Formulation and delivery issues for monoclonal antibody therapeutics

Ann L Daugherty1, Randall J Mrsny

  • 1Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA. masi@gene.com

Summary

Antibody therapies offer high specificity but require large doses. Advances enable large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies, yet formulation stability remains a key challenge for these biopharmaceuticals.

Related Concept Videos

Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence01:27

Pharmaceutical Alternatives: Polymorphic Form-Related and Particle Size-Related Therapeutic Nonequivalence

Changes in polymorphic forms can significantly influence the bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs. Although the FDA defines pharmaceutical equivalence based on having the same active ingredient, dosage form, and route of administration, it does not automatically disqualify products with different polymorphic forms. This means two products with different polymorphs can still be deemed pharmaceutically equivalent. However, polymorphic differences can affect properties like wettability,...
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
Hybridoma Technology01:31

Hybridoma Technology

Hybridoma technology is used for the large-scale production of monoclonal antibodies. Monoclonal antibodies bind to only a single antigenic determinant or epitope. Such antibodies are used in research, diagnostics, and disease therapy. The hybridoma technology established in 1975 by Georges Köhler and Cesar Milstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1984 for revolutionizing research and therapy.
Hybridoma Selection
Commonly used fusion techniques — electroporation, polyethylene glycol...
Biopharmaceutical Factors Influencing Drug Product Design: Overview01:22

Biopharmaceutical Factors Influencing Drug Product Design: Overview

Rational drug product design integrates knowledge of the drug’s physicochemical properties, formulation components, manufacturing techniques, and intended route of administration. Each factor influences the drug’s performance, including how it is released, absorbed, and eliminated in the body.The physicochemical properties of a drug—such as solubility, stability, and particle size—affect its compatibility with excipients and the choice of dosage form. Excipients, though pharmacologically...
Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics: Overview01:28

Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics: Overview

Understanding drugs, drug products, and their performance in pharmaceutical science is pivotal. Drugs, whether simple molecules or complex compounds, are designed to interact with the body's biological systems to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases. Drug products include various delivery systems such as tablets, capsules, injections, and inhalers. The performance of these drug products is gauged by their ability to deliver the active ingredient to the desired site of action at the appropriate...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.