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De Diana E, Rizzotto E, Inciardi I, Menilli L, Coppola M, Polverino de Laureto P, Miolo G. Towards a better understanding of light-glucose induced modifications on the structure and biological activity of formulated Nivolumab. Int J Pharm 2024; 654:123926. [PMID: 38401872 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
In the last years, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have rapidly escalated as biopharmaceuticals into cancer treatments, mainly for their target specificity accompanied by less side effects than the traditional chemotherapy, and stimulation of reliable long-term anti-tumoral responses. They are potentially unstable macromolecules under shaking, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and indoor and outdoor light exposure, all stressors occurring throughout their production, transport, storage, handling, and administration steps. The chemical and physical modifications of mAbs can lead not only to the loss of their bioactivity, but also to the enhancement of their immunogenicity with increasing risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions in treated patients because of aggregation. The photostability of Nivolumab, the active principle of Opdivo®, has been here studied. The chemical modifications detected by LC-MS/MS after the light stressor showed Trp and Met mono and double oxidations as primary damage induced by light on this mAb. The oxidations were stronger when the mAb was diluted in sterile glucose solution where 5-HMF, a major heat glucose degradation product, acted as singlet oxygen producer under irradiation. However, no significant changes in the mAb conformation were found. On the contrary, formation of a significant extent of aggregates has been detected after shining high simulated sunlight doses. This again took place particularly when Nivolumab was diluted in sterile glucose, thus raising a direct correlation between the aggregation and the oxidative processes. Finally, the biological activity under light stress assessed by a blockade assay test demonstrated the maintenance of the PD-1 target recognition even under high light doses and in glucose solution, in line with the preservation of the secondary and tertiary structures of the mAb. Based on our results, as sterile glucose is mostly used for children's therapies, special warnings, and precautions for healthcare professionals should be included for their use to the pediatric population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta De Diana
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Rizzotto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Ilenia Inciardi
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Menilli
- IOV, Istituto Oncologico Veneto, IRCCS, Via Gattamelata, 64, 35 128 Padova, Italy
| | - Marina Coppola
- IOV, Istituto Oncologico Veneto, IRCCS, Via Gattamelata, 64, 35 128 Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Polverino de Laureto
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Miolo
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo, 5, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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Weber J, Buske J, Mäder K, Garidel P, Diederichs T. Oxidation of polysorbates - An underestimated degradation pathway? Int J Pharm X 2023; 6:100202. [PMID: 37680877 PMCID: PMC10480556 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2023.100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
To ensure the stability of biologicals over their entire shelf-life, non-ionic surface-active compounds (surfactants) are added to protect biologics from denaturation and particle formation. In this context, polysorbate 20 and 80 are the most used detergents. Despite their benefits of low toxicity and high biocompatibility, specific factors are influencing the intrinsic stability of polysorbates, leading to degradation, loss in efficacy, or even particle formation. Polysorbate degradation can be categorized into chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis and oxidation. Under pharmaceutical relevant conditions, hydrolysis is commonly originated from host cell proteins, whereas oxidative degradation may be caused by multiple factors such as light, presence of residual metal traces, peroxides, or temperature, which can be introduced upon manufacturing or could be already present in the raw materials. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on polysorbates with a focus on oxidative degradation. Subsequently, degradation products and key characteristics of oxidative-mediated polysorbate degradation in respect of different types and grades are summarized, followed by an extensive comparison between polysorbate 20 and 80. A better understanding of the radical-induced oxidative PS degradation pathway could support specific mitigation strategies. Finally, buffer conditions, various stressors, as well as appropriate mitigation strategies, reagents, and alternative stabilizers are discussed. Prior manufacturing, careful consideration and a meticulous risk-benefit analysis are highly recommended in terms of polysorbate qualities, buffers, storage conditions, as well as mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Weber
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Julia Buske
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, TIP, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Karsten Mäder
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biosciences, Wolfgang-Langenbeck-Strasse 4, Halle (Saale) 06120, Germany
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, TIP, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
| | - Tim Diederichs
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, TIP, Birkendorfer Straße 65, Biberach an der Riss 88397, Germany
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Ehrit J, Gräwert TW, Göddeke H, Konarev PV, Svergun DI, Nagel N. Small-angle x-ray scattering investigation of the integration of free fatty acids in polysorbate 20 micelles. Biophys J 2023; 122:3078-3088. [PMID: 37340636 PMCID: PMC10432221 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
A critical quality attribute for liquid formulations is the absence of visible particles. Such particles may form upon polysorbate hydrolysis resulting in release of free fatty acids into solution followed by precipitation. Strategies to avoid this effect are of major interest for the pharmaceutical industry. In this context, we investigated the structural organization of polysorbate micelles alone and upon addition of the fatty acid myristic acid (MA) by small-angle x-ray scattering. Two complementary approaches using a model of polydisperse core-shell ellipsoidal micelles and an ensemble of quasiatomistic micelle structures gave consistent results well describing the experimental data. The small-angle x-ray scattering data reveal polydisperse mixtures of ellipsoidal micelles containing about 22-35 molecules per micelle. The addition of MA at concentrations up to 100 μg/mL reveals only marginal effects on the scattering data. At the same time, addition of high amounts of MA (>500 μg/mL) increases the average sizes of the micelles indicating that MA penetrates into the surfactant micelles. These results together with molecular modeling shed light on the polysorbate contribution to fatty acid solubilization preventing or delaying fatty acid particle formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Ehrit
