1
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Berkowitz SA, Larson N, Bou-Assaf G, Laue T. Rapid high-resolution size distribution protocol for adeno-associated virus using high speed SV-AUC. Anal Biochem 2024; 689:115482. [PMID: 38342199 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2024.115482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Simulated SV-AUC data for an adeno-associated virus (AAV) sample consisting of four components having closely spaced sedimentation coefficients were used to develop a high-speed protocol that optimized the size distribution analysis resolution. The resulting high speed (45K rpm) SV-AUC (hs-SV-AUC) protocol poses several experimental challenges: 1) the need for rapid data acquisition, 2) increased potential for optical artifacts from steep and fast moving boundaries and 3) the increased potential for convection. To overcome these challenges the protocol uses interference detection at low temperatures and data that are confined to a limited radial-time window. In addition to providing higher resolution AAV SV-AUC data and very short run times (<20 min after temperature equilibration), the need to match the sample and reference solvent composition and meniscus positions is relaxed making interference detection as simple to employ as absorbance detection. Finally, experimental data comparing hs-SV-AUC (at 45K rpm) with standard low-speed (15K rpm) SV-AUC on the same AAV sample demonstrate the size distribution resolution improvement. These experiments also validate the use of a radial-time window and show how quickly data can be acquired using the hs-SV-AUC protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Larson
- Analytical Development, Biogen, 225 Binney St, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - George Bou-Assaf
- Analytical Development, Biogen, 225 Binney St, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Thomas Laue
- University of New Hampshire, 10 Kelsey Road, Lee, NH, 03861, USA
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2
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Yarawsky AE, Gough ES, Zai-Rose V, Figueroa NI, Cunningham HM, Burgner JW, DeLion MT, Paul LN. BASIS: BioAnalysis SEDFIT integrated software for cGMP analysis of SV-AUC data. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2024; 53:111-121. [PMID: 38329496 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-024-01700-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) has long been an important method for characterization of antibody therapeutics. Recently, SV-AUC has experienced a wave of new interest and usage from the gene and cell therapy industry, where SV-AUC has proven itself to be the "gold standard" analytical approach for determining capsid loading ratios for adeno-associated virus (AAV) and other viral vectors. While other more common approaches have existed in the realm of cGMP-compliant techniques for years, SV-AUC has long been used strictly for characterization, but not for release testing. This manuscript describes the challenges faced in bringing SV-AUC to a cGMP environment and describes a new program, "BASIS", which allows for 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data handling and data analysis using the well-known and frequently cited SEDFIT analysis software.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erik S Gough
- BioAnalysis, LLC, 3401 I Street Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
| | - Valeria Zai-Rose
- BioAnalysis, LLC, 3401 I Street Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
| | | | | | - John W Burgner
- BioAnalysis, LLC, 3401 I Street Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
| | - Michael T DeLion
- BioAnalysis, LLC, 3401 I Street Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
| | - Lake N Paul
- BioAnalysis, LLC, 3401 I Street Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA.
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3
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Ibreljic N, Draper BE, Lawton CW. Recombinant AAV genome size effect on viral vector production, purification, and thermostability. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101188. [PMID: 38327806 PMCID: PMC10847916 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) has shown great promise as a viral vector for gene therapy in clinical applications. The present work studied the effect of genome size on AAV production, purification, and thermostability by producing AAV2-GFP using suspension-adapted HEK293 cells via triple transfection using AAV plasmids containing the same GFP transgene with DNA stuffers for variable-size AAV genomes consisting of 1.9, 3.4, and 4.9 kb (ITR to ITR). Production was performed at the small and large shake flask scales and the results showed that the 4.9 kb GFP genome had significantly reduced encapsidation compared to other genomes. The large shake flask productions were purified by AEX chromatography, and the results suggest that the triple transfection condition significantly affects the AEX retention time and resolution between the full and empty capsid peaks. Charge detection-mass spectrometry was performed on all AEX full-capsid peak samples showing a wide distribution of empty, partial, full length, and copackaged DNA in the capsids. The AEX-purified samples were then analyzed by differential scanning fluorimetry, and the results suggest that sample formulation may improve the thermostability of AAV genome ejection melting temperature regardless of the packaged genome content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermin Ibreljic
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
- Sarepta Therapeutics, 55 Blue Sky Drive, Burlington, MA 01803, USA
| | | | - Carl W. Lawton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell, One University Avenue, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
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4
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Sampathkumar K, Kerwin BA. Roadmap for Drug Product Development and Manufacturing of Biologics. J Pharm Sci 2024; 113:314-331. [PMID: 37944666 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.11.004] [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: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutic biology encompasses different modalities, and their manufacturing processes may be vastly different. However, there are many similarities that run across the different modalities during the drug product (DP) development process and manufacturing. Similarities include the need for Quality Target Product Profile (QTTP), analytical development, formulation development, container/closure studies, drug product process development, manufacturing and technical requirements set out by numerous regulatory documents such as the FDA, EMA, and ICH for pharmaceuticals for human use and other country specific requirements. While there is a plethora of knowledge on studies needed for development of a drug product, there is no specific guidance set out in a phase dependent manner delineating what studies should be completed in alignment with the different phases of clinical development from pre-clinical through commercialization. Because of this reason, we assembled a high-level drug product development and manufacturing roadmap. The roadmap is applicable across the different modalities with the intention of providing a unified framework from early phase development to commercialization of biologic drug products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnan Sampathkumar
- SSK Biosolutions LLC, 14022 Welland Terrace, North Potomac, MD 20878, USA; Currently at Invetx, Inc., One Boston Place, Suite 3930, 201 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108, USA
| | - Bruce A Kerwin
- Kerwin BioPharma Consulting LLC, 14138 Farmview Ln NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA; Coriolis Scientific Advisory Board, Coriolis Pharma, Fraunhoferstr. 18 b, 82152 Martinsried, Germany.
