,000 s-1. A 9 wt% CNC suspension was also tested at 316,000 s-1 for comparison of concentration effects on the behavior of the suspensions. After monitoring viscosity for 25 steady shear measurements, the suspensions processed at 1,000 s-1 decreased in viscosity by approximately 20 %. Higher shear rates produced smaller changes in viscosity, while increasing the concentration produced higher general viscosities. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) probed physical changes between the neat and sheared CNC samples. AFM images showed up to a 24 % reduction in length after shearing, but an insignificant reduction in cross-section. XRD showed a slight increase in the ratio of amorphous to crystalline fractions of the CNCs. Additionally, conductometric titration showed insignificant differences between neat and sheared samples. These findings suggest that viscosity changes in CNC suspensions during steady shear flow arise from physical fracturing of the CNCs perpendicular to their length, and not significantly from chemical degradation or reduction in residual amorphous content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley P Sutliff
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Connor Farrell
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Stephen M Martin
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Michael J Bortner
- Macromolecules Innovation Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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11
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Vitharana S, Stillahn JM, Katayama DS, Henry CS, Manning MC. Application of Formulation Principles to Stability Issues Encountered During Processing, Manufacturing, and Storage of Drug Substance and Drug Product Protein Therapeutics. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:2724-2751. [PMID: 37572779 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.08.003] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The field of formulation and stabilization of protein therapeutics has become rather extensive. However, most of the focus has been on stabilization of the final drug product. Yet, proteins experience stress and degradation through the manufacturing process, starting with fermentaition. This review describes how formulation principles can be applied to stabilize biopharmaceutical proteins during bioprocessing and manufacturing, considering each unit operation involved in prepration of the drug substance. In addition, the impact of the container on stabilty is discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua M Stillahn
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO 80534, USA; Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | | | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mark Cornell Manning
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO 80534, USA; Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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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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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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14
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Kulakova A, Augustijn D, El Bialy I, Gentiluomo L, Greco ML, Hervø-Hansen S, Indrakumar S, Mahapatra S, Martinez Morales M, Pohl C, Polimeni M, Roche A, Svilenov HL, Tosstorff A, Zalar M, Curtis R, Derrick JP, Frieß W, Golovanov AP, Lund M, Nørgaard A, Khan TA, Peters GHJ, Pluen A, Roessner D, Streicher WW, van der Walle CF, Warwicker J, Uddin S, Winter G, Bukrinski JT, Rinnan Å, Harris P. Chemometrics in Protein Formulation: Stability Governed by Repulsion and Protein Unfolding. Mol Pharm 2023. [PMID: 37146162 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00013] [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: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins can be challenging to develop due to their complexity and the requirement of an acceptable formulation to ensure patient safety and efficacy. To date, there is no universal formulation development strategy that can identify optimal formulation conditions for all types of proteins in a fast and reliable manner. In this work, high-throughput characterization, employing a toolbox of five techniques, was performed on 14 structurally different proteins formulated in 6 different buffer conditions and in the presence of 4 different excipients. Multivariate data analysis and chemometrics were used to analyze the data in an unbiased way. First, observed changes in stability were primarily determined by the individual protein. Second, pH and ionic strength are the two most important factors determining the physical stability of proteins, where there exists a significant statistical interaction between protein and pH/ionic strength. Additionally, we developed prediction methods by partial least-squares regression. Colloidal stability indicators are important for prediction of real-time stability, while conformational stability indicators are important for prediction of stability under accelerated stress conditions at 40 °C. In order to predict real-time storage stability, protein-protein repulsion and the initial monomer fraction are the most important properties to monitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Kulakova
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, Kongens, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Dillen Augustijn
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, Frederiksberg 1958, Denmark
| | - Inas El Bialy
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Lorenzo Gentiluomo
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
- Wyatt Technology Europe GmbH, Hochstrasse 18, Dernbach 56307, Germany
| | - Maria Laura Greco
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Stefan Hervø-Hansen
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, Lund 22100, Sweden
| | - Sowmya Indrakumar
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, Kongens, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | | | - Marcello Martinez Morales
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Christin Pohl
- Novozymes A/S, Krogshoejvej 36, Bagsvaerd 2880, Denmark
| | - Marco Polimeni
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, Lund 22100, Sweden
| | - Aisling Roche
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Hristo L Svilenov
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Andreas Tosstorff
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Matja Zalar
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Robin Curtis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester M1 7DN, U.K
| | - Jeremy P Derrick
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Wolfgang Frieß
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | - Alexander P Golovanov
- Department of Chemistry, School of Natural Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Mikael Lund
- Division of Theoretical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, P.O. Box 124, Lund 22100, Sweden
| | | | - Tarik A Khan
- Pharmaceutical Development & Supplies, Pharma Technical Development Biologics Europe, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Grenzacherstrasse 124, Basel 4070, Switzerland
| | - Günther H J Peters
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, Kongens, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Alain Pluen
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, U.K
| | - Dierk Roessner
- Wyatt Technology Europe GmbH, Hochstrasse 18, Dernbach 56307, Germany
| | | | - Christopher F van der Walle
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Jim Warwicker
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Shahid Uddin
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Sir Aaron Klug Building, Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH, U.K
| | - Gerhard Winter
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet Muenchen, Butenandtstrasse 5, Munich 81377, Germany
| | | | - Åsmund Rinnan
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, Frederiksberg 1958, Denmark
| | - Pernille Harris
- Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, Kemitorvet 207, Kongens, Lyngby 2800, Denmark
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15
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Reichsöllner R, Heher P, Hartmann J, Manhartseder S, Singh R, Gulle H, Slezak P. A comparative high-resolution physicochemical analysis of commercially available fibrin sealants: Impact of sealant osmolality on biological performance. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:488-501. [PMID: 36355631 PMCID: PMC10099741 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37466] [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: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Fibrin sealants are well-established components of the surgical toolbox, especially in procedures that harbor a high risk of perioperative bleeding. Their widespread use as hemostats, sealants or tissue-adhesives in various surgical settings has shown that the choice of the appropriate sealant system affects the clinical outcome. While many studies have compared the hemostatic efficiency of fibrin sealants to that of other natural or synthetic sealants, there is still limited data on how subtle differences in fibrin sealant formulations relate to their biological performance. Here, we performed an in-depth physicochemical and biological characterization of the two most commonly used fibrin sealants in the US and Europe: TISSEEL™ ("FS") and VISTASEAL™/VERASEAL™ ("FS+Osm"). Our chemical analyses demonstrated differences between the two sealants, with lower fibrinogen concentrations and supraphysiological osmolality in the FS+Osm formulation. Rheological testing revealed FS clots have greater clot stiffness, which strongly correlated with network density. Ultrastructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy revealed differences between FS and FS+Osm fibrin networks, the latter characterized by a largely amorphous hydrogel structure in contrast to the physiological fibrillar network of FS. Cytocompatibility experiments with human fibroblasts seeded on FS and FS+Osm fibrin networks, or cultured in presence of sealant extracts, revealed that FS+Osm induced apoptosis, which was not observed with FS. Although differential sealant osmolality and amounts of fibrinogen, as well as the presence of Factor XIII or additives such as antifibrinolytics, may explain the mechanical and structural differences observed between the two fibrin sealants, none of these substances are known to cause apoptosis at the respective concentrations in the sealant formulation. We thus conclude that hyper osmolality in the FS+Osm formulation is the primary trigger of apoptosis-a mechanism that should be evaluated in more detail, as it may affect the cellular wound healing response in situ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffael Reichsöllner
