PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING ANTI-BETA-AMYLOI ANTIBODIES

Description

Field

[0001] The present application relates generally to pharmaceutical compositions comprising anti-beta amyloid (Aβ) antibodies and uses thereof.Background

[0002] Aβ is a peptide generated from the metabolism of amyloid precursor protein (APP). Several Aβ peptide alloforms exist (e.g., Aβ40 and Aβ42). These monomeric peptides have a variable tendency to aggregate into higher order dimers and oligomers. Through a process of fibrillogenesis, soluble oligomers may transition into insoluble deposits having a β pleated sheet structure. These deposits are also referred to as amyloid plaques and are composed of predominantly fibrillar amyloid (Hampel et al., Exp Neurol., 223(2):334-46 (2010); Gregory and Halliday, Neurotox Res., 7(1-2):29-41 (2005)). Both soluble and fibrillar forms of Aβ appear to contribute to disease process in disorders characterized by deposition of Aβ such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) (Meyer-Luehmann, J Neurosci., 29(40):12636-40 (2009); Hock, Dialogues Clin Neurosci., 5(1):27-33 (2003); Selkoe, Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol., 3(7). pii: a004457 (2011)).

[0003] AD patients having high serum titers of anti-Aβ antibodies that recognize amyloid plaques have slower rates of cognitive decline and disability as compared to patients that do not have anti-Aβ antibodies. Moreover, patients who develop high titers of anti-Aβ antibodies show reduced numbers of brain Aβ plaques and improved cognitive performance assessed after long-term follow up. These clinical data suggest that AD patients treated with anti-Aβ antibodies in a passive immunotherapy paradigm are likely to show reduced cognitive impairment, a lower density of brain Aβ deposits, and reduced rates of cognitive deterioration.

[0004] The anti-Aβ antibody, BIIB037, is a fully human antibody comprising a glycosylated human IgG1 heavy chain and a human kappa light chain. Recombinantly expressed BIIB037 binds with high apparent affinity to high molecular weight aggregates, presumably fibrils, of human Aβ. By immunohistochemistry, BHB037 shows high affinity binding to Aβ plaques in human AD brain and in brain tissues derived from human APP-expressing transgenic mice. The affinity and specificity of BIIB037 for high molecular weight aggregates of human Aβ was confirmed by immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. In Tg2576 AD transgenic mice, BIIB037 treatment results in measurable drug levels in brain as assessed by ELISA. Following administration of BIIB037 in Tg2576 mice, immunoreactivity for BIIB037 was observed in association with brain parenchymal and vascular amyloid deposits, suggesting that BIIB037 enters brain parenchyma and binds to its target. It is believed that systemically administered anti-Aβ antibodies such as BIIB037 enter the brain, bind to deposits of Aβ, and trigger their clearance from the brain by Fc receptor dependent mechanisms. Antibody-mediated removal of Aβ from the brain is hypothesized to decrease Aβ burden, thereby preventing neuronal dysfunction, slowing the progression of pathology and reducing the rate of cognitive decline in AD.Summary

[0005] This disclosure relates, in part, to pharmaceutical compositions containing anti-Aβ antibody as defined in the claims and their use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

[0006] In one aspect, the disclosure features a pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-beta amyloid (Aβ) antibody at a concentration of 75 mg / ml to 225 mg / ml; arginine hydrochloride (Arg.HCl) at a concentration of 150 mM; methionine at a concentration of 10 mM; histidine at a concentration of 20 mM; and Polysorbate-80 (PS80) at a concentration of 0.01% to 0.1%, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 5.2 to 6.2; wherein the anti-Aβ antibody comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain and an immunoglobulin light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10.

[0007] Any reference to a method of treatment practised on the human or animal body is to be understood as the compositions for use in such methods.

[0008] The anti-Aβ antibody comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain and an immunoglobulin comprising the amino acid sequences of BIIB037 as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10, respectively. light chain The six CDRs of BIIB037 consist of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:1; SEQ ID NO:2; SEQ ID NO:3; SEQ ID NO:4; SEQ ID NO:5; and SEQ ID NO:6.

[0009] The composition comprises the anti-Aβ antibody or Aβ-binding fragment thereof at a concentration of 75 mg / ml to 225 mg / ml. The composition may comprise the anti-Aβ antibody or Aβ-binding fragment thereof at a concentration of 75 mg / ml to 165 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises the anti-Aβ antibody or Aβ-binding fragment thereof at a concentration of 150 mg / ml. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises the anti-Aβ antibody or Aβ-binding fragment thereof at a concentration of 100 mg / ml.

[0010] The composition comprises Arg.HCl at a concentration of 150 mM.

[0011] The composition further comprises Polysorbate-80 (PS80) at a concentration of 0.01% to 0.1%. In some embodiments, the composition comprises PS80 at a concentration of 0.03% to 0.08%. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises PS80 at a concentration of 0.05%.

[0012] The composition comprises histidine at a concentration of 20 mM.

[0013] The composition comprises methionine at a concentration of 10 mM.

[0014] The composition may further comprise sucrose. The composition may comprise sucrose at a concentration of 0.01% to 5%. The composition may comprise sucrose at a concentration of 1% to 4%. The composition may comprise sucrose at a concentration of 3%.

