Trastuzumab Charge Variants: a Study on Physicochemical and Pharmacokinetic Properties

Post-translational modifications in bioprocessing and storage of recombinant mAbs are the main sources of charge variants. While the profile of these kinds of variants is considered an important attribute for the therapeutic mAbs, there is controversy about their direct role in safety and efficacy. In this study, the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of the separated charge variants belonging to a trastuzumab potential biosimilar, were examined.

The acidic peaks, basic peaks, and main variants of trastuzumab were separated and enriched by semi-preparative weak cation exchange. A panel of analytical techniques was utilized to characterize the physicochemical properties of these variants. The binding affinity to HER2 and FcγRs and the PK parameters were evaluated for each variant.

Based on the results, the charge variants of the proposed biosimilar had no significant influence on the examined efficacy and PK parameters.

During the development and production of biosimilar monoclonal antibodies, evaluating the effect of their charge variants on efficacy and PK parameters is needed.