1
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Desai R, Jaiswal R, Manchekar T, Dugam S, Jain R, Dandekar P. Enhancing monoclonal antibody stability during protein a chromatography using 2-methyl imidazolium dihydrogen phosphate. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1733:465263. [PMID: 39154495 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465263] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of 2-methyl imidazolium dihydrogen phosphate (2-MIDHP) on monoclonal antibody (mAb) aggregation during the Protein A purification stage, at a low pH (pH 3.0), and the viral inactivation phase. Size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to assess the mAb aggregation. Additionally, the influence of 2-MIDHP on mAb recovery, host cell protein (HCP) clearance, and Protein A leaching was investigated. Thermal stability of mAb, eluted in buffers containing 5 % to 25 % 2-MIDHP was analysed, using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Structural insights were obtained via circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. Our findings indicated that 2-MIDHP exerted a concentration-dependent protective effect against mAb aggregation, at the pH of 3.0. As the concentration of 2-MIDHP was increased from 0 % to 25 %, the aggregation was significantly reduced from 3.8 ± 0.01 % to 0.56 ± 0.002 %, as analysed by SE-HPLC. Addition of 2-MIDHP did not significantly impact the mAb recovery, HCP clearance, or Protein A leaching. DSC data supported these results, with higher 2-MIDHP concentrations leading to increased melting temperatures of mAb. CD and fluorescence spectroscopy revealed no significant changes in the secondary structure or aromatic residue environment in 2-MIDHP-treated samples, despite the observed reduction in aggregation. The results suggested that 2-MIDHP mitigated mAb aggregation during Protein A purification, possibly by stabilizing the protein structure under acidic stress conditions. These findings offer valuable insights for improving the robustness of mAb purification processes, enhancing product quality and yield.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranjeet Desai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India; Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Rahul Jaiswal
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Triveni Manchekar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Shailesh Dugam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Ratnesh Jain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India.
| | - Prajakta Dandekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 400019, India.
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2
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Guo J, Traylor SJ, Agoub M, Jin W, Hua H, Diemer RB, Xu X, Ghose S, Li ZJ, Lenhoff AM. Modeling scalability of impurity precipitation in downstream biomanufacturing. Biotechnol Prog 2024; 40:e3454. [PMID: 38539261 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3454] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Precipitation during the viral inactivation, neutralization and depth filtration step of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) purification process can provide quantifiable and potentially significant impurity reduction. However, robust commercial implementation of this unit operation is limited due to the lack of a representative scale-down model to characterize the removal of impurities. The objective of this work is to compare isoelectric impurity precipitation behavior for a monoclonal antibody product across scales, from benchtop to pilot manufacturing. Scaling parameters such as agitation and vessel geometry were investigated, with the precipitate amount and particle size distribution (PSD) characterized via turbidity and flow imaging microscopy. Qualitative analysis of the data shows that maintaining a consistent energy dissipation rate (EDR) could be used for approximate scaling of vessel geometry and agitator speeds in the absence of more detailed simulation. For a more rigorous approach, however, agitation was simulated via computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and these results were applied alongside a population balance model to simulate the trajectory of the size distribution of precipitate. CFD results were analyzed within a framework of a two-compartment mixing model comprising regions of high- and low-energy agitation, with material exchange between the two. Rate terms accounting for particle formation, growth and breakage within each region were defined, accounting for dependence on turbulence. This bifurcated model was successful in capturing the variability in particle sizes over time across scales. Such an approach enhances the mechanistic understanding of impurity precipitation and provides additional tools for model-assisted prediction for process scaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Guo
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Steven J Traylor
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mohamed Agoub
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Weixin Jin
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helen Hua
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - R Bertrum Diemer
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | - Xuankuo Xu
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Abraham M Lenhoff
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
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3
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Zhang T, Li B, Dong W, Wan Y, Li Y. Acidic pH or salt treatment can convert soluble antibody aggregates in culture harvest into monomers and improve Protein A chromatography step yield. Protein Expr Purif 2024; 215:106391. [PMID: 37939750 DOI: 10.1016/j.pep.2023.106391] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
While purifying a regular monospecific antibody, we found that the Protein A step yield was much lower than expected. Further studies revealed that the antibody formed large-size aggregates that did not bind to the Protein A resin, hence leading to dropped recovery. In an attempt to solve this low yield issue, we found that mildly acidic pH or ammonium sulfate treatment can partially convert the aggregates into monomers. In addition, when acidic pH treated culture harvest was processed by Protein A chromatography, the yield was restored to the normal range, suggesting that the monomers recovered from aggregates regained Protein A binding capability. Thus, low pH treatment of culture harvest can be potentially used as a general approach for improving Protein A step yield in cases where non-binding antibody aggregates are formed through noncovalent interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Downstream Process Development (DSPD), WuXi Biologics, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Bin Li
- Downstream Process Development (DSPD), WuXi Biologics, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Wanyuan Dong
- Downstream Process Development (DSPD), WuXi Biologics, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China
| | - Yan Wan
- Downstream Process Development (DSPD), WuXi Biologics, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China.
| | - Yifeng Li
- Downstream Process Development (DSPD), WuXi Biologics, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai, 200131, China.
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4
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Che Hussian CHA, Leong WY. Factors affecting therapeutic protein purity and yield during chromatographic purification. Prep Biochem Biotechnol 2024; 54:150-158. [PMID: 37233514 DOI: 10.1080/10826068.2023.2217507] [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: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic proteins are recombinant proteins generated through recombinant DNA technology and have attracted a great deal of interest in numerous applications, including pharmaceutical, cosmetic, human and animal health, agriculture, food, and bioremediation. Producing therapeutic proteins on a large scale, mainly in the pharmaceutical industry, necessitates a cost-effective, straightforward, and adequate manufacturing process. In industry, a protein separation technique based mainly on protein characteristics and modes of chromatography will be applied to optimize the purification process. Typically, the downstream process of biopharmaceutical operations may involve multiple chromatography phases that require the use of large columns pre-packed with resins that must be inspected before use. Approximately 20% of the proteins are assumed to be lost at each purification stage during the production of biotherapeutic products. Hence, to produce a high quality product, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, the correct approach and understanding of the factors influencing purity and yield during purification are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wai Yie Leong
- INTI International University & Colleges, Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
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5
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Vitharana S, Stillahn JM, Katayama DS, Henry CS, Manning MC. Application of Formulation Principles to Stability Issues Encountered During Processing, Manufacturing, and Storage of Drug Substance and Drug Product Protein Therapeutics. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:2724-2751. [PMID: 37572779 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
The field of formulation and stabilization of protein therapeutics has become rather extensive. However, most of the focus has been on stabilization of the final drug product. Yet, proteins experience stress and degradation through the manufacturing process, starting with fermentaition. This review describes how formulation principles can be applied to stabilize biopharmaceutical proteins during bioprocessing and manufacturing, considering each unit operation involved in prepration of the drug substance. In addition, the impact of the container on stabilty is discussed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshua M Stillahn
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO 80534, USA; Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | | | - Charles S Henry
- Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA
| | - Mark Cornell Manning
- Legacy BioDesign LLC, Johnstown, CO 80534, USA; Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
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6
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Pang KT, Yang YS, Zhang W, Ho YS, Sormanni P, Michaels TCT, Walsh I, Chia S. Understanding and controlling the molecular mechanisms of protein aggregation in mAb therapeutics. Biotechnol Adv 2023; 67:108192. [PMID: 37290583 DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
In antibody development and manufacturing, protein aggregation is a common challenge that can lead to serious efficacy and safety issues. To mitigate this problem, it is important to investigate its molecular origins. This review discusses (1) our current molecular understanding and theoretical models of antibody aggregation, (2) how various stress conditions related to antibody upstream and downstream bioprocesses can trigger aggregation, and (3) current mitigation strategies employed towards inhibiting aggregation. We discuss the relevance of the aggregation phenomenon in the context of novel antibody modalities and highlight how in silico approaches can be exploited to mitigate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuin Tian Pang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore; School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technology University, Singapore
| | - Yuan Sheng Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Wei Zhang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Ying Swan Ho
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Pietro Sormanni
- Chemistry of Health, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas C T Michaels
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biochemistry, ETH Zurich, Otto-Stern-Weg 3, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland; Bringing Materials to Life Initiative, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ian Walsh
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore.