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Heher
- Randall Centre for Cell and Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jaana Hartmann
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Manhartseder
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rahul Singh
- Baxter International Inc., Deerfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Heinz Gulle
- Baxter International Inc., Deerfield, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul Slezak
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Traumatology, The Research Center in Cooperation with AUVA, Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration, Vienna, Austria
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16
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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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17
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Ghosh I, Gutka H, Krause ME, Clemens R, Kashi RS. A systematic review of commercial high concentration antibody drug products approved in the US: formulation composition, dosage form design and primary packaging considerations. MAbs 2023; 15:2205540. [PMID: 37243580 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2205540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Three critical aspects that define high concentration antibody products (HCAPs) are as follows: 1) formulation composition, 2) dosage form, and 3) primary packaging configuration. HCAPs have become successful in the therapeutic sector due to their unique advantage of allowing subcutaneous self-administration. Technical challenges, such as physical and chemical instability, viscosity, delivery volume limitations, and product immunogenicity, can hinder successful development and commercialization of HCAPs. Such challenges can be overcome by robust formulation and process development strategies, as well as rational selection of excipients and packaging components. We compiled and analyzed data from US Food and Drug Administration-approved and marketed HCAPs that are ≥100 mg/mL to identify trends in formulation composition and quality target product profile. This review presents our findings and discusses novel formulation and processing technologies that enable the development of improved HCAPs at ≥200 mg/mL. The observed trends can be used as a guide for further advancements in the development of HCAPs as more complex antibody-based modalities enter biologics product development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrajit Ghosh
- Sterile Product Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Hiten Gutka
- Sterile Product Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Mary E Krause
- Sterile Product Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Ryan Clemens
- College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Ramesh S Kashi
- Sterile Product Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, NJ, USA
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18
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Sebek J, Park WKC, Geimer S, Van Citters DW, Farah A, Dupuy DE, Meaney PM, Prakash P. Computational modeling of microwave ablation with thermal accelerants. Int J Hyperthermia 2023; 40:2255755. [PMID: 37710404 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2023.2255755] [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: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To develop a computational model of microwave ablation (MWA) with a thermal accelerant gel and apply the model toward interpreting experimental observations in ex vivo bovine and in vivo porcine liver. METHODS A 3D coupled electromagnetic-heat transfer model was implemented to characterize thermal profiles within ex vivo bovine and in vivo porcine liver tissue during MWA with the HeatSYNC thermal accelerant. Measured temperature dependent dielectric and thermal properties of the HeatSYNC gel were applied within the model. Simulated extents of MWA zones and transient temperature profiles were compared against experimental measurements in ex vivo bovine liver. Model predictions of thermal profiles under in vivo conditions in porcine liver were used to analyze thermal ablations observed in prior experiments in porcine liver in vivo. RESULTS Measured electrical conductivity of the HeatSYNC gel was ∼83% higher compared to liver at room temperature, with positive linear temperature dependency, indicating increased microwave absorption within HeatSYNC gel compared to tissue. In ex vivo bovine liver, model predicted ablation zone extents of (31.5 × 36) mm with the HeatSYNC, compared to (32.9 ± 2.6 × 40.2 ± 2.3) mm in experiments (volume differences 4 ± 4.1 cm3). Computational models under in vivo conditions in porcine liver suggest approximating the HeatSYNC gel spreading within liver tissue during ablations as a plausible explanation for larger ablation zones observed in prior in vivo studies. CONCLUSION Computational models of MWA with thermal accelerants provide insight into the impact of accelerant on MWA, and with further development, could predict ablations with a variety of gel injection sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Sebek
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
| | | | - Shireen Geimer
- Expeditionary School at Black River, Ludlow, Vermont, USA
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | | | | | | | - Paul M Meaney
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Punit Prakash
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
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19
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Mieczkowski C, Zhang X, Lee D, Nguyen K, Lv W, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Way J, Gries JM. Blueprint for antibody biologics developability. MAbs 2023; 15:2185924. [PMID: 36880643 PMCID: PMC10012935 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2185924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-molecule antibody biologics have revolutionized medicine owing to their superior target specificity, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, safety and toxicity profiles, and amenability to versatile engineering. In this review, we focus on preclinical antibody developability, including its definition, scope, and key activities from hit to lead optimization and selection. This includes generation, computational and in silico approaches, molecular engineering, production, analytical and biophysical characterization, stability and forced degradation studies, and process and formulation assessments. More recently, it is apparent these activities not only affect lead selection and manufacturability, but ultimately correlate with clinical progression and success. Emerging developability workflows and strategies are explored as part of a blueprint for developability success that includes an overview of the four major molecular properties that affect all developability outcomes: 1) conformational, 2) chemical, 3) colloidal, and 4) other interactions. We also examine risk assessment and mitigation strategies that increase the likelihood of success for moving the right candidate into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mieczkowski
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Xuejin Zhang
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Dana Lee
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Khanh Nguyen
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Wei Lv
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Jackie Way
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Gries
- President, Discovery Research, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
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20
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Yang D, Walker LM. Synergistic Effects of Multiple Excipients on Controlling Viscosity of Concentrated Protein Dispersions. J Pharm Sci 2022; 112:1379-1387. [PMID: 36539064 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Viscosity control is essential for the manufacturing and delivery of concentrated therapeutic proteins. Limited availability of the precious protein-based drugs hinders the characterization and screening of the formulation conditions with new types or different combinations of excipients. In this work, a droplet-based microfluidic device with incorporated multiple particle tracking microrheology (MPT) is developed to quantify the effects of two excipients, arginine hydrochloride (ArgHCl) and caffeine, on the viscosity of concentrated bovine gamma globulin (BGG) dispersions at two different values of pH. The effectiveness of both ArgHCl and caffeine show dependence on the BGG concentration and solution pH. The data set with high compositional resolution provides useful information to guide formulation with multiple viscosity-reducing excipients and quantification appropriate to start elucidating the connection to protein-protein interaction mechanisms. Overall, this work has demonstrated that the developed microfluidic approach has the potential to effectively assess the impact of multiple excipients on the viscosity and provide data for computational methods to predict viscosity for high concentration protein formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyu Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States
| | - Lynn M Walker
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, United States.
