Arginine-Free TNFR:Fc Fusion Polypeptide Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Therapeutic polypeptides are unstable when stored in an aqueous form for extended periods without stabilizing agents like arginine, and reconstitution can lead to aggregation or denaturation.

Innovation Solution

Stable arginine-free polypeptide compositions are developed using high salt concentrations in the absence of arginine or other stabilizing amino acids, such as lysine or glycine, to prevent aggregation, allowing for aqueous solutions that maintain stability and reduce side effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If arginine or other stabilizing amino acids are used to stabilize aqueous polypeptide solutions, then the polypeptide remains stable for extended periods, but the cost increases and side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolypeptide solution stabilityVSAvoidside effects
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of the formulation by using high concentrations of specific salts (ammonium sulfate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride) instead of adding stabilizing amino acids. This parameter substitution achieves the same stabilization effect while eliminating the harmful side effects associated with arginine and other stabilizing amino acids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If arginine or other stabilizing amino acids are used to stabilize aqueous polypeptide solutions, then the polypeptide remains stable for extended periods, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepolypeptide solution stabilityVSAvoidformulation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive stabilizing amino acids with inexpensive salt compounds. The formulation uses high concentrations of ammonium sulfate, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride, which are significantly cheaper than arginine or other stabilizing amino acids, thereby reducing formulation cost while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If a dry lyophilized form of polypeptide is prepared to avoid aqueous storage instability, then storage stability improves, but reconstitution results in aggregation or denaturation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidreconstitution quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the formulation parameters to include high concentrations of specific salts that prevent aggregation during reconstitution. This allows the polypeptide to be stored in a stable aqueous form without requiring lyophilization, thereby avoiding the aggregation and denaturation problems that occur during reconstitution of dry forms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Stability of the object's composition

If high salt concentration is used in the absence of arginine, then the polypeptide remains stable without stabilizing amino acids, but the formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearginine-free stabilityVSAvoidformulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the salt concentration parameters to achieve stability without arginine. By optimizing the concentrations of ammonium sulfate, sodium chloride, and potassium chloride, the formulation achieves polypeptide stability in the absence of stabilizing amino acids, accepting some formulation complexity as a trade-off for eliminating harmful substances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The compositions remain stable for at least 24 months with reduced side effects, enabling effective subcutaneous administration and treatment of inflammatory or autoimmune disorders without the need for arginine.

Implementation Method 1

salt in an amount sufficient to prevent aggregation of the polypeptide, thereby stabilizing the composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic interaction: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS11834491B2Arginine-free TNFR:FC-fusion polypeptide compositions
Publication Date: 2023.12.05 BIOGEN MA INC

AI summary

Aspects of the invention are directed to arginine-free polypeptide-containing compositions and methods for treating disorders associated with inflammation or the autoimmune response. In particular, the polypeptide is etanercept.