| | - Sean Chia
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore.
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7
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Arras P, Yoo HB, Pekar L, Clarke T, Friedrich L, Schröter C, Schanz J, Tonillo J, Siegmund V, Doerner A, Krah S, Guarnera E, Zielonka S, Evers A. AI/ML combined with next-generation sequencing of VHH immune repertoires enables the rapid identification of de novo humanized and sequence-optimized single domain antibodies: a prospective case study. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1249247. [PMID: 37842638 PMCID: PMC10575757 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1249247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: In this study, we demonstrate the feasibility of yeast surface display (YSD) and nextgeneration sequencing (NGS) in combination with artificial intelligence and machine learning methods (AI/ML) for the identification of de novo humanized single domain antibodies (sdAbs) with favorable early developability profiles. Methods: The display library was derived from a novel approach, in which VHH-based CDR3 regions obtained from a llama (Lama glama), immunized against NKp46, were grafted onto a humanized VHH backbone library that was diversified in CDR1 and CDR2. Following NGS analysis of sequence pools from two rounds of fluorescence-activated cell sorting we focused on four sequence clusters based on NGS frequency and enrichment analysis as well as in silico developability assessment. For each cluster, long short-term memory (LSTM) based deep generative models were trained and used for the in silico sampling of new sequences. Sequences were subjected to sequence- and structure-based in silico developability assessment to select a set of less than 10 sequences per cluster for production. Results: As demonstrated by binding kinetics and early developability assessment, this procedure represents a general strategy for the rapid and efficient design of potent and automatically humanized sdAb hits from screening selections with favorable early developability profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Arras
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Han Byul Yoo
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lukas Pekar
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas Clarke
- Bioinformatics, EMD Serono, Billerica, MA, United States
| | - Lukas Friedrich
- Computational Chemistry and Biologics, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Jennifer Schanz
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jason Tonillo
- ADCs & Targeted NBE Therapeutics, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Vanessa Siegmund
- Early Protein Supply and Characterization, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Achim Doerner
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Enrico Guarnera
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Evers
- Antibody Discovery and Protein Engineering, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
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8
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Pejchal R, Cooper AB, Brown ME, Vásquez M, Krauland EM. Profiling the Biophysical Developability Properties of Common IgG1 Fc Effector Silencing Variants. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:54. [PMID: 37753968 PMCID: PMC10526015 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies represent the most significant modality in biologics, with around 150 approved drugs on the market. In addition to specific target binding mediated by the variable fragments (Fvs) of the heavy and light chains, antibodies possess effector functions through binding of the constant region (Fc) to Fcγ receptors (FcγR), which allow immune cells to attack and kill target cells using a variety of mechanisms. However, for some applications, including T-cell-engaging bispecifics, this effector function is typically undesired. Mutations within the lower hinge and the second constant domain (CH2) of IgG1 that comprise the FcγR binding interface reduce or eliminate effector function ("Fc silencing") while retaining binding to the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), important for normal antibody pharmacokinetics (PKs). Comprehensive profiling of biophysical developability properties would benefit the choice of constant region variants for development. Here, we produce a large panel of representative mutations previously described in the literature and in many cases in clinical or approved molecules, generate select combinations thereof, and characterize their binding and biophysical properties. We find that some commonly used CH2 mutations, including D265A and P331S, are effective in reducing binding to FcγR but significantly reduce stability, promoting aggregation, particularly under acidic conditions commonly employed in manufacturing. We highlight mutation sets that are particularly effective for eliminating Fc effector function with the retention of WT-like stability, including L234A, L235A, and S267K (LALA-S267K), L234A, L235E, and S267K (LALE-S267K), L234A, L235A, and P329A (LALA-P329A), and L234A, L235E, and P329G (LALE-P329G).
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Pejchal
- Adimab LLC, Lebanon, NH 03766, USA; (M.E.B.); (M.V.); (E.M.K.)
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9
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Herman CE, Min L, Choe LH, Maurer RW, Xu X, Ghose S, Lee KH, Lenhoff AM. Behavior of host-cell-protein-rich aggregates in antibody capture and polishing chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2023; 1702:464081. [PMID: 37244165 PMCID: PMC10299761 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Recent work has shown that aggregates in monoclonal antibody (mAb) solutions may be made up not just of mAb oligomers but can also harbor hundreds of host-cell proteins (HCPs), suggesting that aggregate persistence through downstream purification operations may be related to HCP clearance. We have examined this in a primary analysis of aggregate persistence through processing steps that are typically implemented for HCP reduction, demonstrating that the phenomenon is relevant to depth filtration, protein A chromatography and flow-through anion-exchange (AEX) polishing. Confocal laser scanning microscopy observations show that aggregates compete with the mAb to adsorb specifically in protein A chromatography and that this competitive interaction is integral to the efficacy of protein A washes. Column chromatography reveals that the protein A elution tail can have a relatively high concentration of aggregates, which corroborates analogous observations from recent HCP studies. Similar measurements in flow-through AEX chromatography show that relatively large aggregates that harbor HCPs and that persist into the protein A eluate can be retained to an extent that appears to depend primarily on the resin surface chemistry. The total aggregate mass fraction of both protein A eluate pools (∼ 2.4 - 3.6%) and AEX flow-through fractions (∼ 1.5 - 3.2%) correlates generally with HCP concentrations measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as well as the number of HCPs that may be identified in proteomic analysis. This suggests that quantification of the aggregate mass fraction may serve as a convenient albeit imperfect surrogate for informing early process development decisions regarding HCP clearance strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase E Herman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Lie Min
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Leila H Choe
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Ronald W Maurer
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, MA 01434, USA
| | - Xuankuo Xu
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, MA 01434, USA
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, Devens, MA 01434, USA
| | - Kelvin H Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Abraham M Lenhoff
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
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10
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Doltade S, Saldanha M, Patil V, Dandekar P, Jain R. Statistically-aided development of protein A affinity chromatography for enhancing recovery and controlling quality of a monoclonal antibody. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2023; 1227:123829. [PMID: 37478555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2023.123829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Protein A chromatography is widely used for isolation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) from cell culture components. In this study, the effect of different process parameters of the Protein A purification namely, binding pH, elution pH, flow rate, neutralization pH and tween concentration, on the concentration and quality of the purified mAb were evaluated. Using design of experiments approach, the critical process parameters of protein A chromatography were identified and experimentally optimized. Their impact on quality attributes, such as size variants and charge variants, of the mAb was studied. Multivariate data analysis was subsequently performed using multiple linear regression and partial least squares regression methods. It was observed that the elution pH primarily governed the concentration of the purified mAb and the content of monomers and aggregates, while the tween concentration primarily influenced the main peak of the charge variants. This is the first study that evaluates the impact of tween concentration in buffers on the protein A chromatography purification step. These studies helped in identifying the design space and defining the target robust and optimal setpoints of the responses, which were subsequently verified experimentally. These setpoints not only passed the target criteria but also resulted in the highest recoveries during the investigation. Through this statistically-aided approach, an optimized and robust protein A chromatography process was rationally developed for purification of mAbs, while achieving the desired product quality. This study highlights the influence of multiple parameters of the protein A purification process on critical quality attributes of mAbs, such as the size and charge variants, which has been a very scarcely explored area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashikant Doltade
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Marianne Saldanha
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India
| | - Vaibhav Patil
- Sartorius Stedim India Private Limited, No. 69/2 & 69/3, Jakkasandra, Nelamangala, Bangalore 562123, India
| | - Prajakta Dandekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India.