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5
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Coll De Peña A, White JD, Mehta DR, Ben Frej M, Tripathi A. Microfluidic AAV Purity Characterization: New Insights into Serotype and Sample Treatment Variability. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:4027-4036. [PMID: 38284067 PMCID: PMC10809679 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c09006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Despite recent advances in nucleic acid delivery systems with the success of LNP vehicles, adeno-associated virus (AAV) remains the leading platform for targeted gene delivery due to its low immunogenicity to humans, high transduction efficiency, and range of serotypes with varying tropisms. Depending on the therapeutic goals and serotype used, different production conditions may be more amenable, generating an ever-growing need for rapid yet robust analytical techniques to support the high-quality manufacturing of AAV. A critical bottleneck exists for assessing full capsids where rapid, high-throughput techniques capable of analyzing a range of serotypes are needed. Here, we present a rapid, high-throughput analytical technique, microfluidic electrophoresis, for the assessment of full capsids compatible with AAV1, AAV2, AAV6, AAV8, and AAV9 without the need for assay modifications or optimizations, and AAV5 with some constraints. The method presented in this study uses a mathematical formulation we developed previously with a reference standard to combine the independently obtained capsid protein and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) profiles to estimate the percentage of full capsids in a sample of unknown concentration. We assessed the ability to use a single serotype (AAV8) as the reference standard regardless of the serotype of the sample being analyzed so long as the melting temperature (Tm) of the capsids is within 12 °C from the Tm of AAV8. Using this method, we are able to characterize samples ±6.1% with an average analytical turnaround time of <5 min/sample, using only 10 μL/sample at a concentration of 2.5 × 1012 VG/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Coll De Peña
- Center
for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
| | - James D. White
- Applied
Genomics, Revvity, Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748, United States
| | - Dipti R. Mehta
- Applied
Genomics, Revvity, Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748, United States
| | - Menel Ben Frej
- Applied
Genomics, Revvity, Hopkinton, Massachusetts 01748, United States
| | - Anubhav Tripathi
- Center
for Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912, United States
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6
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Hirohata K, Yamaguchi Y, Maruno T, Shibuya R, Torisu T, Onishi T, Chono H, Mineno J, Yuzhe Y, Higashiyama K, Masumi-Koizumi K, Uchida K, Yamamoto T, Uchida E, Okada T, Uchiyama S. Applications and Limitations of Equilibrium Density Gradient Analytical Ultracentrifugation for the Quantitative Characterization of Adeno-Associated Virus Vectors. Anal Chem 2024; 96:642-651. [PMID: 38165078 PMCID: PMC10794998 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors are produced as a mixture of the desired particle (full particle, FP), which is filled with the designed DNA, product-related impurities such as particle without DNA (empty particle, EP), and aggregates. Cesium chloride or iodixanol equilibrium density gradient ultracentrifugation (DGE-UC) has been used for the purification of AAV vectors. DGE-UC can separate FP from impurities based on the difference in their buoyant densities. Here, we report the applications and limitations of equilibrium density gradient analytical ultracentrifugation (DGE-AUC) using a modern AUC instrument that employs DGE-UC principles for the characterization and quantitation of AAV vectors. We evaluated the quantitative ability of DGE-AUC in comparison with sedimentation velocity AUC (SV-AUC) or band sedimentation AUC (BS-AUC) using AAVs with different DNA lengths and different serotypes. DGE-AUC enabled the accurate quantification of the ratio of FP to EP when the AAV vector primarily contains these particles. Furthermore, we developed a new workflow to identify the components of separated peaks in addition to FP and EP. Ultraviolet absorption spectra obtained by multiwavelength detection can also support peak assignment following component identification. DGE-AUC experiments for AAV vectors have limitations with regard to minor components with low absorption at the detected wavelength or those with a density similar to that of major components of AAV vectors. DGE-AUC is the only analytical method that can evaluate particle density heterogeneity; therefore, SV-AUC or BS-AUC and DGE-AUC are complementary methods for reliable assessment of the purity of AAV vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiichi Hirohata
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamaguchi
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takahiro Maruno
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Risa Shibuya
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Torisu
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Takayuki Onishi
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hideto Chono
- Takara
Bio Inc., 7-4-38 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0058, Japan
| | - Junichi Mineno
- Takara
Bio Inc., 7-4-38 Nojihigashi, Kusatsu, Shiga 525-0058, Japan
| | - Yuan Yuzhe
- Graduate
School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-7-49 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Higashiyama
- Graduate
School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-7-49 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kyoko Masumi-Koizumi
- Graduate
School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-7-49 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Uchida
- Graduate
School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, 1-7-49 Minatojima Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takenori Yamamoto
- Division
of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Eriko Uchida
- Division
of Molecular Target and Gene Therapy Products, National Institute of Health Sciences, 3-25-26 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-city, Kanagawa 210-9501, Japan
| | - Takashi Okada
- Institute
of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1, Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0071, Japan
| | - Susumu Uchiyama
- Department
of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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7
