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Lay-Fortenbery A, Tower CW, Ezeajughi E, Calahan J, Duru C, Matejtschuk P, Munson EJ. Predicting the Stability of Lyophilized Human Serum Albumin Formulations Containing Sucrose and Trehalose Using Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy: Effect of Storage Temperature on 1H T 1 Relaxation Times. AAPS J 2024; 26:40. [PMID: 38570383 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00900-2] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In a lyophilized protein/disaccharide system, the ability of the disaccharide to form a homogeneous mixture with the protein and to slow the protein mobility dictates the stabilization potential of the formulation. Human serum albumin was lyophilized with sucrose or trehalose in histidine, phosphate, or citrate buffer. 1H T1 relaxation times were measured by solid-state NMR spectroscopy and were used to assess the homogeneity and mobility of the samples after zero, six, and twelve months at different temperatures. The mobility of the samples decreased after 6 and 12 months storage at elevated temperatures, consistent with structural relaxation of the amorphous disaccharide matrix. Formulations with sucrose had lower mobility and greater stability than formulations with trehalose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Lay-Fortenbery
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA
| | - Cole W Tower
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Ernest Ezeajughi
- Analytical and Biological Sciences, Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Julie Calahan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA
| | - Chinwe Duru
- Analytical and Biological Sciences, Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK
| | - Paul Matejtschuk
- Analytical and Biological Sciences, Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, South Mimms, Hertfordshire, EN6 3QG, UK.
| | - Eric J Munson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, USA.
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
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2
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Lian S, Lamprou D, Zhao M. Electrospinning technologies for the delivery of Biopharmaceuticals: Current status and future trends. Int J Pharm 2024; 651:123641. [PMID: 38029864 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123641] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
This review provides an in-depth exploration of electrospinning techniques employed to produce micro- or nanofibres of biopharmaceuticals using polymeric solutions or melts with high-voltage electricity. Distinct from prior reviews, the current work narrows its focus on the recent developments and advanced applications in biopharmaceutical formulations. It begins with an overview of electrospinning principles, covering both solution and melt modes. Various methods for incorporating biopharmaceuticals into electrospun fibres, such as surface adsorption, blending, emulsion, co-axial, and high-throughput electrospinning, are elaborated. The review also surveys a wide array of biopharmaceuticals formulated through electrospinning, thereby identifying both opportunities and challenges in this emerging field. Moreover, it outlines the analytical techniques for characterizing electrospun fibres and discusses the legal and regulatory requirements for their production. This work aims to offer valuable insights into the evolving realm of electrospun biopharmaceutical delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shangjie Lian
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | | | - Min Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; China Medical University- Queen's University Belfast Joint College (CQC), China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
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3
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Markey C, Croset S, Woolley OR, Buldun CM, Koch C, Koller D, Reker D. Characterizing emerging companies in computational drug development. NATURE COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCE 2024; 4:96-103. [PMID: 38413778 DOI: 10.1038/s43588-024-00594-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Computation promises to accelerate, de-risk and optimize drug research and development. An increasing number of companies have entered this space, specializing in the design of new algorithms, computing on proprietary data, and/or development of hardware to improve distinct drug pipeline stages. The large number of such companies and their unique strategies and deals have created a highly complex and competitive industry. We comprehensively analyze the companies in this space to highlight trends and opportunities, identifying highly occupied areas of risk and currently underrepresented niches of high value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Markey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel Reker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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4
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van der Zon AAM, Verduin J, van den Hurk RS, Gargano AFG, Pirok BWJ. Sample transformation in online separations: how chemical conversion advances analytical technology. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 60:36-50. [PMID: 38053451 PMCID: PMC10729587 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc03599a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
While the advent of modern analytical technology has allowed scientists to determine the complexity of mixtures, it also spurred the demand to understand these sophisticated mixtures better. Chemical transformation can be used to provide insights into properties of complex samples such as degradation pathways or molecular heterogeneity that are otherwise unaccessible. In this article, we explore how sample transformation is exploited across different application fields to empower analytical methods. Transformation mechanisms include molecular-weight reduction, controlled degradation, and derivatization. Both offline and online transformation methods have been explored. The covered studies show that sample transformation facilitates faster reactions (e.g. several hours to minutes), reduces sample complexity, unlocks new sample dimensions (e.g. functional groups), provides correlations between multiple sample dimensions, and improves detectability. The article highlights the state-of-the-art and future prospects, focusing in particular on the characterization of protein and nucleic-acid therapeutics, nanoparticles, synthetic polymers, and small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika A M van der Zon
- University of Amsterdam, van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Analytical Chemistry Group, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joshka Verduin