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21
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Advanced Formulations/Drug Delivery Systems for Subcutaneous Delivery of Protein-Based Biotherapeutics. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:2968-2982. [PMID: 36058255 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.08.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multiple advanced formulations and drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been developed to deliver protein-based biotherapeutics via the subcutaneous (SC) route. These formulations/DDSs include high-concentration solution, co-formulation of two or more proteins, large volume injection, protein cluster/complex, suspension, nanoparticle, microparticle, and hydrogel. These advanced systems provide clinical benefits related to efficacy and safety, but meanwhile, have more complicated formulations and manufacturing processes compared to conventional solution formulations. To develop a fit-for-purpose formulation/DDS for SC delivery, scientists need to consider multiple factors, such as the primary indication, targeted site, immunogenicity, compatibility, biopharmaceutics, patient compliance, etc. Next, they need to develop appropriate formulation (s) and manufacturing processes using the QbD principle and have a control strategy. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of advanced formulations/DDSs recently developed for SC delivery of proteins, as well as some knowledge gaps and potential strategies to narrow them through future research.
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22
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Abstract
The aggregation propensity of monoclonal antibodies can be modified by adding different cosolutes into the solution. A simple coarse-grained model in the combination with the thermodynamic perturbation theory was used to predict cluster distribution and viscosity of the solutions of IgG4 monoclonal anibody in the presence of L-Arginine Hydrochloride. The data were analysed using binding polynomial to describe the binding of cosolute (Arginine) to the antibody molecule. The results show that by binding to the antibody molecule the cosolute occupies some of the binding sites of the antibody, and in this way reduces the amount of binding sites available to other antibody molecules. The aggregation propensity of the antibody molecules is therefore reduced.
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23
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Luo H, Du Q, Qian C, Mlynarczyk M, Pabst TM, Damschroder M, Hunter AK, Wang WK. Formation of Transient Highly-Charged mAb Clusters Strengthens Interactions with Host Cell Proteins and Results in Poor Clearance of Host Cell Proteins by Protein A Chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2022; 1679:463385. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2022.463385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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24
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Huang C, Chen L, Franzen L, Anderski J, Qian F. Spray-Dried Monoclonal Antibody Suspension for High-Concentration and Low-Viscosity Subcutaneous Injection. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1505-1514. [PMID: 35417176 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Administration of highly concentrated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) through injection is often not possible as the viscosity can be readily above 50 mPa·s when the concentration exceeds 150 mg/mL. Besides, highly concentrated mAb solutions always exhibit increased aggregation propensity and lower stability, which raise the difficulty for the successful development of highly concentrated mAb formulations. We hereby explored the possibility of suspension as another formulation form for high-concentration proteins to reduce viscosity and maintain stability. Specifically, we demonstrated that spray drying can serve as a process to prepare particles for suspension. Particles prepared from formulations with different mAb/trehalose mass ratios displayed good physical stability and antibody binding affinity, as indicated by circular dichroism, fluorescence spectroscopy, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based bioassay analyses. During spray drying, a surface tension-dominated enrichment of mAb on the particle surface was observed, but this did not show a significant negative impact on mAb stability. Spray-dried particles were subsequently suspended into benzyl benzoate, and the resulting suspension showed good stability and a lower viscosity when compared to its counterpart solution. Furthermore, mAbs recovered from the suspension maintained their conformational structure. Our study demonstrated that the suspension displayed low viscosity and good physical stability, so it may offer novel opportunities for the preparation of highly concentrated protein formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengnan Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Linc Chen
- Bayer Healthcare Co. Ltd., Beijing, 100020, P. R. China
| | - Lutz Franzen
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, 42096, Germany
| | - Juliane Anderski
- Research & Development, Pharmaceuticals, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, 42096, Germany
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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25
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Discovery of compounds with viscosity-reducing effects on biopharmaceutical formulations with monoclonal antibodies. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5420-5429. [PMID: 36212536 PMCID: PMC9529560 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Computational screening yielded 44 new viscosity-reducing agents on two model mAbs. Dual excipients for viscosity reduction and solution buffering were discovered. Compounds with three or more charges reduce the viscosity of model mAb formulations. Filtering based on physicochemical properties can be applied to other mAb formulations.
For the development of concentrated monoclonal antibody formulations for subcutaneous administration, the main challenge is the high viscosity of the solutions. To compensate for this, viscosity reducing agents are commonly used as excipients. Here, we applied two computational chemistry approaches to discover new viscosity-reducing agents: fingerprint similarity searching, and physicochemical property filtering. In total, 94 compounds were selected and experimentally evaluated on two model monoclonal antibodies, which led to the discovery of 44 new viscosity-reducing agents. Analysis of the results showed that using a simple filter that selects only compounds with three or more charge groups is a good ‘rule of thumb’ for selecting potential viscosity-reducing agents for two model monoclonal antibody formulations.