- Analytical Research and Development, NBE Analytical R&D, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Tobias W Gräwert
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Göddeke
- Computational Drug Discovery, Small Molecule Therapeutics & Platform Technologies, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Petr V Konarev
- A. V. Shubnikov Institute of Crystallography, Federal Scientific Research Centre "Сrystallography and Photonics" of Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitri I Svergun
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Hamburg Unit, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Norbert Nagel
- Analytical Research and Development, Global Technical Centers, AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
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Brosig S, Cucuzza S, Serno T, Bechtold-Peters K, Buecheler J, Zivec M, Germershaus O, Gallou F. Not the Usual Suspects: Alternative Surfactants for Biopharmaceuticals. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023. [PMID: 37450418 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c05610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Therapeutically relevant proteins naturally adsorb to interfaces, causing aggregation which in turn potentially leads to numerous adverse consequences such as loss of activity or unwanted immunogenic reactions. Surfactants are ubiquitously used in biotherapeutics drug development to oppose interfacial stress, yet, the choice of the surfactant is extremely limited: to date, only polysorbates (PS20/80) and poloxamer 188 are used in commercial products. However, both surfactant families suffer from severe degradation and impurities of the raw material, which frequently increases the risk of particle generation, chemical protein degradation, and potential adverse immune reactions. Herein, we assessed a total of 40 suitable alternative surfactant candidates and subsequently performed a selection through a three-gate screening process employing four protein modalities encompassing six different formulations. The screening is based on short-term agitation-induced aggregation studies coupled to particle analysis and surface tension characterization, followed by long-term quiescence stability studies connected to protein purity measurements and particle analysis. The study concludes by assessing the surfactant's chemical and enzymatic degradation propensity. The candidates emerging from the screening are de novo α-tocopherol-derivatives named VEDG-2.2 and VEDS, produced ad hoc for this study. They display protein stabilization potential comparable or better than polysorbates together with an increased resistance to chemical and enzymatic degradation, thus representing valuable alternative surfactants for biotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Brosig
- Novartis Pharma AG, GDD, TRD Biologics & CGT, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Stefano Cucuzza
- Novartis Pharma AG, GDD, TRD Biologics & CGT, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Tim Serno
- Novartis Pharma AG, GDD, TRD Biologics & CGT, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | | | - Jakob Buecheler
- Novartis Pharma AG, GDD, TRD Biologics & CGT, Basel CH-4002, Switzerland
| | - Matej Zivec
- Novartis Pharma AG, GDD, TRD Biologics & CGT, Menges 1234, Slovenia
| | - Oliver Germershaus
- School of Life Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Hofackerstrasse 30, Muttenz 4132, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Gallou
- Novartis Pharma AG, GDD, CHAD, Basel CH-4057, Switzerland
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Hipper E, Lehmann F, Kaiser W, Hübner G, Buske J, Blech M, Hinderberger D, Garidel P. Protein photodegradation in the visible range? Insights into protein photooxidation with respect to protein concentration. Int J Pharm X 2022; 5:100155. [PMID: 36798831 PMCID: PMC9926095 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpx.2022.100155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Visible light (400-800 nm) can lead to photooxidation of protein formulations, which might impair protein integrity. However, the relevant mechanism of photooxidation upon visible light exposure is still unclear for therapeutic proteins, since proteinogenic structures do not absorb light in the visible range. Here, we show that exposure of monoclonal antibody formulations to visible light, lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which subsequently induce specific protein degradations. The formation of ROS and singlet oxygen upon visible light exposure is investigated using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. We describe the initial formation of ROS, most likely after direct reaction of molecular oxygen with a triplet state photosensitizer, generated from intersystem crossing of the excited singlet state. Since these radicals affect the oxygen content in the headspace of the vial, we monitored photooxidation of these mAb formulations. With increasing protein concentrations, we found (i) a decreasing headspace oxygen content in the sample, (ii) a higher relative number of radicals in solution and (iii) a higher protein degradation. Thus, the protein concentration dependence indicates the presence of higher concentration of a currently unknown photosensitizer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Hipper
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Florian Lehmann
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Kaiser
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB-TIP, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Göran Hübner
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, ADB, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Julia Buske
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB-TIP, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Michaela Blech
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB-TIP, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany
| | - Dariush Hinderberger
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle, Germany,Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB-TIP, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany,Corresponding author at: Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle, Germany; Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB-TIP, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany.
