Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
  • A61K39/395—Antibodies; Immunoglobulins; Immune serum, e.g. antilymphocytic serum
  • A61K39/39591—Stabilisation, fragmentation
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
  • A61K47/06—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite
  • A61K47/08—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite containing oxygen, e.g. ethers, acetals, ketones, quinones, aldehydes, peroxides
  • A61K47/12—Carboxylic acids; Salts or anhydrides thereof
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
  • A61K47/06—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite
  • A61K47/16—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite containing nitrogen, e.g. nitro-, nitroso-, azo-compounds, nitriles, cyanates
  • A61K47/18—Amines; Amides; Ureas; Quaternary ammonium compounds; Amino acids; Oligopeptides having up to five amino acids
  • A61K47/183—Amino acids, e.g. glycine, EDTA or aspartame
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K47/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by the non-active ingredients used, e.g. carriers or inert additives; Targeting or modifying agents chemically bound to the active ingredient
  • A61K47/06—Organic compounds, e.g. natural or synthetic hydrocarbons, polyolefins, mineral oil, petrolatum or ozokerite
  • A61K47/26—Carbohydrates, e.g. sugar alcohols, amino sugars, nucleic acids, mono-, di- or oligo-saccharides; Derivatives thereof, e.g. polysorbates, sorbitan fatty acid esters or glycyrrhizin
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
  • A61K9/0012—Galenical forms characterised by the site of application
  • A61K9/0019—Injectable compositions; Intramuscular, intravenous, arterial, subcutaneous administration; Compositions to be administered through the skin in an invasive manner
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
  • A61K9/08—Solutions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K9/00—Medicinal preparations characterised by special physical form
  • A61K9/14—Particulate form, e.g. powders, Processes for size reducing of pure drugs or the resulting products, Pure drug nanoparticles
  • A61K9/19—Particulate form, e.g. powders, Processes for size reducing of pure drugs or the resulting products, Pure drug nanoparticles lyophilised, i.e. freeze-dried, solutions or dispersions
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P1/00—Drugs for disorders of the alimentary tract or the digestive system
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P11/00—Drugs for disorders of the respiratory system
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P13/00—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P13/00—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system
  • A61P13/10—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system of the bladder
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P13/00—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system
  • A61P13/12—Drugs for disorders of the urinary system of the kidneys
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P15/00—Drugs for genital or sexual disorders; Contraceptives
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P35/00—Antineoplastic agents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P37/00—Drugs for immunological or allergic disorders
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P37/00—Drugs for immunological or allergic disorders
  • A61P37/08—Antiallergic agents
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P43/00—Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00

Definitions

• This invention is directed to a lyophilized protein formulation.
• it relates to a stable lyophilized protein formulation which can be reconstituted with a diluent to generate a stable reconstituted formulation suitable for subcutaneous administration.
• proteins are larger and more complex than traditional organic and inorganic drugs (i.e. possessing multiple functional groups in addition to complex three-dimensional structures), the formulation of such proteins poses special problems.
• a formulation must preserve intact the conformational integrity of at least a core sequence ofthe protein's amino acids while at the same time protecting the protein's multiple functional groups from degradation.
• Degradation pathways for proteins can involve chemical instability (i.e. any process which involves modification of the protein by bond formation or cleavage resulting in a new chemical entity) or physical instability (i.e. changes in the higher order structure ofthe protein).
• Chemical instability can result from deamidation, racemization, hydrolysis, oxidation, beta elimination or disulfide exchange. Physical instability can result from denaturation. aggregation, precipitation or adsorption, for example. The three most common protein degradation pathways are protein aggregation, deamidation and oxidation. Cleland et al. Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems 10(4): 307-377 (1993).
• Freeze-drying is a commonly employed technique for preserving proteins which serves to remove water from the protein preparation of interest.
• Freeze-drying or lyophilization, is a process by which the material to be dried is first frozen and then the ice or frozen solvent is removed by sublimation in a vacuum environment.
• An excipient may be included in pre-lyophilized formulations to enhance stability during the freeze-drying process and/or to improve stability ofthe lyophilized product upon storage. Pikal, M. Biopharm. 3(9)26-30 (1990) and Arakawa e/ ⁇ t Pharm. Res. 8(3):285-291 (1991).
• a stable lyophilized protein formulation can be prepared using a lyoprotectant (preferably a sugar such as sucrose or trehalose), which lyophilized formulation can be reconstituted to generate a stable reconstituted formulation having a protein concentration which is significantly higher (e.g. from about 2-40 times higher, preferably 3-10 times higher and most preferably 3-6 times higher) than the protein concentration in the pre-lyophilized formulation.
• a lyoprotectant preferably a sugar such as sucrose or trehalose
• the protein concentration in the pre-lyophilized formulation may be 5 mg/mL or less
• the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation is generally 50 mg/mL or more.
• Such high protein concentrations in the reconstituted formulation are considered to be particularly useful where the formulation is intended for subcutaneous administration.
• the reconstituted formulation is stable (i.e. fails to display significant or unacceptable levels of chemical or physical instability of the protein) at 2-8 ° C for at least about 30 days.
• the reconstituted formulation is isotonic.
• the protein in the lyophilized formulation essentially retains its physical and chemical stability and integrity upon lyophilization and storage.
• the reconstituted formulation When reconstituted with a diluent comprising a preservative (such as bacteriostatic water for injection, BWFI), the reconstituted formulation may be used as a multi-use formulation.
• a diluent comprising a preservative (such as bacteriostatic water for injection, BWFI)
• BWFI bacteriostatic water for injection
• the reconstituted formulation may be used as a multi-use formulation.
• a formulation is useful, for example, where the patient requires frequent subcutaneous administrations of the protein to treat a chronic medical condition.
• the advantage of a multi-use formulation is that it facilitates ease of use for the patient, reduces waste by allowing complete use of vial contents, and results in a significant cost savings for the manufacturer since several doses are packaged in a single vial (lower filling and shipping costs).
• the invention provides a stable isotonic reconstituted formulation comprising a protein in an amount of at least about 50 mg mL and a diluent, which reconstituted formulation has been prepared from a lyophilized mixture of a protein and a lyoprotectant, wherein the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation is about 2-40 times greater than the protein concentration in the mixture before lyophilization.
• the invention provides a stable reconstituted formulation comprising an antibody in an amount of at least about 50 mg/mL and a diluent, which reconstituted formulation has been prepared from a lyophilized mixture of an antibody and a lyoprotectant, wherein the antibody concentration in the reconstituted formulation is about 2-40 times greater than the antibody concentration in the mixture before lyophilization.
• the ratio of lyoprotectantrprotein in the lyophilized formulation ofthe preceding paragraphs depends, for example, on both the protein and lyoprotectant of choice, as well as the desired protein concentration and isotonicity ofthe reconstituted formulation.
• the ratio may, for example, be about 100-1500 mole trehalose or sucrose: 1 mole antibody.
• the pre-lyophilized formulation ofthe protein and lyoprotectant will further include a buffer which provides the formulation at a suitable pH, depending on the protein in the formulation.
• a buffer which provides the formulation at a suitable pH, depending on the protein in the formulation.
• the formulation may further include a surfactant (e.g. a polysorbate) in that it has been observed herein that this can reduce aggregation ofthe reconstituted protein and/or reduce the formation of particulates in the reconstituted formulation.
• a surfactant e.g. a polysorbate
• the surfactant can be added to the pre-lyophilized formulation, the lyophilized formulation and/or the reconstituted formulation (but preferably the pre-lyophilized formulation) as desired.
• the invention further provides a method for preparing a stable isotonic reconstituted formulation comprising reconstituting a lyophilized mixture ofa protein and a lyoprotectant in a diluent such that the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation is at least 50 mg/mL, wherein the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation is about 2-40 times greater than the protein concentration in the mixture before lyophilization.
• the invention provides a method for preparing a formulation comprising the steps of: (a) lyophilizing a mixture of a protein and a lyoprotectant; and (b) reconstituting the lyophilized mixture of step (a) in a diluent such that the reconstituted formulation is isotonic and stable and has a protein concentration of at least about 50 mg/mL.
• the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation may be from about 80 mg/mL to about 300 mg/mL.
• the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation is about 2-40 times greater than the protein concentration in the mixture before lyophilization.
• An article of manufacture is also provided herein which comprises: (a) a container which holds a lyophilized mixture of a protein and a lyoprotectant; and (b) instructions for reconstituting the lyophilized mixture with a diluent to a protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation of at least about 50 mg/mL.
• the article of manufacture may further comprise a second container which holds a diluent (e.g. bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI) comprising an aromatic alcohol).
• BWFI bacteriostatic water for injection
• the invention further provides a method for treating a mammal comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a reconstituted formulation disclosed herein to a mammal, wherein the mammal has a disorder requiring treatment with the protein in the formulation.
• the formulation may be administered subcutaneously.
• anti-HER2 antibody pre-lyophilized formulation as discovered in the experiments detailed below was found to comprise anti-HER2 in amount from about 5-40 mg/mL (e.g. 20-30 mg/mL) and sucrose or trehalose in an amount from about 10-100 mM (e.g. 40-80 mM), a buffer (e.g. histidine, pH 6 or succinate, pH 5) and a surfactant (e.g. a polysorbate).
