1
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Mikami A, Mori S, Osawa T, Obika S. Post-Synthetic Nucleobase Modification of Oligodeoxynucleotides by Sonogashira Coupling and Influence of Alkynyl Modifications on the Duplex-Forming Ability. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301928. [PMID: 37635089 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301928] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Recently, it was reported that the alkynyl modification of nucleobases mitigates the toxicity of antisense oligonucleotides (ASO) while maintaining the efficacy. However, the general effect of alkynyl modifications on the duplex-forming ability of oligonucleotides (ONs) is unclear. In this study, post-synthetic nucleobase modification by Sonogashira coupling in aqueous medium was carried out to efficiently evaluate the physiological properties of various ONs with alkynyl-modified nucleobases. Although several undesired reactions, including nucleobase cyclization, were observed, various types of alkynyl-modified ONs were successfully obtained via Sonogashira coupling of ONs containing iodinated nucleobases. Evaluation of the stability of the duplex formed by the synthesized alkynyl-modified ONs showed that the alkynyl modification of pyrimidine was less tolerated than that of purine, although both the modifications occurred in the major groove of the duplex. These results can be attributed to the bond angle of the alkyne on the pyrimidine and the close proximity of the alkynyl substituents to the phosphodiester backbone. The synthetic method developed in this study may contribute to the screening of the optimal chemical modification of ASO because various alkynyl-modified ONs that are effective in reducing the toxicity of ASO can be easily synthesized by this method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Mikami
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Shohei Mori
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takashi Osawa
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, 1-6 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
- Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
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2
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Berman CL, Antonsson M, Batkai S, Bosgra S, Chopda GR, Driessen W, Foy J, Hassan C, Hu XS, Jang HG, Meena , Sanseverino M, Thum T, Wang Y, Wild M, Wu JT. OSWG Recommended Approaches to the Nonclinical Pharmacokinetic (ADME) Characterization of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:287-305. [PMID: 37590469 PMCID: PMC10561745 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2023.0011] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This white paper summarizes the recommendations of the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) Subcommittee of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group for the characterization of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of oligonucleotide (ON) therapeutics in nonclinical studies. In general, the recommended approach is similar to that for small molecule drugs. However, some differences in timing and/or scope may be warranted due to the greater consistency of results across ON classes as compared with the diversity among small molecule classes. For some types of studies, a platform-based approach may be appropriate; once sufficient data are available for the platform, presentation of these data should be sufficient to support development of additional ONs of the same platform. These recommendations can serve as a starting point for nonclinical study design and foundation for discussions with regulatory agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sieto Bosgra
- Independent Consultant, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Girish R. Chopda
- Dicerna Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a Novo Nordisk Company, Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Meena
- Stoke Therapeutics, Bedford, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Thomas Thum
- Cardior Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Therapeutic Strategies (IMTTS), Hannover, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute of Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- Formerly of Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Martin Wild
- Early Oncology, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jing-Tao Wu
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Goyenvalle A, Jimenez-Mallebrera C, van Roon W, Sewing S, Krieg AM, Arechavala-Gomeza V, Andersson P. Considerations in the Preclinical Assessment of the Safety of Antisense Oligonucleotides. Nucleic Acid Ther 2023; 33:1-16. [PMID: 36579950 PMCID: PMC9940817 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2022.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The nucleic acid therapeutics field has made tremendous progress in the past decades. Continuous advances in chemistry and design have led to many successful clinical applications, eliciting even more interest from researchers including both academic groups and drug development companies. Many preclinical studies in the field focus on improving the delivery of antisense oligonucleotide drugs (ONDs) and/or assessing their efficacy in target tissues, often neglecting the evaluation of toxicity, at least in early phases of development. A series of consensus recommendations regarding regulatory considerations and expectations have been generated by the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group and the Japanese Research Working Group for the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use S6 and Related Issues (WGS6) in several white papers. However, safety aspects should also be kept in sight in earlier phases while screening and designing OND to avoid subsequent failure in the development phase. Experts and members of the network "DARTER," a COST Action funded by the Cooperation in Science and Technology of the EU, have utilized their collective experience working with OND, as well as their insights into OND-mediated toxicities, to generate a series of consensus recommendations to assess OND toxicity in early stages of preclinical research. In the past few years, several publications have described predictive assays, which can be used to assess OND-mediated toxicity in vitro or ex vivo to filter out potential toxic candidates before moving to in vivo phases of preclinical development, that is, animal toxicity studies. These assays also have the potential to provide translational insight since they allow a safety evaluation in human in vitro systems. Yet, small preliminary in vivo studies should also be considered to complement this early assessment. In this study, we summarize the state of the art and provide guidelines and recommendations on the different tests available for these early stage preclinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Goyenvalle