[0015] The composition has a pH of 5.2 to 6.2. The composition may have a pH of 5.2 to 6.0. The composition may have a pH of 5.3 to 5.7. The composition may have a pH of 5.5.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises the anti-Aβ antibody at a concentration of 150 mg / ml; Arg.HCl at a concentration of 150 mM; methionine at a concentration of 10 mM; histidine at a concentration of 20 mM; and PS80 at a concentration of 0.05%. This composition has a pH of 5.2 to 6.2. In some cases, this composition has a pH of 5.2 to 6.0. In certain embodiments, the composition has a pH of 5.3 to 5.7. In other embodiments, the composition has a pH of 5.5.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises the anti-Aβ antibody at a concentration of 100 mg / ml; Arg.HCl at a concentration of 150 mM; methionine at a concentration of 10 mM; histidine at a concentration of 20 mM; and PS80 at a concentration of 0.05%. This composition has a pH of 5.2 to 6.2. In some cases, this composition has a pH of 5.2 to 6.0. In certain embodiments, the composition has a pH of 5.3 to 5.7. In other embodiments, the composition has a pH of 5.5.

[0018] The anti-Aβ antibody comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain and an immunoglobulin light chain. The heavy chain comprises or consists of the sequence of SEQ ID NO:9 and the light chain comprises or consists of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.

[0019] In another aspect, the disclosure features a composition as defined herein for use in treating Alzheimer's disease in a human subject in need thereof.

[0020] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is to be administered subcutaneously to the human subject. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is to be administered intravenously to the human subject.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the exemplary methods and materials are described below. In case of conflict, the present application, including definitions, will control. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and from the claims.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023] FIG. 1 is a bar graph depicting the %HMW for the indicated formulations stored at 40°C over 4 weeks. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the %HMW for the indicated formulations stored at 40°C for 6 weeks. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the %HMW trends at varying pH when stored at 25°C + 60% relative humidity. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the %HMW trends for varying excipients when stored at 25°C + 60% relative humidity. FIG. 5 is a bar graph showing the viscosity at 20°C for formulations. FIG. 6 is a bar graph depicting the %HMW results for polysorbate-80 formulations after 72 hours at room temperature. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the effect of the combination of GSH and GSSG on the stability of Aducanumab formulations at 25°C and 60% relative humidity. FIG. 8 is a graph showing the effect of the combination of Cysteine and Cystine on the stability of Aducanumab formulations at 25°C and 60% relative humidity. FIG. 9 is a graph showing that the reduced form of a thiol-containing excipient has the same impact on stability at 25°C and 60% relative humidity as the redox pair. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating that methionine provides limited benefit when combined with GSH on the stability of Aducanumab formulations at 25°C and 60% relative humidity. FIG. 11 is a pair of graphs showing the effect of different antibody concentrations and GSH on stability at 25°C and 60% relative humidity. FIG. 12 is a pair of graphs showing that even low concentrations of GSH can improve HMW stability. FIG. 13 is a graph showing that GSH at 4 mM has the same impact on HMW reduction as GSH from 0.5 mM to 2 mM. FIG. 14 is a pair of graphs showing the effect of increasing methionine on HMW levels at 25 0< C (top) and 40 0< C (bottom). Detailed Description

[0024] This application provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising an anti-beta amyloid (Aβ) antibody at a concentration of 75 mg / ml to 225 mg / ml; arginine hydrochloride (Arg.HCl) at a concentration of 150 mM; methionine at a concentration of 10 mM; histidine at a concentration of 20 mM; and Polysorbate-80 (PS80) at a concentration of 0.01% to 0.1%, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 5.2 to 6.2; wherein the anti-Aβ antibody comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain and an immunoglobulin light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10; and their use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.Amyloid beta (Aβ or Abeta)

[0025] The Aβ peptide is an important risk factor and has a central role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease. Aβ is produced in normal individuals, but under some circumstances, this molecule aggregates leading to disease progression.

[0026] Aβ denotes peptides of 36 to 43 amino acids that are involved in forming amyloid plaques found in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease Similar plaques appear in some variants of Lewy body dementia and in inclusion body myositis. Aβ also forms the aggregates that coat cerebral blood vessels in cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

[0027] The Aβ peptides are formed by cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the enzymes beta secretase and gamma secretase. Aβ molecules can aggregate to form flexible soluble oligomers which may exist in several forms. Several Aβ peptide alloforms exist, Aβ40 and Aβ42. The amino acid sequence of human Amyloid β Peptide (1-40) is provided below: DAEFRHDSGYEVHHQKLVFFAEDVGSNKGAIIGLMVGGVV (SEQ ID NO:11) The amino acid sequence of human Amyloid β Peptide (1-42) is provided below: DAEFRHDSGYEVHHQKLVFFAEDVGSNKGAIIGLMVGGVVIA (SEQ ID NO:12) Soluble oligomeric forms of the Aβ peptide are thought to be causative agents in the development of Alzheimer's disease.Anti-Aβ Antibodies

[0028] The anti-Aβ antibody used in the compositions and methods described herein comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain and an immunoglobulin light chain comprising the amino acid sequences of an antibody referred to as "BIIB037" or as aducanumab as set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and SEQ ID NO:10, respectively.

[0029] BIIB037 is a fully human antibody comprising a glycosylated human IgG1 heavy chain and a human kappa light chain. BIIB037 consists of the mature heavy chain amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:9 and the mature light chain amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:10.