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26
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Wang SS, Yan YS, Ho K. US FDA-approved therapeutic antibodies with high-concentration formulation: summaries and perspectives. Antib Ther 2021; 4:262-272. [PMID: 34909579 PMCID: PMC8664682 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbab027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Thirty four (34) of the total US FDA approved 103 therapeutic antibody drugs, accounts for one third of the total approved mAbs, are formulated with high protein concentration (100 mg/mL or above) which are the focus of this article. The highest protein concentration of these approved mAbs is 200 mg/mL. The dominant administration route is subcutaneous (76%). Our analysis indicates that it may be rational to implement a platform formulation containing polysorbate, histidine and sucrose to accelerate high concentration formulation development for antibody drugs. Since 2015, the FDA approval numbers are significantly increased which account for 76% of the total approval numbers, i.e., 26 out of 34 highly concentrated antibodies. Thus, we believe that the high concentration formulations of antibody drugs will be the future trend of therapeutic antibody formulation development, regardless of the challenges of highly concentrated protein formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Shouye Wang
- CMC Management, WuXi Biologics, 1 Cedarbrook Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512, USA
| | - Yifei Susie Yan
- Biologics CMC Leadership training program, WuXi Biologics, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Kin Ho
- CMC Management, WuXi Biologics, 1 Cedarbrook Drive, Cranbury, NJ 08512, USA
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27
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Droplet-Based Microfluidic Tool to Quantify Viscosity of Concentrating Protein Solutions. Pharm Res 2021; 38:1765-1775. [PMID: 34664208 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03106-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Measurement of the viscosity of concentrated protein solutions is vital for the manufacture and delivery of protein therapeutics. Conventional methods for viscosity measurements require large solution volumes, creating a severe limitation during the early stage of protein development. The goal of this work is to develop a robust technique that requires minimal sample. METHODS In this work, a droplet-based microfluidic device is developed to quantify the viscosity of protein solutions while concentrating in micrometer-scale droplets. The technique requires only microliters of sample. The corresponding viscosity is characterized by multiple particle tracking microrheology (MPT). RESULTS We show that the viscosities quantified in the microfluidic device are consistent with macroscopic results measured by a conventional rheometer for poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) solutions. The technique was further applied to quantify viscosities of well-studied lysozyme and bovine serum albumin (BSA) solutions. Comparison to both macroscopic measurements and models (Krieger-Dougherty model) demonstrate the validity of the approach. CONCLUSION The droplet-based microfluidic device provides accurate quantitative values of viscosity over a range of concentrations for protein solutions with small sample volumes (~ μL) and high compositional resolution. This device will be extended to study the effect of different excipients and other additives on the viscosity of protein solutions.
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28
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Narayanan H, Dingfelder F, Condado Morales I, Patel B, Heding KE, Bjelke JR, Egebjerg T, Butté A, Sokolov M, Lorenzen N, Arosio P. Design of Biopharmaceutical Formulations Accelerated by Machine Learning. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3843-3853. [PMID: 34519511 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In addition to activity, successful biological drugs must exhibit a series of suitable developability properties, which depend on both protein sequence and buffer composition. In the context of this high-dimensional optimization problem, advanced algorithms from the domain of machine learning are highly beneficial in complementing analytical screening and rational design. Here, we propose a Bayesian optimization algorithm to accelerate the design of biopharmaceutical formulations. We demonstrate the power of this approach by identifying the formulation that optimizes the thermal stability of three tandem single-chain Fv variants within 25 experiments, a number which is less than one-third of the experiments that would be required by a classical DoE method and several orders of magnitude smaller compared to detailed experimental analysis of full combinatorial space. We further show the advantage of this method over conventional approaches to efficiently transfer historical information as prior knowledge for the development of new biologics or when new buffer agents are available. Moreover, we highlight the benefit of our technique in engineering multiple biophysical properties by simultaneously optimizing both thermal and interface stabilities. This optimization minimizes the amount of surfactant in the formulation, which is important to decrease the risks associated with corresponding degradation processes. Overall, this method can provide high speed of converging to optimal conditions, the ability to transfer prior knowledge, and the identification of new nonlinear combinations of excipients. We envision that these features can lead to a considerable acceleration in formulation design and to parallelization of operations during drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harini Narayanan
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fabian Dingfelder
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Biophysics and Injectable Formulation, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv 2760, Denmark
| | - Itzel Condado Morales
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Biophysics and Injectable Formulation, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv 2760, Denmark
| | - Bhargav Patel
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kristine Enemærke Heding
- Department of Biophysics and Injectable Formulation, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv 2760, Denmark
| | - Jais Rose Bjelke
- Department of Purification Technologies, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv 2760, Denmark
| | - Thomas Egebjerg
- Department of Mammalian Expression, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv 2760, Denmark
| | | | | | - Nikolai Lorenzen
- Department of Biophysics and Injectable Formulation, Global Research Technologies, Novo Nordisk A/S, Måløv 2760, Denmark
| | - Paolo Arosio
- Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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29
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Prajapati I, Larson NR, Choudhary S, Kalonia C, Hudak S, Esfandiary R, Middaugh CR, Schöneich C. Visible Light Degradation of a Monoclonal Antibody in a High-Concentration Formulation: Characterization of a Tryptophan-Derived Chromophoric Photo-product by Comparison to Photo-degradation of N-Acetyl-l-tryptophan Amide. Mol Pharm 2021; 18:3223-3234. [PMID: 34482697 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.1c00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
We investigated the discoloration of a highly concentrated monoclonal antibody (mAbZ) in sodium acetate (NaAc) and histidine/lysine (His/Lys) buffer after exposure to visible light. The color change of the mAbZ formulation was significantly more intense in NaAc buffer and developed a characteristic absorbance with a λmax of ca. 450 nm. We characterized this photo-chemically generated chromophore by comparison with visible light photo-degradation of a concentrated solution of a model compound for protein Trp residues, N-acetyl-l-tryptophan amide (NATA). The photo-degradation of NATA generated a chromophoric product with a λmax of ca. 450 nm and UV-vis spectroscopic properties identical to those of the product generated from mAbZ. This product was isolated and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) and 1H, 13C, and 1H-13C heteronuclear single-quantum correlation NMR spectroscopy. MS/MS analysis reveals a product characterized by the loss of 33 Da from NATA, referred to as NATA-33. Together, the NMR data suggest that this product may be N-(2,4-dihydrocyclopenta[b]indol-2-yl)acetamide (structure P3a) or a tautomer (P3b-d).