| | - Ratnesh Jain
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai 400019, India.
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11
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Pan L, Liu X, Fan D, Qian Z, Sun X, Wu P, Zhong L. Study of Oncolytic Virus Preservation and Formulation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:843. [PMID: 37375789 DOI: 10.3390/ph16060843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have emerged as an effective means of treating cancer. OVs have multiple oncotherapeutic functions including specifically infecting and lysing tumor cells, initiating immune cell death, attacking and destroying tumor angiogenesis and triggering a broad bystander effect. Oncolytic viruses have been used in clinical trials and clinical treatment as drugs for cancer therapy, and as a result, oncolytic viruses are required to have long-term storage stability for clinical use. In the clinical application of oncolytic viruses, formulation design plays a decisive role in the stability of the virus. Therefore, this paper reviews the degradation factors and their degradation mechanisms (pH, thermal stress, freeze-thaw damage, surface adsorption, oxidation, etc.) faced by oncolytic viruses during storage, and it discusses how to rationally add excipients for the degradation mechanisms to achieve the purpose of maintaining the long-term stability of oncolytic viral activity. Finally, the formulation strategies for the long-term formulation stability of oncolytic viruses are discussed in terms of buffers, permeation agents, cryoprotectants, surfactants, free radical scavengers, and bulking agent based on virus degradation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Dianfa Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Zhangbo Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xinjun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
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12
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Disassembly of Amyloid Fibril with Infrared Free Electron Laser. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043686. [PMID: 36835098 PMCID: PMC9967569 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043686] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid fibril causes serious amyloidosis such as neurodegenerative diseases. The structure is composed of rigid β-sheet stacking conformation which makes it hard to disassemble the fibril state without denaturants. Infrared free electron laser (IR-FEL) is an intense picosecond pulsed laser that is oscillated through a linear accelerator, and the oscillation wavelengths are tunable from 3 μm to 100 μm. Many biological and organic compounds can be structurally altered by the mode-selective vibrational excitations due to the wavelength variability and the high-power oscillation energy (10-50 mJ/cm2). We have found that several different kinds of amyloid fibrils in amino acid sequences were commonly disassembled by the irradiation tuned to amide I (6.1-6.2 μm) where the abundance of β-sheet decreased while that of α-helix increased by the vibrational excitation of amide bonds. In this review, we would like to introduce the IR-FEL oscillation system briefly and describe combination studies of experiments and molecular dynamics simulations on disassembling amyloid fibrils of a short peptide (GNNQQNY) from yeast prion and 11-residue peptide (NFLNCYVSGFH) from β2-microglobulin as representative models. Finally, possible applications of IR-FEL for amyloid research can be proposed as a future outlook.
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13
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Koga H, Yamano T, Betancur J, Nagatomo S, Ikeda Y, Yamaguchi K, Nabuchi Y, Sato K, Teranishi-Ikawa Y, Sato M, Hirayama H, Hayasaka A, Torizawa T, Haraya K, Sampei Z, Shiraiwa H, Kitazawa T, Igawa T, Kuramochi T. Efficient production of bispecific antibody by FAST-Ig TM and its application to NXT007 for the treatment of hemophilia A. MAbs 2023; 15:2222441. [PMID: 37339067 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2222441] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Efficient production of bispecific antibodies (BsAbs) in single mammalian cells is essential for basic research and industrial manufacturing. However, preventing unwanted pairing of heavy chains (HCs) and light chains (LCs) is a challenging task. To address this, we created an engineering technology for preferential cognate HC/LC and HC/HC paring called FAST-Ig (Four-chain Assembly by electrostatic Steering Technology - Immunoglobulin), and applied it to NXT007, a BsAb for the treatment of hemophilia A. We introduced charged amino-acid substitutions at the HC/LC interface to facilitate the proper assembly for manufacturing a standard IgG-type BsAb. We generated CH1/CL interface-engineered antibody variants that achieved > 95% correct HC/LC pairing efficiency with favorable pharmacological properties and developability. Among these, we selected a design (C3) that allowed us to separate the mis-paired species with an unintended pharmacological profile using ion-exchange chromatography. Crystal structure analysis demonstrated that the C3 design did not affect the overall structure of both Fabs. To determine the final design for HCs-heterodimerization, we compared the stability of charge-based and knobs into hole-based Fc formats in acidic conditions and selected the more stable charge-based format. FAST-Ig was also applicable to stable CHO cell lines for industrial production and demonstrated robust chain pairing with different subclasses of parent BsAbs. Thus, it can be applied to a wide variety of BsAbs both preclinically and clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikaru Koga
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamano
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Juan Betancur
- API Process Development Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Ukima, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoko Nagatomo
- Analytical Development Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ukima, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yousuke Ikeda
- Analytical Development Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co, Ltd, Ukima, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Yamaguchi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yoshiaki Nabuchi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazuki Sato
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | | | - Motohiko Sato
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Hirayama
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Akira Hayasaka
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takuya Torizawa
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kenta Haraya
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Zenjiro Sampei
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Hirotake Shiraiwa
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Takehisa Kitazawa
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Igawa
- Translational Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taichi Kuramochi
- Research Division, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
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14
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Desai M, Kundu A, Hageman M, Lou H, Boisvert D. Monoclonal antibody and protein therapeutic formulations for subcutaneous delivery: high-concentration, low-volume vs. low-concentration, high-volume. MAbs 2023; 15:2285277. [PMID: 38013454 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2285277] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Biologic drugs are used to treat a variety of cancers and chronic diseases. While most of these treatments are administered intravenously by trained healthcare professionals, a noticeable trend has emerged favoring subcutaneous (SC) administration. SC administration of biologics poses several challenges. Biologic drugs often require higher doses for optimal efficacy, surpassing the low volume capacity of traditional SC delivery methods like autoinjectors. Consequently, high concentrations of active ingredients are needed, creating time-consuming formulation obstacles. Alternatives to traditional SC delivery systems are therefore needed to support higher-volume biologic formulations and to reduce development time and other risks associated with high-concentration biologic formulations. Here, we outline key considerations for SC biologic drug formulations and delivery and explore a paradigm shift: the flexibility afforded by low-to-moderate-concentration drugs in high-volume formulations as an alternative to the traditionally difficult approach of high-concentration, low-volume SC formulation delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Desai
- Medical Affairs, Enable Injections, Inc, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - A Kundu
- Manufacturing Sciences, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, Brooklyn Park, MN, USA
| | - M Hageman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - H Lou
- Biopharmaceutical Innovation & Optimization Center, The University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - D Boisvert
- Independent Chemistry Manufacturing & Controls (CMC) Consultant, El Cerrito, CA, USA