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Xie Y, Butler M. Multi-attribute analysis of adeno-associated virus by size exclusion chromatography with fluorescence and triple-wavelength UV detection. Anal Biochem 2023; 680:115311. [PMID: 37666384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115311] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is the leading platform for in vivo gene therapy to treat numerous genetic diseases. Comprehensive analysis of the AAV particles is essential to ensure desired safety and efficacy. An array of techniques is required to evaluate their critical quality attributes. However, many of these techniques are expensive, time-consuming, labour-intensive, and varying in accuracy. Size exclusion chromatography coupled with fluorescence and triple-wavelength ultraviolet detection (SEC-FLD-TWUV) and incorporating an aromatic amino acid of tryptophan as an internal standard offers a simple, rapid, and reliable approach for simultaneous multi-attribute analysis of AAVs. In the current study, we demonstrate its capability for AAV characterization and quantification, that includes capsid concentration, empty to full capsid ratio, vector genome concentration, and the presence of aggregates or fragments. All were performed in 20-min chromatographic runs with minimal sample handling. Data analysis involves the assessment of intrinsic fluorescence and UV absorbance of samples at three wavelengths that can be utilised to determine the content of the capsid protein and genome copy number. The separation efficiency using SEC columns with different pore sizes, and elution buffers of varying compositions, ionic strength, and pH values was also evaluated. This SEC-FLD-TWUV method may serve as a powerful yet cost-effective tool for responsive quality evaluation of AAVs. This may enhance performance, robustness, and safety of bioprocessing for AAV vectors to be used in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjing Xie
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 X099, Ireland
| | - Michael Butler
- National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training, Foster Avenue, Mount Merrion, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, A94 X099, Ireland; School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering, University College Dublin (UCD), Belfield, Dublin 4, D04 V1W8, Ireland.
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8
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Kumar P, Wang M, Kumru OS, Hickey JM, Sanmiguel J, Zabaleta N, Vandenberghe LH, Joshi SB, Volkin DB. Correlating physicochemical and biological properties to define critical quality attributes of a rAAV vaccine candidate. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2023; 30:103-121. [PMID: 37746246 PMCID: PMC10512015 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) are a preferred vector system in clinical gene transfer. A fundamental challenge to formulate and deliver rAAVs as stable and efficacious vaccines is to elucidate interrelationships between the vector's physicochemical properties and biological potency. To this end, we evaluated an rAAV-based coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine candidate that encodes the Spike antigen (AC3) and is produced by a commercially viable process. First, state-of-the-art analytical techniques were employed to determine key structural attributes of AC3, including primary and higher-order structures, particle size, empty/full capsid ratios, aggregates, and multi-step thermal degradation pathway analysis. Next, several quantitative potency measures for AC3 were implemented, and data were correlated with the physicochemical analyses on thermally stressed and control samples. Results demonstrate links between decreasing AC3 physical stability profiles, in vitro transduction efficiency in a cell-based assay, and, importantly, in vivo immunogenicity in a mouse model. These findings are discussed in the general context of future development of rAAV-based vaccine candidates as well as specifically for the rAAV vaccine application under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Michael Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Ozan S. Kumru
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - John M. Hickey
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - Julio Sanmiguel
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Nerea Zabaleta
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Luk H. Vandenberghe
- Grousbeck Gene Therapy Center, Mass Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sangeeta B. Joshi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
| | - David B. Volkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Vaccine Analytics and Formulation Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
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9
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Schuck P, To SC, Zhao H. An automated interface for sedimentation velocity analysis in SEDFIT. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1011454. [PMID: 37669309 PMCID: PMC10503714 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1011454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) is an indispensable tool for the study of particle size distributions in biopharmaceutical industry, for example, to characterize protein therapeutics and vaccine products. In particular, the diffusion-deconvoluted sedimentation coefficient distribution analysis, in the software SEDFIT, has found widespread applications due to its relatively high resolution and sensitivity. However, a lack of suitable software compatible with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) has hampered the use of SV-AUC in this regulatory environment. To address this, we have created an interface for SEDFIT so that it can serve as an automatically spawned module with controlled data input through command line parameters and output of key results in files. The interface can be integrated in custom GMP compatible software, and in scripts that provide documentation and meta-analyses for replicate or related samples, for example, to streamline analysis of large families of experimental data, such as binding isotherm analyses in the study of protein interactions. To test and demonstrate this approach we provide a MATLAB script mlSEDFIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Samuel C. To
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
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10
