1
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Patel A, Rosenke K, Parzych EM, Feldmann F, Bharti S, Griffin AJ, Schouest B, Lewis M, Choi J, Chokkalingam N, Machado V, Smith BJ, Frase D, Ali AR, Lovaglio J, Nguyen B, Hanley PW, Walker SN, Gary EN, Kulkarni A, Generotti A, Francica JR, Rosenthal K, Kulp DW, Esser MT, Smith TRF, Shaia C, Weiner DB, Feldmann H. In vivo delivery of engineered synthetic DNA-encoded SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies for pre-exposure prophylaxis in non-human primates. Emerg Microbes Infect 2024; 13:2294860. [PMID: 38165394 PMCID: PMC10903752 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2023.2294860] [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: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 remains a major public health concern. Monoclonal antibodies have received emergency use authorization (EUA) for pre-exposure prophylaxis against COVID-19 among high-risk groups for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. In addition to recombinant biologics, engineered synthetic DNA-encoded antibodies (DMAb) are an important strategy for direct in vivo delivery of protective mAb. A DMAb cocktail was synthetically engineered to encode the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains of two different two different Fc-engineered anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The DMAbs were designed to enhance in vivo expression and delivered intramuscularly to cynomolgus and rhesus macaques with a modified in vivo delivery regimen. Serum levels were detected in macaques, along with specific binding to SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain protein and neutralization of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in pseudovirus and authentic live virus assays. Prophylactic administration was protective in rhesus macaques against signs of SARS-CoV-2 (USA-WA1/2020) associated disease in the lungs. Overall, the data support further study of DNA-encoded antibodies as an additional delivery mode for prevention of COVID-19 severe disease. These data have implications for human translation of gene-encoded mAbs for emerging infectious diseases and low dose mAb delivery against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Patel
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kyle Rosenke
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Parzych
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Friederike Feldmann
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Suman Bharti
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amanda J. Griffin
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | | | - Matt Lewis
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Jihae Choi
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Neethu Chokkalingam
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Brian J. Smith
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Drew Frase
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ali R. Ali
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jamie Lovaglio
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Brian Nguyen
- Inovio Pharmaceuticals, Plymouth Meeting, PA, USA
| | - Patrick W. Hanley
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - Susanne N. Walker
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ebony N. Gary
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abhijeet Kulkarni
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Joseph R. Francica
- Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Kim Rosenthal
- Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Daniel W. Kulp
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark T. Esser
- Vaccines & Immune Therapies, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | | | - Carl Shaia
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
| | - David B. Weiner
- Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Heinz Feldmann
- Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Hamilton, MT, USA
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Navarro R, Frago S, Hangiu O, Erce-Llamazares A, Lázaro-Gorines R, Morcillo MA, Rodriguez-Peralto JL, Sanz L, Compte M, Alvarez-Vallina L. Pharmacokinetics and safety of LEAD-452, an EGFR-specific 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody in non-human primates. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 487:116961. [PMID: 38740095 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116961] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
LEAD-452 is a humanized bispecific EGFR-targeted 4-1BB-agonistic trimerbody with a unique trimeric configuration compared to other 4-1BB-specific antibodies that are currently in development. Indeed, enhanced tumor-specific costimulation and very remarkable safety and efficacy profiles have been observed in mouse models. Here, we conducted for the first time a preclinical pharmacokinetic and toxicity study in non-human primates (NHP) (Macaca fascicularis). LEAD-452 exhibits comparable binding affinity for human and macaque targets, indicating its pharmacological significance for safety testing across species. The NHP were administered LEAD-452 in a series of ascending doses, ranging from 0.1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, and repeated doses up to 20 mg/kg. The administration of LEAD-452 was found to be clinically well tolerated, with no major related adverse effects observed. Furthermore, there have been no reported cases of liver toxicity, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia, which are commonly associated with treatments using conventional anti-4-1BB IgG-based antibodies. In addition, neither IgM nor IgG-based anti-drug antibodies were detected in serum samples from NHP during the study, regardless of the dose of LEAD-452 administered. These results support the clinical development of LEAD-452 for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Navarro
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Frago
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oana Hangiu
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain; Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ainhoa Erce-Llamazares
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain; Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Rodrigo Lázaro-Gorines
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain; H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel A Morcillo
- Medical Applications of Ionizing Radiations Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas, Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Madrid, Spain
| | - José L Rodriguez-Peralto
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Department of Pathology, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain; Cutaneous Oncology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Oncología (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sanz
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Compte
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Leadartis SL, Tres Cantos, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis Alvarez-Vallina
- Cancer Immunotherapy Unit (UNICA), Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain; Immuno-Oncology and Immunotherapy Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain; H12O-CNIO Cancer Immunotherapy Clinical Research Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain.
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3
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Raghani NR, Chorawala MR, Mahadik M, Patel RB, Prajapati BG, Parekh PS. Revolutionizing cancer treatment: comprehensive insights into immunotherapeutic strategies. Med Oncol 2024; 41:51. [PMID: 38195781 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02280-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of aberrant cells, underscores the imperative for innovative therapeutic approaches. Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal constituent in cancer treatment, offering improved prognostic outcomes for a substantial patient cohort. Noteworthy for its precision, immunotherapy encompasses strategies such as adoptive cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors, orchestrating the immune system to recognize and selectively target malignant cells. Exploiting the specificity of the immune response renders immunotherapy efficacious, as it selectively targets the body's immune milieu. Diverse mechanisms underlie cancer immunotherapies, leading to distinct toxicity profiles compared to conventional treatments. A remarkable clinical stride in the anticancer resources is immunotherapy. Remarkably, certain recalcitrant cancers like skin malignancies exhibit resistance to radiation or chemotherapy, yet respond favorably to immunotherapeutic interventions. Notably, combination therapies involving chemotherapy and immunotherapy have exhibited synergistic effects, enhancing overall therapeutic efficacy. Understanding the pivotal role of immunotherapy elucidates its complementary value, bolstering the therapeutic landscape. In this review, we elucidate the taxonomy of cancer immunotherapy, encompassing adoptive cell therapy and checkpoint inhibitors, while scrutinizing their distinct adverse event profiles. Furthermore, we expound on the unprecedented potential of immunogenic vaccines to bolster the anticancer immune response. This comprehensive analysis underscores the significance of immunotherapy in modern oncology, unveiling novel prospects for tailored therapeutic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha R Raghani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Mayuresh Mahadik
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat, India
| | - Rakesh B Patel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, UI Carver College of Medicine: The University of Iowa Roy J and Lucille A Carver College of Medicine, 375 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Bhupendra G Prajapati
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Shree S. K. Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Ganpat University, Mehsana, Gujarat, India.