• the lyophilized formulation was found to be stable at 40 ° C for at least 3 months and stable at 30° C for at least 6 months.
• This anti-HER2 formulation can be reconstituted with a diluent to generate a formulation suitable for intravenous administration comprising anti-HER2 in an amount from about 10-30 mg/mL which is stable at 2-8° C for at least about 30 days. Where higher concentrations ofthe anti-HER2 antibody are desired (for example where subcutaneous delivery ofthe antibody is the intended mode of administration to the patient).
• the lyophilized formulation may be reconstituted to yield a stable reconstituted formulation having a protein concentration of 50 mg/mL or more.
• anti-IgE antibody pre-lyophilized formulation discovered herein has anti-IgE in amount from about 5-40 mg/mL (e.g. 20-30 mg/mL) and sucrose or trehalose in an amount from about 60-300 M (e.g.
• the lyophilized anti- IgE formulation is stable at 30° C for at least 1 year.
• This formulation can be reconstituted to yield a formulation comprising anti-IgE in an amount from about 15-45 mg/mL (e.g. 15-25 mg/mL) suitable for intravenous administration which is stable at 2-8° C for at least 1 year.
• the lyophilized formulation can be reconstituted in order to generate a stable formulation having an anti-IgE concentration of ⁇ 50 mg/mL.
• Figure 1 shows the effect of reconstitution volume on the stability of lyophilized rhuMAb HER2.
• the lyophilized formulation was prepared from a pre-lyophilization formulation comprising 25 mg/mL protein, 60 mM trehalose. 5 mM sodium succinate, pH 5.0, and 0.01% Tween 20TM. The lyophilized cake was incubated at 40° C and then reconstituted with 4.0 (o) or 20.0 mL (•) of BWFI. The fraction of intact protein in the reconstituted formulation was measured by native size exclusion chromatography and defined as the peak area ofthe native protein relative to the total peak area including aggregates.
• Figure 2 illustrates the effect of trehalose concentration on the stability of lyophilized rhuMAb HER2.
• the protein was lyophilized at 25 mg/mL in 5 mM sodium succinate, pH 5.0 (circles) or 5 mM histidine, pH 6.0 (squares) and trehalose concentrations ranging from 60 mM (360 molar ratio) to 200 mM ( 1200 molar ratio).
• the lyophilized protein was incubated at 40° C for either 30 days (closed symbols) or 91 days (open symbols).
• the amount of intact protein was measured after reconstitution ofthe lyophilized protein with 20 mL BWFI.
• Figure 3 demonstrates the effect of trehalose concentration on the long term stability of lyophilized rhuMAb HER2 stored at 40° C.
• the protein was lyophilized at either 25 mg/mL in 5 mM sodium succinate, pH 5.0, 0.01% Tween 20TM. and 60 mM trehalose ( ⁇ ) or 5 mM histidine, pH 6.0. 0.01% Tween 20TM, and 60 mM trehalose (D) or21 mg/mL in 10 mM sodium succinate, pH 5.0, 0.2% Tween 20TM and 250 mM trehalose (•).
• the lyophilized protein was incubated at 40° C and then reconstituted with 20 mL of BWFI. The amount of intact protein was measured after reconstitution.
• Figure 4 shows the stability of rhuMAb HER2 lyophilized in 38.4 mM mannitol (7 mg/mL), 20.4 mM sucrose (7 mg/mL), 5 mM histidine, pH 6.0, 0.01% Tween 20TM.
• the lyophilized protein was incubated at 40° C and then reconstituted with either 4.0 mL (o) or 20 mL (• ) of BWFI. The amount of intact protein was measured after reconstitution.
• Figure 5 demonstrates stability of reconstituted rhuMAb HER2 lyophilized in 5 mM sodium succinate, pH 5.0, 60 mM trehalose, 0.01% Tween 20TM.
• Samples were reconstituted with either 4.0 mL (squares) or 20.0 mL (circles) of BWFI (20 mL:0.9% benzyl alcohol; 4 mL:l.l% benzyl alcohol) and then stored at 5°C (solid symbols) or 25° C (open symbols).
• the % native protein was defined as the peak area of the native (not degraded) protein relative to the total peak area as measured by cation exchange chromatography.
• Figure 6 shows stability of reconstituted rhuMAb HER2 lyophilized in 5 mM histidine, pH 6.0, 60 mM trehalose, 0.01% Tween 20.
• Samples were reconstituted with either 4.0 mL (squares) or 20.0 mL (circles) of BWFI (20 mL:0.9% benzyl alcohol; 4 mL:l.l% benzyl alcohol) and then stored at 5°C (solid symbols) or 25 °C (open symbols).
• the % native protein was defined as the peak area ofthe native (not degraded) protein relative to the total peak area as measured by cation exchange chromatography.
• Figure 7 reveals stability of reconstituted rhuMAb HER2 lyophilized in 5 mM histidine, pH 6.0, 38.4 mM mannitol, 20.4 mM sucrose, 0.01% Tween 20.
• Samples were reconstituted with either 4.0 mL (squares) or 20.0 mL (circles) of BWFI (20 mL:0.9% benzyl alcohol; 4 mL: 1.1 % benzyl alcohol) and then stored at 5° C (solid symbols) or 25 ° C (open symbols).
• the % native protein was defined as the peak area ofthe native (not degraded) protein relative to the total peak area as measured by cation exchange chromatography.
• Figure 8 shows stability of reconstituted rhuMAb HER2 lyophilized in 10 mM sodium succinate, pH
• the buffers were: potassium phosphate pH 7.0 (o); sodium phosphate pH 7.0 (D); histidine pH 7.0 (o); sodium succinate pH 6.5 (•); sodium succinate pH 6.0 ( ⁇ ); sodium succinate pH 5.5 ( ⁇ ); and sodium succinate pH 5.0 (*).
• Figure 10 depicts aggregation of rhuMAb E25 lyophilized in 5 mM histidine buffer at both pH 6 and pH 7 and assayed following storage as follows.
• the buffer was at: pH 6.0 stored at 2-8° C (o); pH 6 stored at 25° C (D); pH 6 stored at 40° C (0); pH 7 stored at 2-8° C (•); pH 7 stored at 25° C ( ⁇ ); and pH 7 stored at 40° C
• Figure 11 illustrates aggregation of 5 mg/mL rhuMAb E25 formulated into 10 mM sodium succinate at pH 5.0 with lyoprotectant added at a concentration of 275 mM (isotonic).
• the lyoprotectants were: control, no lyoprotectant (o); mannitol (D); lactose (0); maltose (•); trehalose ( ⁇ ): and sucrose ( ⁇ ). Samples were lyophilized and assayed at time zero and after 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 52 weeks of storage at 2-8° C.
• Figure 12 shows aggregation of 5 mg/mL rhuMAb E25 formulated into 10 mM sodium succinate at pH 5.0 with lyoprotectant added at a concentration of 275 mM (isotonic).
• the lyoprotectants were: control, no lyoprotectant (o); mannitol (D); lactose (0); maltose (•); trehalose ( ⁇ ); and sucrose ( ⁇ ). Samples were lyophilized and assayed at time zero and after 4 weeks. 8 weeks, and 52 weeks of storage at 40° C.
• Figure 13 depicts hydrophobic interaction chromatography of 20 mg/mL rhuMAb E25 lyophilized in histidine buffer at pH 6 with an isotonic concentration (Le. 275 mM) of lactose stored for 24 weeks at 2-8, 25 or 40° C and reconstituted to 20 mg/mL.
• Figure 14 shows hydrophobic interaction chromatography of 20 mg/mL rhuMAb E25 lyophilized in histidine buffer at pH 6 stored for 24 weeks at 2-8, 25 or 40° C and reconstituted to 20 mg/mL.
• Figure 15 illustrates hydrophobic interaction chromatography of 20 mg/mL rhuMAb E25 lyophilized in histidine buffer at pH 6 with an isotonic concentration (Le. 275 mM) of sucrose and stored for 24 weeks at 2-8, 25 or 40° C and reconstituted to 20 mg/mL.
• Figure 16 illustrates the effect of sugar concentration on rhuMAb E25 formulated at 20 mg/mL in 5 mM histidine at pH 6.0.
• Sucrose (•) and trehalose (D) were added to the formulation at molar ratios ranging from 0 to 2010 (isotonic) (see Table 1 below). Samples were lyophilized and assayed after 12 weeks of storage at 50° C.
• Figure 17 reveals aggregation of rhuMAb E25 formulated at 25 mg/mL into 5 mM histidine at pH 6 with 85 mM sucrose (o); 85 mM trehalose (D): 161 mM sucrose ( ⁇ ) or 161 mM trehalose (*).
• Samples were lyophilized and stored at 2-8° C followed by reconstitution with 0.9% benzyl alcohol to 100 mg/mL antibody in 20 mM histidine at pH 6 with isotonic (340 mM) and hypertonic (644 mM) sugar concentration.
