Nonclinical Development of Biologics: Integrating Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics to Create Smarter and More Flexible Nonclinical Safety Programs Optimizing Animal Use

2021 ◽  
pp. 109158182199428
Author(s):  
Adam Hey ◽  
Andreas Baumann ◽  
Sven Kronenberg ◽  
Guenter Blaich ◽  
Silke Mohl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dose Range ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Biological Drugs ◽  
The Public ◽  
Range Finding ◽  
Drug Conjugates ◽  
Advanced Therapy ◽  
Animal Use ◽  
General Desire

Safety assessment of biological drugs has its challenges due to the multiple new different modalities, for example, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecifics, nanobodies, fusion proteins and advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), their different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and their ability to trigger immunogenicity and toxicity. In the public and in the pharmaceutical industry, there is a strong and general desire to reduce the number of animals used in research and development of drugs and in particular reducing the use of nonhuman primates. Important discussions and activities are ongoing investigating the smarter designs of early research and dose range finding studies, reuse of animals, and replacing animal experiments with in vitro studies. Other important challenges include absence of a relevant species and design of studies and developing genetically modified animals for special investigative toxicology studies. Then, the learnings and challenges from the development of the first ATMPs are available providing valuable insights in the development path for these new potentially transformative treatments. Finally, development of strategies for assessment of immunogenicity and prediction of translation of immunogenicity and associated findings to the clinic. On this, the eighth meeting for the European BioSafe members, these challenges served as the basis for the presentations and discussions during the meeting. This article serves as the workshop report reviewing the presentations and discussions at the meeting.

scholarly journals Fermotein Does Not Exert Genotoxic Effects in Bacterial Reverse Mutation and in Vitro Mammalian Cell Micronucleus Tests

2021 ◽  
pp. 113-123
Author(s):  
Marjolein Van Der Spiegel ◽  
José J. Van Den Driessche ◽  
Elisa Leune ◽  
Kirsten Knobel ◽  
Wim De Laat
Keyword(s):  
Mammalian Cell ◽  
Micronucleus Test ◽  
Dose Range ◽  
The Body ◽  
Cell Protein ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Genotoxic Effects ◽  
Reverse Mutation ◽  
Range Finding

Aim: Fermotein is an innovative single-cell protein obtained from fermentation of the filamentous fungus Rhizomucor pusillus. Like other filamentous fungi, a lack of information on this species exists to assess its safety for human consumption. The capability to induce gene mutations or structural and numerical chromosomal aberrations of this fungus and derived products has never been studied before. The objective of the current study was to investigate the genotoxic effects of Fermotein using a bacterial reverse mutation test and an in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test. Methodology: The bacterial reverse mutation test and in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test were performed in accordance with GLP and concurrent OECD guidelines. Dose-range finding tests were used to select appropriate doses of Fermotein Dry. The highest doses in the genotoxicity experiments were determined by the solubility of the mycoprotein. Results: The bacterial reverse mutation test and in vitro mammalian cell micronucleus test were performed in accordance with GLP and concurrent OECD guidelines. Dose-range finding tests were used to select appropriate doses of Fermotein Dry. The highest doses in the genotoxicity experiments were determined by the solubility of the mycoprotein. Conclusion: No safety concerns regarding genotoxicity were identified for Fermotein and no further in vivo genotoxicity testing is required. Information from the current study contributes to the body of evidence for a novel food authorisation of Fermotein in the EU and a GRAS notification in the US.

scholarly journals In vitro acute inhalation toxicity for TiO2 (GST) using 3D human tissue model (EpiAirwayTM)

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. e2021015
Author(s):  
Seong Yong Jang ◽  
Myeong Kyu Park ◽  
Jae Min Im ◽  
Hae Sung Park ◽  
Heung Sik Seo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mtt Assay ◽  
Dose Range ◽  
Screening Method ◽  
Inhalation Toxicity ◽  
Hazardous Substance ◽  
Tissue Model ◽  
Range Finding ◽  
Sludge Recycling