[0030] The VH and VL of BIIB037 have amino acid sequences that are identical to the amino acid sequence of the VH and VL of antibody NI-101.12F6A described in US Patent No. 8,906,367 (see, Tables 2-4). Specifically, antibody BIIB037 has an antigen binding domain comprising VH and VL variable regions depicted in Table 1 (VH) and Table 2 (VL), corresponding complementarity determining regions (CDRs) depicted in Table 3, and heavy and light chains depicted in Table 4 (H) and Table 5 (L). Table 1: Amino acid sequences of the V H region of anti-Aβ antibody BIIB037 (VH CDRs (Kabat definition) underlined).Variable heavy chain sequence Table 2: Amino acid sequences of the V L region of anti-Aβ antibody BIIB037 (VL CDRs (Kabat definition) underlined). Variable light chain sequence (kappa or lambda) Table 3: Denomination of CDR protein sequences in Kabat Nomenclature of V H and V L regions of anti-Aβ antibody BIIB037. CDR Variable heavy chain Variable light chain CDR1SYGMH (SEQ ID NO:1 )RASQSISSYLN (SEQ ID NO:4 )CDR2VIWFDGTKKYYTDSVKGAASSLQS(SEQ ID NO:2 )(SEQ ID NO:5 )CDR3DRGIGARRGPYYMDV (SEQ ID NO:3 )QQSYSTPLT (SEQ ID NO:6 )

[0031] The amino acid sequence of the mature heavy chain of BIIB037 is provided in Table 4 below. Table 4: Amino acid sequences of the heavy chain of anti-Aβ antibody BIIB037 (heavy chain CDRs (Kabat definition) underlined).Heavy chain sequence

[0032] The amino acid sequence of the mature light chain of BIIB037 is provided in Table 5 below. Table 5: Amino acid sequences of the light chain of anti-Aβ antibody BIIB037 (light chain CDRs (Kabat definition) underlined).Light chain sequence

[0033] The anti-Aβ antibody or Aβ-binding fragment thereof may selectively bind to a peptide comprising or consisting of amino acids 1-16 of human Aβ

[0034] The anti-Aβ antibody or Aβ-binding fragments may selectively bind to a peptide comprising or consisting of amino acids 3-6 of human Aβ.

[0035] Antibodies, such as BIIB037 can be made, for example, by preparing and expressing synthetic genes that encode the recited amino acid sequences or by mutating human germline genes to provide a gene that encodes the recited amino acid sequences. Moreover, this antibody and other anti-Aβ antibodies can be produced, e.g., using one or more of the following methods.Methods of Producing Antibodies

[0036] Anti-Aβ antibodies may be produced in bacterial or eukaryotic cells. Some antibodies, e.g., Fab's, can be produced in bacterial cells, e.g., E. coli cells. Antibodies can also be produced in eukaryotic cells such as transformed cell lines (e.g., CHO, 293E, COS). In addition, antibodies (e.g., scFv's) can be expressed in a yeast cell such as Pichia (see, e.g., Powers et al., J Immunol Methods. 251:123-35 (2001)), Hanseula, or Saccharomyces. To produce the antibody of interest, a polynucleotide encoding the antibody is constructed, introduced into an expression vector, and then expressed in suitable host cells. Polynucleotides encoding an anti-Aβ antibody comprising the VH and / or VL, HC and / or LC of the Aβ antibodies described herein would be readily envisioned by the ordinarily skilled artisan. Standard molecular biology techniques are used to prepare the recombinant expression vector, transfect the host cells, select for transformants, culture the host cells and recover the antibody.

[0037] If the anti-Aβ antibodies is to be expressed in bacterial cells (e.g., E. coli), the expression vector should have characteristics that permit amplification of the vector in the bacterial cells. Additionally, when E. coli such as JM109, DH5a, HB101, or XL1-Blue is used as a host, the vector must have a promoter, for example, a lacZ promoter (Ward et al., 341:544-546 (1989), araB promoter (Better et al., Science, 240:1041-1043 (1988)), or T7 promoter that can allow efficient expression in E. coli. Examples of such vectors include, for example, M13-series vectors, pUC-series vectors, pBR322, pBluescript, pCR-Script, pGEX-5X-1 (Pharmacia), "QIAexpress system" (QIAGEN), pEGFP, and pET (when this expression vector is used, the host is preferably BL21 expressing T7 RNA polymerase). The expression vector may contain a signal sequence for antibody secretion. For production into the periplasm of E. coli, the pelB signal sequence (Lei et al., J. Bacteriol., 169:4379 (1987)) may be used as the signal sequence for antibody secretion. For bacterial expression, calcium chloride methods or electroporation methods may be used to introduce the expression vector into the bacterial cell.

[0038] If the antibody is to be expressed in animal cells such as CHO, COS, and NIH3T3 cells, the expression vector includes a promoter necessary for expression in these cells, for example, an SV40 promoter (Mulligan et al., Nature, 277:108 (1979)), MMLV-LTR promoter, EF1α promoter (Mizushima et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 18:5322 (1990)), or CMV promoter. In addition to the nucleic acid sequence encoding the immunoglobulin or domain thereof, the recombinant expression vectors may carry additional sequences, such as sequences that regulate replication of the vector in host cells (e.g., origins of replication) and selectable marker genes. The selectable marker gene facilitates selection of host cells into which the vector has been introduced (see e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,399,216, 4,634,665 and 5,179,017). For example, typically the selectable marker gene confers resistance to drugs, such as G418, hygromycin, or methotrexate, on a host cell into which the vector has been introduced. Examples of vectors with selectable markers include pMAM, pDR2, pBK-RSV, pBK-CMV, pOPRSV, and pOP13.

