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Larpent P, Codan L, Bothe JR, Iuzzolino L, Pabit S, Gupta S, Fischmann T, Su Y, Reichert P, Stueber D, Cote A. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering as a Powerful Tool for Phase and Crystallinity Assessment of Monoclonal Antibody Crystallites in Support of Batch Crystallization. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:4024-4037. [PMID: 38958508 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00418] [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: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Crystalline suspensions of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have great potential to improve drug substance isolation and purification on a large scale and to be used for drug delivery via high-concentration formulations. Crystalline mAb suspensions are expected to have enhanced chemical and physical properties relative to mAb solutions delivered intravenously, making them attractive candidates for subcutaneous delivery. In contrast to small molecules, the development of protein crystalline suspensions is not a widely used approach in the pharmaceutical industry. This is mainly due to the challenges in finding crystalline hits and the suboptimal physical properties of the resulting crystallites when hits are found. Modern advances in instrumentation and increased knowledge of mAb crystallization have, however, resulted in higher probabilities of discovering crystal forms and improving their particle properties and characterization. In this regard, physical, analytical characterization plays a central role in the initial steps of understanding and later optimizing the crystallization of mAbs and requires careful selection of the appropriate tools. This contribution describes a novel crystal structure of the antibody pembrolizumab and demonstrates the usefulness of small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) for characterizing its crystalline suspensions. It illustrates the advantages of SAXS when used to (i) confirm crystallinity and crystal phase of crystallites produced in batch mode; (ii) confirm crystallinity under various conditions and detect variations in crystal phases, enabling fine-tuning of the crystallizations for phase control across multiple batches; (iii) monitor the physical response and stability of the crystallites in suspension with regard to filtration and washing; and (iv) monitor the physical stability of the crystallites upon drying. Overall, this work highlights how SAXS is an essential tool for mAb crystallization characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Larpent
- Department of Analytical Research and Development, MSD Werthenstein BioPharma GmbH, Industrie Nord 1, 6105 Schachen, Switzerland
| | - Lorenzo Codan
- Department of Process Research and Development, MSD Werthenstein BioPharma GmbH, Industrie Nord 1, 6105 Schachen, Switzerland
| | - Jameson R Bothe
- Department of Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Luca Iuzzolino
- Department of Computational and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Suzette Pabit
- Department of Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Sudipta Gupta
- Department of Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., West Point, Pennsylvania 19486, United States
| | - Thierry Fischmann
- Department of Protein and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Yongchao Su
- Department of Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Paul Reichert
- Department of Protein and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
| | - Dirk Stueber
- Department of Analytical Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, New Jersey 07065, United States
| | - Aaron Cote
- Department of Biologics Process Research and Development, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033, United States
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2
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Kumar G, Ardekani AM. Concentration-Dependent Diffusion of Monoclonal Antibodies: Underlying Mechanisms of Anomalous Diffusion. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2212-2222. [PMID: 38572979 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00973] [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: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
The development, storage, transport, and subcutaneous delivery of highly concentrated monoclonal antibody formulations pose significant challenges due to the high solution viscosity and low diffusion of the antibody molecules in crowded environments. These issues often stem from the self-associating behavior of the antibody molecules, potentially leading to aggregation. In this work, we used a dissipative particle dynamics-based coarse-grained model to investigate the diffusion behavior of IgG1 antibody molecules in aqueous solutions with 15 and 32 mM NaCl and antibody concentrations ranging from 10 to 400 mg/mL. We determined the coarse-grained interaction parameters by matching the calculated structure factor with the computational and experimental data from the literature. Our results indicate Fickian diffusion for antibody concentrations of 10 and 25 mg/mL and anomalous diffusion for concentrations exceeding 50 mg/mL. The anomalous diffusion was observed for ∼0.33 to 0.4 μs, followed by Fickian diffusion for all antibody concentrations. We observed a strong linear correlation between the diffusion behavior of the antibody molecules (diffusion coefficient D and anomalous diffusion exponent α) and the amount of aggregates present in the solution and between the amount of aggregates and the Coulomb interaction energy. The investigation of underlying mechanisms for anomalous diffusion revealed that in crowded environments at high antibody concentrations, the attractive interaction between electrostatically complementary regions of the antibody molecules could further bring the neighboring molecules closer to one another, ultimately resulting in aggregate formation. Further, the Coulomb attraction can continue to draw more molecules together, forming larger aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Kumar
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
| | - Arezoo M Ardekani
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, United States
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3
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Heisler J, Kovner D, Izadi S, Zarzar J, Carter PJ. Modulation of the high concentration viscosity of IgG 1 antibodies using clinically validated Fc mutations. MAbs 2024; 16:2379560. [PMID: 39028186 PMCID: PMC11262234 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2024.2379560] [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: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The self-association of therapeutic antibodies can result in elevated viscosity and create problems in manufacturing and formulation, as well as limit delivery by subcutaneous injection. The high concentration viscosity of some antibodies has been reduced by variable domain mutations or by the addition of formulation excipients. In contrast, the impact of Fc mutations on antibody viscosity has been minimally explored. Here, we studied the effect of a panel of common and clinically validated Fc mutations on the viscosity of two closely related humanized IgG1, κ antibodies, omalizumab (anti-IgE) and trastuzumab (anti-HER2). Data presented here suggest that both Fab-Fab and Fab-Fc interactions contribute to the high viscosity of omalizumab, in a four-contact model of self-association. Most strikingly, the high viscosity of omalizumab (176 cP) was reduced 10.7- and 2.2-fold by Fc modifications for half-life extension (M252Y:S254T:T256E) and aglycosylation (N297G), respectively. Related single mutations (S254T and T256E) each reduced the viscosity of omalizumab by ~6-fold. An alternative half-life extension Fc mutant (M428L:N434S) had the opposite effect in increasing the viscosity of omalizumab by 1.5-fold. The low viscosity of trastuzumab (8.6 cP) was unchanged or increased by ≤ 2-fold by the different Fc variants. Molecular dynamics simulations provided mechanistic insight into the impact of Fc mutations in modulating electrostatic and hydrophobic surface properties as well as conformational stability of the Fc. This study demonstrates that high viscosity of some IgG1 antibodies can be mitigated by Fc mutations, and thereby offers an additional tool to help design future antibody therapeutics potentially suitable for subcutaneous delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Heisler
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Kovner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Development, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Saeed Izadi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Development, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Zarzar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Development, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul J. Carter
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech, Inc, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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4
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Carfagna M, Rosa M, Hawe A, Frieß W. Lyophilization cycle design for highly concentrated protein formulations supported by micro freeze-dryer and heat flux sensor. Int J Pharm 2023; 643:123285. [PMID: 37532010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.123285] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
High-concentration protein formulations (HCPFs) represent a common strategy and freeze-drying can mitigate the stability challenges of HCPFs. In general, an in-depth characterization of the lyophilization process is essential to not impair the product quality by inappropriate process parameters. The aim of this study was to create a primary drying design space for lyophilized HCPFs by utilizing the heat flux sensor (HFS) integrated in a MicroFD with a minimum number of cycles and product vials. All the necessary data to obtain the design space were determined starting from only two lyophilization cycles, each holding 19 vials. The vial heat transfer coefficient (Kv) was determined by the HFS and compared to gravimetric values. The results indicate a consistant offset between the HFS and the gravimetry based values for annealed samples with higher protein content. This work highlights a possibility of integrating new technologies, the HFS and the MicroFD to generate a design space for lyophilization of HCPFs, which enables to implement a QbD approach at minimal material and time investment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Carfagna
- Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH, Fraunhoferstrasse 18 b, 82152 Martinsried, Germany; Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstrasse 5, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Monica Rosa
- Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH, Fraunhoferstrasse 18 b, 82152 Martinsried, Germany
| | - Andrea Hawe
- Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH, Fraunhoferstrasse 18 b, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
| | - Wolfgang Frieß
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics, Butenandtstrasse 5, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet München, D-81377 Munich, Germany
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5
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Desai PG, Garidel P, Gbormittah FO, Kamen DE, Mills BJ, Narasimhan CN, Singh S, Stokes ESE, Walsh ER. An Intercompany Perspective on Practical Experiences of Predicting, Optimizing and Analyzing High Concentration Biologic Therapeutic Formulations. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:359-369. [PMID: 36442683 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.11.020] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Developing high-dose biologic drugs for subcutaneous injection often requires high-concentration formulations and optimizing viscosity, solubility, and stability while overcoming analytical, manufacturing, and administration challenges. To understand industry approaches for developing high-concentration formulations, the Formulation Workstream of the BioPhorum Development Group, an industry-wide consortium, conducted an inter-company collaborative exercise which included several surveys. This collaboration provided an industry perspective, experience, and insight into the practicalities for developing high-concentration biologics. To understand solubility and viscosity, companies desire predictive tools, but experience indicates that these are not reliable and experimental strategies are best. Similarly, most companies prefer accelerated and stress stability studies to in-silico or biophysical-based prediction methods to assess aggregation. In addition, optimization of primary container-closure and devices are pursued to mitigate challenges associated with high viscosity of the formulation. Formulation strategies including excipient selection and application of studies at low concentration to high-concentration formulations are reported. Finally, analytical approaches to high concentration formulations are presented. The survey suggests that although prediction of viscosity, solubility, and long-term stability is desirable, the outcome can be inconsistent and molecule dependent. Significant experimental studies are required to confirm robust product definition as modeling at low protein concentrations will not necessarily extrapolate to high concentration formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preeti G Desai
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Sterile Product Development, 556 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ 07901, USA
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH Co KG, Innovation Unit, PDB-TIP, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Francisca O Gbormittah
- GlaxoSmithKline, Strategic External Development, 1000 Winter Street North, Waltham, MA 02451, USA
| | - Douglas E Kamen
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Formulation Development, 777 Old Saw Mill River Road, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA
| | - Brittney J Mills
- AbbVie, NBE Drug Product Development, 1 N Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
| | | | - Shubhadra Singh
- GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Biopharmaceutical Product Sciences, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Elaine S E Stokes
- BioPhorum, The Gridiron Building, 1 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG UK.
| | - Erika R Walsh
- Merck & Co., Inc., Sterile and Specialty Products, Rahway, NJ, USA
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6
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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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7
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Tsumura K, Hsu W, Mimura M, Horiuchi A, Shiraki K. Lowering the viscosity of a high-concentration antibody solution by protein-polyelectrolyte complex. J Biosci Bioeng 2021; 133:17-24. [PMID: 34629298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiosc.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
High-concentration and low-viscosity antibody formulations are necessary when administering these solutions subcutaneously (SC) due to limitations on injection volume. Here we show a method to decrease the viscosity of monoclonal antibody solution by protein-polyelectrolyte complex (PPC) with poly-l-glutamic acid (polyE). The viscosity of omalizumab solutions was 90 cP at the concentration of 150 mg/mL. In the presence of 20-50 mM polyE, the viscosity of PPC solution of 150 mg/mL omalizumab dramatically decreased below 10 cP due to the formation of crowded solution. The crowded state of PPC, named aggregated PPC (A-PPC), contained water droplets with a diameter of 10 μm or larger with low antibody concentrations. In the presence of 60 mM or more polyE, the omalizumab solution was transparent with the viscosity of 40 cP or less, named soluble PPC (S-PPC). More importantly, the solutions of both A-PPC and S-PPC were fully redissolved by the addition of phosphate saline buffer confirmed by secondary structure, the amount of aggregates, and binding activity to antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Tsumura
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - WeiLin Hsu
- Research and Development Center, Terumo Corporation, Nakai-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa 259-0151, Japan
| | - Masahiro Mimura
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan
| | - Aiko Horiuchi
- Research and Development Center, Terumo Corporation, Nakai-machi, Ashigarakami-gun, Kanagawa 259-0151, Japan
| | - Kentaro Shiraki
- Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8573, Japan.
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8
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Kim NA, Yu HW, Noh GY, Park SK, Kang W, Jeong SH. Protein microbeadification to achieve highly concentrated protein formulation with reversible properties and in vivo pharmacokinetics after reconstitution. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 185:935-948. [PMID: 34237365 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A protein precipitation technique was optimized to produce biophysically stable 'protein microbeads', applicable to highly concentrated protein formulation. Initially, production of BSA microbeads was performed using rapid dehydration by vortexing in organic solvents followed by cold ethanol treatment and a vacuum drying. Out of four solvents, n-octanol produced the most reversible microbeads upon reconstitution. A Shirasu porous glass (SPG) membrane emulsification technique was utilized to enhance the size distribution and manufacturing process of the protein microbeads with a marketized human IgG solution. Process variants such as dehydration time, temperature, excipients, drying conditions, and initial protein concentration were evaluated in terms of the quality of IgG microbeads and their reversibility. The hydrophobized SPG membrane produced a narrow size distribution of the microbeads, which were further enhanced by shorter dehydration time, low temperature, minimized the residual solvents, lower initial protein concentration, and addition of trehalose to the IgG solution. Final reversibility of the IgG microbeads with trehalose was over 99% at both low and high protein concentrations. Moreover, the formulation was highly stable under repeated mechanical shocks and at an elevated temperature compared to its liquid state. Its in vivo pharmacokinetic profiles in rats were consistent before and after the 'microbeadification'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam Ah Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Gyeonggi 13026, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyun Woo Yu
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Gyeonggi 13026, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga Yeon Noh
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Gyeonggi 13026, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Koo Park
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Gyeonggi 13026, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonku Kang
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Hoon Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University-Seoul, Gyeonggi 13026, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Hou P, Zheng F, Corpstein CD, Xing L, Li T. Multiphysics Modeling and Simulation of Subcutaneous Injection and Absorption of Biotherapeutics: Sensitivity Analysis. Pharm Res 2021; 38:1011-1030. [PMID: 34080101 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03062-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A multiphysics simulation model was recently developed to capture major physical and mechanical processes of local drug transport and absorption kinetics of subcutaneously injected monoclonal antibody (mAb) solutions. To further explore the impact of individual drug attributes and tissue characteristics on the tissue biomechanical response and drug mass transport upon injection, sensitivity analysis was conducted and reported. METHOD Various configurations of injection conditions, drug-associated attributes, and tissue properties were simulated with the developed multiphysics model. Simulation results were examined with regard to tissue deformation, porosity change, and spatiotemporal distributions of pressure, interstitial fluid flow, and drug concentration in the tissue. RESULTS Injection conditions and tissue properties were found influential on the mechanical response of tissue and interstitial fluid velocity to various extents, leading to distinct drug concentration profiles. Intrinsic tissue porosity, lymphatic vessel density, and drug permeability through the lymphatic membrane were particularly essential in determining the local absorption rate of an mAb injection. CONCLUSION The sensitivity analysis study may shed light on the product development of an mAb formulation, as well as on the future development of the simulation method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Hou
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, 525 Stadium Mall Dr. RHPH Building, Indiana, 47907, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Fudan Zheng
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, 525 Stadium Mall Dr. RHPH Building, Indiana, 47907, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Clairissa D Corpstein
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, 525 Stadium Mall Dr. RHPH Building, Indiana, 47907, West Lafayette, USA
| | - Lei Xing
- Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3PJ, UK
| | - Tonglei Li
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, 525 Stadium Mall Dr. RHPH Building, Indiana, 47907, West Lafayette, USA.
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10
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Sigurgeirsson B, Schäkel K, Hong CH, Effendy I, Placek W, Rich P, Keefe D, Bruin G, Charef P, Fu R, Hampele I, Patekar M. Efficacy, tolerability, patient usability, and satisfaction with a 2 mL pre-filled syringe containing secukinumab 300 mg in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: results from the phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled ALLURE study. J DERMATOL TREAT 2021; 33:1718-1726. [PMID: 33896356 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2021.1902925] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence shows good tolerability in patients for subcutaneous injection volumes up to 3 mL. OBJECTIVES We investigated efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability of secukinumab 300 mg/2 mL pre-filled syringe (PFS) in patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. METHODS ALLURE was a 52-week, multicenter, randomized (1:1:1), double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study. Co-primary endpoints were secukinumab Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 75 and Investigator's Global Assessment modified 2011 0/1 (IGA mod 2011 0 or 1) responses at week 12 versus placebo. Other endpoints included the Self-Injection Assessment Questionnaire (SIAQ), and the ability to follow the instructions for use (IFU). RESULTS Overall, 214 patients were randomized. The secukinumab 300 mg/2 mL PFS showed superiority over placebo for both PASI 75 (88.9% versus 1.7%; p<.0001) and IGA mod 2011 0 or 1 (76.4% versus 1.4%; p<.0001) responses at week 12. All secondary efficacy endpoints were met. The SIAQ scores were similar across groups and improved similarly over 12 weeks. All patients completed critical steps in the IFU at week 1. CONCLUSIONS The secukinumab 300 mg/2 mL PFS groups showed superiority versus placebo, and it was a safe, effective, and convenient option for patients with psoriasis. NCT02748863.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bardur Sigurgeirsson
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Knut Schäkel
- Department of Dermatology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg and Interdisciplinary Center of Chronic Inflammatory Diseases, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chih-Ho Hong
- Dr. Chih-Ho Hong Medical Inc., Surrey, Canada.,Probity Medical Research, Waterloo, Canada.,Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Isaak Effendy
- Department of Dermatology, Municipal Hospital of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Waldemar Placek
- Department of Dermatology, Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Clinical Immunology, University of Waria and Mazury Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Phoebe Rich
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Deborah Keefe
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, NJ, USA
| | - Gerard Bruin
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Rong Fu
- Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research, Shanghai, China
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11
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Wu HH, Garidel P, Michaela B. HP-β-CD for the formulation of IgG and Ig-based biotherapeutics. Int J Pharm 2021; 601:120531. [PMID: 33775727 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The main challenge to develop HCF for IgG and Ig-based therapeutics is to achieve essential solubility, viscosity and stability of these molecules in order to maintain product quality and meet regulatory requirement during manufacturing, production, storage, shipment and administration processes. The commonly used and FDA approved excipients for IgG and Ig -based therapeutics may no longer fulfil the challenge of HCF development for these molecules to certain extent, especially for some complex Ig-based platforms. 2-Hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) is one of the promising excipients applied recently for HCF development of IgG and Ig-based therapeutics although it has been used for formulation of small synthesized chemical drugs for more than thirty years. This review describes essential aspects about application of HP-β-CD as excipient in pharmaceutical formulation, including physico-chemical properties of HP-β-CD, supply chain, regulatory, patent landscape, marketed drugs with HP-β-CD, analytics and analytical challenges, stability and control strategies, and safety concerns. It also provides an overview of different studies, and outcomes thereof, regarding formulation development for IgGs and Ig-based molecules in liquid and solid (lyophilized) dosage forms with HP-β-CD. The review specifically highlights the challenges for formulation manufacturing of IgG and Ig-based therapeutics with HP-β-CD and identifies areas for future work in pharmaceutical and formulation development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Haixia Wu
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals, Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Blech Michaela
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Pharmaceutical Development Biologicals, Biberach an der Riss, Germany
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12
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Butreddy A, Janga KY, Ajjarapu S, Sarabu S, Dudhipala N. Instability of therapeutic proteins - An overview of stresses, stabilization mechanisms and analytical techniques involved in lyophilized proteins. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 167:309-325. [PMID: 33275971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.11.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Solid-state is the preferred choice for storage of protein therapeutics to improve stability and preserve the biological activity by decreasing the physical and chemical degradation associated with liquid protein formulations. Lyophilization or freeze-drying is an effective drying method to overcome the instability problems of proteins. However, the processing steps (freezing, primary drying and secondary drying) involved in the lyophilization process can expose the proteins to various stress and harsh conditions, leading to denaturation, aggregation often a loss in activity of protein therapeutics. Stabilizers such as sugars and surfactants are often added to protect the proteins against physical stress associated with lyophilization process and storage conditions. Another way to curtail the degradation of proteins due to process related stress is by modification of the lyophilization process. Slow freezing, high nucleation temperature, decreasing the extent of supercooling, and annealing can minimize the formation of the interface (ice-water) by producing large ice crystals with less surface area, thereby preserving the native structure and stability of the proteins. Hence, a thorough understanding of formulation composition, lyophilization process parameters and the choice of analytical methods to characterize and monitor the protein instability is crucial for development of stable therapeutic protein products. This review provides an overview of various stress conditions that proteins might encounter during lyophilization process, mechanisms to improve the stability and analytical techniques to tackle the proteins instability during both freeze-drying and storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Butreddy
- Formulation R&D, Biological E. Limited, IKP Knowledge Park, Shameerpet, Hyderabad, Telangana State 500078, India; Laboratory of Nanotechnology, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana State 506009, India
| | - Karthik Yadav Janga
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana State 506009, India
| | - Srinivas Ajjarapu
- Industrial Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani 333031, India
| | - Sandeep Sarabu
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana State 506009, India
| | - Narendar Dudhipala
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology, University College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kakatiya University, Warangal, Telangana State 506009, India; Department of Pharmaceutics, Vaagdevi College of Pharmacy, Warangal, Telangana State 506 005, India..
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13
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Tissue Resistance during Large-Volume Injections in Subcutaneous Tissue of Minipigs. Pharm Res 2020; 37:184. [PMID: 32888065 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-020-02906-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Injection devices for administration of biopharmaceuticals enable subcutaneous self-administration by patients. To meet patient specific capabilities, injection forces need to be characterized. We address the open question of whether tissue resistance significantly contributes to overall injection forces, especially for large injection volumes. METHODS Subcutaneous tissue resistance was systematically quantified for injection volumes up to 11 mL depending on viscosity (1-20 mPa·s) and injection rates (0.025-0.2 mL/s) using Göttingen Minipigs as the animal model. The contribution of an artificially applied external force at the injection site simulating autoinjector needle cover depression was tested between 2.5-7.5 N. RESULTS Tissue resistance reached average values of ~120 mbar for injection volumes up to 11 mL independent of viscosity and injection rate, and maximum values of 300 mbar were determined. Artificially applied external forces led to higher values, independent of the absolute applied force - maximum values of 1 bar were obtained when injecting 4.5 mL of the 20 mPa·s solution at an injection rate of 0.1 mL/s with the application of an artificial 5 N force, corresponding to ~450 mbar. All conditions yield defined injection sites suggesting tissue resistance is defined by mechanical properties of the subcutaneous tissue. CONCLUSIONS We set our results in relation to overall injection forces, concluding that maximum values in tissue resistance may cause challenges during subcutaneous injection when using injection devices. Graphical abstract.
