Encapsulation and stabilization of nerve growth factor into poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid microspheres.

The development of a stable sustained-release formulation of recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) for the treatment of neuronal diseases is described. The protein was encapsulated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres using a spray freeze drying technique. Liquid nitrogen and cold ethanol were used to spray-freeze-dry solid rhNGF that had been suspended in a solution of PLGA dissolved in ethyl acetate. When excipients such as sugar (trehalose), surfactant (pluronic F68), and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were added to the PLGA formulation to protect rhNGF from degradation during spray freeze drying, the protein degraded via aggregation during in vitro release. The formation of an insoluble rhNGF-zinc complex prior to encapsulation into PLGA microspheres stabilized the protein during both microencapsulation and release. In this study, we have demonstrated that the addition of zinc acetate in a 1:12 rhNGF-to-zinc acetate molar ratio in a solid rhNGF formulation (4 mM sodium bicarbonate at pH 7.4) improves stability of rhNGF during release at 37 degrees C (physiological temperature). The stabilization may be due to rhNGF complexation with zinc to form stable aggregates. The PLGA formulation consisting of 10% rhNGF encapsulated in 12 kDa PLGA (50:50 lactide/glycolide) provided a continuous release of 14 days. The low initial burst (approximately 1%) and controlled-release rate were achieved by the addition of 3 or 6% solid zinc carbonate to the polymer phase during microencapsulation.

Sustained release of recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I for treatment of diabetes.

Recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I (rhIGF-I) was found to improve glycemic control and enhance insulin sensitivity in patients with a syndrome of severe insulin resistance. Therefore, the protein may be considered as an alternative therapy in the treatment of diabetes when the patients become insensitive to insulin treatment. Because the protein was administered twice per day in the clinical trials, a sustained release polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) formulation for rhIGF-I with low initial burst (<20%), maximum possible protein loading (15-20%) and a continuous release of 1-2 weeks may provide greater patient convenience and compliance. The protein was encapsulated in PLGA for sustained release using a spray freeze-drying technique. Formulation parameters such as protein loading, polymer end group, and the presence of zinc carbonate were studied for their effects on in vitro release of rhIGF-I from PLGA microspheres. As the protein loading was increased, the initial burst increased. Due to the hydrophilic properties of the polymers, rhIGF-I encapsulated in unblocked PLGA (free acid end groups) gave a lower initial burst and a more steady-state release profile than the blocked PLGA (hydrocarbon end groups) with the same protein loading and PLGA molecular weight. At 15% w/w protein loading, the addition of 6% w/w zinc carbonate as a protein release modifier to the unblocked PLGA (12 kDa) decreased the initial burst of rhIGF-I. Therefore, a formulation consisting of 15% rhIGF-I and 6% zinc carbonate in 12 kDa, unblocked 50:50 PLGA can provide the required release characteristics in vitro. Rat studies revealed that rhIGF-I in this formulation was released in vivo at a rate which was comparable to that observed in vitro. These studies demonstrate the potential for a sustained release, 14-day formulation for rhIGF-I.

Antioxidants for prevention of methionine oxidation in recombinant monoclonal antibody HER2.

Recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody HER2, rhuMAb HER2, in liquid formulations undergoes oxidation when exposed to intense light and elevated temperatures (30 & 40 degrees C). Met-255 in the heavy chain of the Fc region of the antibody is the primary site of oxidation. Met-431 of the Fc fragment can also be oxidized under extreme conditions. The amount of oxidation was determined by cleaving the Fab and Fc fragments by papain digestion, and the oxidized Fc fragment was detected by hydrophobic interaction chromatography. Oxidation of rhuMAb HER2 was also formulation dependent. The presence of NaCl in the rhuMAb HER2 formulation caused an increase in oxidation at higher temperatures after contact with stainless steel containers or stainless steel components in the filling process. The corrosion of stainless steel by chloride ions at the low pH of the formulation buffer generated iron ions that catalyzed methionine oxidation in rhuMAb HER2. Temperature-induced oxidation of rhuMAb HER2 occurred by the formation of free radicals, and light-induced oxidation of rhuMAb HER2 occurred via single oxygen pathway. Antioxidants, such as methionine, sodium thiosulfate, catalase, or platinum, prevented Met oxidation in rhuMAb HER2, presumably as free radicals or oxygen scavengers. The minimum effective levels (molar ratios of protein to antioxidant) required to inhibit temperature-induced oxidation were 1:5 and 1:25 for methionine and thiosulfate, respectively. A thiosulfate adduct of rhuMAb HER2 was observed by cation-exchange chromatography. These studies demonstrate that stoichiometric amounts of methionine and thiosulfate are sufficient to eliminate temperature-induced oxidation of rhuMAb HER2 caused by free radicals that were generated by the presence of metal ion and peroxide impurities in the formulation.

The effect of benzyl alcohol on recombinant human interferon-gamma.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to investigate the conformational change and aggregation of recombinant human interferon-gamma (rhIFN-gamma) as a result of interaction between benzyl alcohol and the protein. The effects of buffer concentration, buffer species, ionic strength, rhIFN-gamma and benzyl alcohol concentrations on the dynamics of the interaction in liquid formulations were also examined. METHODS: The effect of benzyl alcohol on the secondary and tertiary structure of rhIFN-gamma in succinate and acetate buffers was studied using far-UV and near-UV circular dichroism spectrophotometry, respectively. Dynamic light scattering was employed to detect aggregate formation due to the interaction of benzyl alcohol with rhIFN-gamma. RESULTS: The addition of benzyl alcohol at 0.9% (w/v) in various liquid rhIFN-gamma formulations induced changes in circular dichroism (CD) spectra of the protein in the near-UV region, while the CD spectra in the far-UV region remained unaltered. There were gradual decreases in ellipticity with time throughout the near-UV CD spectra. The decreases in near-UV ellipticity induced by benzyl alcohol were accompanied by the formation of high molecular weight aggregates as measured by dynamic light scattering. Loss in near-UV ellipticity was accelerated at lower protein concentration and by increasing buffer or benzyl alcohol concentration. It was also faster in succinate than in acetate buffer. Formulation ionic strength did not affect the CD spectral changes in both the near- and far-UV regions. CONCLUSIONS: Interaction between benzyl alcohol and rhIFN-gamma is formulation dependent. Protein concentration, buffer species, buffer concentration, and preservative concentration play a significant role in determining the extent of the interaction and consequently the stability of the product.

Stability and activity of alteplase with injectable drugs commonly used in cardiac therapy.

The stability, activity, and compatibility of alteplase with eight drugs frequently used in cardiovascular disease were studied. Alteplase 1 mg/mL was mixed with each of the following: heparin sodium 80 units/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection, dobutamine 10 mg/mL (as the hydrochloride salt) in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection, dopamine hydrochloride 1.6 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection, morphine sulfate 2 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection, lidocaine hydrochloride 8 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection, propranolol hydrochloride 1 mg/mL, metoprolol tartrate 1 mg/mL, or nitroglycerin 0.8 mg/mL in 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection. Each mixture was assayed immediately and after storage for 24 hours at 25 degrees C; mixtures containing heparin were also assayed at 4 hours. The alteplase concentration and percentage of the single-chain molecule in each mixture were analyzed by using size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Alteplase bioactivity was determined by a clot-lysis assay. Drug concentrations were assayed by HPLC, pH values of the mixtures were determined, and the mixtures were visually inspected. Instability was defined as a > 10% decrease in concentration; inactivity was defined as a > 10% decrease in activity; incompatibility was defined as detection of a precipitate, opalescence, or color change. Alteplase was not stable in the presence of heparin sodium, morphine sulfate, or dobutamine and was not active in the presence of dopamine hydrochloride. Alteplase was compatible with and stable and active (in vitro) in the presence of lidocaine hydrochloride, propranolol hydrochloride, metoprolol tartrate, or nitroglycerin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)