| | - Priyajeet S Parekh
- A V Pharma LLC, 1545 University Blvd N Ste A, Jacksonville, FL, 32211, USA
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4
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Loewa A, Feng JJ, Hedtrich S. Human disease models in drug development. NATURE REVIEWS BIOENGINEERING 2023; 1:1-15. [PMID: 37359774 PMCID: PMC10173243 DOI: 10.1038/s44222-023-00063-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Biomedical research is undergoing a paradigm shift towards approaches centred on human disease models owing to the notoriously high failure rates of the current drug development process. Major drivers for this transition are the limitations of animal models, which, despite remaining the gold standard in basic and preclinical research, suffer from interspecies differences and poor prediction of human physiological and pathological conditions. To bridge this translational gap, bioengineered human disease models with high clinical mimicry are being developed. In this Review, we discuss preclinical and clinical studies that benefited from these models, focusing on organoids, bioengineered tissue models and organs-on-chips. Furthermore, we provide a high-level design framework to facilitate clinical translation and accelerate drug development using bioengineered human disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Loewa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - James J. Feng
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Department of Mathematics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Sarah Hedtrich
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center of Biological Design, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MCD), Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Trouche SG, Boutajangout A, Asuni A, Fontés P, Sigurdsson EM, Verdier JM, Mestre-Francés N. Amyloid-β targeting immunisation in aged non-human primate (Microcebus murinus). Brain Behav Immun 2023; 109:63-77. [PMID: 36592872 PMCID: PMC10023341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates have an important translational value given their close phylogenetic relationship to humans. Studies in these animals remain essential for evaluating efficacy and safety of new therapeutic approaches, particularly in aging primates that display Alzheimer's disease (AD) -like pathology. With the objective to improve amyloid-β (Aβ) targeting immunotherapy, we investigated the safety and efficacy of an active immunisation with an Aβ derivative, K6Aβ1-30-NH2, in old non-human primates. Thirty-two aged (4-10 year-old) mouse lemurs were enrolled in the study, and received up to four subcutaneous injections of the vaccine in alum adjuvant or adjuvant alone. Even though antibody titres to Aβ were not high, pathological examination of the mouse lemur brains showed a significant reduction in intraneuronal Aβ that was associated with reduced microgliosis, and the vaccination did not lead to microhemorrhages. Moreover, a subtle cognitive improvement was observed in the vaccinated primates, which was probably linked to Aβ clearance. This Aβ derivative vaccine appeared to be safe as a prophylactic measure based on the brain analyses and because it did not appear to have detrimental effects on the general health of these old animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie G Trouche
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France; PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Allal Boutajangout
- Departments of Neurology, and Neuroscience and Physiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States.
| | - Ayodeji Asuni
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States.
| | | | - Einar M Sigurdsson
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Psychiatry, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, United States.
| | - Jean-Michel Verdier
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France; PSL Research University, Paris, France.
| | - Nadine Mestre-Francés
- MMDN, Univ Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, Montpellier, France; PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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6
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Bower N, Achanzar WE, Boulifard V, Brinck PR, Kittel B, Vahle JL. The Dog as a Second Species for Toxicology Testing Provides Value to Drug Development. Int J Toxicol 2022; 41:431-441. [DOI: 10.1177/10915818221125670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the pharmaceutical industry is to develop new drugs that are safe for human use. In many cases, the accepted approach codified in guidance from regulatory authorities to assess the nonclinical safety profile of potential pharmaceuticals is to perform toxicity testing in two species. However, the use of a second species to establish the safety of new pharmaceuticals has been the subject of much scrutiny in recent years and the industry has been repeatedly challenged to reduce, refine, or replace some or all of the animals used to establish the safety of these pharmaceutical candidates. Specifically, the value of the dog in this testing paradigm has been questioned. Publications reviewing available data for marketed drugs suggest that for many drugs, the dog does not identify unique toxicities critical to human safety. The weakness of this approach, however, is that many of the cases where the dog (or any other species) has the greatest impact on drug development are cases for which development decisions based on safety concerns are not shared publicly. The European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) Preclinical Development Expert Group (PDEG) decided to share case studies collected from its membership and the literature to illustrate the value of the dog in drug development decision-making and clinical monitoring practices to protect the safety of trial subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Bower
- Global Nonclinical Regulatory Affairs, Eisai Inc, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | - Birgit Kittel
- Preclinical Safety, Novartis Pharma, Basel, Switzerland
| | - John L. Vahle
- Lilly Corporate Center, Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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7
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Monoclonal Antibodies for Bacterial Pathogens: Mechanisms of Action and Engineering Approaches for Enhanced Effector Functions. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10092126. [PMID: 36140226 PMCID: PMC9496014 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy has opened a new era in the pharmaceutical field, finding application in various areas of research, from cancer to infectious diseases. The IgG isoform is the most used therapeutic, given its long half-life, high serum abundance, and most importantly, the presence of the Fc domain, which can be easily engineered. In the infectious diseases field, there has been a rising interest in mAbs research to counteract the emerging crisis of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Various pathogens are acquiring resistance mechanisms, inhibiting any chance of success of antibiotics, and thus may become critically untreatable in the near future. Therefore, mAbs represent a new treatment option which may complement or even replace antibiotics. However, very few antibacterial mAbs have succeeded clinical trials, and until now, only three mAbs have been approved by the FDA. These failures highlight the need of improving the efficacy of mAb therapeutic activity, which can also be achieved with Fc engineering. In the first part of this review, we will describe the mechanisms of action of mAbs against bacteria, while in the second part, we will discuss the recent advances in antibody engineering to increase efficacy of pre-existing anti-bacterial mAbs.
