Dual-detection approach for a charge variant analysis of monoclonal antibody combination products using imaged capillary isoelectric focusing

The clinical benefits of treatments with a combination of two or more therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have emerged in recent years. Imaged capillary isoelectric focusing is a frequently used technology in the biopharmaceutical industry for charge variant analysis of protein therapeutics. However, with the wide concentration ranges of combination products, one component may fall within the linear detection range, whereas the other does not. Here, we report a novel methodology to explore charge variants of mAb mixtures using multiple detection techniques simultaneously. We use ultraviolet absorbance to monitor the charge variants of the high-concentration component and native fluorescence (FL) to monitor the variants of the low-concentration one. Charge variants of mixtures that span 40-fold in ratio differences can be accurately quantified with this approach. In contrast to the conventional methods, it is not necessary to prepare and analyze two samples at different concentrations and combine the results for combination product testing. Additionally, the use of FL detection enables the charge variant analysis of highly potent/low abundant mAbs in a mixture. This methodology is more quality-control friendly and efficient for the charge variant analysis of combination products with wide ratios.