[0039] Antibodies may be produced in mammalian cells. Exemplary mammalian host cells for expressing an antibody include Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO cells) (including dhfr -< CHO cells, described in Urlaub and Chasin (1980) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 77:4216-4220, used with a DHFR selectable marker, e.g., as described in Kaufman and Sharp (1982) Mol. Biol. 159:601-621), human embryonic kidney 293 cells (e.g., 293, 293E, 293T), COS cells, NIH3T3 cells, lymphocytic cell lines, e.g., NS0 myeloma cells and SP2 cells, and a cell from a transgenic animal, e.g., a transgenic mammal. For example, the cell is a mammary epithelial cell.

[0040] In an exemplary system for antibody expression, a recombinant expression vector encoding both the antibody heavy chain and the antibody light chain of an anti-Aβ antibody (e.g., BIIB037) is introduced into dhfr -< CHO cells by calcium phosphate-mediated transfection. Within the recombinant expression vector, the antibody heavy and light chain genes are each operatively linked to enhancer / promoter regulatory elements (e.g., derived from SV40, CMV, adenovirus and the like, such as a CMV enhancer / AdMLP promoter regulatory element or an SV40 enhancer / AdMLP promoter regulatory element) to drive high levels of transcription of the genes. The recombinant expression vector also carries a DHFR gene, which allows for selection of CHO cells that have been transfected with the vector using methotrexate selection / amplification. The selected transformant host cells are cultured to allow for expression of the antibody heavy and light chains and the antibody is recovered from the culture medium.

[0041] Antibodies can also be produced by a transgenic animal. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,849,992 describes a method of expressing an antibody in the mammary gland of a transgenic mammal . A transgene is constructed that includes a milk-specific promoter and nucleic acids encoding the antibody of interest and a signal sequence for secretion. The milk produced by females of such transgenic mammals includes, secreted-therein, the antibody of interest. The antibody can be purified from the milk, or for some applications, used directly.

[0042] The antibodies of the present disclosure can be isolated from inside or outside (such as medium) of the host cell and purified as substantially pure and homogenous antibodies. Methods for isolation and purification commonly used for antibody purification may be used for the isolation and purification of antibodies, and are not limited to any particular method. Antibodies may be isolated and purified by appropriately selecting and combining, for example, column chromatography, filtration, ultrafiltration, salting out, solvent precipitation, solvent extraction, distillation, immunoprecipitation, SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, dialysis, and recrystallization. Chromatography includes, for example, affinity chromatography, ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic chromatography, gel filtration, reverse-phase chromatography, and adsorption chromatography (Strategies for Protein Purification and Characterization: A Laboratory Course Manual. Ed Daniel R. Marshak et al., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1996). Chromatography can be carried out using liquid phase chromatography such as HPLC and FPLC. Columns used for affinity chromatography include protein A column and protein G column. Examples of columns using protein A column include Hyper D, POROS, and Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare Biosciences). The present disclosure also includes antibodies that are highly purified using these purification methods.Pharmaceutical Anti-Aβ Antibody Compositions

[0043] The pharmaceutical anti-Aβ antibody composition comprises anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 75 mg / ml to 225 mg / ml. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 75 mg / ml to 165 mg / ml. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 100 mg / ml to 225 mg / ml. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 125 mg / ml to 225 mg / ml. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 125 mg / ml to 175 mg / ml. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 225 mg / ml. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 200 mg / ml. In certain instances, the anti-Aβ antibody composition comprises anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 175 mg / ml. In certain instances, the anti-Aβ antibody composition comprises anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 150 mg / ml. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise anti-Aβ antibodies at a concentration of 125 mg / ml. In some instances, the anti-Aβantibody composition

[0044] A a pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-Aβ antibody described herein may be in any one of a variety of forms. These include, for example, liquid solutions (e.g., injectable and infusible solutions), dispersions, or suspensions. The preferred form can depend on the intended mode of administration and therapeutic application. A pharmaceutical composition described herein may be in the form of a sterile injectable or infusible solution.

[0045] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating an antibody described herein in the required amount with one or a combination of ingredients, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating an antibody described herein into a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, an exemplary method of preparation is vacuum drying and freeze drying that yields a powder of an antibody described herein plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof. The proper fluidity of a solution can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion, and by the use of surfactants.

[0046] The pharmaceutical anti-Aβ antibody compositions may additionally comprise one or more excipients.

[0047] The excipient may lower / reduce the aggregation and / or viscosity of the antibody in the composition compared to aggregation and / or viscosity of the antibody in the pharmaceutical composition without that excipient. Such an excipient is(L-)arginine hydrochloride.

[0048] Arginine (i.e., (L-). arginine hydrochloride) is included in the composition at a concentration of 150 mM.

[0049] Sometimes, solutions containing arginine develop visible particles after incubation at room temperature or higher temperatures (e.g., 40°C). Addition of sucrose can reduce or prevent the formation of visible particles. Furthermore, sucrose can lower the counts of sub visible particulates. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise sucrose at a concentration of 0.05% to 5%, 0.05% to 4%, 0.05% to 3%, 1% to 5 %, 1% to The 4%, 1% to 3%, 2% to 5%, 2% to 4%, or 2% to 3%. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise sucrose at a concentration of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, or 5%. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise sucrose at a concentration of 3%. The anti-Aβ antibody composition may comprise sucrose at a concentration of 1%.

[0050] The anti-Aβ antibody compositions comprise methionine at a concentration of 10 mM.