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Bangari DS, Lanigan LG, Goulet F, Siso S, Bolon B. Society of Toxicologic Pathology Neuropathology Interest Group Article: Neuropathologic Findings in Nonhuman Primates Associated With Administration of Biomolecule-Based Test Articles. Toxicol Pathol 2022; 50:693-711. [PMID: 35695393 DOI: 10.1177/01926233221101314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The increasing specificity of novel druggable targets coupled with the complexity of emerging therapeutic modalities for treating human diseases has created a growing need for nonhuman primates (NHPs) as models for translational drug discovery and nonclinical safety assessment. In particular, NHPs are critical for investigating potential unexpected/undesired on-target and off-target liabilities associated with administration of candidate biotherapeutics (nucleic acids, proteins, viral gene therapy vectors, etc.) to treat nervous system disorders. Nervous system findings unique to or overrepresented in NHPs administered biomolecule-based ("biologic") test articles include mononuclear cell infiltration in most neural tissues for all biomolecule classes as well as neuronal necrosis with glial cell proliferation in sensory ganglia for certain viral vectors. Such test article-related findings in NHPs often must be differentiated from procedural effects (e.g., local parenchymal or meningeal reactions associated with an injection site or implanted catheter to administer a test article directly into the central nervous system) or spontaneous background findings (e.g., neuronal autophagy in sensory ganglia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh S Bangari
- Global Discovery Pathology, Translational In-Vivo Models Platform, Sanofi, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Felix Goulet
- Charles River Laboratories, Senneville, Quebec, Canada
| | - Silvia Siso
- Translational Imaging and Pathology, Codiak BioSciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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9
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Weinbauer G, Mecklenburg L. Does Geographical Origin of Long-Tailed Macaques ( Macaca fascicularis) Matter in Drug Safety Assessment?: A Literature Review and Proposed Conclusion. Toxicol Pathol 2022; 50:552-559. [PMID: 35608013 DOI: 10.1177/01926233221095443] [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: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Long-tailed macaques are the predominant nonhuman primate species for the nonclinical safety testing of biopharmaceuticals. This species comprises 9 subspecies with Macaca fascicularis fascicularis naturally occurring in Southeast Asia. Since the 17th century, M. f. fascicularis also occurs on Mauritius. Cynomolgus macaques do not naturally occur in China, but are bred in many farms across the country. The current shortage in animal supply raises the question whether geographical animal origin matters and if animals from different geographical regions can be combined on a drug development program or even a single experiment. This article reviews geographical animal origin in relation to selected endpoints that are relevant in nonclinical drug safety testing. Animals from different countries within Asia mainland do not appear to show any meaningful difference. Very little data are available for animals from Asia island. Mauritian animals show consistent differences from Asian animals in several clinical and anatomical pathology parameters. For developmental parameters, animals from Mauritius and Asia are comparable with the exception that Mauritian animals mature faster. In the authors' view, differences between the geographical clusters can be accounted for as long as baseline and reference data are available.
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10
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Bolon B, Everitt JI. Selected Resources for Pathology Evaluation of Nonhuman Primates in Nonclinical Safety Assessment. Toxicol Pathol 2022; 50:725-732. [PMID: 35481786 DOI: 10.1177/01926233221091763] [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: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Humans and nonhuman primates (NHPs) share numerous anatomical and physiological characteristics, thereby explaining the importance of NHPs as essential animal models for translational medicine and nonclinical toxicity testing. Researchers, toxicologic pathologists, toxicologists, and regulatory reviewers must be familiar with normal and abnormal NHP biological traits when designing, performing, and interpreting data sets from NHP studies. The current compilation presents a list of essential books, journal articles, and websites that provide context to safety assessment and research scientists working with NHP models. The resources used most frequently by the authors have been briefly annotated to permit readers to rapidly ascertain their applicability to particular research endeavors. The references are aimed primarily for toxicologic pathologists working with cynomolgus and rhesus macaques and common marmosets in efficacy and safety assessment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey I Everitt
- Duke University, Department of Pathology, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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11
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Prior H, Clarke DO, Jones D, Salicru E, Schutten MM, Sewell F. Exploring the Definition of "Similar Toxicities": Case Studies Illustrating Industry and Regulatory Interpretation of ICH S6(R1) for Long-Term Toxicity Studies in One or Two Species. Int J Toxicol 2022; 41:171-181. [PMID: 35435047 PMCID: PMC9152593 DOI: 10.1177/10915818221081439] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
ICH S6 (R1) states that safety evaluation of biotherapeutics should normally
include 2 relevant species when available (i.e., a rodent and non-rodent species
in which the test material is pharmacologically active), at least for short-term
toxicology studies (generally supporting Phase I trials). For subsequent
long-term toxicology studies (e.g., chronic studies up to 6 months dosing
duration), there are options to reduce to only one species when justified,
including when the mechanism of action of the biologic is well-understood or the
toxicity findings in the short-term studies are “similar” in both the rodent and
non-rodent species. Across the industry, around 25 to 33% of biologics assess
multiple species within short-term toxicity studies but it is often unclear how
different companies and regulators are applying the ICH S6 (R1) principles of
“similar toxicity profiles” to progress with either 1 or 2 species in the
long-term studies, in particular whether the absence of toxicities is considered
within this definition. Sponsors may potentially continue to use 2 species to
avoid regulatory risk and potential delays in development timelines,
representing missed opportunities for reducing animal use, particularly of
non-human primates, during drug development. This article summarizes presentations from a symposium at the 41st
Annual meeting of the American College of Toxicology (ACT) in November 2020, in
which industry case studies and regulatory perspectives addressed considerations
and decisions for using 1 or 2 species for long-term toxicity studies,
highlighting any common themes or experience that could be applicable for use in
future decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Prior
- 85272National Centre for the Replacement Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research, London, UK
| | - David O Clarke
- 464876Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, USA
| | - David Jones
- 9059Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), London, UK
| | - Eleni Salicru
- 4137Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Silver Spring, ML, USA
| | | | - Fiona Sewell
- 85272National Centre for the Replacement Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research, London, UK