• Figure 18 shows aggregation of rhuMAb E25 formulated at 25 mg/mL into 5 mM histidine at pH 6 with 85 mM sucrose (o); 85 mM trehalose (D); 161 mM sucrose ( ⁇ ) or 161 mM trehalose (*). Samples were lyophilized and stored at 30° C followed by reconstitution with 0.9% benzyl alcohol to 100 mg/mL antibody in 20 mM histidine at pH 6 with isotonic (340 mM) and hypertonic (644 mM) sugar concentration.
• Figure 19 illustrates aggregation of rhuMAb E25 formulated at 25 mg/mL into 5 mM histidine at pH
• protein is meant a sequence of amino acids for which the chain length is sufficient to produce the higher levels of tertiary and/or quaternary structure. This is to distinguish from “peptides” or other small molecular weight drugs that do not have such structure.
• the protein herein will have a molecular weight of at least about 15-20 kD, preferably at least about 20 kD.
• proteins encompassed within the definition herein include mammalian proteins, such as, e.g., growth hormone, including human growth hormone and bovine growth hormone; growth hormone releasing factor; parathyroid hormone; thyroid stimulating hormone; lipoproteins; ⁇ -1-antitrypsin; insulin A-chain; insulin B-chain; proinsulin; follicle stimulating hormone; calcitonin; luteinizing hormone; glucagon; clotting factors such as factor VIIIC, factor LX, tissue factor, and von Willebrands factor; anti-clotting factors such as Protein C; atrial natriuretic factor; lung surfactant; a plasminogen activator, such as urokinase or tissue-type plasminogen activator
• t-PA bombazine
• thrombin tumor necrosis factor- ⁇ and - ⁇
• enkephalinase RANTES (regulated on activation normally T-cell expressed and secreted); human macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1- ⁇ ); serum albumin such as human serum albumin; mullerian-inhibiting substance; relaxin A-chain; relaxin B-chain; prorelaxin; mouse gonadotropin-associated peptide; DNase; inhibin; activin; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); receptors for hormones or growth factors; an integrin; protein A or D; rheumatoid factors; a neurotrophic factor such as bone-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin-3, -4, -5, or -6 (NT-3, NT-4, NT-5, or NT-6), or a nerve growth factor such as NGF- ⁇ ; platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF); fibroblast growth factor such as aFGF and b
• Essentially pure protein means a composition comprising at least about 90% by weight ofthe protein, based on total weight ofthe composition, preferably at least about 95% by weight.
• Essentially homogeneous protein means a composition comprising at least about 99% by weight of protein, based on total weight ofthe composition.
• the protein is an antibody. The antibody may bind to any of the above ⁇ mentioned molecules, for example.
• Exemplary molecular targets for antibodies encompassed by the present invention include CD proteins such as CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD20 and CD34; members ofthe HER receptor family such as the EGF receptor, HER2, HER3 or HER4 receptor; cell adhesion molecules such as LFA-1, Mol, ⁇ l50,95, VLA-4, ICAM-l. VCAM and ⁇ v/ ⁇ 3 integrin including either ⁇ or ⁇ subunits thereof (e.g. anti-CDl la, anti-CD 18 or anti-CDl lb antibodies); growth factors such as VEGF; IgE; blood group antigens; flk2/flt3 receptor; obesity (OB) receptor; protein C etc.
• CD proteins such as CD3, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD20 and CD34
• members ofthe HER receptor family such as the EGF receptor, HER2, HER3 or HER4 receptor
• cell adhesion molecules such as LFA-1, Mol, ⁇ l50,95, VLA-4, ICAM-l
• antibody is used in the broadest sense and specifically covers monoclonal antibodies (including full length antibodies which have an immunoglobulin Fc region), antibody compositions with polyepitopic specificity, bispecific antibodies, diabodies, and single-chain molecules, as well as antibody fragments (e.g., Fab, F(ab');,. and Fv).
• the term "monoclonal antibody” as used herein refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical except for possible naturally occurring mutations that may be present in minor amounts. Monoclonal antibodies are highly specific, being directed against a single antigenic site. Furthermore, in contrast to conventional (polyclonal) antibody preparations which typically include different antibodies directed against different determinants (epitopes), each monoclonal antibody is directed against a single determinant on the antigen. In addition to their specificity, the monoclonal antibodies are advantageous in that they are synthesized by the hybridoma culture, uncontaminated by other immunoglobulins.
• the modifier "monoclonal” indicates the character ofthe antibody as being obtained from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies, and is not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody by any particular method.
• the monoclonal antibodies to be used in accordance with the present invention may be made by the hybridoma method first described by Kohler et al.. Nature, 256: 495 (1975), or may be made by recombinant DNA methods (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 4.816,567).
• the "monoclonal antibodies” may also be isolated from phage antibody libraries using the techniques described in Clackson et ai, Nature, 352:624-628 (1991) and Marks et ai, J. Mol. Biol., 222:581-597 (1991), for example.
• the monoclonal antibodies herein specifically include "chimeric" antibodies (immunoglobulins) in which a portion ofthe heavy and/or light chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder ofthe chain(s) is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from another species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, as well as fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity (U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567; Morrison et ai, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 81:6851-6855 (1984)).
• chimeric antibodies immunoglobulins in which a portion ofthe heavy and/or light chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder ofthe chain(s) is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences
• Humanized forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies are chimeric immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin chains or fragments thereof (such as Fv, Fab, Fab', F(ab') 2 or other antigen-binding subsequences of antibodies) which contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin.
• humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues from a complementarity determining region (CDR) ofthe recipient are replaced by residues from a CDR of a non ⁇ human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat or rabbit having the desired specificity, affinity, and capacity.
• CDR complementarity determining region
• humanized antibodies may comprise residues which are found neither in the recipient antibody nor in the imported CDR or framework sequences. These modifications are made to further refine and optimize antibody performance.
• the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all ofthe CDR regions correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all ofthe FR regions are those ofa human immunoglobulin sequence.
• the humanized antibody optimally also will comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin.
• Fc immunoglobulin constant region
• the humanized antibody includes a PrimatizedTM antibody wherein the antigen-binding region of the antibody is derived from an antibody produced by immunizing macaque monkeys with the antigen of interest.
• a “stable” formulation is one in which the protein therein essentially retains its physical and chemical stability and integrity upon storage.
• Various analytical techniques for measuring protein stability are available in the art and are reviewed in Peptide and Protein Drug Delivery, 247-301, Vincent Lee Ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, New York, Pubs. ( 1991 ) and Jones, A. Adv. Drug Delivery Rev. 10: 9-90 ( 1993).
• Stability can be measured at a selected temperature for a selected time period. For rapid screening, the formulation may be kept at 40 ' C for 2 weeks to 1 month, at which time stability is measured.
• the formulation should be stable at 30 ° C or 40 ° C for at least 1 month and/or stable at 2-8 ° C for at least 2 years.
• the formulation should be stable for at least 2 years at 30 ° C and/or stable at 40 ' C for at least 6 months.
• the extent of aggregation following lyophilization and storage can be used as an indicator of protein stability (see Examples herein).
• a "stable" formulation may be one wherein less than about 10% and preferably less than about 5% of the protein is present as an aggregate in the formulation. In other embodiments, any increase in aggregate formation following lyophilization and storage ofthe lyophilized formulation can be determined.
• a “stable" lyophilized formulation may be one wherein the increase in aggregate in the lyophilized formulation is less than about 5% and preferably less than about 3%, when the lyophilized formulation is stored at 2-8° C for at least one year.
• stability ofthe protein formulation may be measured using a biological activity assay (see, e.g.. Example 2 below).
• a "reconstituted" formulation is one which has been prepared by dissolving a lyophilized protein formulation in a diluent such that the protein is dispersed in the reconstituted formulation.
• the reconstituted formulation in suitable for administration (e.g. parenteral administration) to a patient to be treated with the protein of interest and, in certain embodiments ofthe invention, may be one which is suitable for subcutaneous administration.
• isotonic is meant that the formulation of interest has essentially the same osmotic pressure as human blood. Isotonic formulations will generally have an osmotic pressure from about 250 to 350mOsm. Isotonicity can be measured using a vapor pressure or ice-freezing type osmometer, for example.
• a “lyoprotectant” is a molecule which, when combined with a protein of interest, significantly prevents or reduces chemical and/or physical instability of the protein upon lyophilization and subsequent storage.
• exemplary lyoprotectants include sugars such as sucrose or trehalose; an amino acid such as monosodium glutamate or histidine; a methylamine such as betaine; a lyotropic salt such as magnesium sulfate: a polyol such as trihydric or higher sugar alcohols, e.g.
• the preferred lyoprotectant is a non-reducing sugar, such as trehalose or sucrose.
• the lyoprotectant is added to the pre-lyophilized formulation in a "lyoprotecting amount" which means that, following lyophilization ofthe protein in the presence ofthe lyoprotecting amount ofthe lyoprotectant, the protein essentially retains its physical and chemical stability and integrity upon lyophilization and storage.
• the "diluent" of interest herein is one which is pharmaceutically acceptable (safe and non-toxic for administration to a human) and is useful for the preparation of a reconstituted formulation.
• exemplary diluents include sterile water, bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), a pH buffered solution (e.g. phosphate-buffered saline), sterile saline solution, Ringer's solution or dextrose solution.