[0051] Antibody product manufacturing is a complex process that can involve several steps such as, e.g., drug substance and bulk formulation, filtration, shipping, pooling, filling, lyophilization, inspections, packaging, and storage. During these steps, antibodies may be subjected to many different forms of stresses, e.g., agitation, temperature, light exposure, and oxidation. These types of stresses can lead to denaturation and aggregation of the antibody, which compromise the product quality and can even lead to loss of a production batch. Agitation is one of the common physical stresses that antibody therapeutics are subjected to during the course of the manufacturing process. Agitation occurs, e.g., during mixing, ultrafiltration / diafiltration, pumping, shipping, and filling. To protect the antibody composition against agitation-induced stress, the composition may include a polysorbate. The composition comprises polysorbate-80 at a concentration of 0.01% to 0.1% and may comprise polysorbate-80 at a concentration of 0.01% to 0.5%, 0.01 % to 0.1%, 0.01 % to 0.09%, 0.01 % to 0.08%, 0.01 % to 0.07%, 0.01 % to 0.06%, 0.01% to 0.05%, 0.01% to 0.04%, or 0.01% to 0.03%. The composition may comprise polysorbate-80 at a concentration of 0.02% to 0.08%. The composition may comprise polysorbate-80 at a concentration of 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04%, 0.05%, 0.06%, 0.07%, 0.08%, 0.09%, or 0.1%. In a particular embodiment, the composition comprises polysorbate-80 at a concentration of 0.05%.

[0052] Any antibody composition benefits from a buffer that provides good buffering capacity. The antibody composition comprises histidine at a concentration of 20 mM as the buffering agent.

[0053] The pH of the antibody composition can be from 5.2 to 6.2. The pH of the antibody compositions may be 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 6.0, 6.1, or 6.2, . In a particular embodiment, the pH of the antibody composition is 5.5.

[0054] The Aβ compositions may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride (150 mM), methionine 10 mM), histidine (20 mM), and PS80 (0.05%), and has a pH of 5.2 to 6.2. The Aβ compositions may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride (150 mM), methionine (10 mM), histidine (20 mM), and PS80 (0.05%), and has a pH of 5.5. The Aβ compositions may may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride (150 mM), methionine (10 mM) histidine (20 mM), PS80 (0.05%), and sucrose (up to 3%), and may have a pH of 5.2 to 6.2. In all of these instances, the anti-Aβ antibody is present at a concentration of 100 mg / ml to 165 mg / ml. In one instance, the anti-Aβ antibody is present at a concentration of 150 mg / ml. In one instance, the anti-Aβ antibody is present at a concentration of 100 mg / ml.

[0055] In some cases, the anti-Aβ composition may comprise a thiol-containing antioxidant (e.g., reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH + GSSG, cysteine, cystine, cysteine + cystine) at a concentration of 0.02 mM to 4 mM (e.g., 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7. 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, or 4.0 mM). Such thiol-containing antioxidants can cleave unfavorable or misbridged disulfide bonds and promote the formation of favorable or properly bridged disulfide bonds. This would result in the stabilization of the native confirmation of the antibody or fragment thereof and slow down aggregation rates. The antioxidant properties of these molecules may slow down oxidative processes that lead to aggregation. In some cases, the composition may comprise GSH at a concentration of 0.4 mM. In some cases, the composition may comprise GSSG at a concentration of 0.2 mM. In some cases, the composition may comprise GSH at a concentration of 0.4 mM and GSSG at a concentration of 0.2 mM. In some cases, the composition may comprise GSH at a concentration of 4 mM and GSSG at a concentration of 2 mM. In some cases, the composition may comprise GSH at a concentration of 2 mM and GSSG at a concentration of 1 mM. In some cases, the composition may comprise cysteine at a concentration of 0.4 mM. In some cases, the composition may comprise cystine at a concentration of 0.2 mM. In some cases, the composition may comprise cysteine at a concentration of 0.4 mM and cystine at a concentration of 0.2 mM.

[0056] The Aβ compositions may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride (150 mM), methionine (10 mM), histidine 20 mM), a thiol-containing antioxidant such as GSH, GSSG, GSH and GSSG, cysteine, cystine, or cysteine and cystine (e.g., 0.02 mM to 4 mM), and PS80 (0.05%), and may have a pH of 5.2 to 6.2. The Aβ compositions may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride (150 mM), methionine (10 mM), histidine (20 mM), a thiol-containing antioxidant such as GSH, GSSG, GSH and GSSG, cysteine, cystine, or cysteine and cystine (e.g., 0.02 mM to 4 mM), and PS80 (0.05%), and may have a pH of 5.5. The Aβ compositions may comprise L-arginine hydrochloride (150 mM), methionine (10 mM,), histidine (20 mM), PS80 (0.05%), a thiol-containing antioxidant such as GSH, GSSG, GSH and GSSG, cysteine, cystine, or cysteine and cystine (e.g., 0.02 mM to 4 mM), and sucrose (up to 3%), and may have a pH of 5.2 to 6.2. In all of these instances, the anti-Aβ antibody is present at a concentration of 100 mg / ml to 165 mg / ml. In one instance, the anti-Aβ antibody is present at a concentration of 150 mg / ml. In one instance, the anti-Aβ antibody is present at a concentration of 100 mg / ml.