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Ménochet K, Yu H, Wang B, Tibbitts J, Hsu CP, Kamath AV, Richter WF, Baumann A. Non-human primates in the PKPD evaluation of biologics: Needs and options to reduce, refine, and replace. A BioSafe White Paper. MAbs 2022; 14:2145997. [PMID: 36418217 PMCID: PMC9704389 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2022.2145997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) deliver great benefits to patients with chronic and/or severe diseases thanks to their strong specificity to the therapeutic target. As a result of this specificity, non-human primates (NHP) are often the only preclinical species in which therapeutic antibodies cross-react with the target. Here, we highlight the value and limitations that NHP studies bring to the design of safe and efficient early clinical trials. Indeed, data generated in NHPs are integrated with in vitro information to predict the concentration/effect relationship in human, and therefore the doses to be tested in first-in-human trials. The similarities and differences in the systems defining the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PKPD) of mAbs in NHP and human define the nature and the potential of the preclinical investigations performed in NHPs. Examples have been collated where the use of NHP was either pivotal to the design of the first-in-human trial or, inversely, led to the termination of a project prior to clinical development. The potential impact of immunogenicity on the results generated in NHPs is discussed. Strategies to optimize the use of NHPs for PKPD purposes include the addition of PD endpoints in safety assessment studies and the potential re-use of NHPs after non-terminal studies or cassette dosing several therapeutic agents of interest. Efforts are also made to reduce the use of NHPs in the industry through the use of in vitro systems, alternative in vivo models, and in silico approaches. In the case of prediction of ocular PK, the body of evidence gathered over the last two decades renders the use of NHPs obsolete. Expert perspectives, advantages, and pitfalls with these alternative approaches are shared in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karelle Ménochet
- Quantitative Discovery and Development, UCB, Slough, UK,CONTACT Karelle Ménochet Quantitative Discovery and Development, UCB, Slough, UK
| | - Hongbin Yu
- R&D Project Management and Development Strategies, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Ridgefield, CT, USA
| | - Bonnie Wang
- Nonclinical Disposition and Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Inc, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Jay Tibbitts
- Nonclinical Development, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cheng-Pang Hsu
- Preclinical Development and Clinical Pharmacology, AskGene Pharma Inc, Camarillo, CA, USA
| | - Amrita V. Kamath
- Preclinical and Translational Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Wolfgang F. Richter
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation, Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Baumann
- R&D, Bayer Pharma AG, Berlin, Germany & Non-clinical Biotech Consulting, Potsdam, Germany °(° present affiliation)
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Frances N, Bacac M, Bray-French K, Christen F, Hinton H, Husar E, Quackenbush E, Schäfer M, Schick E, Vyver AVD, Richter WF. Novel In Vivo and In Vitro Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic-Based Human Starting Dose Selection for Glofitamab. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:1208-1218. [PMID: 34953862 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.12.019] [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: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
We present a novel approach for first-in-human (FIH) dose selection of the CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody, glofitamab, based on pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PKPD) assessment in cynomolgus monkeys to select a high, safe starting dose, with cytokine release (CR) as the PD endpoint. Glofitamab pharmacokinetics were studied in mice and cynomolgus monkeys; PKPD of IL-6, TNF-α and interferon-γ release following glofitamab, with/without obinutuzumab pretreatment (Gpt) was studied in cynomolgus monkeys. Potency differences for CR between cynomolgus monkeys and humans were determined by glofitamab incubation in whole blood of both species. The PKPD model for CR was translated to humans to project a starting dose that did not induce CR exceeding a clinically-predefined threshold. In cynomolgus monkeys, glofitamab showed a species-specific atypical high clearance, with and without B-cell debulking by Gpt. CR was related to glofitamab serum levels and B-cell counts. B-cell reduction by Gpt led to a marked decrease in CR. FIH starting dose (5 µg) was selected based on IL-6 release considering the markedly higher glofitamab in vitro potency in human vs monkey blood. This is a novel PKPD-based approach for selection of FIH starting dose for a CD20xCD3 bispecific antibody in B-cell lymphoma, evidenced in the glofitamab study, NP30179 (NCT03075696).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Frances
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marina Bacac
- Roche Innovation Center Zürich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Katharine Bray-French
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - François Christen
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Heather Hinton
- Roche Innovation Center Zürich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Husar
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Elizabeth Quackenbush
- Roche Innovation Center New York, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, New York City, NY
| | - Martin Schäfer
- Roche Innovation Center Munich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Eginhard Schick
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arthur Van De Vyver
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang F Richter
- Roche Innovation Center Basel, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Basel, Switzerland.
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14
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Exley AR, McBlane J. Regulating innovation in the early development of cell therapies. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltaa011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Summary
Clinical need for paradigm shifts in efficacy and safety is driving the rapid and wide-ranging innovation in cell therapies for cancer beyond existing regulatory frameworks. Critical issues emerging during clinical trials frequently reflect unresolved elements of the regulation of innovation conundrum from earlier stages of development. We address this challenge using a global regulators’ perspective on the preclinical development of cell therapies, as a navigational aid to intended commercial use which maximises the clinical relevance of developmental data. We examine the implications of tumour targeting based on B cell, natural killer cell, conventional and unconventional T cell receptor domains; multiplex approaches; genetic manipulation strategies; and autologous versus allogeneic cell sources. We propose that detailed characterisation of both the cell source and final product is critical to optimising manufacture of individualised autologous or off the shelf allogeneic cell therapies, enabling product consistency to underpin extrapolation of clinical trial data to the expected commercial use. We highlight preclinical approaches to characterising target antigens including the Human Cell Atlas initiative, multi-dimensional cell culture, and safety testing against activated, proliferating or stressed control cells. Practical solutions are provided for preclinical toxicity studies when cell therapies target uniquely human tumour antigens, including illustrative mitigation measures for potential toxicity likely to support timely approval of first-in-human clinical trials. We recommend addressing the regulation of innovation conundrum through serial engagement between innovators and regulators early in the development of cell therapies for cancer, accelerating patient access while safeguarding against unacceptable toxicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew R Exley
- Biologicals and Biotechnology Unit, Licensing Division, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
| | - James McBlane
- Biologicals and Biotechnology Unit, Licensing Division, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, London, UK
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15
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Gettemans J, De Dobbelaer B. Transforming nanobodies into high-precision tools for protein function analysis. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2020; 320:C195-C215. [PMID: 33264078 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00435.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Single-domain antibodies, derived from camelid heavy antibodies (nanobodies) or shark variable new antigen receptors, have attracted increasing attention in recent years due to their extremely versatile nature and the opportunities they offer for downstream modification. Discovered more than three decades ago, these 120-amino acid (∼15-kDa) antibody fragments are known to bind their target with high specificity and affinity. Key features of nanobodies that make them very attractive include their single-domain nature, small size, and affordable high-level expression in prokaryotes, and their cDNAs are routinely obtained in the process of their isolation. This facilitates and stimulates new experimental approaches. Hence, it allows researchers to formulate new answers to complex biomedical questions. Through elementary PCR-based technologies and chemical modification strategies, their primary structure can be altered almost at leisure while retaining their specificity and biological activity, transforming them into highly tailored tools that meet the increasing demands of current-day biomedical research. In this review, various aspects of camelid nanobodies are expounded, including intracellular delivery in recombinant format for manipulation of, i.e., cytoplasmic targets, their derivatization to improve nanobody orientation as a capturing device, approaches to reversibly bind their target, their potential as protein-silencing devices in cells, the development of strategies to transfer nanobodies through the blood-brain barrier and their application in CAR-T experimentation. We also discuss some of their disadvantages and conclude with future prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Gettemans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Brian De Dobbelaer