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles, France.,Address correspondence to: Aurélie Goyenvalle, PhD, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, END-ICAP, Versailles 78000, France
| | - Cecilia Jimenez-Mallebrera
- Laboratorio de Investigación Aplicada en Enfermedades Neuromusculares, Unidad de Patología Neuromuscular, Servicio de Neuropediatría, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.,Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Genética, Microbiología y Estadística, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Willeke van Roon
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Sabine Sewing
- Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arthur M. Krieg
- RNA Therapeutics Institute, University of Massachusetts, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Virginia Arechavala-Gomeza
- Neuromuscular Disorders, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Patrik Andersson
- Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Address correspondence to: Patrik Andersson, PhD, Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, Gothenburg 431 83, Sweden
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4
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Review of embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies performed for pharmaceuticals approved by FDA in 2020 and 2021. Reprod Toxicol 2022; 112:100-108. [PMID: 35788364 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2022.06.012] [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: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
103 novel drugs were approved by the FDA in 2020-2021. Embryofetal development (EFD) studies were conducted for 76% of these approvals. For the majority of drugs, EFD studies were conducted in rats and rabbits. Both species were equally sensitive to developmental toxicity, but the rabbit was slightly more sensitive to maternal toxicity at the same systemic exposure level. Nonetheless, 68% of drugs showed more than a 2-fold difference in the low adverse effect level for developmental toxicity between the rat and rabbit. Previous reviews in this series compiled information on EFD studies for all small molecule pharmaceuticals approved since 2014 and for all therapeutic monoclonal antibodies approved to date. The use of non-human primates for the developmental toxicity testing of biopharmaceuticals has fallen over recent years (22% of biologics license applications (BLAs) for 2020-2021, compared with 62% for 2002-2015), with more biopharmaceuticals now tested in rodents (37% of BLAs for 2020-2021). While the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR), adopted in 2014, has brought consistency to the presentation of EFD data in drug labels, prescribers complain that the pregnancy section of current drug labels is neither concise nor clear. The FDA has pledged to address the concerns of clinicians in a future revision of the PLLR rule. The recommendations on risk assessment in the recently revised ICHS5(R3) guideline could be incorporated into the PLLR rule to remove extraneous nonclinical details from the label with the aim of facilitating rapid understanding by the practitioner.
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5
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Humphreys SC, Davis JA, Iqbal S, Kamel A, Kulmatycki K, Lao Y, Liu X, Rodgers J, Snoeys J, Vigil A, Weng Y, Wiethoff CM, Wittwer MB. Considerations and recommendations for assessment of plasma protein binding and drug-drug interactions for siRNA therapeutics. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:6020-6037. [PMID: 35687098 PMCID: PMC9226521 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
At the time of writing, although siRNA therapeutics are approved for human use, no official regulatory guidance specific to this modality is available. In the absence of guidance, preclinical development for siRNA followed a hybrid of the small molecule and biologics guidance documents. However, siRNA differs significantly from small molecules and protein-based biologics in its physicochemical, absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion properties, and its mechanism of action. Consequently, certain reports typically included in filing packages for small molecule or biologics may benefit from adaption, or even omission, from an siRNA filing. In this white paper, members of the 'siRNA working group' in the IQ Consortium compile a list of reports included in approved siRNA filing packages and discuss the relevance of two in vitro reports-the plasma protein binding evaluation and the drug-drug interaction risk assessment-to support siRNA regulatory filings. Publicly available siRNA approval packages and the literature were systematically reviewed to examine the role of siRNA plasma protein binding and drug-drug interactions in understanding pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationships, safety and translation. The findings are summarized into two decision trees to help guide industry decide when in vitro siRNA plasma protein binding and drug-drug interaction studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John A Davis
- PKS Department, Novartis, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Amin Kamel
- Global DMPK, Takeda, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | - Yanbin Lao
- DMPK, Pharmaceutical Candidate Optimization, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08648, USA
| | - Xiumin Liu
- Early Development, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - John Rodgers
- PKDM Department, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jan Snoeys