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Grossen P, Skaripa Koukelli I, van Haasteren J, H E Machado A, Dürr C. The ice age - A review on formulation of Adeno-associated virus therapeutics. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2023; 190:1-23. [PMID: 37423416 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapies offer promising therapeutic alternatives for many disorders that currently lack efficient treatment options. Due to their chemical nature and physico-chemical properties, delivery of polynucleic acids into target cells and subcellular compartments remains a significant challenge. Adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have gained a lot of interest for the efficient delivery of therapeutic single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) genomes over the past decades. More than a hundred products have been tested in clinical settings and three products have received market authorization by the US FDA in recent years. A lot of effort is being made to generate potent recombinant AAV (rAAV) vectors that show favorable safety and immunogenicity profiles for either local or systemic administration. Manufacturing processes are gradually being optimized to deliver a consistently high product quality and to serve potential market needs beyond rare indications. In contrast to protein therapeutics, most rAAV products are still supplied as frozen liquids within rather simple formulation buffers to enable sufficient product shelf life, significantly hampering global distribution and access. In this review, we aim to outline the hurdles of rAAV drug product development and discuss critical formulation and composition aspects of rAAV products under clinical evaluation. Further, we highlight recent development efforts in order to achieve stable liquid or lyophilized products. This review therefore provides a comprehensive overview on current state-of-the-art rAAV formulations and can further serve as a map for rational formulation development activities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Grossen
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Irini Skaripa Koukelli
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Joost van Haasteren
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Cell and Gene Therapy Unit, Gene Therapy Development Clinical Manufacturing, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alexandra H E Machado
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Dürr
- F.Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Pharma Technical Development, Pharmaceutical Development and Supplies EU, Grenzacherstrasse 124, 4070 Basel, Switzerland
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11
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Henrickson A, Ding X, Seal AG, Qu Z, Tomlinson L, Forsey J, Gradinaru V, Oka K, Demeler B. Characterization and quantification of adeno-associated virus capsid-loading states by multi-wavelength analytical ultracentrifugation with UltraScan. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2023; 18:1519-1534. [PMID: 37877696 PMCID: PMC10652292 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2023-0156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: We present multi-wavelength (MW) analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) methods offering superior accuracy for adeno-associated virus characterization and quantification. Methods: Experimental design guidelines are presented for MW sedimentation velocity and analytical buoyant density equilibrium AUC. Results: Our results were compared with dual-wavelength AUC, transmission electron microscopy and mass photometry. In contrast to dual-wavelength AUC, MW-AUC correctly quantifies adeno-associated virus capsid ratios and identifies contaminants. In contrast to transmission electron microscopy, partially filled capsids can also be detected and quantified. In contrast to mass photometry, first-principle results are obtained. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the improved information provided by MW-AUC, highlighting the utility of several recently integrated UltraScan programs, and reinforces AUC as the gold-standard analysis for viral vectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Henrickson
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Xiaozhe Ding
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Austin G Seal
- Gene Vector Core, Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zhe Qu
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | | | - John Forsey
- Pharmaron Biologics Ltd, Speke, Liverpool, L24 8RB, UK
| | - Viviana Gradinaru
- Division of Biology & Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Kazuhiro Oka
- Gene Vector Core, Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, TX 77030, USA
| | - Borries Demeler
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
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12
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Hiemenz C, Pacios-Michelena A, Helbig C, Vezočnik V, Strebl M, Nikels F, Hawe A, Garidel P, Menzen T. Characterization of Virus Particles and Submicron-Sized Particulate Impurities in Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus Drug Product. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:2190-2202. [PMID: 37211315 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2023.05.009] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of particulate impurities such as aggregates is necessary to develop safe and efficacious adeno-associated virus (AAV) drug products. Although aggregation of AAVs can reduce the bioavailability of the virus, only a limited number of studies focus on the analysis of aggregates. We explored three technologies for their capability to characterize AAV monomers and aggregates in the submicron (<1 µm) size range: (i) mass photometry (MP), (ii) asymmetric flow field flow fractionation coupled to a UV-detector (AF4-UV/Vis) and (iii) microfluidic resistive pulse sensing (MRPS). Although low counts for aggregates impeded a quantitative analysis, MP was affirmed as an accurate and rapid method for quantifying the genome content of empty/filled/double-filled capsids, consistent with sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation results. MRPS and AF4-UV/Vis enabled the detection and quantification of aggregate content. The developed AF4-UV/Vis method separated AAV monomers from smaller aggregates, thereby enabling a quantification of aggregates <200 nm. MRPS was experienced as a straightforward method to determine the particle concentration and size distribution between 250-2000 nm, provided that the samples do not block the microfluidic cartridge. Overall, within this study we explored the benefits and limitations of the complementary technologies for assessing aggregate content in AAV samples.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michael Strebl
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Innovation Unit, Germany
| | - Felix Nikels
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Innovation Unit, Germany.
| | - Andrea Hawe
- Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH, Martinsried, Germany
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach an der Riß, Innovation Unit, Germany
| | - Tim Menzen
- Coriolis Pharma Research GmbH, Martinsried, Germany.
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13
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Brautigam CA. SViMULATE: a computer program facilitating interactive, multi-mode simulation of analytical ultracentrifugation data. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:293-302. [PMID: 36890221 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01637-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
The ability to simulate sedimentation velocity (SV) analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) experiments has proved to be a valuable tool for research planning, hypothesis testing, and pedagogy. Several options for SV data simulation exist, but they often lack interactivity and require up-front calculations on the part of the user. This work introduces SViMULATE, a program designed to make AUC experimental simulation quick, straightforward, and interactive. SViMULATE takes user-provided parameters and outputs simulated AUC data in a format suitable for subsequent analyses, if desired. The user is not burdened by the necessity to calculate hydrodynamic parameters for simulated macromolecules, as the program can compute these properties on the fly. It also frees the user of decisions regarding simulation stop time. SViMULATE features a graphical view of the species that are under simulation, and there is no limit on their number. Additionally, the program emulates data from different experimental modalities and data-acquisition systems, including the realistic simulation of noise for the absorbance optical system. The executable is available for immediate download.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad A Brautigam
- Departments of Biophysics and Microbiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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14
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Saleun S, Mas C, Le Roy A, Penaud-Budloo M, Adjali O, Blouin V, Ebel C. Analytical ultracentrifugation sedimentation velocity for the characterization of recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors sub-populations. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:367-377. [PMID: 37106255 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01650-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Recombinant adeno-associated virus virus-derived vectors (rAAVs) are among the most used viral delivery system for in vivo gene therapies with a good safety profile. However, rAAV production methods often lead to a heterogeneous vector population, in particular with the presence of undesired empty particles. Analytical ultracentrifugation sedimentation velocity (AUC-SV) is considered as the gold analytical technique allowing the measurement of relative amounts of each vector subpopulation and components like particle aggregates, based on their sedimentation coefficients. This letter presents the principle and practice of AUC experiments for rAAVs characterization. We discuss our results in the framework of previously published works. In addition to classical detection at 260 nm, using interference optics in the ultracentrifuge can provide an independent estimate of weight percentages of the different populations of capsids, and of the genome size incorporated in rAAV particles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Saleun
- TaRGet - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, INSERM UMR 1089, CHU Nantes, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech - Nantes Université, 22 Boulevard Benoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Caroline Mas
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, EMBL, ISBG, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Aline Le Roy
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Magalie Penaud-Budloo
- TaRGet - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, INSERM UMR 1089, CHU Nantes, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech - Nantes Université, 22 Boulevard Benoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Oumeya Adjali
- TaRGet - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, INSERM UMR 1089, CHU Nantes, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech - Nantes Université, 22 Boulevard Benoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France
| | - Véronique Blouin
- TaRGet - Translational Research in Gene Therapy, INSERM UMR 1089, CHU Nantes, IRS 2 Nantes Biotech - Nantes Université, 22 Boulevard Benoni Goullin, 44200, Nantes, France.