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Prior H, Haworth R, Labram B, Roberts R, Wolfreys A, Sewell F. Justification for species selection for pharmaceutical toxicity studies. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2020; 9:758-770. [PMID: 33442468 PMCID: PMC7786171 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxicity studies using mammalian species are generally required to provide safety data to support clinical development and licencing registration for potential new pharmaceuticals. International regulatory guidelines outline recommendations for the order (rodent and/or non-rodent) and number of species, retaining flexibility for development of a diverse range of drug modalities in a manner relevant for each specific new medicine. Selection of the appropriate toxicology species involves consideration of scientific, ethical and practical factors, with individual companies likely having different perspectives and preferences regarding weighting of various aspects dependent upon molecule characteristics and previous experience of specific targets or molecule classes. This article summarizes presentations from a symposium at the 2019 Annual Congress of the British Toxicology Society on the topic of species selection for pharmaceutical toxicity studies. This symposium included an overview of results from a National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) and Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) international collaboration that reviewed the use of one or two species in regulatory toxicology studies and justification for the species selected within each programme. Perspectives from two pharmaceutical companies described their processes for species selection for evaluation of biologics, and justification for selection of the minipig as a toxicological species for small molecules. This article summarizes discussions on the scientific justification and other considerations taken into account to ensure the most appropriate animal species are used for toxicity studies to meet regulatory requirements and to provide the most value for informing project decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Prior
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), 215 Euston Rd, London, NW1 2BE, UK
| | | | - Briony Labram
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), 215 Euston Rd, London, NW1 2BE, UK
| | - Ruth Roberts
- ApconiX, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, SK10 4TG, UK
| | | | - Fiona Sewell
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), 215 Euston Rd, London, NW1 2BE, UK
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17
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Sweeney M, Corden B, Cook SA. Targeting cardiac fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: mirage or miracle? EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e10865. [PMID: 32955172 PMCID: PMC7539225 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201910865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis is central to the pathology of heart failure, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Irrespective of the underlying profibrotic condition (e.g. ageing, diabetes, hypertension), maladaptive cardiac fibrosis is defined by the transformation of resident fibroblasts to matrix-secreting myofibroblasts. Numerous profibrotic factors have been identified at the molecular level (e.g. TGFβ, IL11, AngII), which activate gene expression programs for myofibroblast activation. A number of existing HF therapies indirectly target fibrotic pathways; however, despite multiple clinical trials in HFpEF, a specific clinically effective antifibrotic therapy remains elusive. Therapeutic inhibition of TGFβ, the master-regulator of fibrosis, has unfortunately proven toxic and ineffective in clinical trials to date, and new approaches are needed. In this review, we discuss the pathophysiology and clinical implications of interstitial fibrosis in HFpEF. We provide an overview of trials targeting fibrosis in HFpEF to date and discuss the promise of potential new therapeutic approaches and targets in the context of underlying molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sweeney
- MRC‐London Institute of Medical SciencesHammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUK
- Wellcome Trust 4i/NIHR Clinical Research FellowImperial CollegeLondonUK
| | - Ben Corden
- MRC‐London Institute of Medical SciencesHammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUK
- National Heart Research Institute SingaporeNational Heart Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders ProgramDuke‐National University of Singapore Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
- National Heart and Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Stuart A Cook
- MRC‐London Institute of Medical SciencesHammersmith Hospital CampusLondonUK
- National Heart Research Institute SingaporeNational Heart Centre SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders ProgramDuke‐National University of Singapore Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
- National Heart and Lung InstituteImperial College LondonLondonUK
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Abstract
Dose is highly important to studies of inhaled agents because there must be an understanding of the dose delivered to humans, the dose delivered to animals in toxicology studies, and an ability to interpret and compare both sets of information relative to safety. Unlike oral or intravenous administrations, total delivered or inhaled dose is not easy to determine following inhalation exposure and is also not necessarily the most important determinant of toxicity. A review of dose distribution throughout the respiratory tract as well as total inhaled dose is provided. The implications of regional deposition for biologics are reviewed and specific examples over a range of different molecular weights are provided. Biologics are generally large enough that absorption from ciliated epithelia is low. Thus, deposition of biologics in head airways and tracheobronchial regions is unlikely to be of high importance unless there are interactions with specific receptors at these sites. Therefore, it is the dose of proteins or biologics deposited in the alveolar region that are generally of most interest.
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19
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Clinical development of cell therapies for cancer: The regulators' perspective. Eur J Cancer 2020; 138:41-53. [PMID: 32836173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2020.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Novel cell therapies for haematological malignancies and solid tumours address pressing clinical need while offering potentially paradigm shifts in efficacy. However, innovative development risks outflanking information on statutory frameworks, regulatory guidelines and their working application. Meeting this challenge, regulators offer wide-ranging expertise and experience in confidential scientific and regulatory advice. We advocate early incorporation of regulatory perspectives to support strategic development of clinical programmes. We examine critical issues and key advances in clinical oncology trials to highlight practical approaches to optimising the clinical development of cell therapies. We recommend early consideration of collaborative networks, early-access schemes, reducing bias in single-arm trials, adaptive trials, clinical end-points supporting risk/benefit and cost/benefit analyses, companion diagnostics, real-world data and common technical issues. This symbiotic approach between developers and regulators should reduce development risk, safely expedite marketing authorisation, and promote early, wider availability of potentially transformative cell therapies for cancer.
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20
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Son YW, Choi HN, Che JH, Kang BC, Yun JW. Advances in selecting appropriate non-rodent species for regulatory toxicology research: Policy, ethical, and experimental considerations. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 116:104757. [PMID: 32758521 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In vivo animal studies are required by regulatory agencies to investigate drug safety before clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the process of selecting a relevant non-rodent species for preclinical studies. The dog is the primary, default non-rodent used in toxicology studies with multiple scientific advantages, including adequate background data and availability. Rabbit has many regulatory advantages as the first non-rodent for the evaluation of reproductive and developmental as well as local toxicity. Recently, minipigs have increasingly replaced dogs and rabbits in toxicology studies due to ethical and scientific advantages including similarity to humans and breeding habits. When these species are not relevant, nonhuman primates (NHPs) can be used as the available animal models, especially in toxicology studies investigating biotherapeutics. Particularly, based on the phylogenetic relationships, the use of New-World marmosets can be considered before Old-World monkeys, especially cynomolgus with robust historical data. Importantly, the use of NHPs should be justified in terms of scientific benefits considering target affinity, expression pattern, and pharmacological cross-reactivity. Strict standards are required for the use of animals. Therefore, this review is helpful for the selection of appropriate non-rodent in regulatory toxicology studies by providing sufficient regulatory, ethical, and scientific data for each species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Wook Son
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, South Korea
| | - Ha-Ni Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwan Che
- Biomedical Center for Animal Resource and Development, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Byeong-Cheol Kang
- Graduate School of Translational Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Jun-Won Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, South Korea.
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21
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Non-Human Primate iPSC Generation, Cultivation, and Cardiac Differentiation under Chemically Defined Conditions. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061349. [PMID: 32485910 PMCID: PMC7349583 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-human primates (NHP) are important surrogate models for late preclinical development of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), including induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based therapies, which are also under development for heart failure repair. For effective heart repair by remuscularization, large numbers of cardiomyocytes are required, which can be obtained by efficient differentiation of iPSCs. However, NHP-iPSC generation and long-term culture in an undifferentiated state under feeder cell-free conditions turned out to be problematic. Here we describe the reproducible development of rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) iPSC lines. Postnatal rhesus skin fibroblasts were reprogrammed under chemically defined conditions using non-integrating vectors. The robustness of the protocol was confirmed using another NHP species, the olive baboon (Papio anubis). Feeder-free maintenance of NHP-iPSCs was essentially dependent on concurrent Wnt-activation by GSK-inhibition (Gi) and Wnt-inhibition (Wi). Generated NHP-iPSCs were successfully differentiated into cardiomyocytes using a combined growth factor/GiWi protocol. The capacity of the iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes to self-organize into contractile engineered heart muscle (EHM) was demonstrated. Collectively, this study establishes a reproducible protocol for the robust generation and culture of NHP-iPSCs, which are useful for preclinical testing of strategies for cell replacement therapies in NHP.
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22
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Prior H, Baldrick P, Beken S, Booler H, Bower N, Brooker P, Brown P, Burlinson B, Burns-Naas LA, Casey W, Chapman M, Clarke D, de Haan L, Doehr O, Downes N, Flaherty M, Gellatly N, Moesgaard SG, Harris J, Holbrook M, Hui J, Jones D, Jones K, Kedar H, Mahl A, Manninen A, McGuire A, Mortimer-Cassen E, Peraza M, Pugsley MK, Richard J, Roberts R, Roosen W, Rothfuss A, Schoenmakers A, Sewell F, Weaver R, Weir L, Wolfreys A, Kimber I. Opportunities for use of one species for longer-term toxicology testing during drug development: A cross-industry evaluation. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2020; 113:104624. [PMID: 32126256 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2020.104624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
An international expert working group representing 37 organisations (pharmaceutical/biotechnology companies, contract research organisations, academic institutions and regulatory bodies) collaborated in a data sharing exercise to evaluate the utility of two species within regulatory general toxicology studies. Anonymised data on 172 drug candidates (92 small molecules, 46 monoclonal antibodies, 15 recombinant proteins, 13 synthetic peptides and 6 antibody-drug conjugates) were submitted by 18 organisations. The use of one or two species across molecule types, the frequency for reduction to a single species within the package of general toxicology studies, and a comparison of target organ toxicities identified in each species in both short and longer-term studies were determined. Reduction to a single species for longer-term toxicity studies, as used for the development of biologicals (ICHS6(R1) guideline) was only applied for 8/133 drug candidates, but might have been possible for more, regardless of drug modality, as similar target organ toxicity profiles were identified in the short-term studies. However, definition and harmonisation around the criteria for similarity of toxicity profiles is needed to enable wider consideration of these principles. Analysis of a more robust dataset would be required to provide clear, evidence-based recommendations for expansion of these principles to small molecules or other modalities where two species toxicity testing is currently recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Prior
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE, UK.