The present study was performed to screen in vitro potential acute inhalation toxicity using an EpiAirwayTM tissue model (human tracheal/bronchial tissue) for the nano-sized titanium dioxide, GST manufactured as a photocatalyst through of sludge recycling and to compare with P-25 a commercialized photocatalytic material. According to the protocol provided by in vitro tissue manufacturer, the GST was exposure to the tissue for 3 hours in 450, 500, 650, 850 mg/mL concentration after preliminary dose range finding study and then tissue viability (%, IC75) was calculated using the MTT assay. Besides, the histopathological observation was performed to compare to the MTT assay. As a result of study, IC75 could not be confirmed at 850 mg/mL in both GST and P-25 and the grade was confirmed to be IC75> 600 mg/mL in vitro model tissue category. Therefore, it was considered that the GHS category could be classified as ‘No classification’ in screening method for potential acute inhalation toxicity. Also, not the morphological effects of epithelial cells in tissue model were observed compared with the vehicle control and histological findings were similar to the results of MTT Viability assay. Based on these results, the potential acute inhalation toxicity for GST produced through sludge recycling using in vitro tissue model inhalation toxicity showed that it could be non-hazardous substance. However, further study (in vivo study, etc.) is thought to be needed to ascertain whether GST is a toxic effect or safe.

scholarly journals Efficacy of Tilorone Dihydrochloride against Ebola Virus Infection

2017 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Ekins ◽  
Mary A. Lingerfelt ◽  
Jason E. Comer ◽  
Alexander N. Freiberg ◽  
Jon C. Mirsalis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Half Life ◽  
Ebola Virus ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Dose Range ◽  
The United States ◽  
Time Curve ◽  
Lethal Challenge ◽  
Range Finding ◽  
Orally Bioavailable

ABSTRACTTilorone dihydrochloride (tilorone) is a small-molecule, orally bioavailable drug that is used clinically as an antiviral outside the United States. A machine-learning model trained on anti-Ebola virus (EBOV) screening data previously identified tilorone as a potentin vitroEBOV inhibitor, making it a candidate for the treatment of Ebola virus disease (EVD). In the present study, a series ofin vitroADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) assays demonstrated the drug has excellent solubility, high Caco-2 permeability, was not a P-glycoprotein substrate, and had no inhibitory activity against five human CYP450 enzymes (3A4, 2D6, 2C19, 2C9, and 1A2). Tilorone was shown to have 52% human plasma protein binding with excellent plasma stability and a mouse liver microsome half-life of 48 min. Dose range-finding studies in mice demonstrated a maximum tolerated single dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight. A pharmacokinetics study in mice at 2- and 10-mg/kg dose levels showed that the drug is rapidly absorbed, has dose-dependent increases in maximum concentration of unbound drug in plasma and areas under the concentration-time curve, and has a half-life of approximately 18 h in both males and females, although the exposure was ∼2.5-fold higher in male mice. Tilorone doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg proved efficacious in protecting 90% of mice from a lethal challenge with mouse-adapted with once-daily intraperitoneal (i.p.) dosing for 8 days. A subsequent study showed that 30 mg/kg/day of tilorone given i.p. starting 2 or 24 h postchallenge and continuing through day 7 postinfection was fully protective, indicating promising activity for the treatment of EVD.

scholarly journals FORMULA FOR THE WELL-BEING OF EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS: 3R + 1R

2017 ◽  
pp. 018
Author(s):  
Nikola M. Stojanović ◽  
Milica M. Todorovska
Keyword(s):  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Experimental Information ◽  
Experimental Animals ◽  
Animal Protection ◽  
Responsible Behavior ◽  
Animal Use ◽  
The 19Th Century ◽  
Over Time

Animals were first used for research purposes at the beginning of the development of both biology and medicine. However, the expansion in the use of animals for laboratory purposes began in the 19th century. During an experiment, animals may experience fear, deprivation, disease, and various degrees of pain. Animal Protection activists oppose to animal experiments and it is, therefore, necessary to harmonize the worldwide regulations on the use of animals for scientific purposes. More than 50 years ago, Russell and Burch were the first to define the 3R rule. It consists of the following three principles: Replacement, Reduction and Refinement. Over time, one more R was added to stand for Responsibility, meaning a responsible behavior of those who implement the 3R rule. Replacement means that, if possible, each experimental animal model should be replaced by an in vitro method or be reduced to a smaller number of animals used. Reduction is defined as a reduced number of animals used to obtain certain experimental information, while Refinement is a reduction in the frequency or severity of inhumane procedures applied to animals that have yet to be used. The 3R (+1R) rule has its drawbacks, but it is a very important aspect of animal use regulation, which is essential. These rules are used to direct animal users towards an adequate experimental model, but also to be a reminder of the appropriate use of experimental animals at a given time.

