Hydroxyapatite Chromatography for Bispecific Antibody Separation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods are inadequate for efficiently separating bispecific antibodies from their specific byproducts during production, particularly due to the challenges in using hydroxyapatite chromatography for separating antibodies with Fc domains from fragments and variants that lack desired bispecific activity.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using hydroxyapatite chromatography with a specific elution buffer composition and chloride ion gradient to separate bispecific antibodies from fragments and variants, allowing for effective separation and purification by adsorbing the antibodies to the chromatography medium and eluting them under controlled conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If hydroxyapatite chromatography is used to separate bisspecific antibodies from byproducts, then separation capability is improved, but method complexity increases due to specific buffer composition requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation purityVSAvoidchromatography method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing specific buffer conditions (pH 6.5-8.0, phosphate 1-20 mM, calcium 0.01-0.5 mM, chloride 10-200 mM) to achieve effective separation of bispecific antibodies from byproducts on hydroxyapatite chromatography medium, transforming a complex separation problem into a controlled parameter optimization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If standard purification processes are used, then process simplicity is maintained, but separation effectiveness of bisspecific antibodies from BASB deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidseparation purity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies standard purification parameters by introducing specific chloride ion concentrations (10-200 mM) and pH ranges (6.5-8.0) in the elution buffer, enabling hydroxyapatite chromatography to effectively separate bisspecific antibodies from BASB while maintaining operational feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If chloride ion gradient elution is implemented, then separation resolution is improved, but process time increases due to gradient optimization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation resolutionVSAvoidelution process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic elution by using a chloride ion gradient (increasing concentration from 10-200 mM) rather than fixed concentration, allowing progressive separation of bisspecific antibodies from byproducts based on their different binding affinities to hydroxyapatite, thereby improving resolution while managing process time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This approach enables the separation of bispecific antibodies from byproducts, enhancing the purity and efficacy of the final product by effectively removing impurities that could interfere with the antibody's activity, thereby improving the therapeutic and diagnostic applications of bispecific antibodies.

Implementation Method 1

adsorbing the bispecific antibodies to the hydroxyapatite chromatography medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

eluting the bisspecific antibody from the hydroxyapatite chromatography medium in the presence of chloride ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Data Source

PatentEP3036253B1Separation of bispecific antibodies and bispecific antibody production side products using hydroxyapatite chromatography
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 F HOFFMANN LA ROCHE & CO AG
  • EP3036253B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3036253B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3036253B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to methods comprising the use of hydroxyapatite chromatography to separate a bispecific antibody from a solution that also comprises one or more byproducts specific to bispecific antibody production. Byproducts specific to the production of bispecific antibodies (bispecific antibody specific byproducts, "BASB") include fragments of the bispecific antibody and heavier molecular weight variants of the antibody, wherein the fragment and/or variant comprises an Fc domain but does not exhibit affinity for the two different epitopes and/or antigens as exhibited by the desired bispecific antibody. Thus, the methods of the present disclosure comprise the separation of a bispecific antibody from one or more of its BASB. The hydroxyapatite chromatography methods of the disclosure may be used alone or may be further combined with standard purification processes and unit operations as is known in the art to achieve any level of purity of bispecific antibody necessary, e.g., for therapeutic and/or diagnostic applications.