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Wuchner K, Yi L, Chery C, Nikels F, Junge F, Crotts G, Rinaldi G, Starkey J, Bechtold-Peters K, Shuman M, Leiss M, Jahn M, Garidel P, de Ruiter R, Richer SM, Cao S, Peuker S, Huille S, Le Brun TWV. Industry perspective on the use and characterization of polysorbates for biopharmaceutical products Part 1: Survey report on current state and common practices for handling and control of polysorbates. J Pharm Sci 2022:S0022-3549(22)00073-9. [PMID: 35192858 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Polysorbates (PS) are widely used as a stabilizer in biopharmaceutical products. Industry practices on various aspects of PS are presented in this part 1 survey report based on a confidential survey and following discussions by 16 globally acting major biotechnology companies. The current practice and use of PS during manufacture across their global manufacturing sites are covered in addition to aspects like current understanding of the (in)stability of PS, the routine QC testing and control of PS, and selected regulatory aspects of PS. The results of the survey and extensive cross-company discussions are put into relation with currently available scientific literature. Part 2 of the survey report (upcoming) will focus on understanding, monitoring, prediction, and mitigation of PS degradation pathways to develop an effective control strategy.
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Zhang Z, Chow SY, De Guzman R, Joh NH, Joubert MK, Richardson J, Shah B, Wikström M, Zhou ZS, Wypych J. A Mass Spectrometric Characterization of Light-Induced Modifications in Therapeutic Proteins. J Pharm Sci 2022; 111:1556-1564. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Hipper E, Blech M, Hinderberger D, Garidel P, Kaiser W. Photo-Oxidation of Therapeutic Protein Formulations: From Radical Formation to Analytical Techniques. Pharmaceutics 2021; 14:72. [PMID: 35056968 PMCID: PMC8779573 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14010072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
UV and ambient light-induced modifications and related degradation of therapeutic proteins are observed during manufacturing and storage. Therefore, to ensure product quality, protein formulations need to be analyzed with respect to photo-degradation processes and eventually protected from light exposure. This task usually demands the application and combination of various analytical methods. This review addresses analytical aspects of investigating photo-oxidation products and related mediators such as reactive oxygen species generated via UV and ambient light with well-established and novel techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Hipper
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (E.H.); (D.H.)
| | - Michaela Blech
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Dariush Hinderberger
- Institute of Chemistry, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, von-Danckelmann-Platz 4, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany; (E.H.); (D.H.)
| | - Patrick Garidel
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
| | - Wolfgang Kaiser
- Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Innovation Unit, PDB, Birkendorfer Strasse 65, 88397 Biberach an der Riss, Germany;
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Gupta S, Jiskoot W, Schöneich C, Rathore AS. Oxidation and Deamidation of Monoclonal Antibody Products: Potential Impact on Stability, Biological Activity, and Efficacy. J Pharm Sci 2021; 111:903-918. [PMID: 34890632 DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The role in human health of therapeutic proteins in general, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in particular, has been significant and is continuously evolving. A considerable amount of time and resources are invested first in mAb product development and then in clinical examination of the product. Physical and chemical degradation can occur during manufacturing, processing, storage, handling, and administration. Therapeutic proteins may undergo various chemical degradation processes, including oxidation, deamidation, isomerization, hydrolysis, deglycosylation, racemization, disulfide bond breakage and formation, Maillard reaction, and β-elimination. Oxidation and deamidation are the most common chemical degradation processes of mAbs, which may result in changes in physical properties, such as hydrophobicity, charge, secondary or/and tertiary structure, and may lower the thermodynamic or kinetic barrier to unfold. This may predispose the product to aggregation and other chemical modifications, which can alter the binding affinity, half-life, and efficacy of the product. This review summarizes major findings from the past decade on the impact of oxidation and deamidation on the stability, biological activity, and efficacy of mAb products. Mechanisms of action, influencing factors, characterization tools, clinical impact, and risk mitigation strategies have been addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surbhi Gupta
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India
| | - Wim Jiskoot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Anurag S Rathore
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi-110016, India.
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