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Ramezanipour N, Esfahani SHZ, Eastell R, Newell-Price J, Trevitt G, Ross RJ, Wilkinson IR. Development of a Hypoparathyroid Male Rodent Model for Testing Delayed-Clearance PTH Molecules. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6432622. [PMID: 34940833 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Parathyroid hormone (PTH) replacement is a promising approach in the management of hypoparathyroidism but long-acting analogues need to be developed. To date, animal models for testing PTH required parathyroidectomy by surgery. We have developed a nonsurgical rodent hypoparathyroid model and tested a delayed-clearance PTH molecule (DC-PTH). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to use cinacalcet to suppress calcium levels in normal rats and to reverse these effects with the administration of PTH or PTH analogues. METHODS Male Wistar rats were gavaged with either 30 mg/kg cinacalcet-HCl (cinacalcet) or vehicle only. Animals were then dosed with either single or repeated subcutaneous doses of PTH 1-34 or a DC-PTH at 20 nmol/kg. Control animals received vehicle only. Serum samples were analyzed for ionized calcium (iCa), phosphate, PTH, and DC-PTH. A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model was built for cinacalcet, PTH 1-34, and DC-PTH using Phoenix64. RESULTS Cinacalcet reduced iCa levels between 2 and 24 hours, returning to baseline by 72 hours post dose with nadir at 8 hours (analysis of variance P < .001), associated with a fall in rat PTH. For phosphate there was a variable biphasic response. Single-dose PTH abrogated the cinacalcet-induced fall in iCa for up to 2 hours. DC-PTH prevented the fall in iCa from 4 hours post dose and gave a prolonged response, with iCa levels quicker to return to baseline than controls. DC-PTH has a half-life of 11.5 hours, approximately 44 times longer than human PTH 1-34. The PK-PD models defined the reproducible effect of cinacalcet on iCa and that DC-PTH had prolonged biological activity. CONCLUSION The administration of cinacalcet provides a robust and reproducible nonsurgical animal model of hypoparathyroidism. DC-PTH holds promise for the treatment of hypoparathyroidism in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narjes Ramezanipour
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-73695, Iran
| | - Sayyed Hamid Zarkesh Esfahani
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan 81746-73695, Iran
| | - Richard Eastell
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - John Newell-Price
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | | | - Richard J Ross
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Ian R Wilkinson
- Department of Oncology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
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2
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Yuen KCJ, Miller BS, Boguszewski CL, Hoffman AR. Usefulness and Potential Pitfalls of Long-Acting Growth Hormone Analogs. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:637209. [PMID: 33716988 PMCID: PMC7943875 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.637209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Daily recombinant human GH (rhGH) is currently approved for use in children and adults with GH deficiency (GHD) in many countries with relatively few side-effects. Nevertheless, daily injections can be painful and distressing for some patients, often resulting in non-adherence and reduction of treatment outcomes. This has prompted the development of numerous long-acting GH (LAGH) analogs that allow for decreased injection frequency, ranging from weekly, bi-weekly to monthly. These LAGH analogs are attractive as they may theoretically offer increased patient acceptance, tolerability, and therapeutic flexibility. Conversely, there may also be pitfalls to these LAGH analogs, including an unphysiological GH profile and differing molecular structures that pose potential clinical issues in terms of dose initiation, therapeutic monitoring, incidence and duration of side-effects, and long-term safety. Furthermore, fluctuations of peak and trough serum GH and IGF-I levels and variations in therapeutic efficacy may depend on the technology used to prolong GH action. Previous studies of some LAGH analogs have demonstrated non-inferiority compared to daily rhGH in terms of increased growth velocity and improved body composition in children and adults with GHD, respectively, with no significant unanticipated adverse events. Currently, two LAGH analogs are marketed in Asia, one recently approved in the United States, another previously approved but not marketed in Europe, and several others proceeding through various stages of clinical development. Nevertheless, several practical questions still remain, including possible differences in dose initiation between naïve and switch-over patients, methodology of dose adjustment/s, timing of measuring serum IGF-I levels, safety, durability of efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Long-term surveillance of safety and efficacy of LAGH analogs are needed to answer these important questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin C. J. Yuen