- DMPK Department, Janssen R&D, Beerse 2340, Belgium
| | - Adam Vigil
- DMPK, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc., Ridgefield, CT 06877, USA
| | - Yan Weng
- Early Clinical Development Clinical Pharmacology Department, Pfizer, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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6
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Andersson P. Preclinical Safety Assessment of Therapeutic Oligonucleotides. METHODS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CLIFTON, N.J.) 2022; 2434:355-370. [PMID: 35213031 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2010-6_25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, therapeutic oligonucleotide drugs (OND) have witnessed a tremendous development in chemistry and mechanistic understanding that have translated into successful clinical applications. Depending on the specific OND mechanism, chemistry, and design, the DMPK and toxicity properties can vary significantly between different OND classes and delivery approaches, the latter including lipid formulations or conjugation approaches to enhance productive OND uptake. At the same time, with the only difference between compounds being the nucleobase sequence, ONDs with same mechanism of action, chemistry, and design show relatively consistent behavior, allowing certain extrapolations between compounds within an OND class. This chapter provides a summary of the most common toxicities, the improved mechanistic understanding and the safety assessment activities performed for therapeutic oligonucleotides during the drug discovery and development process. Several of the considerations described for therapeutic applications should also be of value for the scientists mainly using oligonucleotides as research tools to explore various biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrik Andersson
- Safety Innovation, Safety Sciences, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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7
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Afonin KA, Dobrovolskaia MA, Ke W, Grodzinski P, Bathe M. Critical review of nucleic acid nanotechnology to identify gaps and inform a strategy for accelerated clinical translation. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 181:114081. [PMID: 34915069 PMCID: PMC8886801 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
With numerous recent advances, the field of therapeutic nucleic acid nanotechnology is now poised for clinical translation supported by several examples of FDA-approved nucleic acid nanoformulations including two recent mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Within this rapidly growing field, a new subclass of nucleic acid therapeutics called nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) has emerged in recent years, which offers several unique properties distinguishing it from traditional therapeutic nucleic acids. Key unique aspects of NANPs include their well-defined 3D structure, their tunable multivalent architectures, and their ability to incorporate conditional activations of therapeutic targeting and release functions that enable diagnosis and therapy of cancer, regulation of blood coagulation disorders, as well as the development of novel vaccines, immunotherapies, and gene therapies. However, non-consolidated research developments of this highly interdisciplinary field create crucial barriers that must be overcome in order to impact a broader range of clinical indications. Forming a consortium framework for nucleic acid nanotechnology would prioritize and consolidate translational efforts, offer several unifying solutions to expedite their transition from bench-to-bedside, and potentially decrease the socio-economic burden on patients for a range of conditions. Herein, we review the unique properties of NANPs in the context of therapeutic applications and discuss their associated translational challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirill A Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC 28223, USA.
| | - Marina A Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Lab, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Weina Ke
- Biomedical Informatics and Data Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by the National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Piotr Grodzinski
- Nanodelivery Systems and Devices Branch, Cancer Imaging Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mark Bathe
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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8
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Hirabayashi Y, Maki K, Kinoshita K, Nakazawa T, Obika S, Naota M, Watanabe K, Suzuki M, Arato T, Fujisaka A, Fueki O, Ito K, Onodera H. Considerations of the Japanese Research Working Group for the ICH S6 & Related Issues Regarding Nonclinical Safety Assessments of Oligonucleotide Therapeutics: Comparison with Those of Biopharmaceuticals. Nucleic Acid Ther 2021; 31:114-125. [PMID: 33470890 PMCID: PMC7997717 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This white paper summarizes the current consensus of the Japanese Research Working Group for the ICH S6 & Related Issues (WGS6) on strategies for the nonclinical safety assessment of oligonucleotide-based therapeutics (ONTs), specifically focused on the similarities and differences to biotechnology-derived pharmaceuticals (biopharmaceuticals). ONTs, like biopharmaceuticals, have high species and target specificities. However, ONTs have characteristic off-target effects that clearly differ from those of biopharmaceuticals. The product characteristics of ONTs necessitate specific considerations when planning nonclinical studies. Some ONTs have been approved for human use and many are currently undergoing nonclinical and/or clinical development. However, as ONTs are a rapidly evolving class of drugs, there is still much to learn to achieve optimal strategies for the development of ONTs. There are no formal specific guidelines, so safety assessments of ONTs are principally conducted by referring to published white papers and conventional guidelines for biopharmaceuticals and new chemical entities, and each ONT is assessed on a case-by-case basis. The WGS6 expects that this report will be useful in considering nonclinical safety assessments and developing appropriate guidelines specific for ONTs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kazushige Maki
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Chiyoda-ku, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kinoshita
- The Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA), Chuo-ku, Japan
| | | | - Satoshi Obika
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Misaki Naota
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Chiyoda-ku, Japan
| | - Kazuto Watanabe
- The Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA), Chuo-ku, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Suzuki
- The Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (JPMA), Chuo-ku, Japan
| | - Teruyo Arato
- Clinical Research and Medical Innovation Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Aki Fujisaka
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Japan.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Ohtani University, Tondabayashi, Japan
| | - Osamu Fueki
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Chiyoda-ku, Japan
| | - Kosuke Ito
- Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA), Chiyoda-ku, Japan
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9
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Dobrovolskaia MA, Bathe M. Opportunities and challenges for the clinical translation of structured DNA assemblies as gene therapeutic delivery and vaccine vectors. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY 2021; 13:e1657. [PMID: 32672007 PMCID: PMC7736207 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.1657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gene therapeutics including siRNAs, anti-sense oligos, messenger RNAs, and CRISPR ribonucleoprotein complexes offer unmet potential to treat over 7,000 known genetic diseases, as well as cancer, through targeted in vivo modulation of aberrant gene expression and immune cell activation. Compared with viral vectors, nonviral delivery vectors offer controlled immunogenicity and low manufacturing cost, yet suffer from limitations in toxicity, targeting, and transduction efficiency. Structured DNA assemblies fabricated using the principle of scaffolded DNA origami offer a new nonviral delivery vector with intrinsic, yet controllable immunostimulatory properties and virus-like spatial presentation of ligands and immunogens for cell-specific targeting, activation, and control over intracellular trafficking, in addition to low manufacturing cost. However, the relative utilities and limitations of these vectors must clearly be demonstrated in preclinical studies for their clinical potential to be realized. Here, we review the major capabilities, opportunities, and challenges we foresee in translating these next-generation delivery and vaccine vectors to the clinic. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies Biology-Inspired Nanomaterials > Nucleic Acid-Based Structures Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A. Dobrovolskaia
- Nanotechnology Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology ProgramFrederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research sponsored by National Cancer InstituteFrederickMaryland
| | - Mark Bathe
- Department of Biological EngineeringMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyCambridgeMassachusetts
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10
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Tessier Y, Achanzar W, Mihalcik L, Amuzie C, Andersson P, Parry JD, Moggs J, Whiteley LO. Outcomes of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations Oligonucleotide Working Group Survey on Nonclinical Practices and Regulatory Expectations for Therapeutic Oligonucleotide Safety Assessment. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 31:7-20. [PMID: 33054599 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The Oligonucleotide Working Group of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) conducted a survey of companies to understand the trends in nonclinical practices and regulatory expectations for oligonucleotide drug safety assessment. Twenty-two companies of different types, with varying oligonucleotide experience levels in the field, participated. The survey identified key regulatory challenges and areas of perceived health authority (HA) concern regarding nonclinical safety strategies for oligonucleotides, such as the choice of toxicology species, approaches to dose setting in toxicity studies, dose scaling from animals to humans, the implementation (and regulatory acceptability) of lean packages, and methods for dealing with impurities and human-specific off-targets. The perceived oligonucleotide experience of HAs and the relevance of guidance to oligonucleotide development were also assessed. The results showed a general lack of consensus on nonclinical safety assessment approaches being used for this growing class of medicines and highlight the need for continuing collaboration between sponsors and HAs to better define best practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yann Tessier
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - William Achanzar
- Drug Safety Evaluation, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lauren Mihalcik
- Amgen Research, Translational Safety & Bioanalytical Sciences, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chidozie Amuzie
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Patrik Andersson
- Respiratory and Immunology Safety, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joel D Parry
- Nonclinical Safety, GSK R&D, David Jack Centre for R&D, Ware, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Moggs
- Preclinical Safety, Translational Medicine, Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Capaldi D, Akhtar N, Atherton T, Benstead D, Charaf A, De Vijlder T, Heatherington C, Hoernschemeyer J, Jiang H, Rieder U, Ring F, Peter R, Stolee JA, Wechselberger R. Strategies for Identity Testing of Therapeutic Oligonucleotide Drug Substances and Drug Products. Nucleic Acid Ther 2020; 30:249-264. [PMID: 32857010 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2020.0878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A risk-based approach for routine identity testing of therapeutic oligonucleotide drug substances and drug products is described. Risk analysis of solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis indicates that intact mass measurement is a powerful technique for confirming synthesis of the intended oligonucleotide. Further risk assessment suggests that the addition of a second, sequence-sensitive identity test, which relies on a comparison of some property of the sample to a reference standard of proven identity, results in a sufficient test of identity for most oligonucleotide drug substances and products. Alternative strategies for drug product identity testing are presented. The analysis creates a common way to communicate risk and should result in a harmonized approach to identity testing that avoids the unnecessary analytical burden associated with routine de novo sequencing, without compromising quality or patient safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Capaldi
- Development Chemistry, Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Nadim Akhtar
- New Modalities and Parenteral Development and Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Atherton
- Structure and Function Characterization, CMC Analytical, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | - David Benstead
- Chemical Development, Pharmaceutical Technology & Development, Operations, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Ayman Charaf
- Research and Development Tides, Pharmaceutical Development Platform, Sanofi-Aventis GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas De Vijlder
- Analytical Development, Small Molecule Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Carl Heatherington
- Drug Substance and Product Analysis UK, CMC Analytical, GlaxoSmithKline, Stevenage, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hong Jiang
- Analytical Development, Biogen, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ulrike Rieder
- Technical Research and Development, Global Drug Development, Novartis Pharma, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Francis Ring
- Development Chemistry, Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, California, USA
| | - Robert Peter
- Analytical Research and Development, Synthetic Molecules Technical Development, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Rainer Wechselberger
- Analytical Development, Small Molecule Development, Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson and Johnson, Beerse, Belgium
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12
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Barrow P, Clemann N. Review of embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies performed for pharmaceuticals approved by FDA in 2018 and 2019. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 99:144-151. [PMID: 32593570 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Details of embryo-fetal development (EFD) studies were compiled for all FDA drug approvals in 2018-19. EFD studies were performed for 82 % of approvals (84 % of small molecules and 70 % of biopharmaceuticals). Rats and rabbits were used for 84 % of small molecule (SM) drugs for which EFD studies were submitted. There was at least a 2-fold difference in sensitivity between the rat and the rabbit relative to the human exposure for the majority of drugs (62 %, small molecules and biopharmaceuticals combined) tested in both species. On average, however, the rat and rabbit were equally sensitive to developmental toxicity. Over the last 2 years, the use of non-human primates (NHP) for the developmental toxicity testing of biopharmaceuticals has fallen (26 % of biologics license applications), with many more biopharmaceuticals now tested in rodents (44 % of BLAs). EFD studies were not required for oncology drugs when the mode of action was associated with known developmental risk. One-third of SM non-oncology drugs and two-thirds of SM oncology drugs induced dysmorphogenesis in at least one species. The newly revised ICH S5(R3) guideline will bring about changes to the design of future EFD studies, particularly with respect to high dose selection. The revised guideline will also influence the interpretation of the findings in EFD studies (e.g. fetal morphological variations) and risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Barrow
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Nicole Clemann
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, F. Hoffmann-La-Roche, Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
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13
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Novel antithrombotic strategies for treatment of venous thromboembolism. Blood 2020; 135:351-359. [PMID: 31917385 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019000919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), which includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), is the third most common cause of vascular death after heart attack and stroke. Anticoagulation therapy is the cornerstone of VTE treatment. Despite such therapy, up to 50% of patients with DVT develop postthrombotic syndrome, and up to 4% of patients with PE develop chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Therefore, better therapies are needed. Although direct oral anticoagulants are more convenient and safer than warfarin for VTE treatment, bleeding remains the major side effect, particularly in cancer patients. Factor XII and factor XI have emerged as targets for new anticoagulants that may be safer. To reduce the complications of VTE, attenuation of thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor activity is under investigation in PE patients to enhance endogenous fibrinolysis, whereas blockade of leukocyte interaction with the vessel wall is being studied to reduce the inflammation that contributes to postthrombotic syndrome in DVT patients. Focusing on these novel antithrombotic strategies, this article explains why safer anticoagulants are needed, provides the rationale for factor XII and XI as targets for such agents, reviews the data on the factor XII- and factor XI-directed anticoagulants under development, describes novel therapies to enhance fibrinolysis and decrease inflammation in PE and DVT patients, respectively, and offers insights into the opportunities for these novel VTE therapies.
