1
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Skerritt JH, Tucek-Szabo C, Sutton B, Nolan T. The Platform Technology Approach to mRNA Product Development and Regulation. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:528. [PMID: 38793779 PMCID: PMC11126020 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12050528] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
mRNA-lipid nanoparticle (LNP) medicinal products can be considered a platform technology because the development process is similar for different diseases and conditions, with similar noncoding mRNA sequences and lipid nanoparticles and essentially unchanged manufacturing and analytical methods often utilised for different products. It is critical not to lose the momentum built using the platform approach during the development, regulatory approval and rollout of vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. This review proposes a set of modifications to existing regulatory requirements for mRNA products, based on a platform perspective for quality, manufacturing, preclinical, and clinical data. For the first time, we address development and potential regulatory requirements when the mRNA sequences and LNP composition vary in different products as well. In addition, we propose considerations for self-amplifying mRNA, individualised oncology mRNA products, and mRNA therapeutics. Providing a predictable development pathway for academic and commercial groups so that they can know in detail what product characterisation and data are required to develop a dossier for regulatory submission has many potential benefits. These include: reduced development and regulatory costs; faster consumer/patient access and more agile development of products in the face of pandemics; and for rare diseases where alternatives may not exist or to increase survival and the quality of life in cancer patients. Therefore, achieving consensus around platform approaches is both urgent and important. This approach with mRNA can be a template for similar platform frameworks for other therapeutics and vaccines to enable more efficient development and regulatory review.
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Affiliation(s)
- John H. Skerritt
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | | | - Brett Sutton
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Research Way, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia;
| | - Terry Nolan
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, 792 Elizabeth St, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
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2
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Buckland B, Sanyal G, Ranheim T, Pollard D, Searles JA, Behrens S, Pluschkell S, Josefsberg J, Roberts CJ. Vaccine process technology-A decade of progress. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024. [PMID: 38711222 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
In the past decade, new approaches to the discovery and development of vaccines have transformed the field. Advances during the COVID-19 pandemic allowed the production of billions of vaccine doses per year using novel platforms such as messenger RNA and viral vectors. Improvements in the analytical toolbox, equipment, and bioprocess technology have made it possible to achieve both unprecedented speed in vaccine development and scale of vaccine manufacturing. Macromolecular structure-function characterization technologies, combined with improved modeling and data analysis, enable quantitative evaluation of vaccine formulations at single-particle resolution and guided design of vaccine drug substances and drug products. These advances play a major role in precise assessment of critical quality attributes of vaccines delivered by newer platforms. Innovations in label-free and immunoassay technologies aid in the characterization of antigenic sites and the development of robust in vitro potency assays. These methods, along with molecular techniques such as next-generation sequencing, will accelerate characterization and release of vaccines delivered by all platforms. Process analytical technologies for real-time monitoring and optimization of process steps enable the implementation of quality-by-design principles and faster release of vaccine products. In the next decade, the field of vaccine discovery and development will continue to advance, bringing together new technologies, methods, and platforms to improve human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Buckland
- National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Gautam Sanyal
- Vaccine Analytics, LLC, Kendall Park, New Jersey, USA
| | - Todd Ranheim
- Advanced Analytics Core, Resilience, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Pollard
- Sartorius, Corporate Research, Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Sue Behrens
- Engineering and Biopharmaceutical Processing, Keck Graduate Institute, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Stefanie Pluschkell
- National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Jessica Josefsberg
- Merck & Co., Inc., Process Research & Development, Rahway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Christopher J Roberts
- National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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3
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Bus-Jacobs L, Lau R, Soethoudt M, Gebbia L, Janssens E, Hermans T. Effects of Shock and Vibration on Product Quality during Last-Mile Transportation of Ebola Vaccine under Refrigerated Conditions 1. Emerg Infect Dis 2024; 30:757-760. [PMID: 38526137 PMCID: PMC10977826 DOI: 10.3201/eid3004.231060] [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: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Analyzing vaccine stability under different storage and transportation conditions is critical to ensure that effectiveness and safety are not affected by distribution. In a simulation of the last mile in the supply chain, we found that shock and vibration had no effect on Ad26.ZEBOV/MVA-BN-Filo Ebola vaccine regimen quality under refrigerated conditions.