- Barrow Pituitary Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, Departments of Neuroendocrinology and Neurosurgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine and Creighton School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Kevin C. J. Yuen,
| | - Bradley S. Miller
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Cesar L. Boguszewski
- SEMPR, Serviço de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Andrew R. Hoffman
- Department of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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3
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Miller BS, Velazquez E, Yuen KCJ. Long-Acting Growth Hormone Preparations - Current Status and Future Considerations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5611083. [PMID: 31676901 PMCID: PMC7755139 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Long-acting GH (LAGH) preparations are currently being developed in an attempt to improve adherence. The profile of GH action following administration of LAGH raises practical questions about clinical monitoring and long-term safety and efficacy of these new therapeutic agents. METHODS Recent literature and meeting proceedings regarding LAGH preparations are reviewed. RESULTS Multiple LAGH preparations are currently at various stages of development, allowing for decreased GH injection frequency from daily to weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Following administration of LAGH, the serum peak and trough GH and IGF-I levels vary depending upon the mechanism used to prolong GH action. Randomized, controlled clinical trials of some LAGH preparations have reported non-inferiority compared with daily recombinant human GH (rhGH) for improved growth velocity and body composition in children and adults with GH deficiency (GHD), respectively. No significant LAGH-related adverse events have been reported during short-term therapy. CONCLUSION Multiple LAGH preparations are proceeding through clinical development with some showing promising evidence of short-term clinical efficacy and safety in children and adults with GHD. The relationship of transient elevations of GH and IGF-I following administration of LAGH to efficacy and safety remain to be elucidated. For LAGH to replace daily rhGH in the treatment of individuals with GHD, a number of practical questions need to be addressed including methods of dose adjustment, timing of monitoring of IGF-I, safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness. Long-term surveillance of efficacy and safety of LAGH preparations will be needed to answer these clinically relevant questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley S Miller
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Bradley S. Miller, MD, PhD, 8952D, MB671 East Bldg, Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 2450 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454. E-mail:
| | - Eric Velazquez
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kevin C J Yuen
- Departments of Neuroendocrinology and Neurosurgery, Barrow Pituitary Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona
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4
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A Cell-Based Strategy for Bioactivity Determination of Long-Acting Fc-Fusion Recombinant Human Growth Hormone. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24071389. [PMID: 30970583 PMCID: PMC6479951 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24071389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The long-acting growth hormone (LAGH) is a promising alternative biopharmaceutical to treat growth hormone (GH) deficiency in children, and it was developed using a variety of technologies by several pharmaceutical companies. Most LAGH preparations, such as Fc fusion protein, are currently undergoing preclinical study and clinical trials. Accurate determination of bioactivity is critical for the efficacy of quality control systems of LAGH. The current in vivo rat weight gain assays used to determine the bioactivity of recombinant human GH (rhGH) in pharmacopoeias are time-consuming, expensive, and imprecise, and there are no recommended bioassays for LAGH bioactivity in pharmacopoeias. Therefore, we developed a cell-based bioassay for bioactivity determination of therapeutic long-acting Fc-fusion recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH-Fc) based on the luciferase reporter gene system, which is involved in the full-length human GH receptor (hGHR) and the SG (SIE and GAS) response element. The established bioassay was comprehensively validated according to the International Council for Harmonization (ICH) Q2 (R1) guidelines and the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and is highly precise, time-saving, simple, and robust. The validated bioassay could be qualified for bioactivity determination during the research, development, and manufacture of rhGH-Fc, and other LAGH formulations.
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5
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Lu M, Flanagan JU, Langley RJ, Hay MP, Perry JK. Targeting growth hormone function: strategies and therapeutic applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2019; 4:3. [PMID: 30775002 PMCID: PMC6367471 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-019-0036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Human growth hormone (GH) is a classical pituitary endocrine hormone that is essential for normal postnatal growth and has pleiotropic effects across multiple physiological systems. GH is also expressed in extrapituitary tissues and has localized autocrine/paracrine effects at these sites. In adults, hypersecretion of GH causes acromegaly, and strategies that block the release of GH or that inhibit GH receptor (GHR) activation are the primary forms of medical therapy for this disease. Overproduction of GH has also been linked to cancer and the microvascular complications that are associated with diabetes. However, studies to investigate the therapeutic potential of GHR antagonism in these diseases have been limited, most likely due to difficulty in accessing therapeutic tools to study the pharmacology of the receptor in vivo. This review will discuss current and emerging strategies for antagonizing GH function and the potential disease indications. Emerging therapies are offering an expanded toolkit for combatting the effects of human growth hormone overproduction. Human growth hormone (GH) is a major driver of postnatal growth; however, systemic or localized overproduction is implicated in the aberrant growth disease acromegaly, cancer, and diabetes. In this review, researchers led by Jo Perry, from the University of Auckland, New Zealand, discuss strategies that either inhibit GH production, block its systemic receptor, or interrupt its downstream signaling pathways. The only licensed GH receptor blocker is pegvisomant, but therapies are in development that include long-acting protein and antibody-based blockers, and nucleotide complexes that degrade GHR production have also shown promise. Studies investigating GHR antagonism are limited, partly due to difficulty in accessing therapeutic tools which block GHR function, but overcoming these obstacles may yield advances in alleviating chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Lu
- 1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jack U Flanagan
- 2Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,3Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ries J Langley
- 3Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand.,4Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael P Hay
- 2Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,3Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jo K Perry
- 1Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,3Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
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6
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Ramírez-Andersen HS, Behrens C, Buchardt J, Fels JJ, Folkesson CG, Jianhe C, Nørskov-Lauritsen L, Nielsen PF, Reslow M, Rischel C, Su J, Thygesen P, Wiberg C, Zhao X, Wenjuan X, Johansen NL. Long-Acting Human Growth Hormone Analogue by Noncovalent Albumin Binding. Bioconjug Chem 2018; 29:3129-3143. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.8b00463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jens Buchardt
- Novo Nordisk A/S Global Research, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | | | - Chen Jianhe
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, 20 Life Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
| | | | - Per F. Nielsen
- Novo Nordisk A/S Global Research, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | - Mats Reslow
- Novo Nordisk A/S Global Research, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | - Jing Su
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, 20 Life Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Peter Thygesen
- Novo Nordisk A/S Global Research, DK-2760 Maaloev, Denmark
| | | | - Xin Zhao
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, 20 Life Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xia Wenjuan
- Novo Nordisk Research Center China, 20 Life Science Park Road, Changping District, Beijing 102206, China
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7
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Wilkinson IR, Pradhananga SL, Speak R, Artymiuk PJ, Sayers JR, Ross RJ. A long-acting GH receptor antagonist through fusion to GH binding protein. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35072. [PMID: 27731358 PMCID: PMC5059632 DOI: 10.1038/srep35072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acromegaly is a human disease of growth hormone (GH) excess with considerable morbidity and increased mortality. Somatostatin analogues are first line medical treatment but the disease remains uncontrolled in up to 40% of patients. GH receptor (GHR) antagonist therapy is more effective but requires frequent high-dose injections. We have developed an alternative technology for generating a long acting potent GHR antagonist through translational fusion of a mutated GH linked to GH binding protein and tested three candidate molecules. All molecules had the amino acid change (G120R), creating a competitive GHR antagonist and we tested the hypothesis that an amino acid change in the GH binding domain (W104A) would increase biological activity. All were antagonists in bioassays. In rats all antagonists had terminal half-lives >20 hours. After subcutaneous administration in rabbits one variant displayed a terminal half-life of 40.5 hours. A single subcutaneous injection of the same variant in rabbits resulted in a 14% fall in IGF-I over 7 days. IN CONCLUSION we provide proof of concept that a fusion of GHR antagonist to its binding protein generates a long acting GHR antagonist and we confirmed that introducing the W104A amino acid change in the GH binding domain enhances antagonist activity.
