Peptide Impurity Quantification via High Resolution Mass Spectrometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Chromatographic methods fail to quantitatively separate impurities from peptide products, particularly those with minor structural differences, leading to co-elution issues and challenges in determining the exact amounts of impurities like Di-Ser(33)-AVE0010 and Di-Ala(35)-AVE0010 in pharmaceutical peptides.

Innovation Solution

Employing high resolution mass spectrometry, with or without prior chromatography, to quantify impurities that cannot be separated chromatographically, by using spiked samples and calculating the impurity amounts based on mass spectrometry results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If chromatographic procedures are used to purify and analyze peptide products, then purification and separation can be achieved, but impurities with minor structural differences cannot be quantitatively separated leading to co-elution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurification precisionVSAvoidimpurity quantification precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical separation system (chromatography) with a mass spectrometric detection system. Instead of relying on chromatographic separation based on physical-chemical properties, the invention uses mass spectrometry to detect and quantify impurities based on their mass-to-charge ratio, enabling precise measurement even when chromatographic co-elution occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from chromatographic retention time to mass-to-charge ratio. By using high resolution mass spectrometry, the system can distinguish between main product and impurities based on their precise mass differences, even when they co-elute chromatographically, thus resolving the quantification problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If high resolution mass spectrometry is used to quantify impurities, then accurate impurity determination can be achieved, but the method complexity increases compared to standard chromatographic procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpurity quantification precisionVSAvoidanalytical method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary approach by combining chromatography (as a preliminary separation step) with mass spectrometry (as the definitive detection method). The chromatographic system serves as an intermediary that can reduce sample complexity before MS analysis, making the overall method more manageable while retaining the quantitative precision of mass spectrometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If chromatographic separation is performed to determine impurity amounts, then separation can be achieved, but co-elution of impurities with main product prevents accurate quantification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpurity amount determinationVSAvoidquantification reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical separation-based quantification (chromatography) with a mass-based detection system (mass spectrometry). This substitution allows direct quantification of impurities based on their unique mass signatures, eliminating the reliability issues associated with chromatographic co-elution and peak integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Accurately determines the amounts of impurities like Di-Ser(33)-AVE0010 and Di-Ala(35)-AVE0010 in peptide products, overcoming co-elution challenges and enabling precise quality control for pharmaceutical applications.

Implementation Method 1

high resolution mass spectrometry (MS) detection with or without high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMass spectrometry:

Implementation Method 2

Direct Quantitation of Peptide Mixtures without Standards Using Clusters Formed by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrospray ionization:

Data Source

PatentEP2841950B1Quantification of impurities for release testing of peptide products
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 SANOFI AVENTIS DEUT GMBH
  • EP2841950B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2841950B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2841950B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for the quantitative determination of an impurity present in a peptide product, wherein the impurity cannot be separated from other impurities or the main product. The method particularly involves the use of high resolution mass spectrometry (MS) detection with or without high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The method can be used for the investigation of the quality of peptides and proteins, particularly of pharmaceutical peptides and proteins.