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, Division of BioAnalytical Chemistry, De Boelelaan 1085, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rick S van den Hurk
- University of Amsterdam, van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Analytical Chemistry Group, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andrea F G Gargano
- University of Amsterdam, van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Analytical Chemistry Group, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bob W J Pirok
- University of Amsterdam, van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Analytical Chemistry Group, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Centre of Analytical Sciences Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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5
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Dauer K, Kayser K, Ellwanger F, Overbeck A, Kwade A, Karbstein HP, Wagner KG. Highly protein-loaded melt extrudates produced by small-scale ram and twin-screw extrusion - evaluation of extrusion process design on protein stability by experimental and numerical approaches. Int J Pharm X 2023; 6:100196. [PMID: 37448986 PMCID: PMC10336796 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2023.100196] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding of generation, extent and location of thermomechanical stress in small-scale (< 3 g) ram and twin-screw melt-extrusion is crucial for mechanistic correlations to the stability of protein particles (lysozyme and BSA) in PEG-matrices. The aim of the study was to apply and correlate experimental and numerical approaches (1D and 3D) for the evaluation of extrusion process design on protein stability. The simulation of thermomechanical stress during extrusion raised the expectation of protein degradation and protein particle grinding during extrusion, especially when TSE was used. This was confirmed by experimental data on protein stability. Ram extrusion had the lowest impact on protein unfolding temperatures, whereas TSE showed significantly reduced unfolding temperatures, especially in combination with kneading elements containing screws. In TSE, the mechanical stress in the screws always exceeded the shear stress in the die, while mechanical stress within ram extrusion was generated in the die, only. As both extruder designs revealed homogeneously distributed protein particles over the cross section of the extrudates for all protein-loads (20-60%), the dispersive power of TSE revealed not to be decisive. Consequently, the ram extruder would be favored for the production of stable protein-loaded extrudates in small scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Dauer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kevin Kayser
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Felix Ellwanger
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Food Process Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Achim Overbeck
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT) and Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Arno Kwade
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute for Particle Technology (iPAT) and Center of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Heike P. Karbstein
- Institute of Process Engineering in Life Sciences, Food Process Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Karl G. Wagner
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Mazzaferro L, Lounder SJ, Asatekin A. Amphiphilic Polyampholytes for Fouling-Resistant and Easily Tunable Membranes. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:42557-42567. [PMID: 37656014 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c07745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The versatility of membranes is limited by the narrow range of material chemistries on the market, which cannot address many relevant separations. Expanding their use requires new membrane materials that can be tuned to address separations by providing the desired selectivity and robustness. Self-assembly is a versatile and scalable approach to create tunable membranes with a narrow pore size distribution. This study reports the first examples of a new class of membrane materials that derives state-of-the-art permeability, selectivity, and fouling resistance from the self-assembly of random polyampholyte amphiphilic copolymers. These membranes feature a network of ionic nanodomains that serve as nanochannels for water permeation, framed by hydrophobic nanodomains that preserve their structural integrity. This copolymer design approach enables precise selectivity control. For example, sodium sulfate rejections can be tuned from 5% to 93% with no significant change in the pore size or fouling resistance. Membranes developed here have potential applications in wastewater treatment and chemical separations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Mazzaferro
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Samuel J Lounder
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
| | - Ayse Asatekin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Tufts University, 4 Colby Street, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, United States
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7
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Zhang Y, Ballesteros ME, Schöneich C. Photo-induced site-specific oxidative fragmentation of IgG1 mediated by iron(III)-containing histidine buffer: Mechanistic studies and excipient effects. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 190:121-130. [PMID: 37482364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.07.011] [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: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
Fragmentation may compromise the clinical efficacy and safety profile of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We recently reported that Fe(III)-containing histidine (His) buffer mediates site-specific mAb fragmentation within the Fc domain when exposed to visible light (Y. Zhang and C. Schöneich, Mol. Pharm. 2023, 20, 650-662). Here, we show that this fragmentation proceeds even more efficiently under near-UV light. Several formulation strategies were applied in an attempt to reduce the photo-induced fragmentation. In solution formulations, the fragmentation can be mitigated by reducing the concentration of His buffer, adding Fe(III)-chelating agents, and replacing His with other amino acids. Fragmentation can be almost completely inhibited by formulating the protein in the lyophilized state. Mechanistically, His plays a critical role in the fragmentation process, likely due to its affinity for Fe(II), driving a photo-redox reaction towards product formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilue Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | | | - Christian Schöneich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, 2093 Constant Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA.