[0057] The anti-Aβ antibody or a Aβ-binding fragment thereof of the composition comprises a VH and a VL comprising SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 10, respectively. In one embodiment, the composition has a pH of 5.5 and comprises BIIB037 at a concentration of 150 mg / ml, L-arginine hydrochloride at a concentration of 150 mM, methionine at a concentration of 10 mM, polysorbate-80 at a concentration of 0.05%, and histidine at a concentration of 20 mM (16.2 mM L-histidine HCl monohydrate, 3.8 mM L-Histidine free base). The composition may further comprises a thiol-containing antioxidant (e.g., GSH, GSSG, GSH + GSSG, cysteine, cystine, cysteine + cystine) at a concentration of 0.02 mM to 4 mM. The composition may further comprises sucrose at a concentration of 0.01 % to 3%.

[0058] The thiol-containing antioxidant may be GSH at a concentration of 0.4 mM. The thiol-containing antioxidant may be GSH at a concentration of 0.4 mM and GSSG at a concentration of 0.2 mM. The thiol-containing antioxidant may be GSH at a concentration of 4 mM and GSSG at a concentration of 2 mM. The thiol-containing antioxidant may be GSH at a concentration of 2 mM and GSSG at a concentration of 1 mM. The thiol-containing antioxidant may be cysteine at a concentration of 0.4 mM. The thiol-containing antioxidant may be cysteine at a concentration of 0.4 mM and cystine at a concentration of 0.2 mM.Medical uses

[0059] BIIB037 recognizes aggregated forms of Aβ, including plaques. In vitro characterization studies have established that antibody BIIB037 recognizes a conformational epitope present in Aβ aggregates, the accumulation of which is believed to underlie the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) In vivo pharmacology studies indicate that a murine IgG2a chimeric version of the antibody (ch12F6A) with similar properties significantly reduces amyloid plaque burden in the brains of aged Tg2576 mice, a mouse model of AD. The reduction in parenchymal amyloid was not accompanied by a change in vascular amyloid, as has been reported for certain anti-Aβ antibodies.

[0060] The compositions disclosed herein are useful in treating abnormal accumulation or deposition of Aβ in the central nervous system of a human subject in need thereof. The compositions disclosed herein are also useful in treating mild cognitive impairment in a human subject in need thereof. As used herein, the terms "treat", "treating", or "treatment" generally mean obtaining a desired pharmacological and / or physiological effect.

[0061] In certain embodiments, the compositions disclosed herein are for use in treating AD in a human subject in need thereof. The compositions disclosed herein may also be useful in preventing AD in a human subject in need thereof.

[0062] The compositions disclosed herein can be used to: (a) prevent AD from occurring in a subject who may be predisposed to AD, but has not yet been diagnosed as having it; (b) inhibiting AD, e.g. arresting its development; (c) relieving AD, e.g. causing regression of AD; or (d) prolonging survival as compared to expected survival if not receiving treatment.

[0063] A human subject in need thereof is administered a therapeutically effective amount or dose of the anti-Aβ antibody or Aβ-binding fragment thereof. A therapeutically effective amount refers to the amount of the antibody sufficient to ameliorate a symptom or condition associated with AD Therapeutic efficacy and toxicity of the antibody can be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures. Ideally, the antibody is employed in an amount sufficient to restore normal behavior and / or cognitive properties in case of Alzheimer's disease, or at least delay or prevent the progression of AD in the patient.

[0064] In some embodiments, the composition comprising the anti-Aβ antibody or Aβ-binding fragment thereof is administered intravenously to the human subject. In certain embodiments, the composition comprising the anti-Aβ antibody or Aβ-binding fragment thereof is administered subcutaneously to the human subject.

[0065] The following are examples of the practice of the invention.ExamplesExample 1: pH and Buffer Screened for Optimal Formulation

[0066] The following formulations were prepared and screened to determine the optimal buffer and pH. Table 6: pH and buffer screen formulationsBuffer pH Excipients Protein Concentration 20mM Acetate4.5150mM L-Arginine HCl 0.05% Polysorbate-80155 - 165 mg / mL5.05.520mM Succinate4.55.05.56.020mM Histidine5.56.06.520mM Citrate5.05.56.06.5

[0067] Formulations were stored at 40°C + 75% relative humidity (RH) for 4 weeks (Figure 1).Conclusions:

[0068] 1) Histidine buffer showed the lowest change in percentage high molecular weight species (% HMW) compared to Acetate, Succinate, and Citrate buffers. 2) The trend was consistent across the pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. Example 2: Arginine as an Optimal Excipient for Controlling HMW

[0069] The following formulations were prepared to determine the optimal stabilizing excipient(s). Most contain L-Arginine HCl, either alone or combined with another excipient. Two formulations did not contain Arginine and only contained a sugar (sucrose or trehalose). Table 7: Excipient screen formulationsExcipient (all contain 20mM Histidine and 0.05% Polysorbate-80) pH Protein concentration 150 mM L-Arginine HCl6.0220 - 230 mg / mL150 mM L-Arginine HCl5.5100 mM L-Arginine HCl5.5100 mM L-Arginine HCl + 3% Sucrose5.5100 mM L-Arginine HCl + 3% Sucrose6.0100 mM L-Arginine HCl + 50 mM NaCl5.575 mM L-Arginine HCl + 75 mM glutamate5.5150 mM L-Arginine HCl + 10 mM Methionine5.5150 mM L-Arginine HCl + 10 mM Methionine6.0300 mM Sucrose5.5300 mM Trehalose5.550 mM L-Arginine HCl + 4.5% Sucrose5.5

[0070] The formulations were stored at 40°C + 75% RH and tested for %HMW over 6 weeks (Figure 2).Conclusions:

[0071] 1) Formulations containing Arginine (solid lines) performed better than the formulations without Arginine (dashed lines). 2) The Arginine + Methionine combination (lowest two solid lines in the plot) performed better than Arginine alone and Arginine in combination with other excipients. 3) Formulations prepared at both pH 5.5 and 6.0 always performed better at pH 5.5. Example 3: Robustness of the Formulation for pH and Protein Concentration

[0072] Further formulation optimization was performed by preparing various formulations based around a central formulation (Table 8) and screening for various quality attributes.

