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Accurate prediction of the human pharmacokinetics (PK) of a candidate monoclonal antibody from nonclinical data is critical to maximize the success of clinical trials. However, for monoclonal antibodies exhibiting nonlinear clearance due to target-mediated drug disposition, PK predictions are particularly challenging. That challenge is further compounded for molecules lacking cross-reactivity in a nonhuman primate, in which case a surrogate antibody selective for the target in rodent may be required. For these cases, prediction of human PK must account for any interspecies differences in binding kinetics, target expression, target turnover, and potentially epitope. We present here a model-based method for predicting the human PK of MAB92 (also known as BI 655130), a humanized IgG1κ monoclonal antibody directed against human IL-36R. Preclinical PK was generated in the mouse with a chimeric rat anti-mouse IgG2a surrogate antibody cross-reactive against mouse IL-36R. Target-specific parameters such as antibody binding affinity (KD), internalization rate of the drug target complex (kint), target degradation rate (kdeg), and target abundance (R0) were integrated into the model. Two different methods of assigning human R0 were evaluated: the first assumed comparable expression between human and mouse and the second used high-resolution mRNA transcriptome data (FANTOM5) as a surrogate for expression. Utilizing the mouse R0 to predict human PK, AUC0-∞ was substantially underpredicted for nonsaturating doses; however, after correcting for differences in RNA transcriptome between species, AUC0-∞ was predicted largely within 1.5-fold of observations in first-in-human studies, demonstrating the validity of the modeling approach. Our results suggest that semi-mechanistic models incorporating RNA transcriptome data and target-specific parameters may improve the predictivity of first-in-human PK.

Volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS) is increasingly utilized for both nonclinical and clinical pharmacokinetic studies. Currently, VAMS is employed as the sampling method for the detection of antibodies for coronavirus disease 2019. Biotherapeutics whole blood stability on VAMS presents as a critical concern for the health and pharmaceutical industries. In this follow-up to our previous publication, we evaluated daclizumab and trastuzumab whole blood sample stability on VAMS. The drug recovery data we observed at room temperature for short term and -80°C for long term was very encouraging. The knowledge could help us better understand and plan important investigation timelines, especially pandemic situations where human whole blood samples from a large population are collected and in urgent need of data analysis.

Aim: The fully automated microfluidics-based Gyrolab is a popular instrument for the bioanalysis of protein therapeutics; requiring minimal sample and reagent volumes. Gyros offers affinity software for determining binding affinity in solution using a high-throughput method and miniaturized reactions. Results: Using this affinity software, multiple CTGF-targeting reagents were characterized on the Gyrolab after

Antibodies targeting the CD40-CD40L pathway have great potential for treating autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), lupus nephritis (LN), and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, in addition to the known difficulty in generating a purely antagonistic CD40 antibody, the presence of CD40 and CD40L on platelets creates additional unique challenges for the safety, target coverage, and clearance of antibodies targeting this pathway. Previously described therapeutic antibodies targeting this pathway have various shortcomings, and the full therapeutic potential of this axis has yet to be realized. Herein, we describe the generation and characterization of BI 655064, a novel, purely antagonistic anti-CD40 antibody that potently neutralizes CD40-CD40L-dependent B-cell stimulation without evidence of impacting platelet functions. This uniquely optimized antibody targeting a highly challenging pathway was obtained by applying stringent functional and biophysical criteria during the lead selection process. BI 655064 has favorable target-mediated drug disposition (TMDD)-saturation pharmacokinetics, consistent with that of a high-quality therapeutic monoclonal antibody.

CX3CR1 has been identified as a highly attractive target for several therapeutic interventions. Despite this potential, no potent antagonists, either small molecule or monoclonal antibody, have been identified. Here we describe the lead finding and engineering approach that lead to the identification of BI 655088, a potent biotherapeutic antagonist to CX3CR1. BI 655088 is a potent CX3CR1 antagonist that, upon therapeutic dosing, significantly inhibits plaque progression in the standard mouse model of atherosclerosis. BI 655088 represents a novel and highly selective biotherapeutic that could reduce inflammation in the atherosclerotic plaque when added to standard of care treatment including statins, which could result in a significant decrease in atherothrombotic events in patients with existing cardiovascular disease.