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4
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Bacher J, Lali N, Steiner F, Jungbauer A. Cytokines as fast indicator of infectious virus titer during process development. J Biotechnol 2024; 383:55-63. [PMID: 38325657 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2024.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Measuring infectious titer is the most time-consuming method during the production and process development of live viruses. Conventionally, it is done by measuring the tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) or plaque forming units (pfu) in cell-based assays. Such assays require a time span of more than a week to the readout and significantly slow down process development. In this study, we utilized the pro-inflammatory cytokine response of a Vero production cell line to a recombinant measles vaccine virus (MVV) as model system for rapidly determining infectious virus titer within several hours after infection instead of one week. Cytokines are immunostimulatory proteins contributing to the first line of defence against virus infection. The probed cytokines in this study were MCP-1 and RANTES, which are secreted in a virus dose as well as time dependent manner and correlate to TCID50 over a concentration range of several logarithmic levels with R2 = 0.86 and R2 = 0.83, respectively. Furthermore, the pro-inflammatory cytokine response of the cells was specific for infectious virus particles and not evoked with filtered virus seed. We also discovered that individual cytokine candidates may be more suitable for off- or at-line analysis, depending on the secretion profile as well as their sensitivity towards changing process conditions. Furthermore, the method can be applied to follow a purification procedure and is therefore suited for process development and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Bacher
- acib - Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Krenngasse 37, Graz A-8010, Austria; Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Narges Lali
- acib - Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Krenngasse 37, Graz A-8010, Austria; Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florian Steiner
- acib - Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Krenngasse 37, Graz A-8010, Austria
| | - Alois Jungbauer
- acib - Austrian Centre of Industrial Biotechnology, Krenngasse 37, Graz A-8010, Austria; Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Bioprocess Science and Engineering, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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5
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Wang Y, Troutman MC, Hofmann C, Gonzalez A, Song L, Levin R, Pixley HY, Kearns K, DePhillips P, Loughney JW. Fully automated high-throughput immuno-µPlaque assay for live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine development. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356600. [PMID: 38410513 PMCID: PMC10895029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Dengue fever has remained a continuing global medical threat that impacts half of the world's population. Developing a highly effective dengue vaccine, with live-attenuated tetravalent vaccines as leading candidates, remains essential in preventing this disease. For the development of live virus vaccines (LVVs), potency measurements play a vital role in quantifying the active components of vaccine drug substance as well as drug product during various stages of research, development, and post-licensure evaluations. Traditional plaque-based assays are one of the most common potency test methods, but they generally take up to weeks to complete. Less labor and time-intensive potency assays are thus called for to aid in the acceleration of vaccine development, especially for multivalent LVVs. Here, we introduce a fully automated, 96-well format µPlaque assay that has been optimized as a high-throughput tool to evaluate process and formulation development of a live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a miniaturized viral plaque method for dengue with full automation via an integrated robotic system. Compared to the traditional manual plaque assay, this newly developed method substantially reduces testing time by approximately half and allows for the evaluation of over ten times more samples per run. The fully automated workflow, from cell culture to plaque counting, significantly minimizes analyst hands-on time and improves assay repeatability. The study presents a pioneering solution for the rapid measurement of LVV viral titers, offering promising prospects for advancing vaccine development through high-throughput analytics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wang
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Matthew C. Troutman
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Carl Hofmann
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Ariel Gonzalez
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Liping Song
- Biostatistics, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Robert Levin
- Vaccine Drug Product Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Heidi Yoder Pixley
- Vaccine Drug Product Development, Merck & Co., Inc, Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Kristine Kearns
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - Pete DePhillips
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
| | - John W. Loughney
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, United States
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6
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Tong X, Raffaele J, Feller K, Dornadula G, Devlin J, Boyd D, Loughney JW, Shanter J, Rustandi RR. Correlating Stability-Indicating Biochemical and Biophysical Characteristics with In Vitro Cell Potency in mRNA LNP Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:169. [PMID: 38400152 PMCID: PMC10893231 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12020169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of mRNA vaccines has increased rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic. As one of the critical attributes, understanding mRNA lipid nanoparticle (LNP) stability is critical in the vaccine product development. However, the correlation between LNPs' physiochemical characteristics and their potency still remains unclear. The lack of regulatory guidance on the specifications for mRNA LNPs is also partially due to this underexplored relationship. In this study, we performed a three-month stability study of heat-stressed mRNA LNP samples. The mRNA LNP samples were analyzed for their mRNA degradation, LNP particle sizes, and mRNA encapsulation efficiency. In vitro cell potency was also evaluated and correlated with these above-mentioned physiochemical characterizations. The mRNA degradation-cell potency correlation data showed two distinct regions, indicating a critical cut-off size limit for mRNA degradation. The same temperature dependence was also observed in the LNP size-cell potency correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Tong
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (K.F.); (G.D.); (J.W.L.); (R.R.R.)
| | - Jessica Raffaele
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (K.F.); (G.D.); (J.W.L.); (R.R.R.)
| | - Katrina Feller
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (K.F.); (G.D.); (J.W.L.); (R.R.R.)
| | - Geethanjali Dornadula
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (K.F.); (G.D.); (J.W.L.); (R.R.R.)
| | - James Devlin
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (K.F.); (G.D.); (J.W.L.); (R.R.R.)
| | - David Boyd
- Process Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA; (D.B.); (J.S.)
| | - John W. Loughney
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (K.F.); (G.D.); (J.W.L.); (R.R.R.)
| | - Jon Shanter
- Process Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA; (D.B.); (J.S.)
| | - Richard R. Rustandi
- Analytical Research & Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ 07065, USA (K.F.); (G.D.); (J.W.L.); (R.R.R.)
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7
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Branham PJ, Cooper HC, Williamson YM, Najjar FN, Sutton WJH, Pierce-Ruiz CL, Barr JR, Williams TL. An antibody-free evaluation of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Biologicals 2024; 85:101738. [PMID: 38096736 PMCID: PMC10961194 DOI: 10.1016/j.biologicals.2023.101738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This manuscript describes the use of an analytical assay that combines transfection of mammalian cells and isotope dilution mass spectrometry (IDMS) for accurate quantification of antigen expression. Expired mRNA COVID-19 vaccine material was stored at 4 °C, room temperature (∼25 °C), and 56 °C over a period of 5 weeks. The same vaccine was also exposed to 5 freeze-thaw cycles. Every week, the spike protein antigenic expression in mammalian (BHK-21) cells was evaluated. Housekeeping proteins, β-actin and GAPDH, were simultaneously quantified to account for the variation in cell counts that occurs during maintenance and growth of cell cultures. Data show that vaccine stored at elevated temperatures results in reduced spike protein expression. Also, maintaining the vaccine in ultracold conditions or exposing the vaccine to freeze-thaw cycles had less effect on the vaccine's ability to produce the antigen in mammalian cells. We describe the use of IDMS as an antibody-free means to accurately quantify expressed protein from mammalian cells transfected with mRNA vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Branham
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Hans C Cooper
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Yulanda M Williamson
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Fabio N Najjar
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - William J H Sutton
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Carrie L Pierce-Ruiz
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - John R Barr
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Tracie L Williams
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.
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8
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Tognetti F, Biagini M, Denis M, Berti F, Maione D, Stranges D. Evolution of Vaccines Formulation to Tackle the Challenge of Anti-Microbial Resistant Pathogens. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12054. [PMID: 37569427 PMCID: PMC10418901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512054] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing diffusion of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across more and more bacterial species emphasizes the urgency of identifying innovative treatment strategies to counter its diffusion. Pathogen infection prevention is among the most effective strategies to prevent the spread of both disease and AMR. Since their discovery, vaccines have been the strongest prophylactic weapon against infectious diseases, with a multitude of different antigen types and formulative strategies developed over more than a century to protect populations from different pathogens. In this review, we review the main characteristics of vaccine formulations in use and under development against AMR pathogens, focusing on the importance of administering multiple antigens where possible, and the challenges associated with their development and production. The most relevant antigen classes and adjuvant systems are described, highlighting their mechanisms of action and presenting examples of their use in clinical trials against AMR. We also present an overview of the analytical and formulative strategies for multivalent vaccines, in which we discuss the complexities associated with mixing multiple components in a single formulation. This review emphasizes the importance of combining existing knowledge with advanced technologies within a Quality by Design development framework to efficiently develop vaccines against AMR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Tognetti
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via F. Marzolo 5, 35131 Padua, Italy
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9
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Lei Y, Yong Z, Junzhi W. Development and application of potency assays based on genetically modified cells for biological products. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 230:115397. [PMID: 37079933 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115397] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Potency assays are key to the development, registration, and quality control of biological products. Although previously preferred for clinical relevance, in vivo bioassays have greatly diminished with the advent of dependent cell lines as well as due to ethical concerns. However, for some products, the development of in vitro cell-based assay is challenging, or existing method has limitations such as tedious procedure or low sensitivity. The generation of genetically modified (GM) cell line with improved response to the analyte provides a scientific and promising solution. Potency assays based on GM cell lines are currently used for the quality control of biological products including cytokines, hormones, therapeutic antibodies, vaccines and gene therapy products. In this review, we have discussed the general principles of designing and developing GM cells-based potency assays, including identification of cellular signaling pathways and detectable biological effects, generation of responsive cell lines and constitution of test systems, based on the current research progress. In addition, the applications of some novel technologies and the common concerns regarding GM cells have also been discussed. The research presented in this review provides insights for the development and application of novel GM cells-based potency assays for biological products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lei
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhou Yong
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Wang Junzhi
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Health for Research on Quality and Standardization of Biotech Products, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, No. 2, Tiantan Xili, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100050, China.
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10
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Steps toward nebulization in-use studies to understand the stability of new biological entities. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103461. [PMID: 36455828 PMCID: PMC9770090 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103461] [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: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The need for novel biological drugs against respiratory diseases has been highlighted during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The use of inhalation presents challenges to drug product stability, which is especially true for delivery using nebulizers (jet versus mesh technologies). The late-stage process of drug development in the pharmaceutical industry requires the investigation of in-use stability. In-use studies generate data that are guided by the requirements of regulatory authorities for inclusion in the clinical trial application dossier. In this review, I introduce the initial aspects of in-use stability studies during the development of an aerosol formulation to deliver biologics with a nebulizer. Lessons learned from this experience can guide future development and planning for formulation, analytics, material compatibility, nebulization process, and clinical trial preparations.
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11
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Gavanji S, Bakhtari A, Famurewa AC, Othman EM. Cytotoxic Activity of Herbal Medicines as Assessed in Vitro: A Review. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202201098. [PMID: 36595710 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202201098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Since time immemorial, human beings have sought natural medications for treatment of various diseases. Weighty evidence demonstrates the use of chemical methodologies for sensitive evaluation of cytotoxic potentials of herbal agents. However, due to the ubiquitous use of cytotoxicity methods, there is a need for providing updated guidance for the design and development of in vitro assessment. The aim of this review is to provide practical guidance on common cell-based assays for suitable assessment of cytotoxicity potential of herbal medicines and discussing their advantages and disadvantages Relevant articles in authentic databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar and SID, from 1950 to 2022 were collected according to selection criteria of in vitro cytotoxicity assays and protocols. In addition, the link between cytotoxicity assay selection and different factors such as the drug solvent, concentration and exposure duration were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Gavanji
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technologies, University of Isfahan, 8415683111, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azizollah Bakhtari
- Department of Reproductive Biology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 7133654361, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ademola C Famurewa
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, PMB 1010, Ikwo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.,Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, 576104, Manipal, Karnataka State, India