[0073] Figure 3 shows the %HMW trends at varying pH when stored at 25°C + 60% relative humidity. The rate of increase of %HMW over time is consistent across this pH range.

[0074] Figure 4 shows the %HMW trends for varying excipients when stored at 25°C + 60% relative humidity. The rate of increase of %HMW is consistent whether the stabilizing excipient is 150mM L-Arginine HCl + 10mM Methionine, 100mM L-Arginine HCl + 10mM Methionine, 150mM L-Arginine HCl without Methionine, or 100mM L-Arginine HCl + 3% Sucrose.Example 4: Arginine Lowers Viscosity of the Formulations

[0075] The viscosity of each formulation was measured at ambient temperature (20°C). The protein concentration has a significant impact on viscosity, while other variations in the formulation recipe did not have impact. Viscosities < 50cP are optimal for manufacturing processes and route of administration options. The Arginine-based formulations provide consistently low viscosity (~20cP) at high protein concentration (~220mg / mL) (Figure 5).Example 5: Robustness of Formulation to Polysorbate-80 Concentration

[0076] The following formulations were prepared to assess the optimal level of surfactant (Polysorabate-80) in the formulation. Table 9: Surfactant screen formulationsProtein Concentration (mg / mL) pH Buffer Excipients % Polysorbate-80 1605.720mM Histidine150mM L-Arginine HCl + 10mM Methionine0.00%0.005%0.01%0.03%0.05%0.075%0.10%

[0077] An agitation study was performed to determine the appropriate level of surfactant necessary to maintain product stability during physical stress. The formulations in Table 9 were dispensed into 3 mL glass vials and 1 mL glass staked-needle syringes, then agitated at 650rpm for 72 hours at room temperature. Unagitated controls were stored in glass vials for the same time and temperature.

[0078] %HMW results were consistent across all agitated formulations (Figure 6). The unagitated control vials show a gradual increase in HMW as the % polysorbate-80 drops from 0.05% to 0.00%. All results are within the variability (noise) of the method (±0.2%) and may not be real differences. Stability is comparable across a broad range of % Polysorbate-80.Example 6: Thiol Group Containing Excipients Improve Aggregation Stability of Aducanumab Formulation

[0079] The addition of thiol group containing excipients to an Aducanumab formulation reduces aggregation as determined by the development of high molecular weight species during storage.

[0080] The control Aducanumab formulation has 165mg / mL Aducanumab, 20mM Histidine, 150 mM L-Arginine HCl, 10mM Methionine, 0.05% Polysorbate-80, pH 5.5. The control formulation was spiked with thiol group containing excipients: GSH and GSSG. The formulations were stored at 25°C at 60% relative humidity. As shown in Figure 7, the addition of GSH and GSSG reduces the development of HMW species during storage.

[0081] The same control formulation of Aducanumab was spiked with Cysteine and Cystine. These formulations were also stored at 25°C at 60% relative humidity. As was the case for GSH and GSGG, the addition of Cysteine and Cystine suppresses the development of HMW species during storage (Figure 8).Example 7: Reduced Form of Thiol Group Containing Excipient is as Effective as Redox Pair in Controlling HMW

[0082] The addition of the reduced form of a thiol group containing excipient alone has the same impact as the addition of the redox pair.

[0083] A control Aducanumab formulation contains 165 mg / mL Aducanumab, 20 mM Histidine, 150 mM L-Arginine HCl, 10 mM Methionine, 0.05% Polysorbate-80, pH 5.5. This formulation was spiked with GSH + GSSG, GSH alone, or GSSG alone. The formulations were stored at 25°C at 60% relative humidity. As shown in Figure 9, the addition of GSH, GSSG, and GSH+ GSSG all reduced the formation of HMW species.Example 8: Thiol Containing Excipients are Better than Methionine in controlling HMW

[0084] The addition of methionine does not increase the stability observed with GSH alone.

[0085] A control Aducanumab formulation has 165mg / mL Aducanumab, 20mM Histidine, 150mM L-Arginine HCl, pH 5.5 GSH or GSH + Methionine were added to the control formulation. These formulations were stored at 25°C at 60% relative humidity. The addition of methionine did not provide any additive benefit to the reduction in HMW species observed with GSH alone (Figure 10).Example 9: Robustness for Thiol-Containing Excipient Formulation at Multiple Protein and GSH concentrations

[0086] Reduction in HMW species with the addition of GSH was observed at multiple concentrations of protein and multiple concentrations of GSH.

[0087] Aducanumab (165 or 200 mg / mL Aducanumab, 20 mM Histidine, 150 mM L-Arginine HCl, 10 mM Methionine, 0.05% Polysorbate-80, pH 5.5) was stored at 25°C at 60% relative humidity with various concentrations of GSH. As shown in Figure 11, GSH suppresses HMW species formation at concentrations from 0.2 mM to 1.0 mM, at protein concentrations up to 200 mg / ml.Example 10: Thiol-Containing Excipient is Effective in Controlling HMW at Very Low Concentrations

[0088] Concentrations of a thiol-containing excipient as low as 0.02 mM improved the stability of Aducanumab at various concentrations.

