Octanorm [cutaquig®], a new immunoglobulin (human) subcutaneous 16.5% solution for injection (165 mg/mL) - Biochemical characterization, pathogen safety, and stability.

Octanorm (marketed as cutaquig® in Canada and US [2018] and registered in several European countries [2019]) is a new immunoglobulin subcutaneous 16.5% liquid for the treatment of patients with primary immune deficiency (PID) and secondary immune deficiency (SID) depending on country's specific indications. Octanorm contains ≥96% human IgG and is characterized by especially low concentrations of polymers and aggregates, IgA and IgM, a physiological osmolality along with a low isoagglutinin titer. The Octanorm manufacturing process is based on the well-established IVIG octagam® 5% and 10% process, but yields a higher immunoglobulin concentration of 16.5% in the final product. Octanorm shows a distribution of immunoglobulin G subclasses closely proportional to native human plasma and comprises a broad spectrum of antibodies against infectious agents. Potential procoagulant activity is not detectable. IgG functionality and physico-chemical integrity have been demonstrated by state-of-the-art-methods. The virus safety of Octanorm is ensured via a combination of three validated independent methods as part of the manufacturing process. Substantial prion depletion during the manufacturing process has also been demonstrated. Compared with other commercially available subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIG) 20% products, Octanorm 16.5% shows a lower viscosity, which is a valuable feature that allows for a more comfortable infusion experience.

Inactivation of Zika virus by solvent/detergent treatment of human plasma and other plasma-derived products and pasteurization of human serum albumin.

BACKGROUND: In 2016 the World Health Organization declared the mosquito-borne Zika virus (ZIKV) a "public health emergency of international concern." ZIKV is a blood-borne pathogen, which therefore causes concerns regarding the safety of human plasma-derived products due to potential contamination of the blood supply. This study investigated the effectiveness of viral inactivation steps used during the routine manufacturing of various plasma-derived products to reduce ZIKV infectivity. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Human plasma and intermediates from the production of various plasma-derived products were spiked with ZIKV and subjected to virus inactivation using the identical techniques (either solvent/detergent [S/D] treatment or pasteurization) and conditions used for the actual production of the respective products. Samples were taken and the viral loads measured before and after inactivation. RESULTS: After S/D treatment of spiked intermediates of the plasma-derived products Octaplas(LG), Octagam, and Octanate, the viral loads were below the limit of detection in all cases. The mean log reduction factor (LRF) was at least 6.78 log for Octaplas(LG), at least 7.00 log for Octagam, and at least 6.18 log for Octanate after 60, 240, and 480 minutes of S/D treatment, respectively. For 25% human serum albumin (HSA), the mean LRF for ZIKV was at least 7.48 log after pasteurization at 60°C for 120 minutes. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the commonly used virus inactivation processes utilized during the production of human plasma and plasma-derived products, namely, S/D treatment or pasteurization, are effective for inactivation of ZIKV.