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8
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Høybye C, Cohen P, Hoffman AR, Ross R, Biller BMK, Christiansen JS. Status of long-acting-growth hormone preparations--2015. Growth Horm IGF Res 2015; 25:201-206. [PMID: 26187188 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) treatment has been an established therapy for GH deficiency (GHD) in children and adults for more than three decades. Numerous studies have shown that GH treatment improves height, body composition, bone density, cardiovascular risk factors, physical fitness and quality of life and that the treatment has few side effects. Initially GH was given as intramuscular injections three times per week, but daily subcutaneous injections were shown to be more effective and less inconvenient and the daily administration has been used since its introduction in the 1980s. However, despite ongoing improvements in injection device design, daily subcutaneous injections remain inconvenient, painful and distressing for many patients, leading to noncompliance, reduced efficacy and increased health care costs. To address these issues a variety of long-acting formulations of GH have been developed. In this review we present the current status of long-acting GH preparations and discuss the specific issues related to their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Høybye
- Department of endocrinology, metabolism and diabetology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of molecular medicine and surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Pinchas Cohen
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, CA, USA
| | - Andrew R Hoffman
- Department of Medicine, VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Richard Ross
- Department of Human Metabolism, University of Sheffield, UK
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9
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Kim SJ, Kwak HH, Cho SY, Sohn YB, Park SW, Huh R, Kim J, Ko AR, Jin DK. Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Efficacy of a Novel Long-Acting Human Growth Hormone: Fc Fusion Protein. Mol Pharm 2015; 12:3759-65. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.5b00550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Kim
- Department
of Pediatrics, Myongji Hospital, Seonam University College of Medicine, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Hee Kwak
- Biopharmaceutical
Research Laboratoy, Dong-A Socio Holdings Research Institute, Gyeonggi, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yoon Cho
- Department
of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Bae Sohn
- Department
of Medical Genetics, Ajou University Hospital, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Won Park
- Department
of Pediatrics, Jeil Hospital, Dankook University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Rimm Huh
- Department
of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsup Kim
- Department
of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-ra Ko
- Clinical
Research Center, Samsung Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Kyu Jin
- Department
of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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10
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Georgiev IS, Joyce MG, Yang Y, Sastry M, Zhang B, Baxa U, Chen RE, Druz A, Lees CR, Narpala S, Schön A, Van Galen J, Chuang GY, Gorman J, Harned A, Pancera M, Stewart-Jones GBE, Cheng C, Freire E, McDermott AB, Mascola JR, Kwong PD. Single-Chain Soluble BG505.SOSIP gp140 Trimers as Structural and Antigenic Mimics of Mature Closed HIV-1 Env. J Virol 2015; 89:5318-29. [PMID: 25740988 PMCID: PMC4442528 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.03451-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Similar to other type I fusion machines, the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) requires proteolytic activation; specifically, cleavage of a gp160 precursor into gp120 and gp41 subunits creates an N-terminal gp41 fusion peptide and permits folding from an immature uncleaved state to a mature closed state. While the atomic-level consequences of cleavage for HIV-1 Env are still being determined, the uncleaved state is antigenically distinct from the mature closed state, and cleavage has been reported to be essential for mimicry of the mature viral spike by soluble versions of Env. Here we report the redesign of a current state-of-the-art soluble Env mimic, BG505.SOSIP, to make it cleavage independent. Specifically, we replaced the furin cleavage site between gp120 and gp41 with Gly-Ser linkers of various lengths. The resultant linked gp120-gp41 constructs, termed single-chain gp140 (sc-gp140), exhibited different levels of structural and antigenic mimicry of the parent cleaved BG505.SOSIP. When constructs were subjected to negative selection to remove subspecies recognized by poorly neutralizing antibodies, trimers of high antigenic mimicry of BG505.SOSIP could be obtained; negative-stain electron microscopy indicated these to resemble the mature closed state. Higher proportions of BG505.SOSIP-trimer mimicry were observed in sc-gp140s with linkers of 6 or more residues, with a linker length of 15 residues exhibiting especially promising traits. Overall, flexible linkages between gp120 and gp41 in BG505.SOSIP can thus substitute for cleavage, and sc-gp140s that closely mimicked the vaccine-preferred mature closed state of Env could be obtained. IMPORTANCE The trimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is the sole target of virus-directed neutralizing antibody responses and a primary focus of vaccine design. Soluble mimics of Env have proven challenging to obtain and have been thought to require proteolytic cleavage into two-component subunits, gp120 and gp41, to achieve structural and antigenic mimicry of mature Env spikes on virions. Here we show that replacement of the cleavage site between gp120 and gp41 in a lead soluble gp140 construct, BG505.SOSIP, with flexible linkers can result in molecules that do not require cleavage to fold efficiently into the mature closed state. Our results provide insights into the impact of cleavage on HIV-1 Env folding. In some contexts such as genetic immunization, optimized cleavage-independent soluble gp140 constructs may have utility over the parental BG505.SOSIP, as they would not require furin cleavage to achieve mimicry of mature Env spikes on virions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivelin S Georgiev