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15
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Cain P, Huang L, Tang Y, Anguiano V, Feng Y. Impact of IgG subclass on monoclonal antibody developability. MAbs 2023; 15:2191302. [PMID: 36945111 PMCID: PMC10038059 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2191302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IgG-based monoclonal antibody therapeutics, which are mainly IgG1, IgG2, and IgG4 subclasses or related variants, have dominated the biotherapeutics field for decades. Multiple laboratories have reported that the IgG subclasses possess different molecular characteristics that can affect their developability. For example, IgG1, the most popular IgG subclass for therapeutics, is known to have a characteristic degradation pathway related to its hinge fragility. However, there remains a paucity of studies that systematically evaluate the IgG subclasses on manufacturability and long-term stability. We thus conducted a systematic study of 12 mAbs derived from three sets of unrelated variable regions, each cloned into IgG1, an IgG1 variant with diminished effector functions, IgG2, and a stabilized IgG4 variant with further reduced FcγR interaction, to evaluate the impact of IgG subclass on manufacturability and high concentration stability in a common formulation buffer matrix. Our evaluation included Chinese hamster ovary cell productivity, host cell protein removal efficiency, N-linked glycan structure at the conserved N297 Fc position, solution appearance at high concentration, and aggregate growth, fragmentation, charge variant profile change, and post-translational modification upon thermal stress conditions or long-term storage at refrigerated temperature. Our results elucidated molecular attributes that are common to all IgG subclasses, as well as those that are unique to certain Fc domains, providing new insight into the effects of IgG subclass on antibody manufacturability and stability. These learnings can be used to enable a balanced decision on IgG subclass selection for therapeutic antibodies and aid in acceleration of their product development process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Cain
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Technology Center North, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Lihua Huang
- Bioproduct Research & Development, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Technology Center North, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yu Tang
- Pharmaceutical Development and Manufacturing, Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Victor Anguiano
- Bioproduct Research & Development, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Technology Center North, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Yiqing Feng
- Biotechnology Discovery Research, Lilly Research Laboratories, Lilly Technology Center North, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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16
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Mieczkowski C, Zhang X, Lee D, Nguyen K, Lv W, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Way J, Gries JM. Blueprint for antibody biologics developability. MAbs 2023; 15:2185924. [PMID: 36880643 PMCID: PMC10012935 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2185924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-molecule antibody biologics have revolutionized medicine owing to their superior target specificity, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, safety and toxicity profiles, and amenability to versatile engineering. In this review, we focus on preclinical antibody developability, including its definition, scope, and key activities from hit to lead optimization and selection. This includes generation, computational and in silico approaches, molecular engineering, production, analytical and biophysical characterization, stability and forced degradation studies, and process and formulation assessments. More recently, it is apparent these activities not only affect lead selection and manufacturability, but ultimately correlate with clinical progression and success. Emerging developability workflows and strategies are explored as part of a blueprint for developability success that includes an overview of the four major molecular properties that affect all developability outcomes: 1) conformational, 2) chemical, 3) colloidal, and 4) other interactions. We also examine risk assessment and mitigation strategies that increase the likelihood of success for moving the right candidate into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl Mieczkowski
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Xuejin Zhang
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Dana Lee
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Khanh Nguyen
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Wei Lv
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Jackie Way
- Department of Protein Sciences, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
| | - Jean-Michel Gries
- President, Discovery Research, Hengenix Biotech, Inc, Milpitas, CA, USA
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17
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Licari G, Martin KP, Crames M, Mozdzierz J, Marlow MS, Karow-Zwick AR, Kumar S, Bauer J. Embedding Dynamics in Intrinsic Physicochemical Profiles of Market-Stage Antibody-Based Biotherapeutics. Mol Pharm 2022; 20:1096-1111. [PMID: 36573887 PMCID: PMC9906779 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Adequate stability, manufacturability, and safety are crucial to bringing an antibody-based biotherapeutic to the market. Following the concept of holistic in silico developability, we introduce a physicochemical description of 91 market-stage antibody-based biotherapeutics based on orthogonal molecular properties of variable regions (Fvs) embedded in different simulation environments, mimicking conditions experienced by antibodies during manufacturing, formulation, and in vivo. In this work, the evaluation of molecular properties includes conformational flexibility of the Fvs using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The comparison between static homology models and simulations shows that MD significantly affects certain molecular descriptors like surface molecular patches. Moreover, the structural stability of a subset of Fv regions is linked to changes in their specific molecular interactions with ions in different experimental conditions. This is supported by the observation of differences in protein melting temperatures upon addition of NaCl. A DEvelopability Navigator In Silico (DENIS) is proposed to compare mAb candidates for their similarity with market-stage biotherapeutics in terms of physicochemical properties and conformational stability. Expanding on our previous developability guidelines (Ahmed et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2021, 118 (37), e2020577118), the hydrodynamic radius and the protein strand ratio are introduced as two additional descriptors that enable a more comprehensive in silico characterization of biotherapeutic drug candidates. Test cases show how this approach can facilitate identification and optimization of intrinsically developable lead candidates. DENIS represents an advanced computational tool to progress biotherapeutic drug candidates from discovery into early development by predicting drug properties in different aqueous environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Licari
- Early
Stage Pharmaceutical Development, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals
& In silico Team, Boehringer Ingelheim
International GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach/Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Kyle P. Martin
- Biotherapeutics
Discovery & In silico Team, Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | - Maureen Crames
- Biotherapeutics
Discovery & In silico Team, Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | - Joseph Mozdzierz
- Biotherapeutics
Discovery & In silico Team, Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | - Michael S. Marlow
- Biotherapeutics
Discovery & In silico Team, Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States
| | - Anne R. Karow-Zwick
- Early
Stage Pharmaceutical Development, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals
& In silico Team, Boehringer Ingelheim
International GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach/Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Biotherapeutics
Discovery & In silico Team, Boehringer
Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877, United States,
| | - Joschka Bauer
- Early
Stage Pharmaceutical Development, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals
& In silico Team, Boehringer Ingelheim
International GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach/Riss 88397, Germany,
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18