• a "preservative" is a compound which can be added to the diluent to essentially reduce bacterial action in the reconstituted formulation, thus facilitating the production ofa multi-use reconstituted formulation, for example.
• potential preservatives include octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, hexamethonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride (a mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides in which the alkyl groups are long-chain compounds), and benzethonium chloride.
• preservatives include aromatic alcohols such as phenol, butyl and benzyl alcohol, alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben, catechoi, resorcinol, cyclohexanol. 3-pentanol, and m-cresol.
• aromatic alcohols such as phenol, butyl and benzyl alcohol
• alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben
• catechoi resorcinol
• cyclohexanol cyclohexanol. 3-pentanol, and m-cresol.
• the most preferred preservative herein is benzyl alcohol.
• a “bulking agent” is a compound which adds mass to the lyophilized mixture and contributes to the physical structure ofthe lyophilized cake (e.g. facilitates the production of an essentially uniform lyophilized cake which maintains an open pore structure).
• Exemplary bulking agents include mannitol, glycine, polyethylene glycol and xorbitol.
• Treatment refers to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic or preventative measures. Those in need of treatment include those already with the disorder as well as those in which the disorder is to be prevented.
• “Mammal” for purposes of treatment refers to any animal classified as a mammal, including humans, domestic and farm animals, and zoo, sports, or pet animals, such as dogs, horses, cats, cows, etc.
• the mammal is human.
• a “disorder” is any condition that would benefit from treatment with the protein. This includes chronic and acute disorders or diseases including those pathological conditions which predispose the mammal to the disorder in question. Non-limiting examples of disorders to be treated herein include carcinomas and allergies. II. Modes for Carrying out the Invention A. Protein Preparation
• the protein to be formulated is prepared using techniques which are well established in the art including synthetic techniques (such as recombinant techniques and peptide synthesis or a combination of these techniques) or may be isolated from an endogenous source ofthe protein.
• the protein of choice is an antibody. Techniques for the production of antibodies follow. (i) Polyclonal antibodies.
• a protein that is immunogenic in the species to be immunized e.g., keyhole limpet hemocyanin, serum albumin, bovine thy
• Animals are immunized against the antigen, immunogenic conjugates, or derivatives by combining 1 mg or 1 ⁇ g ofthe peptide or conjugate (for rabbits or mice, respectively) with 3 volumes of Freund's complete adjuvant.
• the animals are boosted with 1/5 to 1/10 the original amount of peptide or conjugate in Freund's complete adjuvant by subcutaneous injection at multiple sites.
• the animals are bled and the serum is assayed for antibody titer. Animals are boosted until the titer plateaus.
• the animal is boosted with the conjugate ofthe same antigen, but conjugated to a different protein and/or through a different cross-linking reagent.
• Conjugates also can be made in recombinant cell culture as protein fusions. Also, aggregating agents such as alum are suitably used to enhance the immune response. (ii) Monoclonal antibodies.
• Monoclonal antibodies are obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, Le., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical except for possible naturally occurring mutations that may be present in minor amounts. Thus, the modifier "monoclonal" indicates the character ofthe antibody as not being a mixture of discrete antibodies.
• the monoclonal antibodies may be made using the hybridoma method first described by Kohler et al., Nature, 256:495 (1975), or may be made by recombinant DNA methods (U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567).
• a mouse or other appropriate host animal such as a hamster
• lymphocytes that produce or are capable of producing antibodies that will specifically bind to the protein used for immunization.
• lymphocytes may be immunized in vitro. Lymphocytes then are fused with myeloma cells using a suitable fusing agent, such as polyethylene glycol, to form a hybridoma cell (Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, pp.59-103 (Academic Press, 1986)).
• the hybridoma cells thus prepared are seeded and grown in a suitable culture medium that preferably contains one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival ofthe unfused, parental myeloma cells.
• a suitable culture medium that preferably contains one or more substances that inhibit the growth or survival ofthe unfused, parental myeloma cells.
• the parental myeloma cells lack the enzyme hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyl transferase
• HGPRT the culture medium for the hybridomas typically will include hypoxanthine. aminopterin, and thymidine (HAT medium), which substances prevent the growth of HGPRT-deficient cells.
• hypoxanthine aminopterin
• HAT medium thymidine
• Preferred myeloma cells are those that fuse efficiently, support stable high-level production of antibody by the selected antibody-producing cells, and are sensitive to a medium such as HAT medium.
• preferred myeloma cell lines are murine myeloma lines, such as those derived from MOPC-21 and MPC-11 mouse tumors available from the Salk Institute Cell Distribution Center. San Diego, California USA. and SP-2 cells available from tlie American Type Culture Collection. Rockville, Maryland USA.
• Human myeloma and mouse-human heteromyeloma cell lines also have been described for the production of human monoclonal antibodies (Kozbor, J. Immunol., 133:3001 (1984); Brodeur ..f al, Monoclonal Antibody Production Techniques and Applications, pp. 51-63 (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1987)).
• Culture medium in which hybridoma cells are growing is assayed for production of monoclonal antibodies directed against the antigen.
• the binding specificity of monoclonal antibodies produced by hybridoma cells is determined by immunoprecipitation or by an in vitro binding assay, such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) or enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA).
• RIA radioimmunoassay
• ELISA enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay
• the binding affinity of the monoclonal antibody can, for example, be determined by the Scatchard analysis of Munson et al.. Anal. Biochem., 107:220 (1980).
• the clones may be subcloned by limiting dilution procedures and grown by standard methods (Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practice, pp.59-103 (Academic Press, 1986)).
• Suitable culture media for this purpose include, for example, D-MEM or RPMI- 1640 medium.
• the hybridoma cells may be grown in vivo as ascites tumors in an animal.
• the monoclonal antibodies secreted by the subclones are suitably separated from the culture medium, ascites fluid, or serum by conventional immunoglobulin purification procedures such as, for example, protein A-Sepharose, hydroxylapatite chromatography, gel electrophoresis, dialysis, or affinity chromatography.
• DNA encoding the monoclonal antibodies is readily isolated and sequenced using conventional procedures (e.g., by using oligonucleotide probes that are capable of binding specifically to genes encoding the heavy and light chains of murine antibodies).
• the hybridoma cells serve as a preferred source of such D A.
• the DNA may be placed into expression vectors, which are then transfected into host cells such as E. coli cells, simian COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, or myeloma cells that do not otherwise produce immunoglobulin protein, to obtain the synthesis of monoclonal antibodies in the recombinant host cells.
• host cells such as E. coli cells, simian COS cells, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, or myeloma cells that do not otherwise produce immunoglobulin protein.
• Review articles on recombinant expression in bacteria of DNA encoding the antibody include Skerra et al., Curr. Opinion in Immunol, 5:256-262 (1993) and Pluckthun, Immunol. Revs., 130:151-188 (1992).
• antibodies can be isolated from antibody phage libraries generated using the techniques described in McCafferty et al, Nature, 348:552-554 (1990). Clackson et al. Nature, 352:624-628 (1991) and Marks et al, J. Mol. Biol, 222:581-597 (1991) describe the isolation of murine and human antibodies, respectively, using phage libraries. Subsequent publications describe the production of high affinity (nM range) human antibodies by chain shuffling (Marks et al.
• the DNA also may be modified, for example, by substituting the coding sequence for human heavy- and light-chain constant domains in place ofthe homologous murine sequences (U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567; Morrison, etal, Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA, 81 :6851 (1984)), or by covalently joining to the immunoglobulin coding sequence all or pan ofthe coding sequence for a non-immunoglobulin polypeptide.
• non-immunoglobulin polypeptides are substituted for the constant domains of an antibody, or they are substituted for the variable domams of one antigen-combining site of an antibody to create a chimeric bivalent antibody comprising one antigen-combining site having specificity for an antigen and another antigen-combining site having specificity for a different antigen.
• Chimeric or hybrid antibodies also may be prepared in vitro using known methods in synthetic protein chemistry, including those involving crosslinking agents.
• immunotoxins may be constructed using a disulfide-exchange reaction or by forming a thioether bond.
• suitable reagents for this purpose include iminothiolate and methyl-4-mercaptobutyrimidate.
• a humanized antibody has one or more amino acid residues introduced into it from a source which is non-human. These non- human amino acid residues are often referred to as "import" residues, which are typically taken from an "import” variable domain. Humanization can be essentially performed following the method of Winter and co-workers (Jones et al, Nature, 321:522-525 (1986); Riechmann et al. Nature, 332:323-327 (1988); Verhoeyen et al, Science, 239:1534-1536 (1988)), by substituting rodent CDRs or CDR sequences for the corresponding sequences ofa human antibody.
• humanized antibodies are chimeric antibodies (U.S. Patent No. 4,816,567), wherein substantially less than an intact human variable domain has been substituted by the corresponding sequence from a non-human species.
• humanized antibodies are typically human antibodies in which some CDR residues and possibly some FR residues are substituted by residues from analogous sites in rodent antibodies.
• variable domains both light and heavy
• the choice of human variable domains, both light and heavy, to be used in making the humanized antibodies is very important to reduce antigenicity.