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Affiliation(s)
- Indira Prajapati
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States.,Dosage Form Design and Development, BioPharmaceutical Development, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Nicholas R Larson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Sureshkumar Choudhary
- Dosage Form Design and Development, BioPharmaceutical Development, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Cavan Kalonia
- Dosage Form Design and Development, BioPharmaceutical Development, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Suzanne Hudak
- Dosage Form Design and Development, BioPharmaceutical Development, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Reza Esfandiary
- Dosage Form Design and Development, BioPharmaceutical Development, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - C Russell Middaugh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
| | - Christian Schöneich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas 66047, United States
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30
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Cloutier TK, Sudrik C, Mody N, Hasige SA, Trout BL. Molecular computations of preferential interactions of proline, arginine.HCl, and NaCl with IgG1 antibodies and their impact on aggregation and viscosity. MAbs 2021; 12:1816312. [PMID: 32938318 PMCID: PMC7531574 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2020.1816312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preferential interactions of excipients with the antibody surface govern their effect on the stability of antibodies in solution. We probed the preferential interactions of proline, arginine.HCl (Arg.HCl), and NaCl with three therapeutically relevant IgG1 antibodies via experiment and simulation. With simulations, we examined how excipients interacted with different types of surface patches in the variable region (Fv). For example, proline interacted most strongly with aromatic surfaces, Arg.HCl was included near negative residues, and NaCl was excluded from negative residues and certain hydrophobic regions. The differences in interaction of different excipients with the same surface patch on an antibody may be responsible for variations in the antibody's aggregation, viscosity, and self-association behaviors in each excipient. Proline reduced self-association for all three antibodies and reduced aggregation for the antibody with an association-limited aggregation mechanism. The effects of Arg.HCl and NaCl on aggregation and viscosity were highly dependent on the surface charge distribution and the extent of exclusion from highly hydrophobic patches. At pH 5.5, both tended to increase the aggregation of an antibody with a strongly positive charge on the Fv, while only NaCl reduced the aggregation of the antibody with a large negative charge patch on the Fv. Arg.HCl reduced the viscosities of antibodies with either a hydrophobicity-driven mechanism or a charge-driven mechanism. Analysis of this data presents a framework for understanding how amino acid and ionic excipients interact with different protein surfaces, and how these interactions translate to the observed stability behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa K Cloutier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Maryland, USA
| | - Chaitanya Sudrik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Maryland, USA
| | - Neil Mody
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca , Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Sathish A Hasige
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca , Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernhardt L Trout
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge, Maryland, USA
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31
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Zeng Y, Tran T, Wuthrich P, Naik S, Davagnino J, Greene DG, Mahoney RP, Soane DS. Caffeine as a Viscosity Reducer for Highly Concentrated Monoclonal Antibody Solutions. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:3594-3604. [PMID: 34181992 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Many monoclonal antibody (mAb) solutions exhibit high viscosity at elevated concentrations, which prevents manufacturing and injecting of concentrated mAb drug products at the small volumes needed for subcutaneous (SC) administration. Addition of excipients that interrupt intermolecular interactions is a common approach to reduce viscosity of high concentration mAb formulations. However, in some cases widely used excipients can fail to lower viscosity. Here, using infliximab and ipilimumab as model proteins, we show that caffeine effectively lowers the viscosity of both mAb formulations, whereas other common viscosity-reducing excipients, sodium chloride and arginine, do not. Furthermore, stability studies under accelerated conditions show that caffeine has no impact on stability of lyophilized infliximab or liquid ipilimumab formulations. In addition, presence of caffeine in the formulations does not affect in vitro bioactivities of infliximab or ipilimumab. Results from this study suggest that caffeine could be a useful viscosity reducing agent that complements other traditional excipients and provides viscosity reduction to a wider range of mAb drug products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Zeng
- ReForm Biologics Inc., 12 Gill Street Suite 4650, Woburn, MA 01801, United States.
| | - Timothy Tran
- ReForm Biologics Inc., 12 Gill Street Suite 4650, Woburn, MA 01801, United States
| | - Philip Wuthrich
- ReForm Biologics Inc., 12 Gill Street Suite 4650, Woburn, MA 01801, United States
| | - Subhashchandra Naik
- ReForm Biologics Inc., 12 Gill Street Suite 4650, Woburn, MA 01801, United States
| | - Juan Davagnino
- KBI Biopharma Inc., 1101 Hamlin Rd, Durham, NC 27704, United States
| | - Daniel G Greene
- ReForm Biologics Inc., 12 Gill Street Suite 4650, Woburn, MA 01801, United States
| | - Robert P Mahoney
- ReForm Biologics Inc., 12 Gill Street Suite 4650, Woburn, MA 01801, United States
| | - David S Soane
- ReForm Biologics Inc., 12 Gill Street Suite 4650, Woburn, MA 01801, United States
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32
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Bansal R, Jha SK, Jha NK. Size-based Degradation of Therapeutic Proteins - Mechanisms, Modelling and Control. Biomol Concepts 2021; 12:68-84. [PMID: 34146465 DOI: 10.1515/bmc-2021-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein therapeutics are in great demand due to their effectiveness towards hard-to-treat diseases. Despite their high demand, these bio-therapeutics are very susceptible to degradation via aggregation, fragmentation, oxidation, and reduction, all of which are very likely to affect the quality and efficacy of the product. Mechanisms and modelling of these degradation (aggregation and fragmentation) pathways is critical for gaining a deeper understanding of stability of these products. This review aims to provide a summary of major developments that have occurred towards unravelling the mechanisms of size-based protein degradation (particularly aggregation and fragmentation), modelling of these size-based degradation pathways, and their control. Major caveats that remain in our understanding and control of size-based protein degradation have also been presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Bansal
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saurabh Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Niraj Kumar Jha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering & Technology (SET), Sharda University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
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33
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Chi B, De Oliveira G, Gallagher T, Mitchell L, Knightley L, Gonzalez CC, Russell S, Germaschewski V, Pearce C, Sellick CA. Pragmatic mAb lead molecule engineering from a developability perspective. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3733-3743. [PMID: 33913507 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