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - M Gordon Joyce
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yongping Yang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mallika Sastry
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Baoshan Zhang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ulrich Baxa
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Rita E Chen
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Aliaksandr Druz
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher R Lees
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sandeep Narpala
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Arne Schön
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joseph Van Galen
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gwo-Yu Chuang
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jason Gorman
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam Harned
- Electron Microscopy Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Marie Pancera
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Guillaume B E Stewart-Jones
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ernesto Freire
- Department of Biology, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adrian B McDermott
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - John R Mascola
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter D Kwong
- Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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11
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Functional human antibody CDR fusions as long-acting therapeutic endocrine agonists. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2015; 112:1356-61. [PMID: 25605877 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1423668112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
On the basis of the 3D structure of a bovine antibody with a well-folded, ultralong complementarity-determining region (CDR), we have developed a versatile approach for generating human or humanized antibody agonists with excellent pharmacological properties. Using human growth hormone (hGH) and human leptin (hLeptin) as model proteins, we have demonstrated that functional human antibody CDR fusions can be efficiently engineered by grafting the native hormones into different CDRs of the humanized antibody Herceptin. The resulting Herceptin CDR fusion proteins were expressed in good yields in mammalian cells and retain comparable in vitro biological activity to the native hormones. Pharmacological studies in rodents indicated a 20- to 100-fold increase in plasma circulating half-life for these antibody agonists and significantly extended in vivo activities in the GH-deficient rat model and leptin-deficient obese mouse model for the hGH and hLeptin antibody fusions, respectively. These results illustrate the utility of antibody CDR fusions as a general and versatile strategy for generating long-acting protein therapeutics.
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12
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Cai Y, Xu M, Yuan M, Liu Z, Yuan W. Developments in human growth hormone preparations: sustained-release, prolonged half-life, novel injection devices, and alternative delivery routes. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:3527-38. [PMID: 25114523 PMCID: PMC4122423 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s63507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the availability of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) enabled the application of human growth hormone both in clinical and research use in the 1980s, millions of patients were prescribed a daily injection of rhGH, but noncompliance rates were high. To address the problem of noncompliance, numerous studies have been carried out, involving: sustained-release preparations, prolonged half-life derivatives, new injectors that cause less pain, and other noninvasive delivery methods such as intranasal, pulmonary and transdermal deliveries. Some accomplishments have been made and launched already, such as the Nutropin Depot® microsphere and injectors (Zomajet®, Serojet®, and NordiFlex®). Here, we provide a review of the different technologies and illustrate the key points of these studies to achieve an improved rhGH product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunpeng Cai
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China ; School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingxin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Minglu Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Neurology, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Weien Yuan
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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13