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14
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Humphreys SC, Thayer MB, Campbell J, Chen WLK, Adams D, Lade JM, Rock BM. Emerging siRNA Design Principles and Consequences for Biotransformation and Disposition in Drug Development. J Med Chem 2020; 63:6407-6422. [PMID: 32352779 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
After two decades teetering at the intersection of laboratory tool and therapeutic reality, with two siRNA drugs now clinically approved, this modality has finally come into fruition. Consistent with other emerging modalities, initial proof-of-concept efforts concentrated on coupling pharmacologic efficacy with desirable safety profiles. Consequently, thorough investigations of siRNA absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties are lacking. Advancing ADME knowledge will aid establishment of in vitro-in vivo correlations and pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationships to optimize candidate selection through discovery and translation. Here, we outline the emerging siRNA design principles and discuss the consequences for siRNA disposition and biotransformation. We propose a conceptual framework for siRNA ADME evaluation, contextualizing the site of biotransformation product formation with PK-PD modulation, and end with a discussion around safety and regulatory considerations and future directions for this modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara C Humphreys
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism Department, Amgen Research, 1120 Veterans Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Mai B Thayer
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism Department, Amgen Research, 1120 Veterans Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Jabbar Campbell
- Neuroscience Department, Amgen Research, 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States
| | - Wen Li Kelly Chen
- Comparative Biology and Safety Sciences Department, Amgen Research, 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States
| | - Dan Adams
- Comparative Biology and Safety Sciences Department, Amgen Research, 360 Binney Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02141, United States
| | - Julie M Lade
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism Department, Amgen Research, 1120 Veterans Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
| | - Brooke M Rock
- Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism Department, Amgen Research, 1120 Veterans Boulevard, South San Francisco, California 94080, United States
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15
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Barrow P. Review of embryo-fetal developmental toxicity studies performed for pharmaceuticals approved by FDA in 2016 and 2017. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 80:117-125. [PMID: 29660390 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Details of embryo-fetal development (EFD) studies were compiled for all FDA drug approvals in 2016-17. Rats and rabbits were used for 63% of small molecule (SM) drugs. The cynomolgus monkey was used for 47% of biopharmaceuticals. Rodent studies using the clinical mAb or animal homologue replaced monkey studies under some circumstances. EFD studies were not required for anti-cancer drugs when the mode of action was associated with known developmental risk. One quarter of SM non-oncology drugs and all tested SM anti-cancer drugs were teratogenic in at least one species. The rat and rabbit were essentially equally sensitive to developmental toxicity. Eighty-nine percent of SM non-cancer drugs induced maternal or fetal toxicity in at least one species at below 25-times human exposure (proposed maximum exposure in the draft revised ICH S5(R3) guideline). The pregnancy and lactation labeling rule (PLLR) has brought consistency to the presentation of EFD data in drug labels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Barrow
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roche Innovation Center Basel, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Grenzacherstrasse 124, CH 4070, Basel, Switzerland.