scholarly journals Preclinical Characterization of a Novel Anti-Cancer PD-L1 Inhibitor RPH-120

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrey Kulikov ◽  
Elena Shipaeva ◽  
Anastasia Dmitrieva ◽  
Vera Batrak ◽  
Georgy Shipunov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dose Range ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Drug Candidate ◽  
Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽  
Binding Studies ◽  
Cynomolgus Monkeys ◽  
Range Finding

RPH-120 is a novel fully human anti-PD-L1 IgG1 monoclonal antibody with specifically designed Asn300Ala mutation in Fc fragment. Surface plasmon resonance assay showed that affinity of the RPH-120 to the dimeric form of human PD-L1-Fc fusion protein was much higher than affinity to the monomeric His-tagged PD-L1. Further binding studies demonstrated that RPH-120 is able to bind to human and monkey but not mouse PD-L1. Tissue cross-reactivity study showed good comparability of human and Cynomolgus monkeys tissue staining. Bioactivity was assessed using mixed lymphocyte reaction assay. This study revealed that RPH-120 was able to activate T cells preventing PD1/PD-L1 interaction. Antitumor efficacy was analyzed in HCC-827 lung cancer xenografts in humanized CD34+ mice at three dosage levels: 20, 80, and 200 mg/kg. RPH-120 demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition, and this inhibition was comparable to that of atezolizumab. In a single dose toxicity, toxicokinetic and dose range finding study performed in Cynomolgus monkeys, RPH-120 was administered via intravenous (IV) bolus or 60-min IV infusion, followed by 8-weeks recovery period. An acceptable toxicokinetic profile was demonstrated and administration at doses of up to 200 mg/kg was well tolerated by all animals. In conclusion, RPH-120 revealed promising in vitro and in vivo activity and safety. RPH-120 is a potent anti-PD-L1 drug candidate for cancer immunotherapy.

Preclinical evaluation of CLX-155, a novel prodrug of 5-FU for the treatment of cancer.

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e15614-e15614
Author(s):  
Sunil Kumar KB ◽  
Mahesh Kandula ◽  
Sivanesan P
Keyword(s):  
Antitumor Activity ◽  
Dose Range ◽  
Liver Microsomes ◽  
Xenograft Model ◽  
Amide Bond ◽  
Tumor Growth Inhibition ◽  
Range Finding ◽  
Hct 116 ◽  
Adme Profile

e15614 Background: CLX-155 is a novel prodrug of 5-FU, developed by adding two acetyl groups (ester bond) and a caprylic acid moiety (amide bond) to 5'-DFCR ring structure. CLX-155 is designed to have a differentiated ADME profile, with improved safety and efficacy over capecitabine. Here, we present the preclinical data of CLX-155 in comparison with capecitabine. Methods: Solubility/stability of CLX-155 was studied in buffers, simulated gastrointestinal fluids and liver microsomes. In vitro metabolite profiling in hepatocytes was done following standard protocol. An oral (gavage) dose range finding (DRF) toxicity, comparative oral pharmacokinetic study and antitumor activity in HCT-116 human colon cancer cell xenograft model was conducted in mice. DRF study in mice evaluated the toxicity of CLX-155 when administered at once daily doses of 100 to 1000 mg/kg/day for 7-days. The oral pharmacokinetics CLX-155/metabolites (5'-DFCR, 5'-DFUR and 5-FU) was determined in mice at MTD dose of 500 mg/kg and for capecitabine at 1000 mg/kg. Antitumor activity of CLX-155 was evaluated in Foxn1 athymic mice at 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg/day and for capecitabine at 1000 mg/kg/day. Treatment was performed for three consecutive weeks (5 days on; 2 days off per week). Results: The results of in-vitro studies confirmed an acceptable profile for further development of CLX-155. Maximum tolerated dose of CLX-155 in mice was 500 mg/kg/day. The key toxicity findings were consistent with the mechanism of action and comparable with capecitabine. Oral PK study in mice showed a lower plasma Cmax for 5'-DFCR, 5'-DFUR and 5-FU. Plasma AUCs of the metabolites were close to or higher than that of capecitabine, indicating an extended absorption or altered metabolism in comparison with capecitabine. CLX-155 caused significant, tumor growth inhibition at all the dose levels tested. Complete tumor regression was seen in 2/10 animals at 500 mg/kg/day of CLX-155. CLX-155 was better tolerated in the mouse xenograft study, no mortality in CLX-155 versus 2/10 in capecitabine group. Conclusions: CLX-155 has an excellent safety and a differentiated ADME profile in relation to capecitabine. This translated into an improved in-vivo antitumor activity for CLX-155 in the HCT 116 xenograft model in relation to capecitabine. Overall data indicate that CLX-155 could offer significant improvements over the currently approved capecitabine in terms of dose size, frequency of administration, safety and interpatient variability in pharmacokinetics.