• the sequence of the variable domain of a rodent antibody is screened against the entire library of known human variable- domain sequences.
• the human sequence which is closest to that ofthe rodent is then accepted as the human framework (FR) for the humanized antibody (Sims et al. , J. Immunol. , 151 :2296 ( 1993 ); Chothia et al. , J. Mol. Biol, 196:901 (1987)).
• Another method uses a particular framework derived from the consensus sequence of all human antibodies of a particular subgroup of light or heavy chains.
• the same framework may be used for several different humanized antibodies (Carter et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:4285 (1992); Presta et al, J. Immnol, 151:2623 (1993)).
• humanized antibodies are prepared by a process of analysis ofthe parental sequences and various conceptual humanized products using three-dimensional models of the parental and humanized sequences.
• Three-dimensional immunoglobulin models are commonly available and are familiar to those skilled in the art.
• Computer programs are available which illustrate and display probable three-dimensional conformational structures of selected candidate immunoglobulin sequences. Inspection of these displays permits analysis ofthe likely role ofthe residues in the functioning ofthe candidate immunoglobulin sequence, i.e., the analysis of residues that influence the ability ofthe candidate immunoglobulin to bind its antigen.
• FR residues can be selected and combined from the recipient and import sequences so that the desired antibody characteristic, such as increased affinity for the target antigen(s), is achieved.
• the CDR residues are directly and most substantially involved in influencing antigen binding.
• transgenic animals e.g., mice
• transgenic animals e.g., mice
• J H antibody heavy-chain joining region
• Bispecific antibodies are antibodies that have binding specificities for at least two different epitopes. Such antibodies can be derived from full length antibodies or antibody fragments (e.g. F(ab') 2 bispecific antibodies).
• bispecific antibodies are known in the art. Traditional production of full length bispecific antibodies is based on the coexpression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pairs, where the two chains have different specificities (Millstein et al. Nature, 305:537-539 (1983)). Because ofthe random assortment of immunoglobulin heavy and light chains, these hybridomas (quadromas) produce a potential mixture of 10 different antibody molecules, of which only one has the correct bispecific structure. Purification ofthe correct molecule, which is usually done by affinity chromatography steps, is rather cumbersome, and the product yields are low. Similar procedures are disclosed in WO 93/08829 and in Traunecker et al, EMBO J. , 10:3655-
• antibody variable domains with the desired binding specificities are fused to immunoglobulin constant domain sequences.
• the fusion preferably is with an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant domain, comprising at least part ofthe hinge, CH2, and CH3 regions. It is preferred to have the first heavy-chain constant region (CHI) containing the site necessary for light chain binding, present in at least one ofthe fusions.
• DNAs encoding the immunoglobulin heavy chain fusions and, if desired, the immunoglobulin light chain are inserted into separate expression vectors, and are co ⁇ transfected into a suitable host organism.
• the bispecific antibodies are composed of a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain with a first binding specificity in one arm, and a hybrid immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pair (providing a second binding specificity) in the other arm. It was found that this asymmetric structure facilitates the separation ofthe desired bispecific compound from unwanted immunoglobulin chain combinations, as the presence of an immunoglobulin light chain in only one half of the bispecific molecule provides for a facile way of separation. This approach is disclosed in WO 94/04690 published March 3, 1994. For further details of generating bispecific antibodies see, for example, Suresh et al. Methods in Enzymoiogy, 121:210 (1986).
• Bispecific antibodies include cross-linked or "heteroconjugate" antibodies.
• one ofthe antibodies in the heteroconjugate can be coupled to avidin, the other to biotin.
• Such antibodies have, for example, been proposed to target immune system cells to unwanted cells (US Patent No. 4,676,980), and for treatment of HIV infection (WO 91/00360. WO 92/200373).
• Heteroconjugate antibodies may be made using any convenient cross-linking methods. Suitable cross-linking agents are well known in the art. and are disclosed in US Patent No. 4,676,980, along with a number of cross-linking techniques.
• bispecific antibodies from antibody fragments
• the following techniques can also be used for the production of bivalent antibody fragments which are not necessarily bispecific.
• Fab' fragments recovered from E. coli can be chemically coupled in vitro to form bivalent antibodies. See, Shalaby et al, J. Exp. Med., 175:217-225 (1992).
• bivalent heterodimers have been produced using leucine zippers.
• the leucine zipper peptides from the Fos and Jun proteins were linked to the Fab' portions of two different antibodies by gene fusion.
• the antibody homodimers were reduced at the hinge region to form monomers and then re-oxidized to form the antibody heterodimers.
• the "diabody" technology described by Hollinger et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.
• the fragments comprise a heavy-chain variable domain (V H ) connected to a light-chain variable domain (V L ) by a linker which is too short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain. Accordingly, the V tension and V L domains of one fragment are forced to pair with the complementary V L and V H domains of another fragment, thereby forming two antigen-binding sites.
• V H heavy-chain variable domain
• V L light-chain variable domain
• Another strategy for making bispecific/bivalent antibody fragments by the use of single-chain Fv (sFv) dimers has also been reported. See Gruber et al, J. Immunol, 152:5368 (1994).
• a "pre-lyophilized formulation” is produced.
• the amount of protein present in the pre-lyophilized formulation is determined taking into account the desired dose volumes, mode(s) of administration etc.
• the protein of choice is an intact antibody (such as an anti-IgE or anti-HER2 antibody)
• from about 2 mg/mL to about 50 mg/mL, preferably from about 5 mg mL to about 40 mg/mL and most preferably from about 20-30 mg/mL is an exemplary starting protein concentration.
• the protein is generally present in solution.
• the protein may be present in a pH-buffered solution at a pH from about 4-8. and preferably from about 5-7.
• Exemplary buffers include histidine, phosphate, Tris. citrate, succinate and other organic acids.
• the buffer concentration can be from about 1 mM to about 20 mM, or from about 3 mM to about 15 mM, depending, for example, on the buffer and the desired isotonicity ofthe formulation (e.g. ofthe reconstituted formulation).
• the preferred buffer is histidine in that, as demonstrated below, this can have lyoprotective properties. Succinate was shown to be another useful buffer.
• the lyoprotectant is added to the pre-lyophilized formulation.
• the lyoprotectant is a non-reducing sugar such as sucrose or trehalose.
• the amount of lyoprotectant in the pre- lyophilized formulation is generally such that, upon reconstitution, the resulting formulation will be isotonic. However, hypertonic reconstituted formulations may also be suitable. In addition, the amount of lyoprotectant must not be too low such that an unacceptable amount of degradation aggregation ofthe protein occurs upon lyophilization.
• lyoprotectant concentrations in the pre-lyophilized formulation are from about 10 mM to about 400 mM, and preferably from about 30 mM to about 300 mM, and most preferably from about 50 mM to about 100 mM.
• the ratio of protein to lyoprotectant is selected for each protein and lyoprotectant combination.
• the molar ratio of lyoprotectant to antibody may be from about 100 to about 1500 moles lyoprotectant to 1 mole antibody, and preferably from about 200 to about 1000 moles of lyoprotectant to 1 mole antibody, for example from about 200 to about 600 moles of lyoprotectant to 1 mole antibody.
• a surfactant to the pre-lyophilized formulation.
• the surfactant may be added to the lyophilized formulation and/or the reconstituted formulation.
• exemplary surfactants include nonionic surfactants such as polysorbates (e.g. polysorbates 20 or 80); poloxamers (e.g.
• the amount of surfactant added is such that it reduces aggregation ofthe reconstituted protein and minimizes the formation of particulates after reconstitution.
• the surfactant may be present in the pre-lyophilized formulation in an amount from about 0.001-0.5%, and preferably from about 0.005-0.05%.
• a mixture ofthe lyoprotectant such as sucrose or trehalose
• a bulking agent e.g. mannitol or glycine
• the bulking agent may allow for the production ofa uniform lyophilized cake without excessive pockets therein etc.
• Other pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizers such as those described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition. Osol. A. Ed. (1980) may be included in the pre-lyophilized formulation (and/or the lyophilized formulation and/or the reconstituted formulation) provided that they do not adversely affect the desired characteristics ofthe formulation.
• Acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed and include: additional buffering agents; preservatives; co-solvents; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine: chelating agents such as EDTA; metal complexes (e.g. Zn-protein complexes); biodegradable polymers such as polyesters; and or salt-forming counterions such as sodium.
• the formulation herein may also contain more than one protein as necessary for the pa ⁇ icular indication being treated, preferably those with complementary activities that do not adversely affect the other protein.
• it may be desirable to provide two or more antibodies which bind to the HER2 receptor or IgE in a single formulation.
• anti-HER2 and anti- VEGF antibodies may be combined in the one formulation.
• Such proteins are suitably present in combination in amounts that are effective for the purpose intended.
• the formulations to be used for in vivo administration must be sterile. This is readily accomplished by filtration through sterile filtration membranes, prior to. or following, lyophilization and reconstitution. Altematively, sterility ofthe entire mixture may be accomplished by autoclaving the ingredients, except for protein, at about 120°C for about 30 minutes, for example.
• the formulation is lyophilized.