| | - Christine Ebel
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, CEA, IBS, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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15
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Bepperling A, Best J. Comparison of three AUC techniques for the determination of the loading status and capsid titer of AAVs. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:401-413. [PMID: 37245172 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01661-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Due to the rise of adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as gene therapy delivery vectors, boundary sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (boundary SV-AUC) has been developed into a widely used quality control assay even for release analytics. It can be considered as the "gold standard" for the determination of the loading status of empty, partially filled, and full capsids especially when conducted in multiwavelength (MWL) mode. It can be considered to provide the most accurate determination of the loading status, and it also provides information on the capsid titer, aggregates, and potential contaminants such as free DNA. MWL boundary SV-AUC can be regarded as a multi-attribute (MAM) method for the characterization of AAVs. One major drawback of the method is the high sample consumption both in terms of concentration and volume. Here, we compare two alternative AUC techniques, band SV-AUC and analytical CsCl density gradient sedimentation equilibrium AUC (CsCl SE-AUC) with the boundary SV-AUC and the MWL-SV-AUC experiment. Our data show a high consistency of the determined full/empty ratios between these techniques if the appropriate wavelengths and extinction coefficients are used.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janine Best
- Novartis TRD, Keltenring 1+3, 82041, Oberhaching, Germany
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16
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Bepperling A, Richter G. Determination of mRNA copy number in degradable lipid nanoparticles via density contrast analytical ultracentrifugation. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:393-400. [PMID: 37289289 PMCID: PMC10248324 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01663-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Lipid nanoparticles as delivery system for mRNA have recently attracted attention to a broader audience as COVID-19 mRNA vaccines. Their low immunogenicity and capability to deliver a variety of nucleic acids renders them an interesting and complementary alternative to gene therapy vectors like AAVs. An important quality attribute of LNPs is the copy number of the encapsulated cargo molecule. This work describes how density and molecular weight distributions obtained by density contrast sedimentation velocity can be used to calculate the mRNA copy number of a degradable lipid nanoparticle formulation. The determined average copy number of 5 mRNA molecules per LNP is consistent with the previous studies using other biophysical techniques, such as single particle imaging microscopy and multi-laser cylindrical illumination confocal spectroscopy (CICS).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gesa Richter
- Novartis TRD, Keltenring 1+3, 82041, Oberhaching, Germany
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17
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Yarawsky AE, Zai-Rose V, Cunningham HM, Burgner JW, DeLion MT, Paul LN. AAV analysis by sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation: beyond empty and full capsids. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:353-366. [PMID: 37037926 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01646-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023]
Abstract
The recent surge of therapeutic interest in recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors for targeted DNA delivery has brought analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) into the spotlight. A major concern during formulation of AAV therapeutics is purity of the active species (DNA-containing capsid, or "filled capsids"). Insertion of DNA into AAV is not a highly efficient process; thus, a significant amount of empty and partial/intermediate AAV molecules may exist. Recent guidance from the FDA includes limiting the presence of empty AAV capsids and other impurities to reduce immunotoxicity. While chromatographic techniques (SEC, SEC-MALS, AEX) are often used for empty and full capsid quantitation due to the ease of accessibility and familiarity among most biochemists, the resolution and sensitivity attained by sedimentation velocity (SV-AUC) in the formulation buffer and purification buffers is unmatched. Approaches for using SV-AUC to determine the empty-to-full capsid ratio have already been discussed by others; however, in this report, we focus on the importance of characterizing other impurities, such as free DNA, partially filled capsids, and aggregates that are recognized as species of concern for immunotoxicity. We also demonstrate the usefulness of applying multiple analyses (e.g., c(s), g(s*), WDA) in confirming the presence of and determining the hydrodynamic parameters of these various species.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valeria Zai-Rose
- BioAnalysis, LLC, 3401 I Street Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
| | | | - John W Burgner
- BioAnalysis, LLC, 3401 I Street Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, 800 East Leigh Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA
| | - Michael T DeLion
- BioAnalysis, LLC, 3401 I Street Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA
| | - Lake N Paul
- BioAnalysis, LLC, 3401 I Street Suite 206, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA.
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18
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Wawra S, Kessler S, Egel A, Solzin J, Burkert O, Hochdorfer D. Hydrodynamic characterization of a vesicular stomatitis virus-based oncolytic virus using analytical ultracentrifugation. EUROPEAN BIOPHYSICS JOURNAL : EBJ 2023; 52:379-386. [PMID: 37133524 PMCID: PMC10444643 DOI: 10.1007/s00249-023-01649-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Determination of the size, density, and mass of viral particles can provide valuable information to support process and formulation studies in clinical development. Analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC), as a first principal method, has been shown to be a beneficial tool for the characterization of the non-enveloped adeno associated virus (AAV). Here, we demonstrate the suitability of AUC for the challenging characterization of a representative for enveloped viruses, which usually are expected to exhibit higher dispersity than non-enveloped viruses. Specifically, the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based oncolytic virus VSV-GP was used to evaluate potential occurrence of non-ideal sedimentation by testing different rotor speeds and loading concentrations. The partial specific volume was determined via density gradients and density contrast experiments. Additionally, nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) was used to determine the hydrodynamic diameter of VSV-GP particles to calculate their molecular weight via the Svedberg equation. Overall, this study demonstrates the applicability of AUC and NTA for the characterization of size, density, and molar mass of an enveloped virus, namely VSV-GP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Wawra
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Analytical Development Biologicals, Biberach, Germany.
