Recombinant SP-D Formulation Oligomerization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pulmonary surfactant formulations lack the ability to effectively modulate the host immune response due to the loss of hydrophilic surfactant proteins like SP-D during purification, which is crucial for therapeutic efficacy in treating pulmonary diseases.

Innovation Solution

A pharmaceutical composition comprising recombinant human surfactant protein D (rhSP-D) with specific concentrations of histidine, lactose, and calcium chloride, formulated to maintain appropriate oligomerization states for enhanced immune modulation and stability, including a lyophilized form suitable for pulmonary administration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If traditional purification methods are used for surfactant formulations, then the purification process is simple, but SP-D is lost due to hydrophilic properties

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSP-D lossVSAvoidpurification process
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies purification parameters by adjusting pH to specific ranges (6.0-7.4) and ionic strength conditions to prevent SP-D loss while maintaining purification effectiveness. This resolves the contradiction by changing process parameters rather than simplifying the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite purification approaches combining multiple steps including affinity chromatography, ion exchange, and size exclusion chromatography. This composite method preserves SP-D while achieving thorough purification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If SP-D is included in surfactant formulations, then immune modulation capability is improved, but formulation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmune modulation capabilityVSAvoidformulation composition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent formulates SP-D with multiple functionalities: immune modulation, surfactant stabilization, and pathogen agglutination. This multi-functional approach justifies the formulation complexity by providing multiple therapeutic benefits simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses specific excipients and buffers as intermediaries to stabilize SP-D and facilitate its integration into surfactant formulations. These intermediaries enable SP-D inclusion while managing formulation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If oligomerization state is maintained, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidoligomerization control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls oligomerization by adjusting physical-chemical parameters including pH, ionic strength, and protein concentration during manufacturing. These parameter changes enable precise control of oligomerization state to maintain therapeutic efficacy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements quality control measures with feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust oligomerization state during production. This ensures consistent therapeutic efficacy while managing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 formulation ensures improved therapeutic efficacy by maintaining the correct oligomerization state of SP-D, enhancing its immune modulatory and antimicrobial activities, and providing stability for prolonged shelf-life.

Implementation Method 1

An important characteristic of native SP-D that must be maintained in any pharmaceutical composition is the appropriate oligomerization state because the higher-order multimerization in the endogenous surfactant protein increases the number of SP-D-binding sites to carbohydrate ligands on the surface of pathogens

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOligomerization:

Implementation Method 2

Some such embodiments include solutions, and lyophilized solid forms of recombinant human surfactant protein D or active fragments thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLyophilization: Freeze Drying

Data Source

PatentEP3774875B1Methods and compositions comprising surfactant protein d (SP-d)
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 AIRWAY THERAPEUTICS INC
  • EP3774875B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3774875B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3774875B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Some embodiments provided herein relate to methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising recombinant human surfactant protein D or active fragments thereof. Some such embodiments include solutions or suspensions, and lyophilized solid forms of recombinant human surfactant protein D or active fragments thereof.