Effects of Probiotics in the Management of Infected Chronic Wounds: From Cell Culture to Human Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 193-206
Author(s):  
Brognara Lorenzo ◽  
Salmaso Luca ◽  
Mazzotti Antonio ◽  
Di M. Alberto ◽  
Faldini Cesare ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Wounds ◽  
Animal Experiments ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Human Studies ◽  
In Vivo Studies ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Keywords Probiotics

Background: Chronic wounds are commonly associated with polymicrobial biofilm infections. In the last years, the extensive use of antibiotics has generated several antibiotic-resistant variants. To overcome this issue, alternative natural treatments have been proposed, including the use of microorganisms like probiotics. The aim of this manuscript was to review current literature concerning the application of probiotics for the treatment of infected chronic wounds. Methods: Relevant articles were searched in the Medline database using PubMed and Scholar, using the keywords “probiotics” and “wound” and “injuries”, “probiotics” and “wound” and “ulcer”, “biofilm” and “probiotics” and “wound”, “biofilm” and “ulcer” and “probiotics”, “biofilm” and “ulcer” and “probiotics”, “probiotics” and “wound”. Results: The research initially included 253 articles. After removal of duplicate studies, and selection according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, 19 research articles were included and reviewed, accounting for 12 in vitro, 8 in vivo studies and 2 human studies (three articles dealing with animal experiments included also in vitro testing). Most of the published studies about the effects of probiotics for the treatment of infected chronic wounds reported a partial inhibition of microbial growth, biofilm formation and quorum sensing. Discussion: The application of probiotics represents an intriguing option in the treatment of infected chronic wounds with multidrug-resistant bacteria; however, current results are difficult to compare due to the heterogeneity in methodology, laboratory techniques, and applied clinical protocols. Lactobacillus plantarum currently represents the most studied strain, showing a positive application in burns compared to guideline treatments, and an additional mean in chronic wound infections. Conclusions: Although preliminary evidence supports the use of specific strains of probiotics in certain clinical settings such as infected chronic wounds, large, long-term clinical trials are still lacking, and further research is needed.

Traditional Herbal Medicines, Newer Herbs and Other Novel Approaches Integrated in Herbal Medicine for Atopic Dermatitis-A Narrative Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-208
Author(s):  
Pravin Kumar ◽  
Dinesh Kumar Sharma ◽  
Mahendra Singh Ashawat
Keyword(s):  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Skin Lesions ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Herbal Drugs ◽  
Biological Drugs ◽  
Alternative Treatment Option

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a prolonged reverting skin ailment with characteristically distributed skin lesions. In the previous decades, researchers had shown a marked interest in AD due to its increased prevalence in developed countries. Although different strategies including biological and immune modulators are available for the treatment of AD, each has certain limitations. The researchers had shown considerable interest in the management of AD with herbal medicines. The establishment of herbal drugs for AD might eliminate local as well as systemic adverse effects associated with long term use of corticosteroids and also higher cost of therapy with biological drugs. The present review discusses the traditional East Asian herbal medicines and scientific data related to newer herbal extracts or compositions for the treatment of AD. In vivo animal models and in vitro cell cultures, investigated with herbal medicines to establish a possible role in AD treatment, have also been discussed in the paper. The paper also highlights the role of certain new approaches, i.e. pharmacopuncture, a combination of allopathic and herbal medicines; and novel carriers (liposomes, cubosomes) for herbal drugs on atopic skin. In conclusion, herbal medicines can be a better and safe, complementary and alternative treatment option for AD.