| | - Sophia Kessler
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Viral Therapeutics Center, Biberach, Germany
| | - Arina Egel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Therapeutics GmbH, Innovation Unit, Viral Therapeutics Center, Ochsenhausen, Germany
| | - Johannes Solzin
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Viral Therapeutics Center, Biberach, Germany
| | - Oliver Burkert
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Analytical Development Biologicals, Biberach, Germany
| | - Daniel Hochdorfer
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, Viral Therapeutics Center, Biberach, Germany
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19
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Schuck P, To SC, Zhao H. An automated interface for sedimentation velocity analysis in SEDFIT. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.14.540690. [PMID: 37425873 PMCID: PMC10327192 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.14.540690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC) is an indispensable tool for the study of particle size distributions in biopharmaceutical industry, for example, to characterize protein therapeutics and vaccine products. In particular, the diffusion-deconvoluted sedimentation coefficient distribution analysis, in the software SEDFIT, has found widespread applications due to its relatively high resolution and sensitivity. However, a lack of available software compatible with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) has hampered the use of SV-AUC in this regulatory environment. To address this, we have created an interface for SEDFIT so that it can serve as an automatically spawned module with controlled data input through command line parameters and output of key results in files. The interface can be integrated in custom GMP compatible software, and in scripts that provide documentation and meta-analyses for replicate or related samples, for example, to streamline analysis of large families of experimental data, such as binding isotherm analyses in the study of protein interactions. To test and demonstrate this approach we provide a MATLAB script mlSEDFIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Schuck
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Samuel C. To
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Huaying Zhao
- Laboratory of Dynamics of Macromolecular Assembly, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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20
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Maruno T, Ishii K, Torisu T, Uchiyama S. Size Distribution Analysis of the Adeno-Associated Virus Vector by the c(s) Analysis of Band Sedimentation Analytical Ultracentrifugation with Multiwavelength Detection. J Pharm Sci 2023; 112:937-946. [PMID: 36374763 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector is a promising platform for in vivo gene therapy. The accurate assessment of distribution state of particles contained in AAV vector samples is one of the most important and challenging matters and is necessary because the product-related impurities with the capsid structure (empty particles, intermediate particles, and aggregates) could be a possible cause of reducing the therapeutic efficacy and enhancing the unfavorable immune response. In this study, we report an effective approach for size distribution analysis with component identification. A small amount of AAV vectors were used by the analytical zone centrifugation c(s) analysis of band sedimentation analytical ultracentrifugation (BS-AUC) with multiwavelength detection. Using PBS/H218O, the concentration of each component could be determined in BS-AUC with high resolution. Compared with the sedimentation velocity AUC (SV-AUC), which generally requires 2 × 1012 vg of AAV vectors, BS-AUC could be performed with about 1/25 of the AAV vector amount at 260 nm detection and ideally with about 1/50 of the AAV vector amount at 230 nm detection (4 × 1010 vg), depending on the extinction coefficient of the AAV sample at each wavelength. According to the limit of quantification of this BS-AUC, 6.3 × 1011 cp mL-1 of empty particle (EP) and 4.4 × 1011 vg mL-1 of full particle (FP) could be quantified for 4 × 1010 vg in 15 µL of AAV8-CMV-EGFP. These results demonstrated that proposed BS-AUC approach we established here can compensate for the drawback in terms of the sample amount of SV-AUC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Maruno
- Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan; U-Medico Inc., 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Kentaro Ishii
- Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Torisu
- Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Susumu Uchiyama
- Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 2-1 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
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21
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Serrano MAC, Furman R, Chen G, Tao L. Mass spectrometry in gene therapy: Challenges and opportunities for AAV analysis. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103442. [PMID: 36396118 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The characterization of adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based gene therapy products represents significant challenges owing to their extremely large molecular sizes, structural complexity and heterogeneity, and limited sample amounts. Mass spectrometry (MS) is one of the key analytical tools that can overcome these challenges and serve as an important technique for the analysis of multiple attributes. In this review, the current methodologies and emerging trends in MS analysis of AAV gene therapy products are presented, highlighting their advantages and unique capabilities in addressing key issues encountered in intact AAV vector analysis, capsid viral protein characterization and impurity analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahalia A C Serrano
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Ran Furman
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Guodong Chen
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, NJ, USA.