Background: Four bioanalytical platforms were evaluated to optimize sensitivity and enable detection of recombinant human GDF11 in biological matrices; ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, Gyrolab xP Workstation and Simoa HD-1. Results & methodology: After completion of custom assay development, the single-molecule ELISA (Simoa) achieved the greatest sensitivity with a lower limit of quantitation of 0.1 ng/ml, an improvement of 100-fold over the next sensitive platform (MSD). Discussion & conclusion: This improvement was essential to enable detection of GDF11 in biological samples, and without the technology the sensitivity achieved on the other platforms would not have been sufficient. Other factors such as ease of use, cost, assay time and automation capability can also be considered when developing custom immunoassays, based on the requirements of the bioanalyst.

Background Costimulatory molecule pair CD40-CD40L plays a central role not only in immune cell interactions but also in immune-non immune cell activation. Targeting this pathway has generated great interest but early attempts to target CD40L failed mainly due to thrombotic complications observed in the clinic. In addition, developing a potent truly antagonistic CD40 antibody has proven to be challenging. Objectives Here we describe the preclinical characterization of BI 655064, an anti-human CD40 mAb that is being developed for the treatment of autoimmune disorders. BI 655064 is engineered as a human IgG1 molecule with a mutated Fc region to abrogate effector function. Methods Binding of BI 655064 to CD40 expressed on primary B cells was measured by flow cytometry. The ability of BI 655064 to block CD40L-induced B cell proliferation in vitro was measured by tritium uptake, while blockade of endothelial and DC activation was measured by inhibition of cytokine release. A subcutaneous PK/PD study in the cynomolgus monkey was performed to establish correlations between BI 655064 exposure, target coverage using a receptor occupancy assay and pharmacodynamic effects using an ex vivo CD54-induction assay. In vivo blockade of B cell function was also tested in a human-peripheral blood lymphocyte (huPBL) induced SCID mouse model of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and in cynomolgus monkeys immunized with keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH). Results In human whole blood, BI 655064 binds to CD40 on B cells (EC 90 of 6.85 nM ±0.74). Blockade of CD40L-induced B cell proliferation was observed at an average IC 50 of 0.4 nM. Inhibition of CD40L mediated cytokine release was observed in DCs (IC 50 =0.25 nM and 0.59 nM for TNFα and IL12/23p40, respectively) and to verify effects beyond immune cells, BI655064 was tested in CD40L stimulated endothelial cell cultures. Binding of BI 655064 to human platelets did not induce or augment platelet activation as determined by in vitro induction of CD62P. In the PK/PD study, cynomolgus monkeys dosed with greater than 1 mg/kg of BI 655064 exhibited complete blockade of ex vivo CD54 upregulation corresponding to full CD40 target coverage on B cells. In vivo , BI 655064 demonstrated clear effects on B cell function in the GvHD model where both human IgM and IgG responses were completely abrogated. As part of a repeat dose tolerability study, BI 655064 given to cynomolgus monkeys prior to immunization with KLH resulted in inhibition of KLH-specific IgM and IgG antibody responses. At doses of 5 mg/kg and above, germinal center size was decreased microscopically in Peyer9s patches, lymph nodes, spleens and tonsils in treated monkeys. Evaluation of platelet function in cynomolgus monkeys dosed with BI 655064 did not reveal any effects on ex vivo platelet activation or aggregation. Conclusions BI 655064 is a humanized antagonistic anti-CD40 mAb which is to be tested in human clinical trials for autoimmune disorders to establish safety and efficacy. BI 655064 demonstrated relevant pharmacologic in vitro and in vivo activity, blocking CD40-related functions at clinical dosing levels of >1 mg/kg in animal models. Disclosure of Interest K. Ralph Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, A. Nicoletti Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, E. Musvasva Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, S. Cannan Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, S. VanTongeren Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, D. Blanset Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, S. Brodeur Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, J. Ahlberg Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, H. Li Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, S. Fogal Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, S. Desai Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, K. O9Shea Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, R. Kroe-Barrett Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, E. Mainolfi Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, G. Nabozny: None declared, H. Wu Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, G. Hansen Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, K. Canada Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, S. Singh Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, X. Zhu Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, M. Ramanujam Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, C. Grimaldi Employee of: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals