2022 White Paper on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis: ICH M10 BMV Guideline & Global Harmonization; Hybrid Assays; Oligonucleotides & ADC; Non-Liquid & Rare Matrices; Regulatory Inputs (Part 1A - Recommendations on Mass Spectrometry, Chromatography and Sample Preparation, Novel Technologies, Novel Modalities, and Novel Challenges, ICH M10 BMV Guideline & Global Harmonization Part 1B - Regulatory Agencies' Inputs on Regulated Bioanalysis/BMV, Biomarkers/CDx/BAV, Immunogenicity, Gene & Cell Therapy and Vaccine)

The 16th Workshop on Recent Issues in Bioanalysis (16th WRIB) took place in Atlanta, GA, USA on September 26-30, 2022. Over 1000 professionals representing pharma/biotech companies, CROs, and multiple regulatory agencies convened to actively discuss the most current topics of interest in bioanalysis. The 16th WRIB included 3 Main Workshops and 7 Specialized Workshops that together spanned 1 week in order to allow exhaustive and thorough coverage of all major issues in bioanalysis, biomarkers, immunogenicity, gene therapy, cell therapy and vaccines. Moreover, in-depth workshops on the ICH M10 BMV final guideline (focused on this guideline training, interpretation, adoption and transition); mass spectrometry innovation (focused on novel technologies, novel modalities, and novel challenges); and flow cytometry bioanalysis (rising of the 3rd most common/important technology in bioanalytical labs) were the special features of the 16th edition. As in previous years, WRIB continued to gather a wide diversity of international, industry opinion leaders and regulatory authority experts working on both small and large molecules as well as gene, cell therapies and vaccines to facilitate sharing and discussions focused on improving quality, increasing regulatory compliance, and achieving scientific excellence on bioanalytical issues. This 2022 White Paper encompasses recommendations emerging from the extensive discussions held during the workshop and is aimed to provide the bioanalytical community with key information and practical solutions on topics and issues addressed, in an effort to enable advances in scientific excellence, improved quality and better regulatory compliance. Due to its length, the 2022 edition of this comprehensive White Paper has been divided into three parts for editorial reasons. This publication (Part 1A) covers the recommendations on Mass Spectrometry and ICH M10. Part 1B covers the Regulatory Agencies' Inputs on Bioanalysis, Biomarkers, Immunogenicity, Gene & Cell Therapy and Vaccine. Part 2 (LBA, Biomarkers/CDx and Cytometry) and Part 3 (Gene Therapy, Cell therapy, Vaccines and Biotherapeutics Immunogenicity) are published in volume 15 of Bioanalysis, issues 15 and 14 (2023), respectively.

Extractability-mediated stability bias and hematocrit impact: High extraction recovery is critical to feasibility of volumetric adsorptive microsampling (VAMS) in regulated bioanalysis

Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS), a new microsampling technique, was evaluated for its potential in supporting regulated bioanalysis. Our initial assessment with MK-0518 (raltegravir) using a direct extraction method resulted in 45-52% extraction recovery, significant hematocrit (Ht) related bias, and more importantly, unacceptable stability (>15% bias from nominal concentration) after 7-day storage. Our investigation suggested that the observed biases were not due to VAMS absorption, sampling techniques, lot-to-lot variability, matrix effect, and/or chemical stability of the compound, but rather the low extraction recovery. An effort to improve assay recovery led to a modified liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) method that demonstrated more consistent performance, minimal Ht impact (Ht ranged from 20 to 65%), and acceptable sample stability. The same strategy was successfully applied to another more hydrophilic model compound, MK-0431 (sitagliptin). These results suggest that the previously observed Ht effect and "instability" were in fact due to inconsistent extractability, and optimizing the extraction recovery to greater than 80% was critical to ensure VAMS performance. We recommend adding Ht-independent recovery as part of feasibility assessment to de-risk the long-term extractability-mediated stability bias before implementing VAMS in regulated bioanalysis.

Cardiovascular monkey telemetry: Sensitivity to detect QT interval prolongation

INTRODUCTION

Preclinical evaluation of delayed ventricular repolarization manifests electrocardiographically as QT interval prolongation and is routinely used as an indicator of potential risk for pro-arrhythmia (potential to cause Torsades de Pointes) of novel human pharmaceuticals. In accordance with ICH S7A and S7B guidelines we evaluated the sensitivity and validity of the monkey telemetry model as a preclinical predictor of QT interval prolongation in humans.

METHODS

Cardiovascular monitoring was conducted for 2 h pre-dose and 24 h post-dosing with Moxifloxacin (MOX), with a toxicokinetic (TK) evaluation in a separate group of monkeys. In both studies, MOX was administered orally by gavage in 0.5% methylcellulose at 0, 10, 30, 100, 175 mg/kg. Each monkey received all 5 doses using a dose-escalation paradigm. Inherent variability of the model was assessed with administration of vehicle alone for 4 days in all 4 monkeys (0.5% methylcellulose in deionized water).

RESULTS

MOX had no significant effect on mean arterial pressure, heart rate, PR or QRS intervals. MOX produced significant dose-related increases in QTc at doses of 30 (Cmax=5.5+/-0.6 microM), 100 (Cmax=16.5+/-1.6 microM), and 175 (Cmax=17.3+/-0.7 microM) mg/kg with peak increases of 22 (8%), 27 (10%), and 47 (18%) ms, respectively (p<or=0.05; compared to vehicle).

DISCUSSION

In conclusion, we have developed a reproducible, sensitive and reliable primate telemetry model in rhesus monkeys, which exhibits low inherent intra-animal variability and high sensitivity to detect small but significant increases in QT/QTc interval (approximately 4%) with MOX in the same range of therapeutic plasma concentrations attained in humans. Therefore, the primate telemetry model should be considered an important preclinical predictor of QT prolongation of novel human pharmaceuticals.