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8
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Martins AC, Albericio F, de la Torre BG. FDA Approvals of Biologics in 2022. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051434. [PMID: 37239105 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The year 2022 witnessed the control of the COVID-19 pandemic in most countries through social and hygiene measures and also vaccination campaigns. It also saw a decrease in total approvals by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Nevertheless, there was no fall in the Biologics class, which was boosted through the authorization of 15 novel molecules, thus maintaining the figures achieved in previous years. Indeed, the decrease in approvals was only for the category of small molecules. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) continued to be the drug class with the most approvals, and cancer remained the most targeted disease, followed by autoimmune conditions, as in previous years. Interestingly, the FDA gave the green light to a remarkable number of bispecific Biologics (four), the highest number in recent years. Indeed, 2022 was another year without the approval of an antimicrobial Biologic, although important advancements were made in targeting new diseases, which are discussed herein. In this work, we only analyze the Biologics authorized in 2022. Furthermore, we also consider the orphan drugs authorized. We not only apply a quantitative analysis to this year's harvest, but also compare the efficacy of the Biologics with those authorized in previous years. On the basis of their chemical structure, the Biologics addressed fall into the following classes: monoclonal antibodies; antibody-drug conjugates; and proteins/enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander C Martins
- School of Health Sciences, UAM, Universidade Anhembi-Morumbi, São Paulo 03101-001, Brazil
| | - Fernando Albericio
- School of Chemistry and Physics, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- CIBER-BBN, Networking Centre on Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine, Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz G de la Torre
- KRISP, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
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9
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García-Calvo L, Rane DV, Everson N, Humlebrekk ST, Mathiassen LF, Mæhlum AHM, Malmo J, Bruheim P. Central carbon metabolite profiling reveals vector-associated differences in the recombinant protein production host Escherichia coli BL21. FRONTIERS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fceng.2023.1142226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli is the most widely used host for recombinant protein production, both as an industrial expression platform and as a model system at laboratory scale. The recombinant protein production industry generates proteins with direct applications as biopharmaceuticals and in technological processes central to a plethora of fields. Despite the increasing economic significance of recombinant protein production, and the importance of E. coli as an expression platform and model organism, only few studies have focused on the central carbon metabolic landscape of E. coli during high-level recombinant protein production. In the present work, we applied four targeted CapIC- and LC-MS/MS methods, covering over 60 metabolites, to perform an in-depth metabolite profiling of the effects of high-level recombinant protein production in strains derived from E. coli BL21, carrying XylS/Pm vectors with different characteristics. The mass-spectrometric central carbon metabolite profiling was complemented with the study of growth kinetics and protein production in batch bioreactors. Our work shows the robustness in E. coli central carbon metabolism when introducing increased plasmid copy number, as well as the greater importance of induction of recombinant protein production as a metabolic challenge, especially when strong promoters are used.
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10
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bioTCIs: Middle-to-Macro Biomolecular Targeted Covalent Inhibitors Possessing Both Semi-Permanent Drug Action and Stringent Target Specificity as Potential Antibody Replacements. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043525. [PMID: 36834935 PMCID: PMC9968108 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043525] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibody therapies targeting immuno-modulatory targets such as checkpoint proteins, chemokines, and cytokines have made significant impact in several areas, including cancer, inflammatory disease, and infection. However, antibodies are complex biologics with well-known limitations, including high cost for development and production, immunogenicity, a limited shelf-life because of aggregation, denaturation, and fragmentation of the large protein. Drug modalities such as peptides and nucleic acid aptamers showing high-affinity and highly selective interaction with the target protein have been proposed alternatives to therapeutic antibodies. The fundamental limitation of short in vivo half-life has prevented the wide acceptance of these alternatives. Covalent drugs, also known as targeted covalent inhibitors (TCIs), form permanent bonds to target proteins and, in theory, eternally exert the drug action, circumventing the pharmacokinetic limitation of other antibody alternatives. The TCI drug platform, too, has been slow in gaining acceptance because of its potential prolonged side-effect from off-target covalent binding. To avoid the potential risks of irreversible adverse drug effects from off-target conjugation, the TCI modality is broadening from the conventional small molecules to larger biomolecules possessing desirable properties (e.g., hydrolysis resistance, drug-action reversal, unique pharmacokinetics, stringent target specificity, and inhibition of protein-protein interactions). Here, we review the historical development of the TCI made of bio-oligomers/polymers (i.e., peptide-, protein-, or nucleic-acid-type) obtained by rational design and combinatorial screening. The structural optimization of the reactive warheads and incorporation into the targeted biomolecules enabling a highly selective covalent interaction between the TCI and the target protein is discussed. Through this review, we hope to highlight the middle to macro-molecular TCI platform as a realistic replacement for the antibody.
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11
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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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