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Beck A, Nowak C, Meshulam D, Reynolds K, Chen D, Pacardo DB, Nicholls SB, Carven GJ, Gu Z, Fang J, Wang D, Katiyar A, Xiang T, Liu H. Risk-Based Control Strategies of Recombinant Monoclonal Antibody Charge Variants. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:73. [PMID: 36412839 PMCID: PMC9703962 DOI: 10.3390/antib11040073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first approval of the anti-CD3 recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb), muromonab-CD3, a mouse antibody for the prevention of transplant rejection, by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1986, mAb therapeutics have become increasingly important to medical care. A wealth of information about mAbs regarding their structure, stability, post-translation modifications, and the relationship between modification and function has been reported. Yet, substantial resources are still required throughout development and commercialization to have appropriate control strategies to maintain consistent product quality, safety, and efficacy. A typical feature of mAbs is charge heterogeneity, which stems from a variety of modifications, including modifications that are common to many mAbs or unique to a specific molecule or process. Charge heterogeneity is highly sensitive to process changes and thus a good indicator of a robust process. It is a high-risk quality attribute that could potentially fail the specification and comparability required for batch disposition. Failure to meet product specifications or comparability can substantially affect clinical development timelines. To mitigate these risks, the general rule is to maintain a comparable charge profile when process changes are inevitably introduced during development and even after commercialization. Otherwise, new peaks or varied levels of acidic and basic species must be justified based on scientific knowledge and clinical experience for a specific molecule. Here, we summarize the current understanding of mAb charge variants and outline risk-based control strategies to support process development and ultimately commercialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain Beck
- Centre d’Immunologie Pierre-Fabre (CIPF), 5 Avenue Napoléon III, 74160 Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, France
| | - Christine Nowak
- Protein Characterization, Alexion AstraZeneca Rare Disease, 100 College St., New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Deborah Meshulam
- Technical Operations/CMC, Scholar Rock, 301 Binney Street, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Kristina Reynolds
- Technical Operations/CMC, Scholar Rock, 301 Binney Street, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - David Chen
- Technical Operations/CMC, Scholar Rock, 301 Binney Street, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Dennis B. Pacardo
- Technical Operations/CMC, Scholar Rock, 301 Binney Street, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Samantha B. Nicholls
- Protein Sciences, Scholar Rock, 301 Binney Street, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Gregory J. Carven
- Research, Scholar Rock, 301 Binney Street, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Zhenyu Gu
- Jasper Therapeutics, Inc., 2200 Bridge Pkwy Suite 102, Redwood City, CA 94065, USA
| | - Jing Fang
- Biological Drug Discovery, Biogen, 225 Binney St., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Global Biologics, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, 300 Shire Way, Lexington, MA 02421, USA
| | - Amit Katiyar
- CMC Technical Operations, Magenta Therapeutics, 100 Technology Square, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Tao Xiang
- Downstream Process and Analytical Development, Boston Institute of Biotechnology, 225 Turnpike Rd., Southborough, MA 01772, USA
| | - Hongcheng Liu
- Technical Operations/CMC, Scholar Rock, 301 Binney Street, 3rd Floor, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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19
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Zhang W, Wang H, Feng N, Li Y, Gu J, Wang Z. Developability assessment at early-stage discovery to enable development of antibody-derived therapeutics. Antib Ther 2022; 6:13-29. [PMID: 36683767 PMCID: PMC9847343 DOI: 10.1093/abt/tbac029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Developability refers to the likelihood that an antibody candidate will become a manufacturable, safe and efficacious drug. Although the safety and efficacy of a drug candidate will be well considered by sponsors and regulatory agencies, developability in the narrow sense can be defined as the likelihood that an antibody candidate will go smoothly through the chemistry, manufacturing and control (CMC) process at a reasonable cost and within a reasonable timeline. Developability in this sense is the focus of this review. To lower the risk that an antibody candidate with poor developability will move to the CMC stage, the candidate's developability-related properties should be screened, assessed and optimized as early as possible. Assessment of developability at the early discovery stage should be performed in a rapid and high-throughput manner while consuming small amounts of testing materials. In addition to monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, multispecific antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates, as the derivatives of monoclonal antibodies, should also be assessed for developability. Moreover, we propose that the criterion of developability is relative: expected clinical indication, and the dosage and administration route of the antibody could affect this criterion. We also recommend a general screening process during the early discovery stage of antibody-derived therapeutics. With the advance of artificial intelligence-aided prediction of protein structures and features, computational tools can be used to predict, screen and optimize the developability of antibody candidates and greatly reduce the risk of moving a suboptimal candidate to the development stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijie Zhang
- Biologicals Innovation and Discovery, WuXi Biologicals, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai 201400, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Biologicals Innovation and Discovery, WuXi Biologicals, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai 201400, China
| | - Nan Feng
- Biologicals Innovation and Discovery, WuXi Biologicals, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai 201400, China
| | - Yifeng Li
- Technology and Process Development, WuXi Biologicals, 288 Fute Zhong Road, Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, Shanghai 200131, China
| | - Jijie Gu
- Biologicals Innovation and Discovery, WuXi Biologicals, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai 201400, China
| | - Zhuozhi Wang
- To whom correspondence should be addressed. Biologics Innovation and Discovery, WuXi Biologicals, 1951 Huifeng West Road, Fengxian District, Shanghai 201400, China, Phone number: +86-21-50518899
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20
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Shmool T, Martin LK, Matthews RP, Hallett JP. Ionic Liquid-Based Strategy for Predicting Protein Aggregation Propensity and Thermodynamic Stability. JACS AU 2022; 2:2068-2080. [PMID: 36186557 PMCID: PMC9516703 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.2c00356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Novel drug candidates are continuously being developed to combat the most life-threatening diseases; however, many promising protein therapeutics are dropped from the pipeline. During biological and industrial processes, protein therapeutics are exposed to various stresses such as fluctuations in temperature, solvent pH, and ionic strength. These can lead to enhanced protein aggregation propensity, one of the greatest challenges in drug development. Recently, ionic liquids (ILs), in particular, biocompatible choline chloride ([Cho]Cl)-based ILs, have been used to hinder stress-induced protein conformational changes. Herein, we develop an IL-based strategy to predict protein aggregation propensity and thermodynamic stability. We examine three key variables influencing protein misfolding: pH, ionic strength, and temperature. Using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and variable temperature circular dichroism measurements, we systematically evaluate the structural, thermal, and thermodynamic stability of fresh immunoglobin G4 (IgG4) antibody in water and 10, 30, and 50 wt % [Cho]Cl. Additionally, we conduct molecular dynamics simulations to examine IgG4 aggregation propensity in each system and the relative favorability of different [Cho]Cl-IgG4 packing interactions. We re-evaluate each system following 365 days of storage at 4 °C and demonstrate how to predict the thermodynamic properties and protein aggregation propensity over extended storage, even under stress conditions. We find that increasing [Cho]Cl concentration reduced IgG4 aggregation propensity both fresh and following 365 days of storage and demonstrate the potential of using our predictive IL-based strategy and formulations to radically increase protein stability and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talia
A. Shmool
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College
London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Laura K. Martin
- Department
of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, U.K.
| | - Richard P. Matthews
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College
London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Jason P. Hallett
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College
London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
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21
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Jindo M, Nakamura K, Okumura H, Tsukiyama K, Kawasaki T. Application study of infrared free-electron lasers towards the development of amyloidosis therapy. JOURNAL OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION 2022; 29:1133-1140. [PMID: 36073871 PMCID: PMC9455209 DOI: 10.1107/s1600577522007330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Amyloidosis is known to be caused by the deposition of amyloid fibrils into various biological tissues; effective treatments for the disease are little established today. An infrared free-electron laser (IR-FEL) is an accelerator-based picosecond-pulse laser having tunable infrared wavelengths. In the current study, the irradiation effect of an IR-FEL was tested on an 11-residue peptide (NFLNCYVSGFH) fibril from β2-microglobulin (β2M) with the aim of applying IR-FELs to amyloidosis therapy. Infrared microspectroscopy (IRM) and scanning electron microscopy showed that a fibril of β2M peptide was clearly dissociated by IR-FEL at 6.1 µm (amide I) accompanied by a decrease of the β-sheet and an increase of the α-helix. No dissociative process was recognized at 6.5 µm (amide II) as well as at 5.0 µm (non-specific wavelength). Equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the α-helix can exist stably and the probability of forming interchain hydrogen bonds associated with the internal asparagine residue (N4) is notably reduced compared with other amino acids after the β-sheet is dissociated by amide I specific irradiation. This result implies that N4 plays a key role for recombination of hydrogen bonds in the dissociation of the β2M fibril. In addition, the β-sheet was disrupted at temperatures higher than 340 K while the α-helix did not appear even though the fibril was heated up to 363 K as revealed by IRM. The current study gives solid evidence for the laser-mediated conversion from β-sheet to α-helix in amyloid fibrils at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikiko Jindo
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science, 1–3 Kagurazaka, Tokyo 184-8501, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nakamura
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Gunma University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, 3-39-22, Showa-machi, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Hisashi Okumura
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
- Institute for Molecular Science, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
- Department of Structural Molecular Science, SOKENDAI (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies), Okazaki, Aichi 444-8787, Japan
| | - Koichi Tsukiyama
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science Division I, Tokyo University of Science, 1–3 Kagurazaka, Tokyo 184-8501, Japan
- IR Free Electron Laser Research Center, Research Institute for Science and Technology, Organization for Research Advancement, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Takayasu Kawasaki
- IR Free Electron Laser Research Center, Research Institute for Science and Technology, Organization for Research Advancement, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
- Accelerator Laboratory, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, 1-1 Oho, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0801, Japan
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22
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Swanson MD, Rios S, Mittal S, Soder G, Jawa V. Immunogenicity Risk Assessment of Spontaneously Occurring Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibody Aggregates. Front Immunol 2022; 13:915412. [PMID: 35967308 PMCID: PMC9364768 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.915412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aggregates of therapeutic proteins have been associated with increased immunogenicity in pre-clinical models as well as in human patients. Recent studies to understand aggregates and their immunogenicity risks use artificial stress methods to induce high levels of aggregation. These methods may be less biologically relevant in terms of their quantity than those that occur spontaneously during processing and storage. Here we describe the immunogenicity risk due to spontaneously occurring therapeutic antibody aggregates using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and a cell line with a reporter gene for immune activation: THP-1 BLUE NFκB. The spontaneously occurring therapeutic protein aggregates were obtained from process intermediates and final formulated drug substance from stability retains. Spontaneously occurring aggregates elicited innate immune responses for several donors in a PBMC assay with cytokine and chemokine production as a readout for immune activation. Meanwhile, no significant adaptive phase responses to spontaneously occurring aggregate samples were detected. While the THP-1 BLUE NFκB cell line and PBMC assays both responded to high stress induced aggregates, only the PBMC from a limited subset of donors responded to processing-induced aggregates. In this case study, levels of antibody aggregation occurring at process relevant levels are lower than those induced by stirring and may pose lower risk in vivo. Our methodologies can further inform additional immunogenicity risk assessments using a pre-clinical in vitro risk assessment approach utilizing human derived immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Swanson
- Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael D. Swanson,
| | - Shantel Rios
- Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Drug Metabolism, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
| | - Sarita Mittal
- Analytical R&D, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
| | - George Soder
- Analytical R&D, Merck Research Laboratories, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, United States
| | - Vibha Jawa
- Nonclinical Disposition and Bioanalysis, Bristol Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ, United States
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23
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Xu T, Zhang J, Wang T, Wang X. Recombinant antibodies aggregation and overcoming strategies in CHO cells. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:3913-3922. [PMID: 35608667 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-11977-0] [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: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian cell lines are frequently used as the preferred host cells for producing recombinant therapeutic proteins (RTPs) having post-translational modified modifications similar to those observed in proteins produced by human cells. Nowadays, most RTPs approved for marketing are produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Recombinant therapeutic antibodies (RTAs) are among the most important and promising RTPs for biomedical applications. A major limitation associated with the use of RTAs is their aggregation, which can be caused by a variety of factors; this results in a reduction of quality. RTA aggregations are especially concerning as they can trigger human immune responses in humans and may be fatal. Therefore, the mechanisms underlying RTA aggregation and measures for avoiding aggregation are interesting topics in RTAs research. In this review, we discuss recent progress in the field of RTAs aggregation, with a focus on factors that cause aggregation during RTA production and the development of strategies for overcoming RTA aggregation. KEY POINTS: • The recombinant antibody aggregation in mammalian cell systems is reviewed. • Intracellular environment and extracellular parameters influence recombinant antibody aggregation. • Reducing the aggregations can improve the quality of recombinant antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xu
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453002, Henan, China
| | - Jihong Zhang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China
| | - Tianyun Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China. .,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
| | - Xiaoyin Wang
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Recombinant Pharmaceutical Protein Expression System of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China. .,School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, 453003, Henan, China.
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24
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Jaffar-Aghaei M, Khanipour F, Maghsoudi A, Sarvestani R, Mohammadian M, Maleki M, Havasi F, Rahmani H, Karagah AH, Kazemali MR. QbD-guided pharmaceutical development of Pembrolizumab biosimilar candidate PSG-024 propelled to industry meeting primary requirements of comparability to Keytruda®. Eur J Pharm Sci 2022; 173:106171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2022.106171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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25
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Feroz H, Chennamsetty N, Byers S, Holstein M, Li ZJ, Ghose S. Assessing detergent-mediated virus inactivation, protein stability, and impurity clearance in biologics downstream processes. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1091-1104. [PMID: 35023152 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Detergent-mediated virus inactivation (VI) provides a valuable orthogonal strategy for viral clearance in mammalian processes, in particular for next-generation continuous manufacturing. Furthermore, there exists an industry-wide need to replace the conventionally employed detergent Triton X-100 with eco-friendly alternatives. However, given Triton X-100 has been the gold standard for VI due its minimal impact on protein stability and high inactivation efficacy, inactivation by other eco-friendly detergents and its impact on protein stability is not well understood. In this study, the sugar-based detergent commonly used in membrane protein purification, n-dodecyl-β- d-maltoside was found to be a promising alternative for VI. We investigated a panel of detergents to compare the relative VI efficacy, impact on therapeutic quality attributes, and clearance of the VI agent and other impurities through subsequent chromatographic steps. Detergent-mediated inactivation and protein stability showed comparable trends to low pH inactivation. Using experimental and modeling data, we found detergent-mediated product aggregation and its kinetics to be driven by extrinsic factors such as detergent and protein concentration. Detergent-mediated aggregation was also impacted by an initial aggregation level as well as intrinsic factors such as the protein sequence and detergent hydrophobicity, and critical micelle concentration. Knowledge gained here on factors driving product stability and VI provides valuable insight to design, standardize, and optimize conditions (concentration and duration of inactivation) for screening of detergent-mediated VI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasin Feroz
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Co., Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naresh Chennamsetty
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Sara Byers
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Melissa Holstein
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Co., Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zheng J Li
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Co., Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, Co., Devens, Massachusetts, USA
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26
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Physicochemical factors of bioprocessing impact the stability of therapeutic proteins. Biotechnol Adv 2022; 55:107909. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2022.107909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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27
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Valtonen S, Vuorinen E, Eskonen V, Malakoutikhah M, Kopra K, Härmä H. Sensitive, homogeneous, and label-free protein-probe assay for antibody aggregation and thermal stability studies. MAbs 2021; 13:1955810. [PMID: 34455913 PMCID: PMC8409793 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2021.1955810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein aggregation is a spontaneous process affected by multiple external and internal properties, such as buffer composition and storage temperature. Aggregation of protein-based drugs can endanger patient safety due, for example, to increased immunogenicity. Aggregation can also inactivate protein drugs and prevent target engagement, and thus regulatory requirements are strict regarding drug stability monitoring during manufacturing and storage. Many of the current technologies for aggregation monitoring are time- and material-consuming and require specific instruments and expertise. These types of assays are not only expensive, but also unsuitable for larger sample panels. Here we report a label-free time-resolved luminescence-based method using an external Eu3+-conjugated probe for the simple and fast detection of protein stability and aggregation. We focused on monitoring the properties of IgG, which is a common format for biological drugs. The Protein-Probe assay enables IgG aggregation detection with a simple single-well mix-and-measure assay performed at room temperature. Further information can be obtained in a thermal ramping, where IgG thermal stability is monitored. We showed that with the Protein-Probe, trastuzumab aggregation was detected already after 18 hours of storage at 60°C, 4 to 8 days earlier compared to SYPRO Orange- and UV250-based assays, respectively. The ultra-high sensitivity of less than 0.1% IgG aggregates enables the Protein-Probe to reduce assay time and material consumption compared to existing techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salla Valtonen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Ville Eskonen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | | | - Kari Kopra
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Harri Härmä
- Department of Chemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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28
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Stange C, Hafiz S, Korpus C, Skudas R, Frech C. Influence of excipients in Protein A chromatography and virus inactivation. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1179:122848. [PMID: 34274642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The purification of monoclonal antibodies and Fc fusion proteins consist of several unit operations operated commonly as a platform approach, starting with Protein A chromatography. The first capture step, the following low pH virus inactivation, and subsequent ion exchange chromatography steps are mostly able to remove any impurities, like host cell proteins, aggregates, and viruses. The changes in pH and conductivity during these steps can lead to additional unwanted product species like aggregates. In this study, excipients with stabilizing abilities, like polyols, were used as buffer system additives to study their impact on several aspects during Protein A chromatography, low pH virus inactivation, and cation exchange chromatography. The results show that excipients, like PEG4000, influence antibody elution behavior, as well as host-cell protein elution behavior in a pH-gradient setup. Sugar excipients, like Sucrose, stabilize the antibody during low pH virus inactivation. All excipients tested show no negative impact on virus inactivation and dynamic binding capacity in a subsequent cation exchange chromatography step. This study indicates that excipients and, possibly excipient combinations, can have a beneficial effect on purification without harming subsequent downstream processing steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Stange
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Applied Sciences Mannheim, Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10, 68163 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Supriyadi Hafiz
- Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Romas Skudas
- Merck KGaA, Frankfurter Straße 250, 64293 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Frech
- Institute for Biochemistry, University of Applied Sciences Mannheim, Paul-Wittsack-Straße 10, 68163 Mannheim, Germany.
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29
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Kim NA, Kar S, Li Z, Das TK, Carpenter JF. Mimicking Low pH Virus Inactivation Used in Antibody Manufacturing Processes: Effect of Processing Conditions and Biophysical Properties on Antibody Aggregation and Particle Formation. J Pharm Sci 2021; 110:3188-3199. [PMID: 34090901 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Low pH virus inactivation (VI) step is routinely used in antibody production manufacturing. In this work, a mimic of the VI step was developed to focus on evaluating adverse effects on product quality. A commercially available lab-scale glass reactor system was utilized to assess impacts of process and solution conditions on process-induced monoclonal antibody particle formation. Flow imaging was found to be more sensitive than light obscuration in detecting microparticles. NaOH as a base titrant increased protein microparticles more than Tris. Both stirring and NaCl accelerated particle formation, indicating that interfacial stress and protein colloidal stability were important factors. Polysorbate 80 was effective at suppressing particle formation induced by stirring. In contrast, trehalose led to higher microparticle levels suggesting a conformational stabilizer may have other adverse effects during titration with stirring. Additionally, conformational and colloidal stability of antibodies were characterized to investigate the potential roles of antibody physicochemical properties in microparticle formation during VI. The stability data were supportive in rationalizing particle formation behaviors, but they were not predictive of particle formation during the mimicked viral inactivation steps. Overall, the results demonstrate the value of testing various solution and processing conditions in a scaled-down system prior to larger-scale VI bioprocesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Ah Kim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora 80045, CO, USA; College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Gyeonggi 10326, Republic of Korea
| | - Sambit Kar
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, USA
| | - Zhengjian Li
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, USA
| | - Tapan K Das
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Bristol Myers Squibb, USA
| | - John F Carpenter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Aurora 80045, CO, USA.