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16
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Capaldi D, Teasdale A, Henry S, Akhtar N, den Besten C, Gao-Sheridan S, Kretschmer M, Sharpe N, Andrews B, Burm B, Foy J. Impurities in Oligonucleotide Drug Substances and Drug Products. Nucleic Acid Ther 2017; 27:309-322. [PMID: 29125795 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2017.0691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This white paper, which is the 10th in a series intended to address issues associated with the development of therapeutic oligonucleotides, examines the subject of product-related impurities. The authors consider chemistry and safety aspects and advance arguments in favor of platform approaches to impurity identification and qualification. Reporting, identification, and qualification thresholds suitable for product-related impurities of therapeutic oligonucleotides are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andy Teasdale
- 2 AstraZeneca UK Ltd. , Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Henry
- 1 Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. , Carlsbad, California
| | - Nadim Akhtar
- 2 AstraZeneca UK Ltd. , Macclesfield, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Neal Sharpe
- 5 Anavex Life Sciences Corp. , New York, New York
| | - Ben Andrews
- 6 GlaxoSmithKline , Stevenage, United Kingdom
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17
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Ohtsuki S, Takahashi Y, Inoue T, Takakura Y, Nishikawa M. Reconstruction of Toll-like receptor 9-mediated responses in HEK-Blue hTLR9 cells by transfection of human macrophage scavenger receptor 1 gene. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13661. [PMID: 29057947 PMCID: PMC5651873 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13890-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We used human Toll-like receptor 9 (hTLR9)-expressing HEK-Blue hTLR9 cells, which release secreted embryonic alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) upon response to CpG DNA, to evaluate the immunological properties of nucleic acid drug candidates. Our preliminary studies showed that phosphodiester CpG DNA hardly induced any SEAP secretion in HEK-Blue hTLR9 cells. In the current study, therefore, we developed HEK-Blue hTLR9 cells transduced with human macrophage scavenger receptor-1 (hMSR1), a cell-surface DNA receptor, and determined whether HEK-Blue hTLR9/hMSR1 cells respond to phosphorothioate (PS) CpG DNA and phosphodiester (PO) CpG DNA. We selected PS CpG2006, a single-stranded PO CpG DNA (ssCpG), and a tetrapod-like structured DNA (tetrapodna) containing ssCpG (tetraCpG) as model TLR9 ligands. Alexa Fluor 488-labeled ligands were used for flow cytometry. Unlike the mock-transfected HEK-Blue hTLR9 cells, the HEK-Blue hTLR9/hMSR1 cells efficiently took up all three CpG DNAs. SEAP release was almost proportional to the uptake. Treatment of HEK-Blue hTLR9/hMSR1 cells with an anti-hMSR1 antibody significantly reduced the uptake of ssCpG and tetraCpG. Collectively, reconstruction of TLR9-mediated responses to CpG DNA in HEK-Blue hTLR9 cells can be used to evaluate the toxicity of nucleic acid drug candidates with diverse physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shozo Ohtsuki
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Takahashi
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Takao Inoue
- Division of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 158-8501, Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Takakura
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan
| | - Makiya Nishikawa
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Drug Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8501, Japan. .,Laboratory of Biopharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Chiba, 278-8510, Japan.
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18
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Mustonen EK, Palomäki T, Pasanen M. Oligonucleotide-based pharmaceuticals: Non-clinical and clinical safety signals and non-clinical testing strategies. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2017; 90:328-341. [PMID: 28966105 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2017.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligonucleotides, short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and aptamers are oligonucleotide-based pharmaceuticals with a promising role in targeted therapies. Currently, five oligonucleotide-based pharmaceuticals have achieved marketing authorization in Europe or USA and many more are undergoing clinical testing. However, several safety concerns have been raised in non-clinical and clinical studies. Oligonucleotides share properties with both chemical and biological pharmaceuticals and therefore they pose challenges also from the regulatory point of view. We have analyzed the safety data of oligonucleotides and evaluated the applicability of current non-clinical toxicological guidelines for assessing the safety of oligonucleotide-based pharmaceuticals. Oligonucleotide-based pharmaceuticals display a similar toxicological profile, exerting adverse effects on liver and kidney, evoking hematological alterations, as well as causing immunostimulation and prolonging the coagulation time. It is possible to extrapolate some of these effects from non-clinical studies to humans. However, evaluation strategies for genotoxicity testing of "non-natural" oligonucleotides should be revised. Additionally, the selective use of surrogates and prediction of clinical endpoints for non-clinically observed immunostimulation is complicated by its multiple potential manifestations, demanding improvements in the testing strategies. Utilizing more relevant and mechanistic-based approaches and taking better account of species differences, could possibly improve the prediction of relevant immunological/proinflammatory effects in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enni-Kaisa Mustonen
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Markku Pasanen
- University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
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19
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Delannois F, Planty C, Giordano G, Destexhe E, Stanislaus D, Da Silva FT, Stegmann JU, Thacker K, Reynaud L, Garçon N, Segal L. Signal management in pharmacovigilance and human risk assessment of CpG 7909, integrating embryo-fetal and post-natal developmental toxicity studies in rats and rabbits. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 75:110-120. [PMID: 28951173 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The potential reproductive and developmental toxicity of the synthetic oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) CpG 7909, a component of GSK's AS15 immunostimulant, was examined in rat and rabbit studies following intermittent intramuscular injections. Previous studies using subcutaneous and intraperitoneal injections in mice, rats and rabbits revealed that CpG ODNs induced developmental effects. To analyze the safety signal, GSK conducted additional animal studies using the intended clinical route of administration. CpG 7909 injections were administered intramuscularly to rats or rabbits 28 and 14days before pairing, on 4 or 5 occasions during gestation, and on lactation day 7. The No Observed Adverse Effect Level for female fertility, embryo-fetal and pre- and post-natal development was 4.2mg/kg in both species, approximately 500-fold higher than the anticipated human dose. In conclusion, the anticipated risk to humans is considered low for sporadic intramuscular exposure to CpG 7909.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camille Planty
- (at the time of study) GSK Vaccines, Rue de l'Institut 89, 1330, Rixensart, Belgium.
