Lyophilized Degarelix Composition for Reconstitution Viscosity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Degarelix, a synthetic decapeptide used for prostate cancer treatment, forms gels in aqueous solution leading to depot formation and sustained release, which is not effectively controlled in existing manufacturing processes, affecting viscosity and bioavailability.

Innovation Solution

A method to control the viscosity of lyophilized degarelix by de-aggregating the peptide with acetic acid and lyophilizing it with specific conditions, ensuring a viscosity range of 2 to 12 mPas upon reconstitution, using mannitol and optionally a viscosity-reducing agent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If degarelix is prepared using conventional synthesis methods, then the drug substance can be produced, but the viscosity and sustained release properties cannot be effectively controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviscosity controlVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the acetic acid concentration (4.5-10.0% w/w) and water content (≤10% w/w) in the lyophilized degarelix drug substance to achieve controlled viscosity (2-12 mPas) upon reconstitution. This specific parameter range resolves the contradiction by providing precise viscosity control while maintaining manufacturability through established lyophilization processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary action by controlling the aggregation state of degarelix during the lyophilization process. The drug substance is prepared in advance with specific acetic acid and water content to ensure proper aggregation, which then controls the viscosity and sustained release properties upon reconstitution without requiring additional process steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If degarelix forms gels in aqueous solution, then depot formation and sustained release are achieved, but viscosity control becomes difficult affecting bioavailability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesustained releaseVSAvoidviscosity control
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the physical-chemical parameters of the lyophilized drug substance, specifically controlling acetic acid content (4.5-10.0% w/w) and water content (≤10% w/w). These parameter changes ensure that upon reconstitution, the degarelix forms gels with controlled viscosity (2-12 mPas), achieving both sustained release through depot formation and precise viscosity control for consistent bioavailability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the viscosity of reconstituted drug product is not controlled, then manufacturing is simpler, but depot formation and sustained release properties are inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct quality consistencyVSAvoidprocessing steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating viscosity control measures during the lyophilization process itself. The drug substance is prepared with controlled acetic acid and water content before lyophilization, ensuring that the resulting product will have consistent viscosity (2-12 mPas) upon reconstitution. This eliminates the need for additional viscosity adjustment steps while ensuring reliable product quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method achieves controlled depot formation and sustained release of degarelix, enhancing bioavailability and ensuring consistent product quality.

Implementation Method 1

A method to control the viscosity of lyophilized degarelix by de-aggregating the peptide with acetic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDe-aggregation:

Implementation Method 2

lyophilizing it with specific conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLyophilization: Freeze Drying

Implementation Method 3

using mannitol and optionally a viscosity-reducing agent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCryoprotection:

Data Source

PatentEP4512389B1Manufacture of degarelix
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 FERRING BV
  • EP4512389B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4512389B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4512389B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides methods for producing a lyophilized degarelix product which, upon reconstitution with water for injection in an amount of 20 mg/ml, shows a viscosity of up to 15 mPas. The present invention also provides a lyophilized degarelix drug substance which shows, upon dissolution in water in an amount of 20 mg/ml, a viscosity of up to 3.2 mPas, and processes for providing this lyophilized degarelix drug substance.