[0089] Aducanumab (165 or 225 mg / mL Aducanumab, 20mM Histidine, 150mM L-Arginine HCl, 10mM Methionine, 0.05% Polysorbate-80, pH 5.5) was stored at 25°C at 60% relative humidity with various concentrations of GSH. As shown in Figure 12, GSH suppresses HMW species formation at concentrations as low as 0.02 mM in formulations containing up to 225 mg / ml Aducanumab.Example 11: Effect of Increasing Thiol-Containing Excipient on HMW

[0090] This experiment was performed to assess the impact of increasing the concentration of GSH on HMW reduction.

[0091] All tested formulations contained 210 mg / mL aducanumab, 20 mM histidine, 150 mM arginine. 10 mM methionine, and 0.05% polysorbate-SO. and only differed bv the GSH concentration. The GSH concentrations tested were 0 mM, 0.5 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, and 4 mM. Samples were stored at 25°C, 60% relative humidity for up to 4.5 months.

[0092] The data showed that GSH at 4mM has same impact on HMW reduction as GSH from 0.5 mM to 2 mM (see. Figure 13).Example 12: Effect of Increasing Methionine Concentrations on HMW

[0093] This experiment was performed to assess the impact of increasing the concentration of methionine on HMW reduction.

[0094] All tested formulations contained 165 mg / mL aducanumab. 20 mM histidine. 150 mM arginine, and 0.05% polysorbate-80, and only differed by the concentration of methionine or GSH as shown in Figure 14. Samples were stored at 25°C. 60% relative humidity (top) and 40°C, 75% relative humidity (bottom) for up to 3.5 months.

[0095] This experiment showed that that increasing the methionine concentration to 150 mM helped reduce HMW compared to 10 mM methionine.Example 13: A 4-Week Tolerability and Toxicokinetic Study of BIIB037 when Administered by Intravenous and Subcutaneous Injection to Cynomolgus Monkeys

[0096] The objective of this study was to determine the tolerability of BIIB037 (150 mg / mL strength in 20 mM histidine buffer [16.2 mM L-histidine monohydrate, 3.8 mM L-histidine free base], 150 mM L-arginine hydrochloride (HCl), 10 mM methionine, and 0.05% polysorbate 80 pH 5.5) when given by intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) injection once a week for 4 weeks to 3 cynomolgus monkeys per group. In addition, the toxicokinetic characteristics of the test article were determined.

[0097] Both IV and SC administration of BIIB037 at 300 mg / kg / dose once a week for 4 weeks (Day 22 area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to time t [AUC0-t]: 324,000 µg•h / mL and 243,000 µg•h / mL for IV and SC, respectively) resulted in no clinical observations, or adverse effects on body weight or food consumption. The SC injection site observations were limited to one SC injected animal following the third and fourth week administrations that consisted of non-adverse, very slight erythema and / or edema, accompanied by likely procedure-related mild focal neutrophilic and mononuclear cellular infiltration and hemorrhage (associated with the fourth injection site only). The absolute % bioavailability ranged from 56.7% to 75.1% for AUCτ on SD 1 and SD 22 indicating good absorption kinetics following aducanumab SC administration. The summary of mean TK parameters is presented in Table 10. Table 10: Summary of Mean Toxicokinetic Parameters in the 4-Week IV and SC Male Cynomolgus Monkey Study Dose 300 mg / kg IV 300 mg / kg SC Number of Animals M (3) M (3) Day 1 C max (µg / mL) 6,9301,180AUC τ (µg ∗< h / mL) 236,000134,000T max (h) 0.08312 or 24Day 22 C max (µg / mL) 7,0702,490AUC τ (µg ∗< h / mL) 324,000243,000T max (h) 0.083 to 212 to 24AUC τ = AUC 0-t (TK parameter used in P037-16-01 study report) = area under the concentration-time curve from time 0 to last concentration; C max = maximum observed concentration, occurring at T max ; SD = Study Day; T max = time of maximum observed concentration

Claims

1. A pharmaceutical composition comprising an anti-beta amyloid (Aβ) antibody at a concentration of 75 mg / ml to 225 mg / ml; arginine hydrochloride (Arg.HCl) at a concentration of 150 mM; methionine at a concentration of 10 mM; histidine at a concentration of 20 mM; and Polysorbate-80 (PS80) at a concentration of 0.01% to 0.1%, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 5.2 to 6.2; wherein the anti-Aβ antibody comprises an immunoglobulin heavy chain and an immunoglobulin light chain, wherein the heavy chain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 and the light chain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10.

2. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises the anti-Aβ antibody at a concentration of: (i) 175 mg / ml; (ii) 150 mg / ml; or (iii) 100 mg / ml.

3. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1 or 2, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises PS80 at a concentration of 0.03% to 0.08%.

4. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 3, wherein the pharmaceutical composition comprises PS80 at a concentration of 0.05%.

5. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 5.3 to 5.7.

6. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 5, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 5.5.

7. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises the anti-Aβ antibody at a concentration of 150 mg / ml; and PS80 at a concentration of 0.05%.

8. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises the anti-Aβ antibody at a concentration of 100 mg / ml; and PS80 at a concentration of 0.05%.

9. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 7 or 8, wherein the pharmaceutical composition has a pH of 5.5.

10. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 1 to 9 for use in treating Alzheimer's disease in a human subject in need thereof.

11. The pharmaceutical composition for the use of claim 10, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is to be administered subcutaneously to the human subject.

12. The pharmaceutical composition for the use of claim 10, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is to be administered intravenously to the human subject.