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Cawley P, Wilkinson I, Ross RJ. Developing long-acting growth hormone formulations. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2013; 79:305-9. [PMID: 23662913 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Revised: 04/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Daily recombinant growth hormone (GH) restores normal growth and body composition in GH-deficient children and adults; however, daily injections are inconvenient and can be distressing for some children. On top of this compliance is a problem in up to 75% of children. Developing long-acting GH formulations has proved challenging, and questions remain regarding safety and efficacy. In this review, we focus on the rationale for generating long-acting GH agonists and the technologies being developed to deliver prolonged exposure to GH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pippa Cawley
- Academic Unit of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Reproduction, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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14
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Hudak JE, Barfield RM, de Hart GW, Grob P, Nogales E, Bertozzi CR, Rabuka D. Synthesis of Heterobifunctional Protein Fusions Using Copper-Free Click Chemistry and the Aldehyde Tag. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201108130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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15
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Hudak JE, Barfield RM, de Hart GW, Grob P, Nogales E, Bertozzi CR, Rabuka D. Synthesis of heterobifunctional protein fusions using copper-free click chemistry and the aldehyde tag. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2012; 51:4161-5. [PMID: 22407566 PMCID: PMC3379715 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201108130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Hudak
- Department of Chemistry, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
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16
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Flintegaard TV, Thygesen P, Rahbek-Nielsen H, Levery SB, Kristensen C, Clausen H, Bolt G. N-glycosylation increases the circulatory half-life of human growth hormone. Endocrinology 2010; 151:5326-36. [PMID: 20826563 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-0574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic use of recombinant GH typically involves daily sc injections. We examined the possibilities for prolonging the in vivo circulation of GH by introducing N-glycans. Human GH variants with a single potential N-glycosylation site (N-X-S/T) introduced by site-directed mutagenesis were expressed in HEK293 cells. In a scan of 15 different positions for N-glycosylation sites, four positions (amino acids 93, 98, 99, and 101) were efficiently utilized and did not influence GH in vitro activity. A GH variant (3N-GH) with all these sites was produced in CHOK1SV cells and contained up to three N-glycans. Two pools of 3N-GH were purified and separated according to their charge by anion-exchange chromatography. Anion-exchange HPLC revealed that the N-glycans in the two pools were very similar except for the extent of sialylation. Both 3N-GH pools circulated longer in rats than wild-type GH. The terminal half-life of 3N-GH after iv injection was 24-fold prolonged compared with wild-type GH for the pool with the most pronounced sialylation, 13-fold prolonged for the less sialylated pool, and similar to the wild-type for desialylated 3N-GH. The less sialylated 3N-GH pool exhibited a profound pharmacodynamic effect in GH-deficient rats. Over a 4-d period, a single injection of 3N-GH induced a stronger IGF-I response and a larger increase in body weight than daily injections with wild-type GH. Thus, N-glycans can prolong the in vivo circulation and enhance the pharmacodynamic effect of GH. Sialic acids seem to play a pivotal role for the properties of glycosylated GH.
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17
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Immunogenicity, toxicology, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of growth hormone ligand-receptor fusions. Clin Sci (Lond) 2010; 119:483-91. [PMID: 20597861 DOI: 10.1042/cs20100241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A fundamental concern for all new biological therapeutics is the possibility of inducing an immune response. We have recently demonstrated that an LR-fusion (ligand-receptor fusion) of growth hormone generates a potent long-acting agonist; however, the immunogenicity and toxicity of these molecules have not been tested. To address these issues, we have designed molecules with low potential as immunogens and undertaken immunogenicity and toxicology studies in Macaca fascicularis and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies in rats. Two variants of the LR-fusion, one with a flexible linker (GH-LRv2) and the other without (GH-LRv3), were tested. Comparison was made with native human GH (growth hormone). GH-LRv2 and GH-LRv3 demonstrated similar pharmacokinetics in rats, showing reduced clearance compared with native GH and potent agonist activity with respect to body weight gain in a hypophysectomized rat model. In M. fascicularis, a low level of antibodies to GH-LRv2 was found in one sample, but there was no other evidence of any immunogenic response to the other fusion protein. There were no toxic effects and specifically no changes in histology at injection sites after two repeated administrations. The pharmacokinetic profiles in monkeys confirmed long half-lives for both GH-LRv2 and GH-LRv3 representing exceptionally delayed clearance over rhGH (recombinant human GH). The results suggest that repeated administration of a GH LR-fusion is safe, non-toxic, and the pharmacokinetic profile suggests that two to three weekly administrations is a potential therapeutic regimen for humans.