| | - Li Tao
- Analytical Development and Attribute Sciences, Biologics Development, Global Product Development and Supply, Bristol Myers Squibb, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
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22
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Deng JZ, Rustandi R, Barbacci D, Swartz A, Gulasarian A, Loughney JW. RP-UPLC method for Oncolytic Coxsackievirus Viral Protein Separation and Empty to Full Capsid Quantification. Hum Gene Ther 2022; 33:765-775. [PMID: 35387488 PMCID: PMC9347376 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2022.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virus immunotherapy is emerging as a novel therapeutic approach for cancer treatment. Immunotherapy clinical drug candidate V937 is currently in phase I/II clinical trials and consists of a proprietary formulation of Coxsackievirus A21 (CVA21), which specifically infects and lyses cells with overexpressed ICAM-1 receptors in a range of tumors. Mature Coxsackievirus virions, consisting of four structural virion proteins, (VPs) VP1, VP2, VP3, and VP4, and the RNA genome, are the only viral particles capable of being infectious. In addition to mature virions, empty procapsids with VPs, VP0, VP1, and VP3, and other virus particles are produced in V937 production cell culture. Viral protein VP0 is cleaved into VP2 and VP4 after RNA genome encapsidation to form mature virions. Clearance of viral particles containing VP0, and quantification of viral protein distribution are important in V937 downstream processing. Existing analytical methods for the characterization of viral proteins and particles may lack sensitivity or are low throughput. We developed a sensitive and robust reverse-phase ultra-performance chromatography method to separate, identify, and quantify all five CVA21 VPs. Quantification of virus capsid concentration and empty/full capsid ratio was achieved with good linearity, accuracy, and precision. ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04521621 and NCT04152863.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Z Deng
- Merck & Co Inc, 2793, Vaccine Analytical Development, 770 Sumneytown Pike, WP46-3, PO Box 4, West Point, Pennsylvania, United States, 19486;
| | - Richard Rustandi
- Merck & Co Inc, 2793, Vaccine Analytical Development, West Point, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Damon Barbacci
- Spark Therapeutics Inc, 538392, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Andrew Swartz
- Merck & Co Inc, 2793, Vaccine Process Development, West Point, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Amanda Gulasarian
- Merck & Co Inc, 2793, Vaccine Process Development, West Point, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - John W Loughney
- Merck & Co Inc, 2793, Vaccine Analytical Development, West Point, Pennsylvania, United States;
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23
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Commentary: Multiplex dPCR and SV-AUC are Promising Assays to Robustly Monitor the Critical Quality Attribute of AAV Drug Product Integrity. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:2143-2148. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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24
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Particles in Biopharmaceutical Formulations, Part 2: An Update on Analytical Techniques and Applications for Therapeutic Proteins, Viruses, Vaccines and Cells. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:933-950. [PMID: 34919969 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.12.011] [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: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Particles in biopharmaceutical formulations remain a hot topic in drug product development. With new product classes emerging it is crucial to discriminate particulate active pharmaceutical ingredients from particulate impurities. Technical improvements, new analytical developments and emerging tools (e.g., machine learning tools) increase the amount of information generated for particles. For a proper interpretation and judgment of the generated data a thorough understanding of the measurement principle, suitable application fields and potential limitations and pitfalls is required. Our review provides a comprehensive overview of novel particle analysis techniques emerging in the last decade for particulate impurities in therapeutic protein formulations (protein-related, excipient-related and primary packaging material-related), as well as particulate biopharmaceutical formulations (virus particles, virus-like particles, lipid nanoparticles and cell-based medicinal products). In addition, we review the literature on applications, describe specific analytical approaches and illustrate advantages and drawbacks of currently available techniques for particulate biopharmaceutical formulations.
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25
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Tustian AD, Bak H. Assessment of quality attributes for adeno-associated viral vectors. Biotechnol Bioeng 2021; 118:4186-4203. [PMID: 34309017 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
There is a strong and growing interest in the development and production of gene therapy products, including those utilizing adeno-associated virus (AAV) particles. This is evident with the increase in the number of clinical trials and agency approvals for AAV therapeutics. As bioproduction of AAV viral vectors matures, a quality by design (QbD) approach to process development can aid in process robustness and product quality. Furthermore, it may become a regulatory expectation. The first step in any QbD approach is to determine what physical, chemical, biological, or microbiological property or characteristic product attributes should be controlled within an appropriate limit, range, or distribution to ensure the desired product quality. Then predefined goals are set to allow proactive process development to design in quality. This review lists typical quality attributes used for release testing of AAV viral vectors and discusses these and selected attributes important to extended characterization studies in terms of safety, efficacy, and impact upon the patient immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hanne Bak
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc., Tarrytown, NY, USA
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