Tryptophan-mPEGs: novel excipients that stabilize salmon calcitonin against aggregation by non-covalent PEGylation

Protein aggregation, which is triggered by various factors, is still one of the most prevalent problems encountered during all stages of protein formulation development. In this publication, we present novel excipients, tryptophan-mPEGs (Trp-mPEGs) of 2 and 5 kDa molecular weight and suggest their use in protein formulation. The synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of the excipients are described. Possible cytotoxic and hemolytic activities of the Trp-mPEGs were examined. Turbidity, 90° static light scatter, intrinsic fluorescence, fluorescence after staining the samples with Nile Red and fluorescence microscopy were used to study the inhibitory effect of the Trp-mPEGs on the aggregation of salmon calcitonin (sCT) in different buffer systems and at various molar ratios. Aggregation of sCT was reduced significantly with increasing concentrations of Trp-mPEG 2 kDa. A 10-fold molar excess of Trp-mPEG 2 kDa suppressed almost completely the aggregation of sCT in 10mM sodium citrate buffer (pH 6) for up to 70 h. Trp-mPEG 5 kDa also reduced the aggregation of sCT, though less pronounced than Trp-mPEG 2 kDa. Low aggregation of sCT was measured after approximately 10 days in 10mM sodium citrate buffer, pH 5, with a 10-fold molar excess of Trp-mPEG 2 kDa. This paper shows that Trp-mPEGs are potent excipients in reducing the aggregation of sCT. Trp-mPEGs are superior to dansyl-PEGs concerning the stabilization of sCT in a harsh environment, wherein sCT is prone to aggregation. Trp-mPEGs might therefore also be used for stabilization of other biopharmaceuticals prone to aggregation.