Study of Oncolytic Virus Preservation and Formulation
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Published on: May 13, 2021
Lina Pan1, Xiyu Liu1, Dianfa Fan1
1State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Bio-Targeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
Abstract:
In recent years, oncolytic viruses (OVs) have emerged as an effective means of treating cancer. OVs have multiple oncotherapeutic functions including specifically infecting and lysing tumor cells, initiating immune cell death, attacking and destroying tumor angiogenesis and triggering a broad bystander effect. Oncolytic viruses have been used in clinical trials and clinical treatment as drugs for cancer therapy, and as a result, oncolytic viruses are required to have long-term storage stability for clinical use. In the clinical application of oncolytic viruses, formulation design plays a decisive role in the stability of the virus. Therefore, this paper reviews the degradation factors and their degradation mechanisms (pH, thermal stress, freeze-thaw damage, surface adsorption, oxidation, etc.) faced by oncolytic viruses during storage, and it discusses how to rationally add excipients for the degradation mechanisms to achieve the purpose of maintaining the long-term stability of oncolytic viral activity. Finally, the formulation strategies for the long-term formulation stability of oncolytic viruses are discussed in terms of buffers, permeation agents, cryoprotectants, surfactants, free radical scavengers, and bulking agent based on virus degradation mechanisms.
Insights
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) show promise for cancer treatment but require stable formulations. This review explores degradation factors and excipient strategies to ensure long-term oncolytic virus stability for clinical use.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Biopharmaceutical Formulation
- Oncology
Background:
- Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are emerging as potent cancer therapeutics with multiple anti-tumor mechanisms.
- Clinical application necessitates long-term storage stability for OVs, impacting their efficacy.
- Formulation design is critical for maintaining viral activity during storage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review degradation factors and mechanisms affecting oncolytic viruses during storage.
- To discuss rational excipient addition for enhancing viral stability.
- To outline formulation strategies for long-term oncolytic virus stability.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of oncolytic virus degradation factors (pH, thermal stress, freeze-thaw, adsorption, oxidation).
- Analysis of degradation mechanisms impacting viral activity.
- Evaluation of excipient roles in mitigating degradation.
Main Results:
- Identified key degradation factors and their mechanisms affecting OV stability.
- Highlighted the importance of specific excipients (buffers, cryoprotectants, etc.) in preserving viral integrity.
- Provided a framework for rational formulation design to ensure long-term OV stability.
Conclusions:
- Understanding degradation pathways is crucial for effective oncolytic virus formulation.
- Strategic use of excipients can significantly improve the long-term stability of OVs.
- Optimized formulations are essential for the successful clinical translation of oncolytic virus therapies.
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