| | - Paul Baldrick
- Covance Laboratories Ltd, Otley Road, Harrogate, HG3 1PY, UK
| | - Sonja Beken
- Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP), Victor Hortaplace 40/40, Brussels, 1060, Belgium
| | - Helen Booler
- Genentech, Inc, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Nancy Bower
- Eisai Inc, 155 Tice Blvd, Woodcliff Lake, NJ, 07677, USA
| | - Paul Brooker
- Board member, NC3Rs, Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE, UK
| | - Paul Brown
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD, 20993, USA
| | | | | | - Warren Casey
- National Toxicology Program Interagency Center for the Evaluation of Alternative Toxicological Methods (NICEATM), National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, P.O. Box 12233, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Melissa Chapman
- Oncology Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences,R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Clarke
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN, 46285, USA
| | - Lolke de Haan
- Biologics and Advanced Therapeutics Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Olaf Doehr
- Bayer Pharma AG, Müllerstrasse 170, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Noel Downes
- Sequani Limited, Bromyard Rd, Ledbury, Herefordshire, HR8 1LH, UK
| | - Meghan Flaherty
- Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 300 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Nichola Gellatly
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Harris
- Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), 105 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QT, UK
| | | | - Julia Hui
- Celgene, 86 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ, 07901, USA
| | - David Jones
- Medicines Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) 10 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London, E14 4PU, UK
| | | | | | - Andreas Mahl
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research (NIBR), Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Aidan McGuire
- Charles River Laboratories, Preclinical Services, Tranent, Edinburgh, EH33 2NE, UK
| | - Elisabeth Mortimer-Cassen
- Regulatory Safety Centre of Excellence, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Marjorie Peraza
- Pfizer Drug Safety Research and Development, 300 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | | | - Jacques Richard
- Sanofi, 371 Rue du Professeur Blayac, Montpellier, 34000, France
| | - Ruth Roberts
- ApconiX, Alderley Park, Alderley Edge, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Wendy Roosen
- Janssen Research & Development, Turnhoutseweg 30, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Andreas Rothfuss
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, CH - 4070, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Fiona Sewell
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), Gibbs Building, 215 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BE, UK
| | - Richard Weaver
- Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier, Biopharmacy, 92284, Suresnes, Cedex, France
| | - Lucinda Weir
- GlaxoSmithKline, Park Road, Ware, Hertfordshire, SG12 0DP, UK
| | | | - Ian Kimber
- University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Oxford Rd, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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Demir E, Yaşar E, Özkoçak V, Yıldırım E. The evolution of the field of legal medicine: A holistic investigation of global outputs with bibliometric analysis. J Forensic Leg Med 2020; 69:101885. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2019.101885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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NHP-immunome: A translational research-oriented database of non-human primate immune system proteins. Cell Immunol 2019; 347:103999. [PMID: 31733823 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2019.103999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We are currently living the advent of a new age for medicine in which basic research is being quickly translated into marketable drugs, and the widespread access to genomics data is allowing the design and implementation of personalized solutions to medical conditions. Non-human primates (NHP) have gained an essential role in drug discovery and safety testing due to their close phylogenetic relationship to humans. In this study, a collection of well characterized genes of the human immune system was used to define the orthology-based immunome in four NHP species, with carefully curated annotations available based on multi-tissue RNA-seq datasets. A broad variation in the frequency of expressed protein isoforms was observed between species. Finally, this analysis also revealed the lack of expression of at least four different chemokines in new-world primates. In addition, transcripts corresponding to four genes including interleukin 12 subunit alpha were expressed in humans but no other primate species analyzed. Access to the non-human primate immunome is available in http://www.fidic.org.co:90/proyecto/.
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Baldrick P. Nonclinical Immunotoxicity Testing in the Pharmaceutical World: The Past, Present, and Future. Ther Innov Regul Sci 2019:2168479019864555. [PMID: 31409131 DOI: 10.1177/2168479019864555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
An examination for potential direct or indirect adverse effects on the immune system (immunotoxicity) is an established component of nonclinical testing to support safe use of new drugs. Testing recommendations occur in various regulatory guidance documents, especially ICH S8, and these will be presented. Key evaluation usually occurs in toxicology studies with further investigative work a consideration if a positive signal is seen. Expectations around whether findings may occur are related to the type of compound being developed, including a chemically synthesized small molecule, a small molecule oncology drug, a biopharmaceutical, an oligonucleotide, a gene therapy/stem cell product, a vaccine, or reformulation of drugs in liposomes or depots. Examples of immunotoxicity/immunogenicity findings will be discussed for all of these types of compound. Overall, it can be concluded that our main tool for evaluation of potential immunotoxicity/immunogenicity for a new drug still remains standard toxicology study testing with key assessment for effects on clinical pathology and lymphoid organs/tissues (weights and cellularity). Additional evaluation from studies using a T cell-dependent antibody response (TDAR) and lymphocyte phenotyping is also valuable, if needed. Thus, using the tools from the past, it is the role of toxicologists to work with clinical teams now and in the future, to interpret findings from nonclinical testing to possible adverse findings in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Baldrick
- 1 Covance Laboratories Ltd, England, United Kingdom
- 2 Lincoln School of Pharmacy, University of Lincoln, United Kingdom
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Prior H, Monticello T, Boulifard V, Brennan FR, Kimber I. Integration of Consortia Recommendations for Justification of Animal Use Within Current and Future Drug Development Paradigms. Int J Toxicol 2019; 38:319-325. [PMID: 31220983 PMCID: PMC6659164 DOI: 10.1177/1091581819852922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries continually review the requirements for,
and relevance of, safety assessment strategies. Various industry consortia are currently
discussing and reviewing data on a range of topics with respect to regulatory toxicology
programs. These consortia are charged with critical evaluation of data and the
identification of opportunities to promote best practice and to introduce improved
approaches to safety assessment. Such improvements may include enhanced predictivity, more
efficient ways of working, and opportunities for promoting and implementing the 3Rs
(replacement, refinement, or reduction). As each consortium is considering a distinct
question, individual outputs and recommendations could be perceived to be conflicting.
However, a common theme embraced by the consortia represented here is exploration of the
most appropriate use of animals for the safety assessment of new medicinal products. This
short review summarizes presentations and discussions from a symposium describing the work
of four industry consortia and considers whether their recommendations can be aligned into
realistic approaches to improve future toxicology testing strategies, highlighting
justification for the appropriate use of different animal species and opportunities for
reductions in animal use without compromising patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Prior
- 1 National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Ian Kimber
- 5 University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Prior H, Baldrick P, de Haan L, Downes N, Jones K, Mortimer-Cassen E, Kimber I. Reviewing the Utility of Two Species in General Toxicology Related to Drug Development. Int J Toxicol 2018. [PMCID: PMC5881785 DOI: 10.1177/1091581818760564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As part of the safety assessment of new drugs, the use of two species (a rodent and a nonrodent) for regulatory toxicology studies is the typical approach taken for small molecules. For biologics, species selection is dictated by pharmacological relevance, and single species toxicology packages (typically using the nonhuman primate) are common. The UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry are collaborating on a project to review the utility of two species in regulatory toxicology studies, with the aim to explore whether there are wider circumstances when data from a single species could be sufficient to enable safe progression in humans. An international working group consisting of 37 representatives from pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, contract research organizations, academia, and regulatory bodies is coordinating a large-scale data sharing exercise to examine the potential for changes in current practice to reduce the number of species used for nonclinical safety testing at different stages of development. The challenge will be to determine whether two species toxicology adds significant value or whether in some instances data from a single species are sufficient (across a broader range of molecules than is currently the case) without compromising human safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Prior