• freeze-dryers are available for this purpose such as Hull50TM (Hull, USA) or GT20TM (Leybold-Heraeus. Germany) freeze-dryers. Freeze-drying is accomplished by freezing the formulation and subsequently subliming ice from the frozen content at a temperature suitable for primary drying. Under this condition, the product temperature is below the eutectic point or the collapse temperature ofthe formulation.
• the shelf temperature for the primary drying will range from about -30 to 25° C (provided the product remains frozen during primary drying) at a suitable pressure, ranging typically from about 50 to 250mTorr.
• the formulation, size and type ofthe container holding the sample (e.g., glass vial) and the volume of liquid will mainly dictate the time required for drying, which can range from a few hours to several days (e.g. 40-60hrs).
• a secondary drying stage may be ca ⁇ ied out at about 0-40° C, depending primarily on the type and size of container and the type of protein employed. However, it was found herein that a secondary drying step may not be necessary.
• the shelf temperature throughout the entire water removal phase of lyophilization may be from about 15-30° C (e.g. , about 20° C).
• the time and pressure required for secondary drying will be that which produces a suitable lyophilized cake, dependent e.g., on the temperature and other parameters.
• the secondary drying time is dictated by the desired residual moisture level in the product and typically takes at least about 5 hours (e.g. 10-15 hours).
• the pressure may be the same as that employed during the primary drying step. Freeze-drying conditions can be varied depending on the formulation and vial size. In some instances, it may be desirable to lyophilize the protein formulation in the container in which reconstitution ofthe protein is to be carried out in order to avoid a transfer step.
• the container in this instance may, for example, be a 3, 5, 10, 20, 50 or lOOcc vial.
• lyophilization will result in a lyophilized formulation in which the moisture content thereof is less than about 5%, and preferably less than about 3%.
• the lyophilized formulation may be reconstituted with a diluent such that the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation is at least 50 mg/mL, for example from about 50 mg/mL to about 400 mg/mL, more preferably from about 80 mg/mL to about 300 mg/mL, and most preferably from about 90 mg/mL to about 150 mg/mL.
• a diluent such that the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation is at least 50 mg/mL, for example from about 50 mg/mL to about 400 mg/mL, more preferably from about 80 mg/mL to about 300 mg/mL, and most preferably from about 90 mg/mL to about 150 mg/mL.
• Such high protein concentrations in the reconstituted formulation are considered to be particularly useful where subcutaneous delivery ofthe reconstituted formulation is intended.
• the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation is significantly higher than that in the pre-lyophilized formulation.
• the protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation may be about 2-40 times, preferably 3-10 times and most preferably 3-6 times (e.g. at least three fold or at least four fold) that ofthe pre-lyophilized formulation.
• Reconstitution generally takes place at a temperature of about 25° C to ensure complete hydration, although other temperatures may be employed as desired.
• the time required for reconstitution will depend, e.g, on the type of diluent, amount of excipient(s) and protein.
• Exemplary diluents include sterile water, bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI), a pH buffered solution (e.g. phosphate-buffered saline), sterile saline solution, Ringer's solution or dextrose solution.
• BWFI bacteriostatic water for injection
• pH buffered solution e.g. phosphate-buffered saline
• sterile saline solution e.g. phosphate-buffered saline
• Ringer's solution or dextrose solution e.g. sterile saline
• the diluent optionally contains a preservative. Exemplary preservatives have been described above
• the amount of preservative employed is determined by assessing different preservative concentrations for compatibility with the protein and preservative efficacy testing. For example, if the preservative is an aromatic alcohol (such as benzyl alcohol), it can be present in an amount from about 0.1-2.0% and preferably from about 0.5-1.5%, but most preferably about 1.0-1.2%.
• aromatic alcohol such as benzyl alcohol
• the reconstituted formulation has less than 6000 particles per vial which are ⁇ 10 ⁇ m in size. D. Administration of the Reconstituted Formulation
• the reconstituted formulation is administered to a mammal in need of treatment with the protein, preferably a human, in accord with known methods, such as intravenous administration as a bolus or by continuous infusion over a period of time, by intramuscular, intraperitoneal. intracerobrospinal, subcutaneous, uitra-articuIar. intrasynovial, intrathecal, oral, topical, or inhalation routes.
• the reconstituted formulation is administered to the mammal by subcutaneous
• the formulation may be injected using a syringe.
• other devices for administration ofthe formulation are available such as injection devices (e.g. the Inject-easeTM and GenjectTM devices); injector pens (such as the GenPen TM; needleless devices (e.g. MediJectorTM and BioJectorTM); and subcutaneous patch delivery systems.
• the appropriate dosage ("therapeutically effective amount") ofthe protein will depend, for example, on the condition to be treated, the severity and course ofthe condition, whether the protein is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previous therapy, the patient's clinical history and response to the protein, the type of protein used, and the discretion ofthe attending physician.
• the protein is suitably administered to the patient at one time or over a series of treatments and may be administered to the patient at any time from diagnosis onwards.
• the protein may be administered as the sole treatment or in conjunction with other drugs or therapies useful in treating the condition in question.
• the protein of choice is an antibody
• from about 0.1-20 mg/kg is an initial candidate dosage for administration to the patient, whether, for example, by one or more separate administrations.
• other dosage regimens may be useful. The progress of this therapy is easily monitored by conventional techniques.
• an anti-HER2 antibody In the case of an anti-HER2 antibody, a therapeutically effective amount of the antibody may be administered to treat or prevent cancer characterized by overexpression ofthe HER2 receptor. It is contemplated that a reconstituted formulation of the anti-HER2 antibody may be used to treat breast, ovarian, stomach, endometrial, salivary gland, lung, kidney, colon and/or bladder cancer. For example, the anti-HER2 antibody may be used to treat ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). Exemplary dosages of the anti-HER2 antibody are in the range 1-10 mg/kg by one or more separate administrations.
• an anti-IgE formulation include the treatment or prophylaxis of IgE-mediated allergic diseases, parasitic infections, interstitial cystitis and asthma, for example.
• a therapeutically effective amount e.g. from about 1-15 mg/kg
• the anti-IgE antibody is administered to the patient.
• an article of manufacture which contains the lyophilized formulation ofthe present invention and provides instructions for its reconstitution and/or use.
• the article of manufacture comprises a container. Suitable containers include, for example, bottles. vials (e.g. dual chamber vials), syringes (such as dual chamber syringes) and test tubes.
• the container may be formed from a variety of materials such as glass or plastic.
• the container holds the lyophilized formulation and the label on, or associated with, the container may indicate directions for reconstitution and/or use.
• the label may indicate that the lyophilized formulation is reconstituted to protein concentrations as described above.
• the label may further indicate that the formulation is useful or intended for subcutaneous administration.
• the container holding the formulation may be a multi-use vial, which allows for repeat administrations (e.g. from 2-6 administrations) ofthe reconstituted formulation.
• the article of manufacture may further comprise a second container comprising a suitable diluent (e.g. BWFI). Upon mixing ofthe diluent and the lyophilized formulation, the final protein concentration in the reconstituted formulation will generally be at least 50 mg/mL.
• the article of manufacture may further include other materials desirable from a commercial and user standpoint, including other buffers, diluents, filters, needles, syringes, and package inserts with instructions for use.
• HER2 Overexpression ofthe HER2 proto-oncogene product has been associated with a variety of aggressive human malignancies.
• the murine monoclonal antibody known as muMAb4D5 is directed against
• HER2 the extracellular domain (ECD) of p 185 .
• the muMAb4D5 molecule has been humanized in an attempt to improve its clinical efficacy by reducing immunogenicity and allowing it to support human effector functions (see WO 92/22653).
• This example describes the development ofa lyophilized formulation comprising full length humanized antibody huMAb4D5-8 described in WO 92/22653.
• excipients and buffers are initially screened by measuring the stability ofthe protein after lyophilization and reconstitution.
• the lyophilized protein in each formulation is also subjected to accelerated stability studies to determine the potential stability ofthe protein over its shelf-life. These accelerated studies are usually performed at temperatures above the proposed storage conditions and the data are then used to estimate the activation energy for the degradation reactions assuming A ⁇ henius kinetics (Cleland et al, Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems 10(4): 307-377 ( 1993)).
• the activation energy is then used to calculate the expected shelf-life ofthe protein formulation at the proposed storage conditions.
• rhuMAb HER2 humanized anti-HER2 antibody
• 5°C proposed storage condition
• 40° C accelerated stability condition
• rhuMAb HER2 was observed to degrade by deamidation (30Asn of light chain) and isoaspartate formation via a cyclic imide intermediate, succinimide (102Asp of heavy chain).
• the deamidation was minimized at pH 5.0 resulting in degradation primarily at the succinimide.
• pH 6.0 slightly greater deamidation was observed in the liquid protein formulation.
• the lyophilized formulations were therefore studied with: (a) 5 or 10 mM succinate buffer, pH 5.0 or (b) 5 or 10 mM histidine buffer, pH 6.0. Both buffers contained the surfactant, polysorbate 20 (Tween 20TM), which was employed to reduce the potential for aggregation ofthe reconstituted protein and minimize the formation of particulates after reconstitution. These buffers were used with and without various sugars. The protein was formulated in the buffer at 5.0.21.0 or 25.0 mg/mL. These formulations were then lyophilized and assessed for protein stability after 2 weeks at 5° C and 40° C. In the lyophilizer.
• the vials were frozen at a shelf temperature of-55°C for approximately 5 hours followed by primary drying at a shelf temperature of 5° C and 150 mTo ⁇ for 30 hours, and drying to 1-2% residual moisture was achieved with secondary drying at a shelf temperature of 20°C for 10 hours.
• the major degradation route for this protein upon lyophilization was aggregation, and therefore the protein stability was assessed by native size exclusion chromatography to measure the recovery of intact native protein (% intact protein in Table 2 below).
• the 250 mM trehalose and 250 mM lactose formulations were assessed for long term stability. After 9 months at 40° C or 12 months at 5° C, there was no change in the % intact protein for the trehalose formulation. For the lactose formulation, the % intact protein remained constant (same as initial) after 3 months at 40° C or 6 months at25°C.
• the trehalose formulation could be stored at controlled room temperature (15-30°C) for 2 years without a significant change in % intact protein.
• the 10 mM histidine, pH 6.0 formulation with mannitol contained less aggregated protein after storage at 40°C for 2 weeks than the 10 mM succinate formulation. pH 5.0 with mannitol. This result may be related to some stabilizing effect contributed by histidine alone. After storage at 40° C for 2 weeks, there was, however, significant aggregation for histidine alone or histidine/mannitol formulations. The addition of sucrose at an equal mass to mannitol (10 mg/mL of each) in the histidine formulation stabilized the protein against aggregation for both storage conditions.
• sucrose/glycine formulation provided the same stability as the sucrose/mannitol formulation.
• the fraction of intact protein was measured by native size exclusion HPLC and the peak area ofthe native protein relative to the total peak area including aggregates (TSK3000 SW XL column, TosoHaas. with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min; elution with phosphate buffered saline: detection at 214 and 280 nm).
• the protein formulations were analyzed before lyophilization (liquid, 5° C) and after lyophilization and storage at 5° C or 40° C for 2 weeks.
• Formulations containing 5 mg/mL protein were reconstituted with distilled water (20 mL, 5.0 mg/mL protein), and formulations containing 21 mg/mL protein were reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI, 0.9%) benzyl alcohol; 20 mL, 20 mg/mL protein).
• the lyophilization process may provide a method to allow concentration of the protein.
• the protein is filled into vials at a volume (Vf) and then lyophilized.
• the lyophilized protein is then reconstituted with a smaller volume (Vr) ofwater or preservative (e.g. BWFI) than the original volume (e.g. Vr
• the solution is desirably isotonic.
• the amount of trehalose in the lyophilized rhuMAb HER2 was reduced to produce an isotonic solution upon reconstitution to yield 100 mg/mL protein.
• the stabilizing effect of trehalose was determined as a function of concentration for 5 mM sodium succinate, pH 5.0 and 5 mM histidine, pH 6.0 at 25.0 mg mL protein (Table 3). At trehalose concentrations from 60 to 200 mM. there was no significant aggregation after incubation ofthe lyophilized protein for 4 weeks at 40° C. These formulations were reconstituted with 20 mL of bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI. USP, 0.9% benzyl alcohol).
• the fraction of intact protein was measured by native size exclusion HPLC and defined as the peak area ofthe native protein relative to the total peak area including aggregates (TSK3000 SW XL column. TosoHaas, with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min; elution with phosphate buffered saline; detection at 214 and 280 nm).
• the protein formulations were analyzed before lyophilization (liquid, 5°C) and after lyophilization and storage at 5°C or40°C for 4 weeks.
• Formulations were reconstituted with bacteriostatic water for injection (BWFI, USP, 0.9% w/w benzyl alcohol; 20 mL, 22 mg/mL protein).
• BWFI bacteriostatic water for injection
• b Reconstituted with 4 mL of BWFI (0.9% benzyl alcohol) to yield 100 mg/mL protein.
• c Reconstituted with 4 mL of BWFI (1.1% benzyl alcohol) to yield 100 mg/mL protein.
• Sample incubated for 2 weeks at 5°C or 40° C and then reconstituted with 20 mL of BWFI (0.9% benzyl alcohol) to yield 22 mg/mL protein.
• rhuMAb HER2 is under investigation as a therapeutic for the treatment of breast cancer.
• the protein is dosed to patients at 2 mg/kg on a weekly basis. Since the average weight of these patients is 65 kg, the average weekly dose is 130 mg of rhuMAb HER2.
• the protein concentration for a weekly subcutaneous administration of rhuMAb HER2 may be approximately 100 mg/mL (130 mg average dose/1.5 mL). As mentioned above, this high protein concentration is difficult to manufacture and maintain in a stable form.
• rhuMAb HER2 formulated in: (a) 5 mM sodium succinate, pH 5.0 or (b) 5 mM histidine, pH 6.0, was lyophilized at 25 mg/mL protein in 60 M trehalose, 0.01% Tween 20TM. The lyophilization was performed by filling 18 mL ofthe protein formulation into 50 cc vials. In the lyophilizer, the vials were frozen at a shelf temperature of -55°C for approximately 5 hours followed by primary drying at a shelf temperature of 5°C and 150 mTo ⁇ for 30 hours, and drying to 1-2% residual moisture was achieved with secondary drying at a shelf temperature of 20° C for 10 hours.
• the lyophilized protein was then reconstituted with either 4 or 20 mL of BWFI (0.9 or 1.1% benzyl alcohol) to yield concentrated protein solutions:
• the amount of aggregated protein appeared to increase slightly with decreasing trehalose concentration.
• the stability ofthe lyophilized protein was not affected by the volume of reconstitution.
• the amount of intact protein after incubation of the lyophilized protein at 40° C was the same for the 60 mM trehalose, 5 mM sodium succinate, pH 5.0, 0.01% Tween 20TM formulation reconstituted with either 4 or 20 mL of BWFI.
• the 250 mM trehalose formulation was unchanged after 6 months at 40° C while both the 60 mM trehalose formulations were less stable.
• the 60 mM trehalose formulations may then require refrigerated storage if the product specification at the end of its shelf-life is, for example, >98% intact protein by native size exclusion chromatography.
• sucrose was also observed to prevent aggregation of rhuMAb HER2 after lyophilization and subsequent storage.
• sucrose concentration must be reduced significantly.
• the equal mass concentration of sucrose and mannitol (bulking agent) used in the screening studies prevented aggregation ofthe protein.
• a lower concentration of sucrose and mannitol (equal mass concentrations) was chosen as a potential subcutaneous formulation of rhuMAb HER2.
• the protein solution 25 mg/mL protein, 5 mM histidine, pH 6.0. 38.4 mM (7 mg/mL) mannitol.
• the stability ofthe lyophilized rhuMAb HER2 formulations was dete ⁇ nined as a function of temperature.
• These studies demonstrated that the trehalose and mannitol/sucrose formulations prevented degradation of the protein in the lyophilized state at high temperatures (40° C).
• these experiments did not address the stability ofthe protein after reconstitution and storage.
• the lyophilized rhuMAb HER2 formulations may be used for several administrations of the drug.
• the vial configuration 450 mg rhuMAb HER2
• the vial may be stored at least three weeks after reconstitution.
• stability studies on the reconstituted rhuMAb HER2 formulations were performed at 5°C and 25° C.
• the formulations were reconstituted to 100 mg/mL (4 mL BWFI).
• the protein may be more susceptible to aggregation than the intravenous dosage form that was reconstituted to 22 mg/mL protein (20 mL BWFI).
• the four rhuMAb HER2 formulations from the previous example were assessed for aggregation (loss of intact protein).
• the samples were reconstituted with 4.0 or 20.0 mL of BWFI (1.1% or 0.9% benzyl alcohol), and then stored at 5°C or 25 °C.
• rhuMAb HER2 the major degradation route for rhuMAb HER2 in aqueous solutions is deamidation or succinimide formation.
• the loss of native protein due to deamidation or succinimide formation was assessed for the four reconstituted rhuMAb HER2 formulations.
• Peak elution was monitored at 214 nm and 75 ⁇ g of protein was loaded for each analysis.
• Multi-use formulations should pass preservative efficacy testing as described by the US Pharmacopeia (USP) for use in the United States.
• USP US Pharmacopeia
• the rhuMAb HER2 lyophilized formulation consisting of 25 mg/mL protein, 5 mM histidine, pH 6.0, 60 M trehalose, 0.01% Tween 20TM was reconstituted with 20 mL of benzyl alcohol at concentrations between 0.9 and 1.5% w/w. For concentrations at or above 1.3% w/w, the reconstituted solution became cloudy after overnight incubation at room temperature ( ⁇ 25 °C). Reconstitution with the standard BWFI solution (0.9% benzyl alcohol) resulted in a solution that did not consistently pass the preservative challenge tests.
• a single step lyophilization cycle for the rhuMAb HER2 formulation was developed .
• rhuMAb HER2 at 25 mg/mL, 60 mM trehalose, 5 mM histidine pH 6 and 0.01% polysorbate 20 was lyophilized at a shelf temperature of 20° C. and a pressure of 150 mTo ⁇ . After 47 hours. the residual moisture content ofthe lyophilized cake was less than 5%.