| | - Giulia Giordano
- GSK Vaccines, Rue de l'Institut 89, 1330, Rixensart, Belgium
| | - Eric Destexhe
- GSK Vaccines, Rue de l'Institut 89, 1330, Rixensart, Belgium
| | | | | | | | - Karen Thacker
- Envigo CRS Limited Formerly Huntingdon Life Sciences, Eye, Suffolk, UK
| | - Lucie Reynaud
- WIL Research Europe-Lyon Laboratories, 69210, Saint-Germain-Nuelles, France
| | - Nathalie Garçon
- (at the time of study) GSK Vaccines, Rue de l'Institut 89, 1330, Rixensart, Belgium
| | - Lawrence Segal
- (at the time of study) GSK Vaccines, Parc de la Noire Epine, Rue Fleming 20, 1300, Wavre, Belgium
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20
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Marlowe JL, Akopian V, Karmali P, Kornbrust D, Lockridge J, Semple S. Recommendations of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group's Formulated Oligonucleotide Subcommittee for the Safety Assessment of Formulated Oligonucleotide-Based Therapeutics. Nucleic Acid Ther 2017; 27:183-196. [PMID: 28609186 DOI: 10.1089/nat.2017.0671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of lipid formulations has greatly improved the ability to effectively deliver oligonucleotides and has been instrumental in the rapid expansion of therapeutic development programs using oligonucleotide drugs. However, the development of such complex multicomponent therapeutics requires the implementation of unique, scientifically sound approaches to the nonclinical development of these drugs, based upon a hybrid of knowledge and experiences drawn from small molecule, protein, and oligonucleotide therapeutic drug development. The relative paucity of directly applicable regulatory guidance documents for oligonucleotide therapeutics in general has resulted in the generation of multiple white papers from oligonucleotide drug development experts and members of the Oligonucleotide Safety Working Group (OSWG). The members of the Formulated Oligonucleotide Subcommittee of the OSWG have utilized their collective experience working with a variety of formulations and their associated oligonucleotide payloads, as well as their insights into regulatory considerations and expectations, to generate a series of consensus recommendations for the pharmacokinetic characterization and nonclinical safety assessment of this unique class of therapeutics. It should be noted that the focus of Subcommittee discussions was on lipid nanoparticle and other types of particulate formulations of therapeutic oligonucleotides and not on conjugates or other types of modifications of oligonucleotide structure intended to facilitate delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Marlowe
- 1 Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research , Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | | | | | | | - Sean Semple
- 6 Arbutus Biopharma Corporation , Burnaby, Canada
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21
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Abstract
The unique properties of nucleic acid aptamers and their suitability to therapeutic applications have attracted the attention of researchers for more than 2 decades. Aptamers exhibit significant advantages relative to antibody-based therapeutics and can serve dual roles as either the therapeutic agent itself or a targeting modality. Despite this intense research interest, aptamers have been slow to reach the clinic, partly due to practical limitations that can be overcome by rational chemical modifications and ingenious aptamer selection approaches. This review highlights the latest efforts to use aptamers in therapeutic applications, the key properties of aptamers that can be exploited, the aptamers that are currently in clinical trials, as well as speculation on the future of aptamers in the field of nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M C Mattice
- Department of Chemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada
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