- National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Baldrick
- Nonclinical and Biological Discovery Expert Network (NaBDEN), The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), London, United Kingdom
| | - Lolke de Haan
- Nonclinical and Biological Discovery Expert Network (NaBDEN), The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), London, United Kingdom
| | - Noel Downes
- Nonclinical and Biological Discovery Expert Network (NaBDEN), The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), London, United Kingdom
| | - Keith Jones
- Nonclinical and Biological Discovery Expert Network (NaBDEN), The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), London, United Kingdom
| | - Elisabeth Mortimer-Cassen
- Nonclinical and Biological Discovery Expert Network (NaBDEN), The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Kimber
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Chen WC, Murawsky CM. Strategies for Generating Diverse Antibody Repertoires Using Transgenic Animals Expressing Human Antibodies. Front Immunol 2018; 9:460. [PMID: 29563917 PMCID: PMC5845867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic molecules derived from antibodies have become a dominant class of drugs used to treat human disease. Increasingly, therapeutic antibodies are discovered using transgenic animal systems that have been engineered to express human antibodies. While the engineering details differ, these platforms share the ability to raise an immune response that is comprised of antibodies with fully human idiotypes. Although the predominant transgenic host species has been mouse, the genomes of rats, rabbits, chickens, and cows have also been modified to express human antibodies. The creation of transgenic animal platforms expressing human antibody repertoires has revolutionized therapeutic antibody drug discovery. The observation that the immune systems of these animals are able to recognize and respond to a wide range of therapeutically relevant human targets has led to a surge in antibody-derived drugs in current development. While the clinical success of fully human monoclonal antibodies derived from transgenic animals is well established, recent trends have seen increasingly stringent functional design goals and a shift in difficulty as the industry attempts to tackle the next generation of disease-associated targets. These challenges have been met with a number of novel approaches focused on the generation of large, high-quality, and diverse antibody repertoires. In this perspective, we describe some of the strategies and considerations we use for manipulating the immune systems of transgenic animal platforms (such as XenoMouse®) with a focus on maximizing the diversity of the primary response and steering the ensuing antibody repertoire toward a desired outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weihsu C Chen
- Biologics Discovery, Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen British Columbia Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher M Murawsky
- Biologics Discovery, Department of Therapeutic Discovery, Amgen British Columbia Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada
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Ulrich P, Blaich G, Baumann A, Fagg R, Hey A, Kiessling A, Kronenberg S, Lindecrona RH, Mohl S, Richter WF, Tibbitts J, Crameri F, Weir L. Biotherapeutics in non-clinical development: Strengthening the interface between safety, pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics and manufacturing. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 94:91-100. [PMID: 29355662 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Biological drugs comprise a wide field of different modalities with respect to structure, pharmacokinetics and pharmacological function. Considerable non-clinical experience in the development of proteins (e.g. insulin) and antibodies has been accumulated over the past thirty years. In order to improve the efficacy and the safety of these biotherapeutics, Fc modifications (e.g. Fc silent antibody versions), combinations (antibody-drug conjugates, protein-nanoparticle combinations), and new constructs (darpins, fynomers) have been introduced. In the last decade, advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) in research and development have become a considerable and strongly growing part of the biotherapeutic portfolio. ATMPs consisting of gene and cell therapy modalities or even combinations of them, further expand the level of complexity, which already exists in non-clinical development strategies for biological drugs and has thereby led to a further diversification of expertise in safety and PKPD assessment of biological drugs. It is the fundamental rationale of the BioSafe meetings, held yearly in the EU and in the US, to convene experts on a regular basis and foster knowledge exchange and mutual understanding in this fast growing area. In order to reflect at least partially the variety of the biotherapeutics field, the 2016 EU BioSafe meeting addressed the following topics in six sessions: (i) In vitro Meets in vivo to Leverage Biologics Development (ii) New developments and regulatory considerations in the cell and gene therapy field (iii) CMC Challenges with Biologics development (iv) Minipigs in non-clinical safety assessment (v) Opportunities of PKPD Assessment in Less Common Administration Routes In the breakout sessions the following questions were discussed: (i) Cynomolgus monkey as a reprotoxicology Species: Impact of Immunomodulators on Early Pregnancy Maintenance (ii) Safety Risk of Inflammation and Autoimmunity Induced by Immunomodulators (iii) Experience with non-GMP Material in Pivotal Non-clinical Safety Studies to Support First in Man (FiM) Trials (iv) Safety Assessment of Combination Products for Non-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Adam Hey
- Novartis Pharma, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Sven Kronenberg
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Silke Mohl
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Wolfgang F Richter
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Flavio Crameri
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center, Basel, Switzerland
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Sewell F, Chapman K, Couch J, Dempster M, Heidel S, Loberg L, Maier C, Maclachlan TK, Todd M, van der Laan JW. Challenges and opportunities for the future of monoclonal antibody development: Improving safety assessment and reducing animal use. MAbs 2017; 9:742-755. [PMID: 28475417 PMCID: PMC5524158 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2017.1324376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The market for biotherapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is large and is growing rapidly. However, attrition poses a significant challenge for the development of mAbs, and for biopharmaceuticals in general, with large associated costs in resource and animal use. Termination of candidate mAbs may occur due to poor translation from preclinical models to human safety. It is critical that the industry addresses this problem to maintain productivity. Though attrition poses a significant challenge for pharmaceuticals in general, there are specific challenges related to the development of antibody-based products. Due to species specificity, non-human primates (NHP) are frequently the only pharmacologically relevant species for nonclinical safety and toxicology testing for the majority of antibody-based products, and therefore, as more mAbs are developed, increased NHP use is anticipated. The integration of new and emerging in vitro and in silico technologies, e.g., cell- and tissue-based approaches, systems pharmacology and modeling, have the potential to improve the human safety prediction and the therapeutic mAb development process, while reducing and refining animal use simultaneously. In 2014, to engage in open discussion about the challenges and opportunities for the future of mAb development, a workshop was held with over 60 regulators and experts in drug development, mechanistic toxicology and emerging technologies to discuss this issue. The workshop used industry case-studies to discuss the value of the in vivo studies and identify opportunities for in vitro technologies in human safety assessment. From these and continuing discussions it is clear that there are opportunities to improve safety assessment in mAb development using non-animal technologies, potentially reducing future attrition, and there is a shared desire to reduce animal use through minimised study design and reduced numbers of studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Sewell
- UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, UK
| | - Kathryn Chapman
- UK National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement & Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs), London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Lise Loberg
- AbbVie, Department R46G, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Marque Todd
- Pfizer, Science Center Drive, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jan Willem van der Laan
- Division of Toxicology, Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Medicines Evaluation Board, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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