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14
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Jayaprakash V, Costalonga M, Dhulipala S, Varanasi KK. Enhancing the Injectability of High Concentration Drug Formulations Using Core Annular Flows. Adv Healthc Mater 2020; 9:e2001022. [PMID: 32830449 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Highly concentrated biological drug formulations would offer tremendous benefits to global health, yet they cannot be manually injected using commercial syringes and needles due to their high viscosities. Current approaches to address this problem face several challenges such as crosscontamination, high cost, needle clogging, and protein inactivation. This work reports a simple method to enhance formulation injectability using a core annular flow, where the transport of highly viscous fluids through a needle is enabled by coaxial lubrication by a less viscous fluid. A phase diagram to ensure optimally lubricated flow while minimizing the volume fraction of lubricant injected is established. The technique presented here allows for up to a 7x reduction in injection force for the highest viscosity ratio tested. The role of buoyancy-driven eccentricity in governing nominal pressure reduction is also examined. Finally, the findings are implemented into the development of a double barreled syringe that significantly expands the range of injectable concentrations of several biologic formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishnu Jayaprakash
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Maxime Costalonga
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Somayajulu Dhulipala
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge MA 02139 USA
| | - Kripa K. Varanasi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering Massachusetts Institute of Technology 77 Massachusetts Ave Cambridge MA 02139 USA
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15
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Holstein M, Hung J, Feroz H, Ranjan S, Du C, Ghose S, Li ZJ. Strategies for high‐concentration drug substance manufacturing to facilitate subcutaneous administration: A review. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:3591-3606. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.27510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Holstein
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Jessica Hung
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Hasin Feroz
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Swarnim Ranjan
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Cheng Du
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Sanchayita Ghose
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
| | - Zheng Jian Li
- Biologics Process Development, Global Product Development and Supply Bristol‐Myers Squibb Co. Devens Massachusetts
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16
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Bruin G, Hockey HUP, La Stella P, Sigurgeirsson B, Fu R, Patekar M, Charef P, Woessner R, Boutouyrie-Dumont B. Comparison of pharmacokinetics, safety and tolerability of secukinumab administered subcutaneously using different delivery systems in healthy volunteers and in psoriasis patients. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 86:338-351. [PMID: 31658377 PMCID: PMC7015744 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of the study was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety and tolerability of secukinumab with different devices for subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of 2 mL. METHODS A phase 1 study in healthy subjects with 6 devices to administer 2 mL injection volumes was conducted to evaluate the serum PK, safety and tolerability of secukinumab following single s.c. injection of 300 mg in the abdomen (either side) or in the thigh (either leg). Primary PK endpoints were maximum observed serum concentration and area under the serum concentration-time curve. The impact of device, site and side of injection on serum exposure was evaluated. In a phase 3 study in psoriasis patients, PK of secukinumab was evaluated following multiple s.c. injections of 300 mg by either 2 × 1-mL prefilled syringe or 1 × 2-mL prefilled syringe. RESULTS Mean serum concentration-time profiles for administration as 2 × 1 mL injections or as 1 × 2 mL injections were similar. With an injection volume of 2 mL, perceived injection pain was not different from 2 × 1 mL injections. A nonclinically significant difference in PK endpoints was observed between thigh and abdomen. Results with a 2 mL prefilled syringe in a 1-year phase 3 study in patients confirmed PK results observed in the phase 1 study. CONCLUSION Collective evidence from both studies demonstrated that 2-mL injections of secukinumab into the abdomen or thigh using different devices resulted in comparable PK characteristics and were all well tolerated without noticeable local reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Bruin
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Bárdur Sigurgeirsson
- Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Rong Fu
- Novartis Pharma, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | - Ralph Woessner
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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17
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Stradner A, Schurtenberger P. Potential and limits of a colloid approach to protein solutions. SOFT MATTER 2020; 16:307-323. [PMID: 31830196 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01953g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Looking at globular proteins with the eyes of a colloid scientist has a long tradition, in fact a significant part of the early colloid literature was focused on protein solutions. However, it has also been recognized that proteins are much more complex than the typical hard sphere-like synthetic model colloids. Proteins are not perfect spheres, their interaction potentials are in general not isotropic, and using theories developed for such particles are thus clearly inadequate in many cases. In this perspective article, we now take a closer look at the field. In particular, we reflect on the fact that modern colloid science has been undergoing a tremendous development, where a multitude of novel systems have been developed in the lab and in silico. During the last decade we have seen a rapidly increasing number of reports on the synthesis of anisotropic, patchy and/or responsive synthetic colloids, that start to resemble their complex biological counterparts. This experimental development is also reflected in a corresponding theoretical and simulation effort. The experimental and theoretical toolbox of colloid science has thus rapidly expanded, and there is obviously an enormous potential for an application of these new concepts to protein solutions, which has already been realized and harvested in recent years. In this perspective article we make an attempt to critically discuss the exploitation of colloid science concepts to better understand protein solutions. We not only consider classical applications such as the attempt to understand and predict solution stability and phase behaviour, but also discuss new challenges related to the dynamics, flow behaviour and liquid-solid transitions found in concentrated or crowded protein solutions. It not only aims to provide an overview on the progress in experimental and theoretical (bio)colloid science, but also discusses current shortcomings in our ability to correctly reproduce and predict the structural and dynamic properties of protein solutions based on such a colloid approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stradner
- Division of Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Lund University, PO Box 124, SE-221 00 Lund, Sweden.
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18
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Reichert P, Prosise W, Fischmann TO, Scapin G, Narasimhan C, Spinale A, Polniak R, Yang X, Walsh E, Patel D, Benjamin W, Welch J, Simmons D, Strickland C. Pembrolizumab microgravity crystallization experimentation. NPJ Microgravity 2019; 5:28. [PMID: 31815178 PMCID: PMC6889310 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-019-0090-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Crystallization processes have been widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for the manufacture, storage, and delivery of small-molecule and small protein therapeutics. However, the identification of crystallization processes for biologics, particularly monoclonal antibodies, has been prohibitive due to the size and the flexibility of their overall structure. There remains a challenge and an opportunity to utilize the benefits of crystallization of biologics. The research laboratories of Merck Sharp & Dome Corp. (MSD) in collaboration with the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory performed crystallization experiments with pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) on the SpaceX-Commercial Resupply Services-10 mission to the ISS. By leveraging microgravity effects such as reduced sedimentation and minimal convection currents, conditions producing crystalline suspensions of homogeneous monomodal particle size distribution (39 μm) in high yield were identified. In contrast, the control ground experiments produced crystalline suspensions with a heterogeneous bimodal distribution of 13 and 102 μm particles. In addition, the flight crystalline suspensions were less viscous and sedimented more uniformly than the comparable ground-based crystalline suspensions. These results have been applied to the production of crystalline suspensions on earth, using rotational mixers to reduce sedimentation and temperature gradients to induce and control crystallization. Using these techniques, we have been able to produce uniform crystalline suspensions (1–5 μm) with acceptable viscosity (<12 cP), rheological, and syringeability properties suitable for the preparation of an injectable formulation. The results of these studies may help widen the drug delivery options to improve the safety, adherence, and quality of life for patients and caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Reichert
- 1Computational and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Winifred Prosise
- 1Computational and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Thierry O Fischmann
- 1Computational and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Giovanna Scapin
- 1Computational and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | | | - April Spinale
- International Space Station National Laboratory Integration, Melbourne, FL USA
| | | | - Xiaoyu Yang
- 5Biologics and Vaccines Formulation-Process Characterization, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Erika Walsh
- 2Sterile Formulations Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Daya Patel
- 5Biologics and Vaccines Formulation-Process Characterization, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Wendy Benjamin
- 2Sterile Formulations Sciences, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Johnathan Welch
- 5Biologics and Vaccines Formulation-Process Characterization, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Denarra Simmons
- 6Biologics and Vaccines Formulation-Potency and Functional Characterization, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
| | - Corey Strickland
- 1Computational and Structural Chemistry, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ USA
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19
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Ruane S, Li Z, Campana M, Hu X, Gong H, Webster JRP, Uddin F, Kalonia C, Bishop SM, van der Walle CF, Lu JR. Interfacial Adsorption of a Monoclonal Antibody and Its Fab and Fc Fragments at the Oil/Water Interface. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2019; 35:13543-13552. [PMID: 31510747 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.9b02317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The physical stability of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) solution for injection in a prefilled syringe may in part depend on its behavior at the silicone oil/water interface. Here, the adsorption of a mAb (termed COE-3) and its fragment antigen-binding (Fab) and crystallizable (Fc) at the oil/water interface was measured using neutron reflection. A 1.4 ± 0.1 μm hexadecane oil film was formed on a sapphire block by a spin-freeze-thaw process, retaining its integrity upon contact with the protein solutions. Measurements revealed that adsorbed COE-3 and its Fab and Fc fragments retained their globular structure, forming layers that did not penetrate substantially into the oil phase. COE-3 and Fc were found to adsorb flat-on to the interface, with denser 45 and 42 Å inner layers, respectively, in contact with the oil and a more diffuse 17-21 Å outer layer caused by fragments adsorbing in a tilted manner. In contrast, Fab fragments formed a uniform 60 Å monolayer. Monolayers were formed under all conditions studied (10-200 ppm, using three isotopic contrasts), although changes in packing density across the COE-3 and Fc layers were observed. COE-3 had a higher affinity to the interface than either of its constituent fragments, while Fab had a lower interfacial affinity consistent with its higher net surface charge. This study extends the application of high-resolution neutron reflection measurements to the study of protein adsorption at the oil/water interface using an experimental setup mimicking the protein drug product in a siliconized prefilled syringe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Ruane
- Biological Physics Laboratory, School of Physics and Astronomy , University of Manchester , Oxford Road, Schuster Building, Manchester M13 9PL , U.K
| | - Zongyi Li
- Biological Physics Laboratory, School of Physics and Astronomy , University of Manchester , Oxford Road, Schuster Building, Manchester M13 9PL , U.K
| | - Mario Campana
- ISIS Neutron Facility , STFC , Chilton, Didcot OX11 0QZ , U.K
| | - Xuzhi Hu
- Biological Physics Laboratory, School of Physics and Astronomy , University of Manchester , Oxford Road, Schuster Building, Manchester M13 9PL , U.K
| | - Haoning Gong
- Biological Physics Laboratory, School of Physics and Astronomy , University of Manchester , Oxford Road, Schuster Building, Manchester M13 9PL , U.K
| | | | - Faisal Uddin
- Dosage Form Design & Development , AstraZeneca , Granta Park, Cambridge CB21 6GH , U.K
| | - Cavan Kalonia
- Dosage Form Design & Development , AstraZeneca , Gaithersburg , Maryland 20878 , United States
| | - Steven M Bishop
- Dosage Form Design & Development , AstraZeneca , Gaithersburg , Maryland 20878 , United States
| | | | - Jian R Lu
- Biological Physics Laboratory, School of Physics and Astronomy , University of Manchester , Oxford Road, Schuster Building, Manchester M13 9PL , U.K
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20
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Skar-Gislinge N, Ronti M, Garting T, Rischel C, Schurtenberger P, Zaccarelli E, Stradner A. A Colloid Approach to Self-Assembling Antibodies. Mol Pharm 2019; 16:2394-2404. [PMID: 31059276 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.9b00019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Concentrated solutions of monoclonal antibodies have attracted considerable attention due to their importance in pharmaceutical formulations; yet, their tendency to aggregate and the resulting high viscosity pose considerable problems. Here we tackle this problem by a soft condensed matter physics approach, which combines a variety of experimental measurements with a patchy colloid model, amenable of analytical solution. We thus report results of structural antibodies and dynamic properties obtained through scattering methods and microrheological experiments. We model the data using a colloid-inspired approach, explicitly taking into account both the anisotropic shape of the molecule and its charge distribution. Our simple patchy model is able to disentangle self-assembly and intermolecular interactions and to quantitatively describe the concentration-dependence of the osmotic compressibility, collective diffusion coefficient, and zero shear viscosity. Our results offer new insights on the key problem of antibody formulations, providing a theoretical and experimental framework for a quantitative assessment of the effects of additional excipients or chemical modifications and a prediction of the resulting viscosity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Skar-Gislinge
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry , Lund University , SE-221 00 Lund , Sweden.,Novo Nordisk A/S , DK-2760 Malov , Denmark
| | - Michela Ronti
- Department of Physics , Sapienza Università di Roma , Piazzale Aldo Moro 2 , 00185 Rome , Italy
| | - Tommy Garting
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry , Lund University , SE-221 00 Lund , Sweden
| | | | - Peter Schurtenberger
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry , Lund University , SE-221 00 Lund , Sweden.,LINXS - Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science , Scheelevägen 19 , SE-223 70 Lund , Sweden
| | - Emanuela Zaccarelli
- Institute for Complex Systems, National Research Council (ISC-CNR), Uos Sapienza and Department of Physics , Sapienza Università di Roma , Piazzale Aldo Moro 5 , 00185 Rome , Italy
| | - Anna Stradner
- Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry , Lund University , SE-221 00 Lund , Sweden.,LINXS - Lund Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science , Scheelevägen 19 , SE-223 70 Lund , Sweden
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21
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Hebditch M, Warwicker J. Web-based display of protein surface and pH-dependent properties for assessing the developability of biotherapeutics. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1969. [PMID: 30760735 PMCID: PMC6374528 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36950-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein instability leads to reversible self-association and irreversible aggregation which is a major concern for developing new biopharmaceutical leads. Protein solution behaviour is dictated by the physicochemical properties of the protein and the solution. Optimising protein solutions through experimental screens and targeted protein engineering can be a difficult and time consuming process. Here, we describe development of the protein-sol web server, which was previously restricted to protein solubility prediction from amino acid sequence. Tools are presented for calculating and mapping patches of hydrophobicity and charge on the protein surface. In addition, predictions of folded state stability and net charge are displayed as a heatmap for a range of pH and ionic strength conditions. Tools are evaluated in the context of antibodies, their fragments and interactions. Surprisingly, antibody-antigen interfaces are, on average, at least as polar as Fab surfaces. This benchmarking process provides the user with thresholds with which to assess non-polar surface patches, and possible solubility implications, in proteins of interest. Stability heatmaps compare favourably with experimental data for CH2 and CH3 domains. Display and quantification of surface polarity and pH/ionic strength dependence will be useful generally for investigation of protein biophysics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Hebditch
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK
| | - Jim Warwicker
- School of Chemistry, Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 7DN, UK.
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22
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Lyophilization of High-Concentration Protein Formulations. METHODS IN PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8928-7_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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23
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Xu Y, Wang D, Mason B, Rossomando T, Li N, Liu D, Cheung JK, Xu W, Raghava S, Katiyar A, Nowak C, Xiang T, Dong DD, Sun J, Beck A, Liu H. Structure, heterogeneity and developability assessment of therapeutic antibodies. MAbs 2018; 11:239-264. [PMID: 30543482 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2018.1553476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing attention has been paid to developability assessment with the understanding that thorough evaluation of monoclonal antibody lead candidates at an early stage can avoid delays during late-stage development. The concept of developability is based on the knowledge gained from the successful development of approximately 80 marketed antibody and Fc-fusion protein drug products and from the lessons learned from many failed development programs over the last three decades. Here, we reviewed antibody quality attributes that are critical to development and traditional and state-of-the-art analytical methods to monitor those attributes. Based on our collective experiences, a practical workflow is proposed as a best practice for developability assessment including in silico evaluation, extended characterization and forced degradation using appropriate analytical methods that allow characterization with limited material consumption and fast turnaround time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingda Xu
- a Protein Analytics , Adimab , Lebanon , NH , USA
| | - Dongdong Wang
- b Analytical Department , Bioanalytix, Inc ., Cambridge , MA , USA
| | - Bruce Mason
- c Product Characterization , Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Tony Rossomando
- c Product Characterization , Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Ning Li
- d Analytical Chemistry , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown , NY , USA
| | - Dingjiang Liu
- e Formulation Development , Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Tarrytown , NY , USA
| | - Jason K Cheung
- f Pharmaceutical Sciences , MRL, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Wei Xu
- g Analytical Method Development , MRL, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Smita Raghava
- h Sterile Formulation Sciences , MRL, Merck & Co., Inc ., Kenilworth , NJ , USA
| | - Amit Katiyar
- i Analytical Development , Bristol-Myers Squibb , Pennington , NJ , USA
| | - Christine Nowak
- c Product Characterization , Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Tao Xiang
- j Manufacturing Sciences , Abbvie Bioresearch Center , Worcester , MA , USA
| | - Diane D Dong
- j Manufacturing Sciences , Abbvie Bioresearch Center , Worcester , MA , USA
| | - Joanne Sun
- k Product development , Innovent Biologics , Suzhou Industrial Park , China
| | - Alain Beck
- l Analytical chemistry , NBEs, Center d'immunologie Pierre Fabre , St Julien-en-Genevois Cedex , France
| | - Hongcheng Liu
- c Product Characterization , Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., New Haven , CT , USA
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Abstract
Biologics now constitute a significant element of available medical treatments. Owing to their clinical and commercial success, biologics are a rapidly growing class and have become a dominant therapeutic modality. Although most of the successful biologics to date are drugs that bear a peptidic backbone, ranging from small peptides to monoclonal antibodies (~500 residues; 150 kDa), new biologic modalities, such as nucleotide-based therapeutics and viral gene therapies, are rapidly maturing towards widespread clinical use. Given the rise of peptides and proteins in the pharmaceutical landscape, tremendous research and development interest exists in developing less-invasive or non-invasive routes for the systemic delivery of biologics, including subcutaneous, transdermal, oral, inhalation, nasal and buccal routes. This Review summarizes the current status, latest updates and future prospects for such delivery of peptides, proteins and other biologics.
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25
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Buffer exchange path influences the stability and viscosity upon storage of a high concentration protein. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2018; 131:60-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2018.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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26
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Blaffert J, Haeri HH, Blech M, Hinderberger D, Garidel P. Spectroscopic methods for assessing the molecular origins of macroscopic solution properties of highly concentrated liquid protein solutions. Anal Biochem 2018; 561-562:70-88. [PMID: 30243977 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2018.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
In cases of subcutaneous injection of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, high protein concentrations (>50 mg/ml) are often required. During the development of these high concentration liquid formulations (HCLF), challenges such as aggregation, gelation, opalescence, phase separation, and high solution viscosities are more prone compared to low concentrated protein formulations. These properties can impair manufacturing processes, as well as protein stability and shelf life. To avoid such unfavourable solution properties, a detailed understanding about the nature of these properties and their driving forces are required. However, the fundamental mechanisms that lead to macroscopic solution properties, as above mentioned, are complex and not fully understood, yet. Established analytical methods for assessing the colloidal stability, i.e. the ability of a native protein to remain dispersed in solution, are restricted to dilute conditions and provide parameters such as the second osmotic virial coefficient, B22, and the diffusion interaction coefficient, kD. These parameters are routinely applied for qualitative estimations and identifications of proteins with challenging solution behaviours, such as high viscosities and aggregation, although the assays are prepared for low protein concentration conditions, typically between 0.1 and 20 mg/ml ("ideal" solution conditions). Quantitative analysis of samples of high protein concentration is difficult and it is hard to obtain information about the driving forces of such solution properties and corresponding protein-protein self-interactions. An advantage of using specific spectroscopic methods is the potential of directly analysing highly concentrated protein solutions at different solution conditions. This allows for collecting/gaining valuable information about the fundamental mechanisms of solution properties of the high protein concentration regime. In addition, the derived parameters might be more predictive as compared to the parameters originating from assays which are optimized for the low protein concentration range. The provided information includes structural data, molecular dynamics at various timescales and protein-solvent interactions, which can be obtained at molecular resolution. Herein, we provide an overview about spectroscopic techniques for analysing the origins of macroscopic solution behaviours in general, with a specific focus on pharmaceutically relevant high protein concentration and formulation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Blaffert
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Haleh Hashemi Haeri
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Michaela Blech
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Protein Science, Birkerndorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach/Riß, Germany
| | - Dariush Hinderberger
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120, Halle/Saale, Germany; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Protein Science, Birkerndorfer Str. 65, 88397, Biberach/Riß, Germany.
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High-concentration protein formulations: How high is high? Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2017; 119:353-360. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2017.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Challenges in Predicting Protein-Protein Interactions from Measurements of Molecular Diffusivity. Biophys J 2017; 111:1831-1842. [PMID: 27806265 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Revised: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic light scattering can be used to measure the diffusivity of a protein within a formulation. The dependence of molecular diffusivity on protein concentration (traditionally expressed in terms of the interaction parameter kD) is often used to infer whether protein-protein interactions are repulsive or attractive, resulting in solutions that are colloidally stable or unstable, respectively. However, a number of factors unrelated to intermolecular forces can also impact protein diffusion, complicating this interpretation. Here, we investigate the influence of multicomponent diffusion in a ternary protein-salt-water system on protein diffusion and kD in the context of Nernst-Planck theory. This analysis demonstrates that large changes in protein diffusivity with protein concentration can result even for hard-sphere systems in the absence of protein-protein interactions. In addition, we show that dynamic light scattering measurements of diffusivity made at low ionic strength cannot be reliably used to detect protein conformational changes. We recommend comparing experimentally determined kD values to theoretically predicted excluded-volume contributions, which will allow a more accurate assessment of protein-protein interactions.
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Zhang L, Shi S, Antochshuk V. Closing the Gap: Counting and Sizing of Particles Across Submicron Range by Flow Cytometry in Therapeutic Protein Products. J Pharm Sci 2017. [PMID: 28625725 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Quantification and size distribution characterization of subvisible particles in parenteral biopharmaceutics, present as both proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous particles in the size range from 0.1 to 100 μm, are important for biopharmaceutical industry due to their potential safety and efficacy implications. Although a number of analytical techniques are available to count and size subvisible particles, characterization of particles ≤2 μm remains a significant challenge due to technical limitations of existing particle counting instruments. In this article, we demonstrate the ability of an optimized flow cytometry system to detect and quantify size distribution of subvisible particles without additional labeling that includes the critical submicron range in biopharmaceutical formulations. In addition, these qualitative and quantitative determinations are performed in a high-throughput manner using sample volumes that allow statistically significant evaluations. This approach can be used not only to ascertain the quality of therapeutic protein products but also to evaluate numerous conditions during the screening of drug candidates and their prospective formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Zhang
- Sterile Formulation Sciences, Merck & Company, Inc., 2015 Galloping Hills Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033.
| | - Shuai Shi
- Sterile Formulation Sciences, Merck & Company, Inc., 2015 Galloping Hills Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033
| | - Valentyn Antochshuk
- Sterile Formulation Sciences, Merck & Company, Inc., 2015 Galloping Hills Road, Kenilworth, New Jersey 07033.
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Cui Y, Cui P, Chen B, Li S, Guan H. Monoclonal antibodies: formulations of marketed products and recent advances in novel delivery system. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2017; 43:519-530. [DOI: 10.1080/03639045.2017.1278768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Cui
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medicinal College, Jining, China
| | - Ping Cui
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, National Clinical Research Centre of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Binlong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Suxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Guan
- School of Pharmacy, Jining Medicinal College, Jining, China
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Plavina T, Fox EJ, Lucas N, Muralidharan KK, Mikol D. A Randomized Trial Evaluating Various Administration Routes of Natalizumab in Multiple Sclerosis. J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 56:1254-62. [PMID: 26835603 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 01/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The study's primary objective was to compare the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single subcutaneous (SC) or intramuscular (IM) 300-mg doses of natalizumab with IV 300-mg doses of natalizumab in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Secondary objectives included investigation of the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of repeated SC and IM natalizumab doses. DELIVER was a 32-week, open-label, multicenter study of natalizumab-naive patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS) randomized to receive 300 mg natalizumab by SC injection, IM injection, or IV infusion. PK and PD were evaluated over 8 weeks after the first natalizumab treatment (Part 1) and over 24 weeks with repeated dosing every 4 weeks, beginning at week 8 (Part 2). Seventy-six patients (24 with RRMS and 52 with SPMS) were enrolled in DELIVER. Following SC or IM administration of natalizumab, peak serum concentrations were approximately 40% of those observed with IV administration and showed no major differences in elimination characteristics. Mean bioavailability relative to IV administration was 57.1% to 71.3% with SC administration and 48.7% with IM administration; mean trough serum concentrations were similar with SC or IV administration and lower with IM administration. Following single or multiple doses of natalizumab, PD response was comparable across administration routes and disease stages. No meaningful differences were observed across administration groups in the incidence or nature of overall adverse events, serious adverse events, administration site reactions, hypersensitivity reactions, or antinatalizumab antibodies. These findings support the comparability of PD measures of natalizumab administered IV, SC, or IM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Edward J Fox
- Central Texas Neurology Consultants, Round Rock, Texas, USA
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Subcutaneous administration of monoclonal antibodies: a small space to inject, a big challenge to conquer. Ther Deliv 2015; 7:5-6. [PMID: 26652618 DOI: 10.4155/tde.15.82] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Berteau C, Filipe-Santos O, Wang T, Rojas HE, Granger C, Schwarzenbach F. Evaluation of the impact of viscosity, injection volume, and injection flow rate on subcutaneous injection tolerance. MEDICAL DEVICES-EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH 2015; 8:473-84. [PMID: 26635489 PMCID: PMC4646585 DOI: 10.2147/mder.s91019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of fluid injection viscosity in combination with different injection volumes and flow rates on subcutaneous (SC) injection pain tolerance. Methods The study was a single-center, comparative, randomized, crossover, Phase I study in 24 healthy adults. Each participant received six injections in the abdomen area of either a 2 or 3 mL placebo solution, with three different fluid viscosities (1, 8–10, and 15–20 cP) combined with two different injection flow rates (0.02 and 0.3 mL/s). All injections were performed with 50 mL syringes and 27G, 6 mm needles. Perceived injection pain was assessed using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS) (0 mm/no pain, 100 mm/extreme pain). The location and depth of the injected fluid was assessed through 2D ultrasound echography images. Results Viscosity levels had significant impact on perceived injection pain (P=0.0003). Specifically, less pain was associated with high viscosity (VAS =12.6 mm) than medium (VAS =16.6 mm) or low (VAS =22.1 mm) viscosities, with a significant difference between high and low viscosities (P=0.0002). Target injection volume of 2 or 3 mL was demonstrated to have no significant impact on perceived injection pain (P=0.89). Slow (0.02 mL/s) or fast (0.30 mL/s) injection rates also showed no significant impact on perceived pain during SC injection (P=0.79). In 92% of injections, the injected fluid was located exclusively in SC tissue whereas the remaining injected fluids were found located in SC and/or intradermal layers. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that solutions of up to 3 mL and up to 15–20 cP injected into the abdomen within 10 seconds are well tolerated without pain. High viscosity injections were shown to be the most tolerated, whereas injection volume and flow rates did not impact perceived pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecile Berteau
- Becton-Dickinson Medical Pharmaceutical Systems, Le Pont de Claix, France
| | | | - Tao Wang
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | - Corinne Granger
- Becton-Dickinson Medical Pharmaceutical Systems, Le Pont de Claix, France
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Nichols P, Li L, Kumar S, Buck PM, Singh SK, Goswami S, Balthazor B, Conley TR, Sek D, Allen MJ. Rational design of viscosity reducing mutants of a monoclonal antibody: hydrophobic versus electrostatic inter-molecular interactions. MAbs 2015; 7:212-30. [PMID: 25559441 DOI: 10.4161/19420862.2014.985504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
High viscosity of monoclonal antibody formulations at concentrations ≥100 mg/mL can impede their development as products suitable for subcutaneous delivery. The effects of hydrophobic and electrostatic intermolecular interactions on the solution behavior of MAB 1, which becomes unacceptably viscous at high concentrations, was studied by testing 5 single point mutants. The mutations were designed to reduce viscosity by disrupting either an aggregation prone region (APR), which also participates in 2 hydrophobic surface patches, or a negatively charged surface patch in the variable region. The disruption of an APR that lies at the interface of light and heavy chain variable domains, VH and VL, via L45K mutation destabilized MAB 1 and abolished antigen binding. However, mutation at the preceding residue (V44K), which also lies in the same APR, increased apparent solubility and reduced viscosity of MAB 1 without sacrificing antigen binding or thermal stability. Neutralizing the negatively charged surface patch (E59Y) also increased apparent solubility and reduced viscosity of MAB 1, but charge reversal at the same position (E59K/R) caused destabilization, decreased solubility and led to difficulties in sample manipulation that precluded their viscosity measurements at high concentrations. Both V44K and E59Y mutations showed similar increase in apparent solubility. However, the viscosity profile of E59Y was considerably better than that of the V44K, providing evidence that inter-molecular interactions in MAB 1 are electrostatically driven. In conclusion, neutralizing negatively charged surface patches may be more beneficial toward reducing viscosity of highly concentrated antibody solutions than charge reversal or aggregation prone motif disruption.