| | - Eman M Othman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, 61519, Egypt.,Department of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Wuerzburg, Germany
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12
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Zhang X, Wu X, He Q, Wang J, Mao Q, Liang Z, Xu M. Research progress on substitution of in vivo method(s) by in vitro method(s) for human vaccine potency assays. Expert Rev Vaccines 2023; 22:270-277. [PMID: 36779650 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2023.2178421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Potency is a critical quality attribute for controlling quality consistency and relevant biological properties of vaccines. Owing to the high demand for animals, lengthy operations and high variability of in vivo methods, in vitro alternatives for human vaccine potency assays are extensively developed. AREAS COVERED Herein, in vivo and in vitro methods for potency assays of previously licensed human vaccines were sorted, followed by a brief description of the background for substituting in vivo methods with in vitro alternatives. Based on the analysis of current research on the substitution of vaccine potency assays, barriers and suggestions for substituting were proposed. EXPERT OPINION Owing to the variability of in vivo methods, the correlation between in vivo and in vitro methods may be low. One or more in vitro method(s) that determine the vaccine antigen content and functions, should be established. Since the substitution involves with the change of critical quality attributes and specifications, the specifications of in vitro methods should be appropriately set to maintain the efficacy of vaccines. For novel vaccines in research and development, in vitro methods for monitoring the consistency and relevant biological properties, should be established based on reflecting the immunogenicity of vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanxuan Zhang
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Xing Wu
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Qian He
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Junzhi Wang
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Qunying Mao
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenglun Liang
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Institute of Biological Products, Division of Hepatitis and Enterovirus Vaccines, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
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13
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Burns JS. The Art of Stem Cell-Based Therapy. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1420:1-12. [PMID: 37258780 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-30040-0_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Potency assays represent crucial experiments at the hub of the comprehensive complexity surrounding cell therapy. Moreover, numerous factors beyond biological and scientific considerations are involved in achieving successful potency assays that fulfil regulatory authority approval for a new advanced therapy medicinal product. Though this can mean a frustratingly long period of discovery and development, progress in cell therapy is nowadays proceeding remarkably quickly, assisted by the potency assay rigorously placing emphasis on the need to critically analyse the key factor/s responsible for the therapeutic mechanism of action. History has shown that it can take many decades for there to be an improved understanding of a mechanism of action. Yet the chasing of precise targets has revolutionised medicine, with no clearer example than approaches to viral pandemics. The centuries involved in the eradication of smallpox have paved the way for an unprecedented pace of vaccine development for the Covid-19 pandemic. Such extraordinary accomplishments foster encouragement that similarly for stem cell-based therapy, our scientific knowledge will continue to improve apace. This chapter focuses on the art of experimentation and discovery, introducing potency assay requisites and numerous factors that can influence potency assay outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of potency assays and their development can hasten the provision of new cell therapies to help resolve burdensome diseases of unmet medical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge S Burns
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
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14
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Miura K, Pham TP, Lee SM, Plieskatt J, Diouf A, Sagara I, Coelho CH, Duffy PE, Wu Y, Long CA. Development and Qualification of an Antigen Integrity Assay for a Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Transmission Blocking Vaccine Candidate, Pfs230. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10101628. [PMID: 36298492 PMCID: PMC9607959 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10101628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
During development of a subunit vaccine, monitoring integrity of the recombinant protein for process development and quality control is critical. Pfs230 is a leading malaria transmission blocking vaccine candidate and the first to reach a Phase 2 clinical trial. The Pfs230 protein is expressed on the surface of gametes, and plays an important role in male fertility. While the potency of Pfs230 protein can be determined by a standard membrane-feeding assay (SMFA) using antibodies from immunized subjects, the precision of a general in vivo potency study is known to be poor and is also time-consuming. Therefore, using a well-characterized Pfs230 recombinant protein and two human anti-Pfs230 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), which have functional activity judged by SMFA, a sandwich ELISA-based in vitro potency assay, called the Antigen Integrity Assay (AIA), was developed. Multiple validation parameters of AIA were evaluated to qualify the assay following International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) Q2(R1) guidelines. The AIA is a high throughput assay and demonstrated excellent precision (3.2 and 5.4% coefficients of variance for intra- and inter-assay variability, respectively) and high sensitivity (>12% impurity in a sample can be detected). General methodologies and the approach to assay validation described herein are amenable to any subunit vaccine as long as more than two functional, non-competing mAbs are available. Thus, this study supports future subunit vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazutoyo Miura
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Thao P. Pham
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Shwu-Maan Lee
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Jordan Plieskatt
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Ababacar Diouf
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
| | - Issaka Sagara
- Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako 1805, Mali
| | - Camila H. Coelho
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Patrick E. Duffy
- Laboratory of Malaria Immunology and Vaccinology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Yimin Wu
- PATH’s Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI), Washington, DC 20001, USA
| | - Carole A. Long
- Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20852, USA
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