As the number of antibody drugs being approved and marketed increases, our knowledge of what makes potential drug candidates a successful product has increased tremendously. One of the critical parameters that have become clear in the field is the importance of mAb "developability." Efforts are being increasingly focused on simultaneously selecting molecules that exhibit both desirable biological potencies and manufacturability attributes. In the current study mutations to improve the developability profile of a problematic antibody that inconsistently precipitates in a batch scale-dependent fashion using a standard platform purification process are described. Initial bioinformatic analysis showed the molecule has no obvious sequence or structural liabilities that might lead it to precipitate. Subsequent analysis of the molecule revealed the presence of two unusual positively charged mutations on the light chain at the interface of VH and VL domains, which were hypothesized to be the primary contributor to molecule precipitation during process development. To investigate this hypothesis, straightforward reversion to the germline of these residues was carried out. The resulting mutants have improved expression titers and recovered stability within a forced precipitation assay, without any change to biological activity. Given the time pressures of drug development in industry, process optimization of the lead molecule was carried out in parallel to the "retrospective" mutagenesis approach. Bespoke process optimization for large-scale manufacturing was successful. However, we propose that such context-dependent sequence liabilities should be included in the arsenal of in silico developability screening early in development; particularly since this specific issue can be efficiently mitigated without the requirement for extensive screening of lead molecule variants.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tom Gallagher
- Kymab Ltd., Cambridge, UK.,F-star Therapeutics Ltd., Cambridge, UK
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34
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Ye Y, Huo X, Yin Z. Protein-protein interactions at high concentrations: Effects of ArgHCl and NaCl on the stability, viscosity and aggregation mechanisms of protein solution. Int J Pharm 2021; 601:120535. [PMID: 33811966 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this work was to use the diffusion coefficient ration (Dm/Dline) as a parameter to characterize the stability of protein at high concentration, to compare the effects of ArgHCl and NaCl on the interaction of highly concentrated proteins under different pH conditions, and to explore the correlation with protein stability. For this purpose, a high-concentration bovine serum albumin solution (BSA) was selected as the model system, and the diffusion coefficient, aggregation degree, conformational stability, and solution viscosity of the protein were studied by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and spectral detection techniques. The result showed that there was a significant correlation between the Dm/Dline and the protein aggregation. The Dm/Dline of the protein was minimum at pH 7.4, which corresponded to the maximum degree of aggregation and the highest solution viscosity. At pH 7.4, the hydrophobic interactions and the increased conformational stability of ArgHCl maximized the stability of the protein and reduced the viscosity of the solution by 69.3%. At pH 3.0, the strong charge shielding effect of ArgHCl and NaCl and the decreased conformational stability induced protein aggregation and the gel formation. These findings provided valuable insights into the mechanism of protein aggregation and the diffusion coefficient ration (Dm/Dline) could be a potential tool for the pre-formulation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalin Ye
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Novel Drug Delivery System Ministry of Education, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Xingli Huo
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Novel Drug Delivery System Ministry of Education, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Zongning Yin
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targeting and Novel Drug Delivery System Ministry of Education, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
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35
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Strickley RG, Lambert WJ. A review of Formulations of Commercially Available Antibodies. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:2590-2608.e56. [PMID: 33789155 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
This review identified 126 commercially available antibodies approved globally between 1986 and February 2021 including 10 antibody drug conjugates, 16 biosimilars, and 3 antibody fragments. Prior to 2014 there were ≤ 5 approved each year, but after 2014 there have been ≥ 7 approved each year with the years 2017, 2019 and 2020 having the most at 17 each. A total of 136 products were identified of which 36 are lyophilized powders and 100 are solutions. The routes of administration are mainly subcutaneous or intravenous infusion with three intravenous bolus, two intravitreal, and one intramuscular. The subcutaneous products are ready-to-use solutions or reconstituted lyophilized powders that do not require dilution while most intravenous products are concentrates that require dilution into saline or another intravenous fluid prior to infusion. Most are packaged in single-dose units and the exception of multi-use is Herceptin® and its biosimilars. The package configurations are vials, prefilled autoinjectors, or prefilled syringes. A typical antibody formulation contains an antibody, an excipient to adjust tonicity or osmolality for solutions or a lyoprotectant for lyophilized powders, a buffer, and a surfactant. The ionic tonicity-adjusting excipient is mainly sodium chloride and the non-ionic osmolality-adjusting excipients include sucrose, trehalose, mannitol, maltose, and sorbitol. The lyoprotectants are trehalose and sucrose. The pH range is 4.8-8.0 and the buffers or pH-modifying agents include histidine, citrate, succinate, acetate, phosphate, glutamate, adipic acid, aspartic acid, lactic acid, tromethamine, and 2-(N-morpholino)-ethanesulfonic acid. The surfactants include mostly polysorbate 20 or polysorbate 80, with four containing poloxamer 188, and one that does not contain a surfactant but contains PEG 3350. One product does not contain a buffer, and 12 do not contain a surfactant. The viscosity-lowering excipients are sodium chloride and the amino acids arginine, glycine, proline, and lysine. Arginine may also function to adjust ionic strength and minimize aggregation. Human serum albumin is used in 2 products for intravenous infusion. Other excipients include methionine as an anti-oxidant, and EDTA or DTPA as chelating agents. The maximum volume of subcutaneous injection is 15 mL administered over 3-5 minutes, but the typically volume is 0.5-2 mL. Five fixed-dose combinations have recently been approved and four contain hyaluronidase to assist the large volume subcutaneous injection of up to 15 mL, while one is a fixed-dose combination for intravenous with three antibodies. Prefilled autoinjectors and syringes are becoming more common and many come affixed with a needle of 27-gauge or 29-gauge, while a few have a 26-gauge or a 30-gauge needle. Recent advancements include hyaluronidase to assist the large subcutaneous injection volume of 5-15 mL, fixed-dose combinations, buffer-free formulation, and smaller subcutaneous injection volume (0.1 mL).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Strickley
- Pliant Therapeutics, Inc., 160 Littlefield Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94020, United States.
| | - William J Lambert
- Module 3 Pharmaceutical Consulting, P.O. Box 3032, Incline Village, NV 89450, United States.
