IL-17 Antibody Liquid Formulation for Oxidation-Resistant Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid pharmaceutical compositions of IL-17 antibodies, such as secukinumab, face challenges in maintaining long-term stability due to protein degradation issues like aggregation, oxidation, and chemical reactions, which are exacerbated by oxygen presence, making them unsuitable for ready-to-use formulations.

Innovation Solution

Development of stable liquid compositions with controlled oxygen levels in the container headspace and inclusion of specific stabilizers like methionine, histidine, trehalose, and polysorbate 80, maintaining pH between 5.2 and 6.2, to enhance stability and prevent oxidation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If liquid pharmaceutical compositions of IL-17 antibodies are prepared for ready-to-use formulations, then convenience of administration is improved, but protein stability deteriorates due to oxidation and aggregation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of administrationVSAvoidprotein stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inert atmosphere by replacing oxygen in the container headspace with nitrogen or other inert gases. This creates an oxygen-free environment that prevents oxidation of the IL-17 antibody while maintaining the liquid formulation in a ready-to-use state. The inert gas displacement technique allows the composition to remain stable during storage and handling without requiring refrigeration or special packaging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses oxygen-scavenging systems and antioxidants as intermediary substances that actively remove or neutralize oxygen from the liquid composition environment. These intermediaries protect the antibody protein from oxidation by converting reactive oxygen into stable, non-reactive forms, thereby maintaining protein stability in ready-to-use liquid formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If oxygen is present in the container headspace, then ease of manufacturing is improved, but oxidation of the antibody occurs leading to degradation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufacturingVSAvoidoxidation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The manufacturing process incorporates inert gas flushing to replace oxygen in the container headspace before sealing. This simple technique prevents oxidation during storage and transport while adding minimal complexity to the manufacturing workflow. The inert atmosphere is maintained throughout the product lifecycle from manufacturing to administration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary oxygen removal through nitrogen flushing or vacuum sealing before the product is sealed and distributed. This preventive measure eliminates oxygen exposure before it can cause oxidation, ensuring product stability without requiring complex active protection systems during storage and handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If stabilizers are added to prevent protein degradation, then reliability is improved, but composition complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotein stabilityVSAvoidcomposition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prioritizes the inert atmosphere approach as the primary stabilization mechanism, which simplifies the composition compared to formulations requiring multiple stabilizers, buffers, and preservatives. By creating an oxygen-free environment, the need for extensive chemical protection systems is reduced, maintaining composition simplicity while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 demonstrate excellent stability with aggregate formation below 3.5% and degradation products less than 39.4% after 13 months at 25°C, ensuring safety and efficacy for long-term storage and use.

Implementation Method 1

We have determined that the combined use of particular stabilizers with a low oxygen level in the headspace of the container contributes significantly to long-term stability of the liquid pharmaceutical product, and prevents oxidation of the IL-17 antibody

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAntioxidant: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

an acceptable liquid antibody composition must enhance stability and minimize protein degradation, especially protein aggregation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProtein aggregation prevention:

Implementation Method 3

maintaining pH between 5.2 and 6.2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectpH buffering:

Data Source

PatentUS12544438B2Pharmaceutical products and stable liquid compositions of IL-17 antibodies
Publication Date: 2026.02.10 NOVARTIS AG
  • US12544438B2 patent drawing
  • US12544438B2 patent drawing
  • US12544438B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure is directed to pharmaceutical products and stable liquid compositions of IL-17 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof, e.g., AIN457 (secukinumab), and processes of making these pharmaceutical products and compositions. The disclosure is also directed to the use of these pharmaceutical products and liquid compositions (e.g., as part of a kit having instructions for use) for the treatment of various IL-17-mediated disorders (e.g., autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis).