Anti-EGFR Antibody Formulation Stability via Salt-Free Composition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid formulations of anti-EGFR antibodies face stability issues due to protein aggregation and denaturation, leading to particle formation and turbidity, which complicates administration and reduces stability, even after filtration, and often include sodium chloride that may not be compatible for optimal protein formulations.

Innovation Solution

A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the anti-EGFR antibody GC1118A, sodium acetate anhydrous, and polysorbate 80, without sodium chloride, is developed to maintain stability and prevent aggregation, with specific concentrations and pH ranges optimized to minimize turbidity and particle formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a liquid formulation comprising an anti-EGFR antibody is stored, then the antibody may be administered therapeutically, but protein multimers may be formed due to aggregation and deamination reactions may occur due to proteolytic reactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of antibody formulationVSAvoidaggregation and denaturation of antibody
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the pH range (5.0-7.0) and selecting specific stabilizer concentrations (0.1-5% w/v) to prevent antibody aggregation and deamination. This chemical parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by creating a formulation environment that maintains antibody stability during storage while enabling therapeutic administration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces stabilizers (such as sugars, amino acids, or polymers) as intermediary substances that mediate between the antibody and the storage environment. These stabilizers prevent direct harmful interactions between the antibody and stressors like elevated temperature or shear stress, thereby preventing aggregation and denaturation while maintaining therapeutic utility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If filtration process is applied to prevent aggregation, then particle formation may be reduced, but the administration method becomes complicated and particle formation may continue after filtration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of aggregationVSAvoidadministration method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating stabilizers into the formulation before storage, which proactively prevent aggregation and particle formation during storage conditions. This prevents the need for post-storage filtration steps, simplifying the administration method while maintaining reliability in preventing aggregation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of aggregation into a benefit by using stabilizers that, under controlled conditions, maintain antibody solubility and prevent precipitation. The stabilizers that could potentially increase viscosity are optimized at concentrations that prevent aggregation without compromising administerability, thus converting a potential disadvantage into a protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If sodium chloride is added as isotonization agent, then pain reaction may be reduced, but compatibility with protein therapeutics must be verified and may not optimize stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepain reaction from osmotic pressureVSAvoidcompatibility and stability with protein therapeutics
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the taking out principle by removing sodium chloride from the formulation and replacing it with alternative isotonization agents such as sugars or amino acids. This extraction of NaCl eliminates potential compatibility issues and stability problems associated with salt-protein interactions, while still achieving the desired osmotic balance to reduce pain reactions upon administration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining the antibody with stabilizers and alternative isotonization agents in a synergistic formulation system. This composite approach creates a multi-component system where each ingredient contributes specific functions: stabilizers prevent aggregation, alternative tonicity agents reduce pain without compromising stability, and the combination achieves both therapeutic efficacy and patient comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3247394B1Pharmaceutical formulation comprising Anti-EGFR antibody
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 GC BIOPHARMA CORP
  • EP3247394B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3247394B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3247394B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an anti- epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody. The pharmaceutical formulation has low turbidity, without showing aggregation or particle formation, even under accelerated conditions, and exhibits good stability. Therefore, the pharmaceutical formulation can be effectively used for the treatment of disorders such as cancer.