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36
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Tian Z, Qian F. Adenosine Triphosphate-Induced Rapid Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation of a Model IgG1 mAb. Mol Pharm 2020; 18:267-274. [PMID: 33307701 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is amphiphilic in nature and has the characteristics of a hydrotrope because of the charged triphosphate moiety and the large aromatic ring located on each end of its structure. Previous studies revealed that ATP can effectively maintain the solubility and prevent liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) of some biological proteins. In this study, we assessed the impact of ATP on the stability of a model therapeutic IgG1 antibody (MA1) to evaluate its potential application in protein formulation design. In our system, ATP promotes rapid LLPS of MA1 and we demonstrate that the ATP-MA1 static interaction drives phase separation of MA1. The attractive protein-protein interaction increased exclusively in the presence of ATP but not in the presence of other ATP analogues, such as adenosine diphosphate, adenosine monophosphate, and adenine. Through an intrinsic fluorescence quenching study, we revealed that ATP bound to MA1 electrostatically and formed static interactions; furthermore, such static ATP-MA1 interactions significantly altered the surface property of the protein and the protein-protein interactions and subsequently induced LLPS of MA1. This ATP-induced LLPS could be effectively eliminated by Mg2+, which chelated with ATP and thus negated ATP-MA1 static interaction. Our results revealed the unique molecular mechanism of ATP-induced rapid LLPS of MA1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
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37
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Kamerzell TJ, Middaugh CR. Prediction Machines: Applied Machine Learning for Therapeutic Protein Design and Development. J Pharm Sci 2020; 110:665-681. [PMID: 33278409 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2020.11.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The rapid growth in technological advances and quantity of scientific data over the past decade has led to several challenges including data storage and analysis. Accurate models of complex datasets were previously difficult to develop and interpret. However, improvements in machine learning algorithms have since enabled unparalleled classification and prediction capabilities. The application of machine learning can be seen throughout diverse industries due to their ease of use and interpretability. In this review, we describe popular machine learning algorithms and highlight their application in pharmaceutical protein development. Machine learning models have now been applied to better understand the nonlinear concentration dependent viscosity of protein solutions, predict protein oxidation and deamidation rates, classify sub-visible particles and compare the physical stability of proteins. We also applied several machine learning algorithms using previously published data and describe models with improved predictions and classification. The authors hope that this review can be used as a resource to others and encourage continued application of machine learning algorithms to problems in pharmaceutical protein development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim J Kamerzell
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA; Division of Internal Medicine, HCA MidWest Health, Overland Park, KS, USA.
| | - C Russell Middaugh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
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38
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Zidar M, Rozman P, Belko-Parkel K, Ravnik M. Control of viscosity in biopharmaceutical protein formulations. J Colloid Interface Sci 2020; 580:308-317. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2020.06.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Cloutier TK, Sudrik C, Mody N, Sathish HA, Trout BL. Machine Learning Models of Antibody–Excipient Preferential Interactions for Use in Computational Formulation Design. Mol Pharm 2020; 17:3589-3599. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c00629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa K. Cloutier
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Chaitanya Sudrik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Neil Mody
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Hasige A. Sathish
- Dosage Form Design and Development, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878, United States
| | - Bernhardt L. Trout
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
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40
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Holstein M, Hung J, Feroz H, Ranjan S, Du C, Ghose S, Li ZJ. Strategies for high‐concentration drug substance manufacturing to facilitate subcutaneous administration: A review. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:3591-3606. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.27510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Holstein
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Jessica Hung
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Hasin Feroz
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Swarnim Ranjan
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Cheng Du
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
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41
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Tian Z, Xu L, Zhang N, Qian F. First-order nucleation and subsequent growth promote liquid-liquid phase separation of a model IgG1 mAb. Int J Pharm 2020; 588:119681. [PMID: 32721563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although protein aggregation is commonly encountered during the manufacturing and storage of bio-therapeutics, the actual aggregation mechanism remains unclear, and little has been reported about the protein aggregation kinetics from time zero under particular solution conditions. In this study, we used real-time dynamic light scattering (DLS) to continuously monitor the time-dependent evolution of the Z-average hydrodynamic radius of a model IgG1 (JM2) immediately after the JM2 solution was subjected to various low temperatures (0-4 °C). We observed that JM2 aggregated to form nuclei first, and then it subsequently grew to small liquid droplets via a two-step, first-order, reversible process without causing irreversible structural changes: a slow first step defined as the "nucleation" step, wherein nuclei formed slowly until reaching a transitional time point (tonset), and a much faster second step initiated after tonset and the nucleus size of the protein increased rapidly, which eventually caused liquid droplet formation and liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). The "nucleation" rate constant (Knucleation) and particle growth rate constant (Kgrowth), as well as tonset, were found to be temperature, pH and concentration dependent. The aggregation of JM2 could be universally described by these two-step first-order kinetics: under conditions where JM2 aggregated very slowly, the second step was not observed within the experimental time scale, while under conditions where JM2 aggregated very rapidly, the first step could not be recorded. We believe that these three parameters, Knucleation, Kgrowth, and tonset, can be used to quantify and compare the aggregation kinetics of JM2 under different solution and temperature conditions and, furthermore, serve as a theoretical base to account for the key characteristics of the aggregation kinetics of JM2 and other protein therapeutics under conditions of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Tian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China
| | - Long Xu
- Biotherapeutics Development, Janssen Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Biotherapeutics Development, Janssen Research & Development, Johnson & Johnson, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Feng Qian
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology, and Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, PR China.
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Izadi S, Patapoff TW, Walters BT. Multiscale Coarse-Grained Approach to Investigate Self-Association of Antibodies. Biophys J 2020; 118:2741-2754. [PMID: 32416079 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2020.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Self-association of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mabs) are thought to modulate the undesirably high viscosity observed in their concentrated solutions. Computational prediction of such a self-association behavior is advantageous early during mab drug candidate selection when material availability is limited. Here, we present a coarse-grained (CG) simulation method that enables microsecond molecular dynamics simulations of full-length antibodies at high concentrations. The proposed approach differs from others in two ways: first, charges are assigned to CG beads in an effort to reproduce molecular multipole moments and charge asymmetry of full-length antibodies instead of only localized charges. This leads to great improvements in the agreement between CG and all-atom electrostatic fields. Second, the distinctive hydrophobic character of each antibody is incorporated through empirical adjustments to the short-range van der Waals terms dictated by cosolvent all-atom molecular dynamics simulations of antibody variable regions. CG simulations performed on a set of 15 different mabs reveal that diffusion coefficients in crowded environments are markedly impacted by intermolecular interactions. Diffusion coefficients computed from the simulations are in correlation with experimentally measured observables, including viscosities at a high concentration. Further, we show that the evaluation of electrostatic and hydrophobic characters of the mabs is useful in predicting the nonuniform effect of salt on the viscosity of mab solutions. This CG modeling approach is particularly applicable as a material-free screening tool for selecting antibody candidates with desirable viscosity properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Izadi
- Pharmaceutical Development, Genentech, South San Francisco, California.
| | - Thomas W Patapoff
- Pharmaceutical Development, Genentech, South San Francisco, California
| | - Benjamin T Walters
- Biochemical and Cellular Pharmacology, Genentech, South San Francisco, California.
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43
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Excipients in freeze-dried biopharmaceuticals: Contributions toward formulation stability and lyophilisation cycle optimisation. Int J Pharm 2020; 576:119029. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Simon N, Sperber C, Voigtländer C, Born J, Gilbert DF, Seyferth S, Lee G, Kappes B, Friedrich O. Improved stability of polyclonal antibodies: A case study with lyophilization-conserved antibodies raised against epitopes from the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Eur J Pharm Sci 2020; 142:105086. [PMID: 31626961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2019.105086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies can be produced as polyclonal (pAb) or monoclonal (mAb) liquid formulations with limited shelf-life. For pAbs, unlike mAbs, only little is known about excipients and lyophilization affecting antibody stability upon reconstitution. We used a model pAb directed against Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) pyridoxal 5'-phosphate synthase 2 (Pdx2) to systemically study effects of bulking agents (amino acids, phosphate buffers, salt solutions), sugar(alcohols), surfactants and protein additions (bovine serum albumin, BSA) in liquid pAb formulations (isolated or in combinations) on the activity to detect the antigen in Pf extracts by Western blots. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles (20x) and extended room temperature storage markedly compromised pAb stability, the former being ameliorated by addition of cryoprotectants (glycerol, sucrose). Lyophilization of pure liquid pAb formulation markedly decreased antibody reactivity upon reconstitution which was not preserved by most bulking agents tested (e.g., histidine, arginine, acetate). Among the tested salt solutions (NaCl, Ringer, PBS), phosphate buffered saline had the largest lyoprotective potential, alongside sucrose, but not trehalose or maltitol. Among combinations of excipients, PBS, sucrose, low concentration BSA and Tween potently preserved PfPdx2 stability. Results for PBS were transferable to PfEnolase pAb, indicating that some of the formulations investigated here might be a low-cost solution for more general applicability to pAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Simon
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, Erlangen 91052, Germany.
| | - Christine Sperber
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, Erlangen 91052, Germany; Division of Pharmaceutics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstrasse 4, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Cornelia Voigtländer
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, Erlangen 91052, Germany
| | - Julia Born
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, Erlangen 91052, Germany
| | - Daniel F Gilbert
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, Erlangen 91052, Germany
| | - Stefan Seyferth
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstrasse 4, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Geoffrey Lee
- Division of Pharmaceutics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Cauerstrasse 4, Erlangen 91058, Germany
| | - Barbara Kappes
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, Erlangen 91052, Germany
| | - Oliver Friedrich
- Institute of Medical Biotechnology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Paul-Gordan-Str. 3, Erlangen 91052, Germany.
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45
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Das TK, Narhi LO, Sreedhara A, Menzen T, Grapentin C, Chou DK, Antochshuk V, Filipe V. Stress Factors in mAb Drug Substance Production Processes: Critical Assessment of Impact on Product Quality and Control Strategy. J Pharm Sci 2020; 109:116-133. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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46
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Xu AY, Castellanos MM, Mattison K, Krueger S, Curtis JE. Studying Excipient Modulated Physical Stability and Viscosity of Monoclonal Antibody Formulations Using Small-Angle Scattering. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:4319-4338. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Yuanyuan Xu
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 6102, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Maria Monica Castellanos
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 6102, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Kevin Mattison
- Malvern Panalytical, 117 Flanders Road, Westborough, Massachusetts 01581, United States
| | - Susan Krueger
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 6102, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
| | - Joseph E. Curtis
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Mail Stop 6102, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, United States
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47
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Dear BJ, Chowdhury A, Hung JJ, Karouta CA, Ramachandran K, Nieto MP, Wilks LR, Sharma A, Shay TY, Cheung JK, Truskett TM, Johnston KP. Relating Collective Diffusion, Protein–Protein Interactions, and Viscosity of Highly Concentrated Monoclonal Antibodies through Dynamic Light Scattering. Ind Eng Chem Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.9b03432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Barton J. Dear
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Amjad Chowdhury
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jessica J. Hung
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Carl A. Karouta
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Kishan Ramachandran
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Maria P. Nieto
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Logan R. Wilks
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Ayush Sharma
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Tony Y. Shay
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jason K. Cheung
- Biophysical and Biochemical Characterization, Sterile Formulation Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Thomas M. Truskett
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
- Department of Physics, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Keith P. Johnston
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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48
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Hung JJ, Zeno WF, Chowdhury AA, Dear BJ, Ramachandran K, Nieto MP, Shay TY, Karouta CA, Hayden CC, Cheung JK, Truskett TM, Stachowiak JC, Johnston KP. Self-diffusion of a highly concentrated monoclonal antibody by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy: insight into protein-protein interactions and self-association. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:6660-6676. [PMID: 31389467 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01071h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic behavior of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) at high concentration provides insight into protein microstructure and protein-protein interactions (PPI) that influence solution viscosity and protein stability. At high concentration, interpretation of the collective-diffusion coefficient Dc, as determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS), is highly challenging given the complex hydrodynamics and PPI at close spacings. In contrast, self-diffusion of a tracer particle by Brownian motion is simpler to understand. Herein, we develop fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) for the measurement of the long-time self-diffusion of mAb2 over a wide range of concentrations and viscosities in multiple co-solute formulations with varying PPI. The normalized self-diffusion coefficient D0/Ds (equal to the microscopic relative viscosity ηeff/η0) was found to be smaller than η/η0. Smaller ratios of the microscopic to macroscopic viscosity (ηeff/η) are attributed to a combination of weaker PPI and less self-association. The interaction parameters extracted from fits of D0/Ds with a length scale dependent viscosity model agree with previous measurements of PPI by SLS and SAXS. Trends in the degree of self-association, estimated from ηeff/η with a microviscosity model, are consistent with oligomer sizes measured by SLS. Finally, measurements of collective diffusion and osmotic compressibility were combined with FCS data to demonstrate that the changes in self-diffusion between formulations are due primarily to changes in the protein-protein friction in these systems, and not to protein-solvent friction. Thus, FCS is a robust and accessible technique for measuring mAb self-diffusion, and, by extension, microviscosity, PPI and self-association that govern mAb solution dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica J Hung
- McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 200 E Dean Keeton St Stop C0400, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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Enhancing Stability and Reducing Viscosity of a Monoclonal Antibody With Cosolutes by Weakening Protein-Protein Interactions. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:2517-2526. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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50
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Making Concentrated Antibody Formulations Accessible for Vibrating-Mesh Nebulization. J Pharm Sci 2019; 108:2588-2592. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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