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Key Words
- APR, Aggregation Prone Region
- ASA, Accessible Surface Area
- ASAFv-HPH, hydrophilic accessible surface area of the Fv portion
- ASAFv-HYD, hydrophobic accessible surface area of the Fv portion
- CE, Capillary Electrophoresis
- CH2
- CH3, third constant domain in heavy chain
- CHO, Chinese Hamster Ovary
- D0, diffusion coefficient at infinite dilution
- DFv, dipole moment of Fv
- DLS, Dynamic Light Scattering
- ELISA, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Fab, fragment antigen binding
- Fc, fragment crystallizable
- Fv, fragment variable
- HC, heavy chain
- IgG, immunoglobulin G
- LC, light chain
- MAB 1 Control, MAB 1 expressed in CHO cells
- MD, molecular dynamics
- NTU, Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- Pagg-VH, aggregation propensity of VH domain
- Pagg-VL, aggregation propensity of VL domain
- RPM, revolutions per minute
- SE-HPLC, Size Exclusion High Performance Liquid Chromatography
- Tm, thermal transition temperature
- VH, variable domain in the heavy chain
- VL, variable domain in the light chain
- ZDHH, Debye-Huckel Henry Charge
- ZFv, net charge of the Fv
- ZFv-app, apparent charge of the Fv
- aggregation prone regions
- cIEF, capillary Isoelectric Focusing
- cP, centipoise
- high concentration
- kD, protein-protein interaction parameter
- mAb, monoclonal antibody
- molecular modeling
- monoclonal antibodies
- negatively charged patches
- rational design
- second constant domain in the heavy chain
- solubility
- viscosity
- ΔGFv, change in Free energy of Fv
- η, solution viscosity
- η0, solvent viscosity
- ηrel, relative viscosity
- ξFv, zeta-potential of the Fv
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilarin Nichols
- a Biotherapeutics Pharmaceutical Sciences Research and Development; Pfizer Inc. ; Andover , MA USA
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Wu J, Schultz JS, Weldon CL, Sule SV, Chai Q, Geng SB, Dickinson CD, Tessier PM. Discovery of highly soluble antibodies prior to purification using affinity-capture self-interaction nanoparticle spectroscopy. Protein Eng Des Sel 2015; 28:403-14. [DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzv045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Fischer I, Schmidt A, Bryant A, Besheer A. Calculation of injection forces for highly concentrated protein solutions. Int J Pharm 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2015.07.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Early implementation of QbD in biopharmaceutical development: a practical example. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:605427. [PMID: 26075248 PMCID: PMC4449898 DOI: 10.1155/2015/605427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In drug development, the “onus” of the low R&D efficiency has been put traditionally onto the drug discovery process (i.e., finding the right target or “binding” functionality). Here, we show that manufacturing is not only a central component of product success, but also that, by integrating manufacturing and discovery activities in a “holistic” interpretation of QbD methodologies, we could expect to increase the efficiency of the drug discovery process as a whole. In this new context, early risk assessment, using developability methodologies and computational methods in particular, can assist in reducing risks during development in a cost-effective way. We define specific areas of risk and how they can impact product quality in a broad sense, including essential aspects such as product efficacy and patient safety. Emerging industry practices around developability are introduced, including some specific examples of applications to biotherapeutics. Furthermore, we suggest some potential workflows to illustrate how developability strategies can be introduced in practical terms during early drug development in order to mitigate risks, reduce drug attrition and ultimately increase the robustness of the biopharmaceutical supply chain. Finally, we also discuss how the implementation of such methodologies could accelerate the access of new therapeutic treatments to patients in the clinic.
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Sharma VK, Kelley RF. Molecular Assessment of Monoclonal Antibody-Based Therapeutics Enabling Lead Selection for Clinical Development. BIOBETTERS 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-2543-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Liebner R, Meyer M, Hey T, Winter G, Besheer A. Head to head comparison of the formulation and stability of concentrated solutions of HESylated versus PEGylated anakinra. J Pharm Sci 2014; 104:515-26. [PMID: 25445200 DOI: 10.1002/jps.24253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although PEGylation of biologics is currently the gold standard for half-life extension, the technology has a number of limitations, most importantly the non-biodegradability of PEG and the extremely high viscosity at high concentrations. HESylation is a promising alternative based on coupling to the biodegradable polymer hydroxyethyl starch (HES). In this study, we are comparing HESylation with PEGylation regarding the effect on the protein's physicochemical properties, as well as on formulation at high concentrations, where protein stability and viscosity can be compromised. For this purpose, the model protein anakinra is coupled to HES or PEG by reductive amination. Results show that coupling of HES or PEG had practically no effect on the protein's secondary structure, and that it reduced protein affinity by one order of magnitude, with HESylated anakinra more affine than the PEGylated protein. The viscosity of HESylated anakinra at protein concentrations up to 75 mg/mL was approximately 40% lower than that of PEG-anakinra. Both conjugates increased the apparent melting temperature of anakinra in concentrated solutions. Finally, HESylated anakinra was superior to PEG-anakinra regarding monomer recovery after 8 weeks of storage at 40°C. These results show that HESylating anakinra offers formulation advantages compared with PEGylation, especially for concentrated protein solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Liebner
- Department of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Technology & Biopharmaceutics, Ludwig-Maximillians-University Munich, Munich, 81377, Germany
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Concentration dependent viscosity of monoclonal antibody solutions: explaining experimental behavior in terms of molecular properties. Pharm Res 2014; 31:3161-78. [PMID: 24906598 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-014-1409-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Early identification of monoclonal antibody candidates whose development, as high concentration (≥100 mg/mL) drug products, could prove challenging, due to high viscosity, can help define strategies for candidate engineering and selection. METHODS Concentration dependent viscosities of 11 proprietary mAbs were measured. Sequence and structural features of the variable (Fv) regions were analyzed to understand viscosity behavior of the mAbs. Coarse-grained molecular simulations of two problematic mAbs were compared with that of a well behaved mAb. RESULTS Net charge, ξ-potential and pI of Fv regions were found to correlate with viscosities of highly concentrated antibody solutions. Negative net charges on the Fv regions of two mAbs with poor viscosity behaviors facilitate attractive self-associations, causing them to diffuse slower than a well-behaved mAb with positive net charge on its Fv region. An empirically derived equation that connects aggregation propensity and pI of the Fv region with high concentration viscosity of the whole mAb was developed. CONCLUSIONS An Fv region-based qualitative screening profile was devised to flag mAb candidates whose development, as high concentration drug products, could prove challenging. This screen can facilitate developability risk assessment and mitigation strategies for antibody based therapeutics via rapid high throughput material-free screening.
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Developability assessment as an early de-risking tool for biopharmaceutical development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.4155/pbp.13.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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