Design, Synthesis and Studies on Novel Polymeric Prodrugs of Erlotinib for Colon Drug Delivery

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahil Kumar ◽  
Bandna Sharma ◽  
Tilak R. Bhardwaj ◽  
Rajesh K. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Drug Release ◽  
Anticancer Agents ◽  
Release Kinetics ◽  
In Vitro Release ◽  
Specific Treatment ◽  
Drug Conjugates ◽  
Polymer Drug Conjugates

Aims: In the present study, polymer-drug conjugates were synthesized based on azo-bond cleavage drug delivery approach for targeting erlotinib as anticancer drug specifically to the colon for the proficient treatment of colon cancer. Background: Colon cancer (CC) is the third commonly detected tumor worldwide and it make up about 10 % of all cases of cancers. Most of the chemotherapeutic drugs available for treating colon cancer are not only toxic to cancerous cells but also to the normal healthy cells. Among the various approaches to get rid of the adverse effects of anticancer agents, prodrugs are one of the most imperative approaches. Objective: The objective of the study is to chemically modify the erlotinib drug through azo-bond linkage and suitable spacer which will be finally linked to polymeric backbone to give desired polymer linked prodrug. The azo reductase enzyme present in colon is supposed to cleave the azo-bond specifically and augment the drug release at the colon. Methods: The synthesized conjugates were characterized by IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The cleavage of aromatic azobond resulted in a potential colon-specific liberation of drug from conjugate studied in rat fecal contents. In vitro release profiles of polyphosphazene-linked conjugates of erlotinib have been studied at pH 1.2, pH 6.8 and pH 7.4. The stability study was designed to exhibit that free drug was released proficiently and unmodified from polyphosphazene-erlotinib conjugates having aromatic azo-bond in artificial colon conditions. Results: The synthesized conjugates were demonstrated to be stable in simulated upper gastro-intestinal tract conditions. The drug release kinetics shows that all the polymer-drug conjugates of erlotinib follow zero-order release kinetics which indicates that the drug release from the polymeric backbone is independent of its concentration. Kinetic study of conjugates with slope (n) shows the anomalous type of release with an exponent (n) > 0.89 indicating a super case II type of release. Conclusion: These studies indicate that polyphosphazene linked drug conjugates of erlotinib could be the promising candidates for the site-specific treatment of colon cancer with least detrimental side-effects.

scholarly journals Targeting RON receptor tyrosine kinase for treatment of advanced solid cancers: antibody–drug conjugates as lead drug candidates for clinical trials

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
pp. 175883592092006
Author(s):  
Hang-Ping Yao ◽  
Sreedhar Reddy Suthe ◽  
Xiang-Min Tong ◽  
Ming-Hai Wang
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Receptor Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Targeted Therapeutics ◽  
Antibody Drug Conjugates ◽  
Drug Candidates ◽  
Drug Conjugates ◽  
Ron Receptor ◽  
Antibody Drug

The recepteur d’origine nantais (RON) receptor tyrosine kinase, belonging to the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition proto-oncogene family, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancers derived from the colon, lung, breast, and pancreas. These findings lay the foundation for targeting RON for cancer treatment. However, development of RON-targeted therapeutics has not gained sufficient attention for the last decade. Although therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (TMABs) targeting RON have been validated in preclinical studies, results from clinical trials have met with limited success. This outcome diminishes pharmaceutical enthusiasm for further development of RON-targeted therapeutics. Recently, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) targeting RON have drawn special attention owing to their increased therapeutic activity. The rationale for developing anti-RON ADCs is based on the observation that cancer cells are not sufficiently addicted to RON signaling for survival. Thus, TMAB-mediated inhibition of RON signaling is ineffective for clinical application. In contrast, anti-RON ADCs combine a target-specific antibody with potent cytotoxins for cancer cell killing. This approach not only overcomes the shortcomings in TMAB-targeted therapies but also holds the promise for advancing anti-RON ADCs into clinical trials. In this review, we discuss the latest advancements in the development of anti-RON ADCs for targeted cancer therapy including drug conjugation profile, pharmacokinetic properties, cytotoxic effect in vitro, efficacy in tumor models, and toxicological activities in primates.

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