Specificity and accuracy data for ligand-binding assays for macromolecules should be interpreted with caution

Resolution of matrix interference: quantitative and quasi-quantitative ligand-binding assays case studies

Background: Matrix effects pose a constant challenge in developing robust ligand-binding assays to be validated for use in nonclinical and clinical study support. When notable matrix effects of any kind are present, it can render an otherwise sound method ineffective. We present two case studies detailing the mitigation of observed matrix effects. Method: A dimeric protein was removed from unknown samples in an anti-therapeutic antibody assay through protein extraction. Nonspecific matrix effects in a quantitative ligand-binding assays were mitigated through development of a specialized buffer. Results: The protein extraction method reproducibly reduced the artificially high responses of naïve samples, enabling the accurate detection of anti-therapeutic antibodies. Design of experiments was used to evaluate and select the optimal components and associated concentrations in order to reduce the observed matrix effect to acceptable limits. Conclusion: Our results suggest there are multiple techniques available for the bioanalytical scientist to mitigate both matrix effects in ligand-binding assays.

ISR: background, evolution and implementation, with specific consideration for ligand-binding assays

ISR was highlighted as a topic of major interest to the US FDA in 2006, having been previously required, then discontinued, by Canadian regulatory authorities. Following an FDA focus on ISR, this topic has also been emphasized by regulatory agencies in Europe, Asia and Latin America. Extensive discussions on proper implementation of programs have taken place in multiple settings, including pharmaceutical companies, regulatory agencies, professional associations and CROs. These efforts have led to recommendations for ISR conduct that are now included in a final guideline on bioanalytical method validation from the European Medicines Agency, a draft validation guidance from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare in Japan and a revised draft validation guidance from the FDA. In this Review we look at the background, evolution and implementation of ISR for all assays, while including some specific considerations on this topic for ligand-binding assays.

Evaluation of cell death mechanisms induced by the vascular disrupting agent OXi4503 during a phase I clinical trial

Background:

OXi4503 is a tubulin-binding vascular disrupting agent that has recently completed a Cancer Research UK-sponsored phase I trial. Preclinical studies demonstrated early drug-induced apoptosis in tumour endothelial cells at 1–3 h and secondary tumour cell necrosis between 6 and 72 h.

Methods:

To capture both possible outcomes of OXi4503 treatment on cell death, plasma samples for analysis by M30 and M65 ELISAs, which measure different circulating forms of cytokeratin 18 as biomarkers of apoptosis and necrosis, respectively, were collected from patients entered into the trial at early (4/6 h) and later time points (24 h, day 8 and day 15).

Results:

OXi4503 induced a selective dose-dependent elevation in M30 antigen levels (apoptosis) at 4/6 h and a similar elevation in M65 antigen levels at 24 h (necrosis) consistent with its preclinical cell death profile. For the purposes of investigating potential biomarker relationships to patient characteristics, the trial population was divided into three groups based on radiological and clinical response: (a) early progression, (b) progressive disease and (c) stable disease (SD)/partial response. A significant increase in antigen concentrations was measured by M65 at 24 h in the SD group compared with the two other groups (P=0.015, mean increase 30.9%).

Conclusion:

These results provide pharmacodynamic evidence of drug mechanism of action in cancer patients and highlight the M65 ELISA as a potentially useful biomarker assay of response to OXi4503.

Regulatory considerations for development of bioanalytical assays for biotechnology products

Ligand-binding assays are the predominant method used for determination of concentrations of biotechnology products in serum or other matrices, as well as for the determination of antidrug antibodies in nonclinical and clinical studies. The challenges regarding the design and validation of these assays are well understood. The US FDA published a Guidance for Industry on Bioanalytical Method Validation and a Draft Guidance for Industry on Assay Development for Immunogenicity Testing of Therapeutic Proteins. The purpose of this article is to highlight specific elements in these guidance documents that should also apply to new methods, discuss the application of new generation ligand-binding methods and LC-MS for these purposes and provide a scientific and regulatory perspective on the specific challenges assessing the pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of monoclonal antibodies.

Fit-for-purpose biomarker method validation for application in clinical trials of anticancer drugs

Clinical development of new anticancer drugs can be compromised by a lack of qualified biomarkers. An indispensable component to successful biomarker qualification is assay validation, which is also a regulatory requirement. In order to foster flexible yet rigorous biomarker method validation, the fit-for-purpose approach has recently been developed. This minireview focuses on many of the basic issues surrounding validation of biomarker assays utilised in clinical trials. It also provides an overview on strategies to validate each of the five categories that define the majority of biomarker assays.