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18
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Martinez MN, Lindquist D, Modric S. Terminology Challenges: Defining Modified Release Dosage Forms in Veterinary Medicine. J Pharm Sci 2010; 99:3281-90. [DOI: 10.1002/jps.22095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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19
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Huang YS, Wen XF, Wu YL, Wang YF, Fan M, Yang ZY, Liu W, Zhou LF. Engineering a pharmacologically superior form of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor by fusion with gelatin-like-protein polymer. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2009; 74:435-41. [PMID: 19995603 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2009.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 12/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/02/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The plasma half-life of therapeutic proteins is a critical factor in many clinical applications. Therefore, new strategies to prolong plasma half-life of long-acting peptides and protein drugs are in high demand. Here, we designed an artificial gelatin-like protein (GLK) and fused this hydrophilic GLK polymer to granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) to generate a chimeric GLK/G-CSF fusion protein. The genetically engineered recombinant GLK/G-CSF (rGLK/G-CSF) fusion protein was purified from Pichia pastoris. In vitro studies demonstrated that rGLK/G-CSF possessed an enlarged hydrodynamic radius, improved thermal stability and retained full bioactivity compared to unfused G-CSF. Following a single subcutaneous administration to rats, the rGLK/G-CSF fusion protein displayed a slower plasma clearance rate and stimulated greater and longer lasting increases in circulating white blood cells than G-CSF. Our findings indicate that fusion with this artificial, hydrophilic, GLK polymer provides many advantages in the construction of a potent hematopoietic factor with extended plasma half-life. This approach could be easily applied to other therapeutic proteins and have important clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Shan Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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20
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Salmaso S, Bersani S, Elvassore N, Bertucco A, Caliceti P. Biopharmaceutical characterisation of insulin and recombinant human growth hormone loaded lipid submicron particles produced by supercritical gas micro-atomisation. Int J Pharm 2009; 379:51-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2009.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2009] [Revised: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 06/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) regulates somatic growth, substrate metabolism and body composition. Its actions are elaborated through the GH receptor (GHR). GHR signalling involves the role of at least three major pathways, STATs, MAPK, and PI3-kinase/Akt. GH receptor function can be modulated by changes to the ligand, to the receptor or by factors regulating signal transduction. Insights on the physico-chemical basis of the binding of GH to its receptor and the stoichiometry required for activation of the GH receptor-dimer has led to the development of novel GH agonists and antagonists. Owing to the fact that GH has short half-life, several approaches have been taken to create long-acting GHR agonists. This includes the pegylation, sustained release formulations, and ligand-receptor fusion proteins. Pegylation of a GH analogue (pegvisomant) which binds but not activate signal transduction forms the basis of a new successful approach to the treatment of acromegaly. GH receptors can be regulated at a number of levels, by modifying receptor expression, surface availability and signalling. Insulin, thyroid hormones and sex hormones are among hormones that modulate GHR through some of these mechanisms. Estrogens inhibit GH signalling by stimulating the expression of SOCS proteins which are negative regulators of cytokine receptor signalling. This review of GHR modulators will cover the effects of ligand modification, and of factors regulating receptor expression and signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vita Birzniece
- Pituitary Research Unit, Garvan Institute of Medical Research and Department of Endocrinology, St. Vincent's Hospital, NSW, Australia
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22
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Perugini M, Varelias A, Sadlon T, D'Andrea RJ. Hematopoietic growth factor mimetics: from concept to clinic. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2009; 20:87-94. [PMID: 19223217 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2009.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hematopoietic growth factor (HGF) mimetics offer a number of attractive advantages as therapeutic agents. Small chemical compounds, in particular, provide reduced cost and oral availability. As many of these mimetics are unrelated in structure to the normal cytokine the immunogenic response is not a significant issue. Isolation of small peptide agonists for erythropoietin (EPO) and thrombopoietin (TPO) receptors has been associated with significant translational challenges and here we summarize approaches used to achieve the potency and stability required for clinical utility. We also compare and contrast the initial screening approaches, and the translational and clinical issues associated with two recently approved TPO mimetics, romiplostim and the orally available eltrombopag. Finally we summarize the development and clinical findings for the EPO mimetic, Hematide, consider alternative approaches, and discuss the future potential for isolation of growth factor (GF) mimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Perugini
- Hanson Institute and SA Pathology, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
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23
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Designed to linger. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2007. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd2430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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