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30
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Xu J, Zheng S, Dawood Z, Hill C, Jin W, Xu X, Ding J, Borys MC, Ghose S, Li ZJ, Pendse G. Productivity improvement and charge variant modulation for intensified cell culture processes by adding a carboxypeptidase B (CpB) treatment step. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:3334-3347. [PMID: 33624836 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The goal of cell culture process intensification is to improve productivity while maintaining acceptable quality attributes. In this report, four processes, namely a conventional manufacturing Process A, and processes intensified by enriched N-1 seed (Process B), by perfusion N-1 seed (Process C), and by perfusion production (Process D) were developed for the production of a monoclonal antibody. The three intensified processes substantially improved productivity, however, the product either failed to meet the specification for charge variant species (main peak) for Process D or the production process required early harvest to meet the specification for charge variant species, Day 10 or Day 6 for Processes B and C, respectively. The lower main peak for the intensified processes was due to higher basic species resulting from higher C-terminal lysine. To resolve this product quality issue, we developed an enzyme treatment method by introducing carboxypeptidase B (CpB) to clip the C-terminal lysine, leading to significantly increased main peak and an acceptable and more homogenous product quality for all the intensified processes. Additionally, Processes B and C with CpB treatment extended bioreactor durations to Day 14 increasing titer by 38% and 108%, respectively. This simple yet effective enzyme treatment strategy could be applicable to other processes that have similar product quality issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Xu
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shun Zheng
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zeinab Dawood
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Charles Hill
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Weixin Jin
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xuankuo Xu
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Ding
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael C Borys
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Girish Pendse
- Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Summit, New Jersey, USA
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31
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Huang C, Wang Y, Xu X, Mills J, Jin W, Ghose S, Li ZJ. Hydrophobic property of cation-exchange resins affects monoclonal antibody aggregation. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1631:461573. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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32
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Xing Z, Jin W, Xu X, Song Y, Huang C, Borys MC, Ghose S, Li ZJ. A CFD model for predicting protein aggregation in low-pH virial inactivation for mAb production. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:3400-3412. [PMID: 32672835 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27505] [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: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Significant amounts of soluble product aggregates were observed in the low-pH viral inactivation (VI) operation during an initial scale-up run for an immunoglobulin-G 4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody (mAb IgG4-N1). Being earlier in development, a scale-down model did not exist, nor was it practical to use costly Protein A eluate (PAE) for testing the VI process at scale, thus, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD)-based high-molecular weight (HMW) prediction model was developed for troubleshooting and risk mitigation. It was previously reported that the IgG4-N1 molecules upon exposure to low pH tend to change into transient and partially unfolded monomers during VI acidification (i.e., VIA) and form aggregates after neutralization (i.e., VIN). Therefore, the CFD model reported here focuses on the VIA step. The model mimics the continuous addition of acid to PAE and tracks acid distribution during VIA. Based on the simulated low-pH zone (≤pH 3.3) profiles and PAE properties, the integrated low-pH zone (ILPZ) value was obtained to predict HMW level at the VI step. The simulations were performed to examine the operating parameters, such as agitation speed, acid addition rate, and protein concentration of PAE, of the pilot scale (50-200 L) runs. The conditions with predictions of no product aggregation risk were recommended to the real scale-up runs, resulted in 100% success rate of the consecutive 12 pilot-scale runs. This study demonstrated that the CFD-based HMW prediction model could be used as a tool to facilitate the scale up of the low-pH VI process directly from bench to pilot/production scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhuo Xing
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Weixin Jin
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Xuankuo Xu
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Yuanli Song
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Chao Huang
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Michael C Borys
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Devens, Massachusetts
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33
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Hinz SC, Elter A, Rammo O, Schwämmle A, Ali A, Zielonka S, Herget T, Kolmar H. A Generic Procedure for the Isolation of pH- and Magnesium-Responsive Chicken scFvs for Downstream Purification of Human Antibodies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:688. [PMID: 32656201 PMCID: PMC7324474 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Affinity chromatography provides an excellent platform for protein purification, which is a key step in the large scale downstream processing of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Protein A chromatography constitutes the gold standard for Mab purification. However, the required acidic conditions (2.8–3.5) for elution from the affinity matrix limit their applicability, particularly for next generation antibodies and antibody fusion proteins, since denaturation and irreversible aggregation can occur due to the acidic buffer conditions. Here we describe a generic procedure for the generation of antigen-specific chromatography ligands with tailor-made elution conditions. To this end, we generated a scFv-library based on mRNA from a chicken immunized with human Fc. The antibody repertoire was displayed on yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae screened via FACS toward pH- and magnesium-responsive scFvs which specifically recognize human IgG antibodies. Isolated scFvs were reformatted, produced in Escherichia coli and immobilized on NHS-agarose columns. Several scFvs were identified that mediated antibody binding at neutral pH and antibody recovery at pH values of 4.5 and higher or even at neutral pH upon MgCl2 exposure. The iterative screening methodology established here is generally amenable to the straightforward isolation of stimulus-responsive antibodies that may become valuable tools for a variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen C Hinz
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.,Merck Lab @ Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Adrian Elter
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.,Merck Lab @ Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Oliver Rammo
- Life Science Division, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | | | - Ataurehman Ali
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Thomas Herget
- Strategy und Transformation, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany.,Merck Lab @ Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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34
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Papachristodoulou M, Doutch J, Leung HSB, Church A, Charleston T, Clifton LA, Butler PD, Roberts CJ, Bracewell DG. In situ neutron scattering of antibody adsorption during protein A chromatography. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1617:460842. [PMID: 31928770 PMCID: PMC10986645 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2019.460842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the nanoscale and mesoscale structure of chromatographic adsorbents and the distribution of proteins within the media, is critical to a mechanistic understanding of separation processes using these materials. Characterisation of the media's architecture at this scale and protein adsorption within, is challenging using conventional techniques. In this study, we propose a novel resin characterisation technique that enables in-situ measurement of the structure of the adsorbed protein layer within the resin, under typical chromatographic conditions. A quartz flow-through cell was designed and fabricated for use with Small Angle Neutron Scattering (SANS), in order to measure the nanoscale to mesoscale structures of a silica based protein A chromatography resin during the monoclonal antibody sorption process. We were able to examine the pore-to-pore (˜133 nm) and pore size (˜63 nm) correlations of the resin and the in-plane adsorbed antibody molecules (˜ 4.2 nm) correlation at different protein loadings and washing buffers, in real time using a contrast matching approach. When 0.03 M sodium phosphate with 1 M urea and 10 % isopropanol buffer, pH 8, was introduced into the system as a wash buffer, it disrupted the system's order by causing partial unfolding of the adsorbed antibody, as evidenced by a loss of the in-plane protein correlation. This method offers new ways to investigate the nanoscale structure and ligand immobilisation within chromatography resins; and perhaps most importantly understand the in-situ behaviour of adsorbed proteins within the media under different mobile phase conditions within a sample environment replicating that of a chromatography column.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Papachristodoulou
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - James Doutch
- ISIS, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Hoi Sang Beatrice Leung
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Andy Church
- ISIS, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Thomas Charleston
- ISIS, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Luke A Clifton
- ISIS, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Didcot, Oxon, OX11 0QX, UK
| | - Paul D Butler
- NIST Center for Neutron Research, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Dr, Gaithersburg, MD, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA; Department of Chemistry, The University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, USA
| | - Christopher J Roberts
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Daniel G Bracewell
- Department of Biochemical Engineering, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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35
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Swope N, Chung WK, Cao M, Motabar D, Liu D, Ahuja S, Handlogten M. Impact of enzymatic reduction on bivalent bispecific antibody fragmentation and loss of product purity upon reoxidation. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:1063-1071. [PMID: 31930476 PMCID: PMC10947566 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Antibody disulfide bond (DSB) reduction during manufacturing processes is a widely observed phenomenon attributed to host cell reductases present in harvest cell culture fluid. Enzyme-induced antibody reduction leads to product fragments and aggregates that increase the impurity burden on the purification process. The impact of reduction on bivalent bispecific antibodies (BisAbs), which are increasingly entering the clinic, has yet to be investigated. We focused on the reduction and reoxidation properties of a homologous library of bivalent BisAb formats that possess additional single-chain Fv (scFv) fragments with engineered DSBs. Despite all BisAbs having similar susceptibilities to enzymatic reduction, fragmentation pathways were dependent on the scFv-fusion site. Reduced molecules were allowed to reoxidize with and without low pH viral inactivation treatment. Both reoxidation studies demonstrated that multiple, complex BisAb species formed as a result of DSB mispairing. Furthermore, aggregate levels increased for all molecules when no low pH treatment was applied. Combined, our results show that complex DSB mispairing occurs during downstream processes while aggregate formation is dependent on sample treatment. These results are applicable to other novel monoclonal antibody-like formats containing engineered DSBs, thus highlighting the need to prevent reduction of novel protein therapeutics to avoid diminished product quality during manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Swope
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Wai Keen Chung
- Purification Process Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Mingyan Cao
- Analytical Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA
| | - Dana Motabar
- Purification Process Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Dengfeng Liu
- Analytical Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, USA
| | - Sanjeev Ahuja
- Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Michael Handlogten
- Cell Culture and Fermentation Sciences, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
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