• This lyophilization cycle is considered to be useful in that it simplifies the manufacturing process, by eliminating the secondary drying step.
• IgE antibodies bind to specific high-affinity receptors on mast cells, leading to mast ceil degranulation and release of mediators, such as histamine, which produce symptoms associated with allergy.
• mediators such as histamine
• anti-IgE antibodies that block binding of IgE to its high-affinity receptor are of potential therapeutic value in the treatment of allergy.
• These antibodies must also not bind to IgE once it is bound to the receptor because this would trigger histamine release.
• This example describes the development of a lyophilized formulation comprising full length humanized anti-IgE antibody MaEl 1 described in Presta et al. J. Immunology, 151 : 2623-2632 (1993).
• rhuMAb E25 recombinant humanized anti-IgE antibody MaE 11
• Tween 20TM was used in the formulations described below.
• Spectra/Por 7 dialysis membranes were purchased from Spectmm (Los Angeles, CA). All other reagents used in this study were obtained from commercial sources and were of analytical grade.
• Formulation buffers and chromatography mobile phase were prepared by mixing the appropriate amount of buffer and salt with Milli-Q water in a volumetric flask.
• E25 S Sepharose pool was dialyzed into formulation buffers as specified. Dialysis was accomplished by a minimum of 4 x 2L buffer exchanges over a 48 hour period at 2-8° C. Following dialysis, lyoprotectant was added at a isotonic concentration to some of the formulations as required. Protein concentration following dialysis was determined by UV spectroscopy using a molar absorptivity of 1.60. The dialyzed protein was diluted to the predetermined formulation concentration with an appropriate formulation buffer, sterile filtered using a 0.22 ⁇ m Millex-GV filter (Millipore) and dispensed into pre-washed and autoclaved glass vials.
• Millex-GV filter Millex-GV filter
• F(ab') 2 fragments of the E25 antibody were chromatographed using a TosoHaas Butyl-NPR column (3.5 x 4.6 mm) and a Hewlett Packard 1090L HPLC equipped with a diode array detector.
• Elution buffer A was: 20 mM Tris, 2 M ammonium sulfate, 20% (v/v) glycerol, pH 8.0 while elution buffer B was: 20 mM Tris, 20% (v/v) glycerol, pH 8.0.
• the column was equilibrated with 10% elution buffer B at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min for a minimum of 20 minutes.
• the sample load was 5 ⁇ g and protein was detected by monitoring the UV abso ⁇ tion at 214 nm using Turbochrom 3 data acquisition software (PE Nelson, Inc). Following injection ofthe sample, the column was maintained at 10% buffer B for 1 minute followed by a linear gradient of from 10% to 62% buffer B in 20 minutes. The column was washed with 100% buffer B for 5 minutes and re-equilibrated with 10% buffer B for a minimum of 20 minutes between successive sample injections.
• IgE receptor binding inhibition assay (IE25:2) was ca ⁇ ied out as described in Presta et al, supra, on samples diluted to 20 ⁇ g/mL and 30 ⁇ g/mL in assay diluent (phosphate buffered saline, 0.5% BSA, 0.05% polysorbate 20. 0.01% Thimerosol). Each dilution was then assayed in triplicate and the results were multiplied by an appropriate dilution factor to yield an active concentration. The results from 6 assays were averaged. The assay measures the ability of rhuMAb E25 to competitively bind to
• Particulate Assay Reconstituted vials of lyophilized rhuMAb E25 were pooled to achieve a volume of approximately 7 mL. A count ofthe number of particles of size ranging from 2 to 80 ⁇ m present in 1 mL of sample was determined using a Hiac/Royco model 8000 counter. The counter was first washed with 1 mL of sample three times followed by the measurement of 1 mL of sample in triplicate. The instrument determines the number of particles per mL that are equal to or greater than 10 ⁇ m and the number of particles per mL that are equal to or greater than 25 ⁇ m.
• the first step in the development of a formulation for the anti-IgE antibody was to determine a suitable buffer and pH for lyophilization and storage ofthe product.
• Antibody at a concentration of 5.0 mg/mL was formulated into 10 M succinate buffers ranging from pH 5.0 to pH 6.5 and into sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate and histidine buffers at pH 7.0.
• Figure 9 shows increased antibody aggregate was observed in the higher pH formulations both before and after lyophilization.
• An exception was the histidine formulation at pH 7, where no increase in aggregate was observed upon storage at 2-8° C.
• Figure 10 shows rhuMAb E25 lyophilized in 5 mM histidine buffer at both pH 6 and pH 7 and stored for 1 year at 2-8° C. 25° C, and 40° C.
• the pH 6 formulation had less aggregate than the antibody formulated at pH 7.
• the anti-IgE antibody was formulated into sodium succinate at pH 5 with or without a lyoprotectant.
• non-reducing monosaccharide i.e. mannitol
• reducing disaccharides i.e. lactose and maltose
• non-reducing disaccharides i.e. trehalose and sucrose.
• Hydrophobic interaction chromatography ofthe antibody formulated in histidine buffer at pH 6 with lactose shows the antibody is altered following storage for 6 months at 40° C ( Figure 13).
• the chromatography peaks are broadened and the retention time decreases. These changes are not observed with the buffer control and sucrose formulations stored under similar conditions as shown in Figures 14 and 15, respectively.
• isoelectric focusing showed an acidic shift in the pi ofthe antibody formulated in lactose and stored at 25° C and 40° C. This indicates that reducing sugars are not suitable as lyoprotectants for the antibody.
• Isotonic formulation Anti-IgE at 25 mg/mL formulated in 5 mM histidine buffer at pH 6 with 500 moles of sugar per mole antibody which equals a sugar concentration of 85 mM. This formulation is reconstituted with BWFI (0.9% benzyl alcohol) at a volume which is four times less than was filled. This results in a 100 mg/mL of antibody in 20 mM histidine at pH 6 with an isotonic sugar concentration of 340 mM.
• Hypertonic formulation Anti-IgE at 25 mg/mL formulated in 5 M histidine buffer at pH 6 with 1000 moles of sugar per mole antibody which equals a sugar concentration of 161 mM. This formulation is reconstituted with BWFI (0.9% benzyl alcohol) at a volume which is four times less than was filled. This results in a 100 mg/mL of antibody in 20 mM histidine at pH 6 with a hypertonic sugar concentration of 644 mM.
• BWFI 0.9% benzyl alcohol
• IgE receptor inhibition assay It was discovered that the binding activity ofthe isotonic and hypertonic sucrose and trehalose formulations was essentially unchanged following storage at -70° C, 2-8° C, 30° C and 50° C for up to 36 weeks.
• Lyophilized formulations of proteins are known to contain insoluble aggregates or particulates (Cleland et al. Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems, 10 (4):307-377 (1993)). Accordingly, a particulate assay of antibody lyophilized at a concentration of 25 mg/mL in 5 mM histidine, pH 6 with the addition of 85 mM and 161 mM sucrose and trehalose was performed. Polysorbate 20 was added to the formulations at a concentration of 0.005%, 0.01%, and 0.02%. Samples were lyophilized and assayed following reconstitution to 100 mg/mL antibody in 20 mM histidine, pH 6 with 340 mM and 644 mM sugar. The polysorbate 20 concentration following reconstitution was 0.02%. 0.04%. and 0.08%.
• Table 9 shows the number of particles of size equal to or greater than 10 ⁇ m and equal to or greater than 25 ⁇ m from the isotonic and hypertonic sucrose and trehalose formulations.
• Polysorbate 20 was added to the formulations at concentrations of 0.005%. 0.01%, and 0.02% prior to lyophilization. The results show that the addition of TweenTM to the formulation significantly reduces the number of particles in each size range tested.
• the US Pharmacopeia (USP) specification for small volume injections are not more than 6,000 particles of greater than or equal to 10 ⁇ m and not more than 600 particles of greater than or equal to 25 ⁇ m per container (Cleland et al, supra). With the addition of polysorbate 20, both the hypertonic and isotonic formulations pass this specification.
• a 10 cc vial is filled with 5.7 L of rhuMAb E25 at a concentration of 25 mg/mL formulated in 5 mM histidine at pH 6.0 with 0.01% polysorbate 20.
• Sucrose is added as a lyoprotectant at a concentration of 85 mM which co ⁇ esponds to a molar ratio of sugar to antibody of 500 to 1.
• the vial is lyophilized and reconstituted with 0.9% benzyl alcohol to one quarter ofthe volume ofthe fill or 1.2 mL.
• the final concentration of components in the formulation is increased four fold to 100 mg/mL rhuMAb E25 in 20 mM histidine at pH 6 with 0.04% polysorbate 20 and 340 mM sucrose (isotonic) and 0.9% benzyl alcohol.
• the formulation contains histidine buffer at pH 6 because of its demonstrated protective effect on antibody aggregation.
• Sucrose was added as the lyoprotectant because of previous use in the pharmaceutical industry.
• the concentration of sugar was chosen to result in an isotonic formulation upon reconstitution.
• polysorbate 20 is added to prevent the formation of insoluble aggregates.

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