SAMSUNG Mylotarg Reducing ADC Development Timelines User Guide
- June 1, 2024
- Samsung
Table of Contents
SAMSUNG Mylotarg Reducing ADC Development Timelines v
Specifications
- Product Name: Bioconjugates Development and Manufacturing Services
- Market Value: Approximately $9 billion in 2023
- Compound Annual Growth Rate: Around 11%
- Number of FDA-approved ADCs in June 2023: 11
- Main Applications: Anticancer therapies
Product Usage Instructions
-
Understanding Bioconjugates
Bioconjugates consist of a biomolecule linked to a small molecule payload, often used in diagnostic and research applications to investigate disease mechanisms. -
Evolution of ADCs
First-generation ADCs faced stability issues, leading to improvements in second-generation ADCs with controlled linker locations and cleavable linkers for specific payload release. -
Third-Generation Advancements:
Third-generation ADCs feature dual-cleavage linkers for precise payload release, multiple payload binding for increased potency, and solutions for better solubility. -
Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges
Integrated development and manufacturing services help streamline ADC development by managing multiple suppliers and ensuring quality control.
FAQ
-
Q: What are the main targets of ADCs?
A: Most ADCs target oncoproteins like HER2 and TROP2, along with other biomolecular pathways such as BCMA, CD19, CD22, and more. -
Q: How has the evolution of ADCs improved therapy?
A: Advancements in ADC technology have led to increased stability, better pharmacokinetic properties, and enhanced potency in targeting cancer cells.
WHITEPAPER
Reducing ADC Development Timelines with Integrated Development and
Manufacturing Services
Abstract
Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are highly effective in therapeutic
applications, particularly as anticancer agents. Technologies for linking
small molecule payloads to biomolecules have steadily evolved since the
field’s inception, resulting in continuous improvement in safety and
performance. Manufacturing these multi-component therapies is challenging,
however, given the three different elements––antibody, linker, and
payload––require specialized capabilities. Integrating development and
production activities within a single outsourcing partner can dramatically
simplify ADC projects and accelerate timelines.
Growing Applications for Bioconjugates
- Bioconjugates comprise a biomolecule, such as an antibody, protein, or peptide, linked to a payload, which is typically a small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with a specific therapeutic
- activity. Proteins conjugated to small molecules find use in diagnostic applications, and various types of bioconjugates are used by researchers to investigate disease mechanisms and other biomolecular pathways.1
- Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are the most well-known bioconjugates and have been shown to be highly effective targeted therapies, particularly in the oncology space. The U.S. Food and Drug
- Administration (FDA) approved eight ADCs between 2019 and 2022. Furthermore, the number of ADCs entering phase I clinical trials in 2022 was 90% higher than in 2021, while the total number of clinical studies investigating ADCs that were initiated in 2022 was 35% higher than in the previous year.2
- The global market for ADCs is valued at approximately $9 billion in 2023 and is estimated to be expanding at a compound annual growth rate around 11%.3,4 In June 2023, 11 FDA-approved ADCs were on the market.1 This strong growth is attributable to the increased effectiveness of later-generation ADCs, which have significantly improved stability and pharmacokinetic properties.
- Most approved and candidate ADCs are anticancer therapies, with approximately one-fifth targeting the oncoproteins HER2 and TROP2. Other targets being explored include BCMA, CD19, CD22, CD30, CD33, Fra, and TF, among many others.2 Over 30 different linker chemistries and more than 60 different payloads have been employed in clinical candidates, although approximately half of clinical ADCs have leveraged tubulin inhibitors, which disrupt the cytoskeleton in targeted cells, leading to cell death.
- Advances continue to be made in linker chemistry, payload design, and antibody engineering. Examples include immune-stimulating antibody conjugates (ISACs) that activate immune responses and radioactive and cytotoxic payloads. Payloads, such as kinase inhibitors, are being investigated to determine if targeted administration will improve the therapeutic index. In addition, researchers and biopharmaceutical companies are showing growing interest in the use of other biomolecules, most notably peptides, that can penetrate solid tumors more efficiently than antibodies. Single-chain antibodies, antibody fragments, bispecifics, and other alternatives are also being explored. ADCs are being evaluated in the clinic as combination therapies with other chemotherapeutic agents.
Evolving Bioconjugation Solutions
The first ADC was approved in 2000. Mylotarg (Pfizer’s gemtuzumab ozogamicin)
leveraged N-acylhydrazone linker technology, which unfortunately proved to be
unstable and resulted in severe liver toxicity, leading to a withdrawal of the
drug in 2010. However, it received approval again in 2017 at a lower dosage
administered over a longer timeframe, which reduced toxicity.
Challenges with early linker technology drove significant efforts to identify
improved alternatives, and new approaches were introduced in 2004–2005. In
general, the linker technologies used in first-generation ADCs provided no
control over the number of payloads conjugated to the antibody, leading to
unsuitable heterogeneity of drug-to-antibody ratios (DARs).5 Release and
reattachment of payloads at different locations and conjugation to many areas
of the antibody, including the binding region, led to reduced efficacy and in
some cases release of the payload in non-target tissues.
Second-generation ADCs benefited from site-specific conjugation (controlled
linker location and homogeneous DAR values) and linkers that only release
their payload when exposed to certain conditions in the target cell (e.g., a
certain pH, high concentration of certain enzyme).5 Such cleavable linkers
were an improvement over early non-cleavable linkers that required degradation
of the targeting agent for the payload to be released.
Based on prior experience with first- and second-generation ADCs, third-
generation ADCs are built on advances with dual-cleavage linkers for more
specific payload release and linkers that can bind to multiple payloads for
greater potency, in combination with solutions that better accommodate
hydrophobic payloads for improved solubility and bioavailability.5 An example
is the use of liposomes and branch chain linkers that can be loaded with
multiple payload molecules.
Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges with Integration
- ADC developers relying on a fragmented supply chain face a range of challenges associated with the intricacies of vendor management. With multiple suppliers to oversee, each specializing in a unique ADC component (antibody, linker, and payload), companies frequently wrestle with harmonizing quality controls, synchronizing timelines, and ensuring efficient communication among all entities. The absence of an integrated service also exposes developers to potential inconsistencies in product quality. As each vendor enforces its distinct set of quality parameters, discrepancies can emerge, affecting the final ADC product’s potency and safety. Moreover, aligning timelines among varied suppliers can evolve into a logistical conundrum, which may culminate in unforeseen production delays. The transportation and storage of ADC components pose another layer of complexity. Developers must navigate the logistical hurdles of receiving materials from different geographical locations, each presenting unique bottlenecks. The diverse storage prerequisites for distinct components, ranging from specific temperature controls to unique handling protocols, can further complicate the process, requiring heightened vigilance and resource allocation.
- Given these complexities, sourcing raw materials for ADC production can be more challenging than procuring material for conventional antibodies. ADCs –– constituted of biological, small molecule components –– and a linker, necessitate that each of these three elements be manufactured in compliance with cGMP standards. All three components must then be concurrently delivered to the site designated for bioconjugation. Recognizing these challenges, manufacturers have made concerted efforts to consolidate as many relevant activities as feasible, either in-house or through alliances with contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) that offer comprehensive support for ADC production.
- Integration of drug intermediate (antibody, linker, and payload) manufacturing within a single provider, coupled with drug substance and drug product manufacturing, streamlines project management, rendering the establishment of ADC production timelines more straightforward. Moreover, these timelines are typically shorter, and there is a heightened probability of adhering to them. Crucially, every element is fabricated under a unified quality management system, promoting efficient communication between development and production teams.
- Samsung Biologics aims to offer fully integrated capabilities for ADC development and manufacturing. Currently, the company has expertise in antibody engineering, process development, and large-scale manufacturing of antibodies. The process development group is ramping up its capabilities in bioconjugation and adding experienced personnel to its expanding team.
- Samsung Biologics will add the capability to expand its drug product manufacturing to include cytotoxins. This move is not only aimed at achieving full integration, but also at circumventing the challenges associated with accessing fill/finish services for cytotoxics and shipping these materials globally. The company is currently evaluating whether small molecule manufacturing will be established internally, via an acquisition, or through a licensing arrangement with another company.
- Customers can expect that, regardless of the chosen route, Samsung Biologics will establish integrated capabilities and the necessary expertise for ADC manufacturing in the near future. Indeed, the company is a relatively recent upstart but is already one of the largest manufacturers of monoclonal antibodies in the world. The approach to integrated ADC manufacturing will be similar––and significant. The company is very adept at constructing facilities and reducing timelines. Samsung Biologics expects to be a major player in the ADC market moving forward.
Enabling Bioconjugation through Appropriate Facility Design
In addition to aseptic manufacturing, which is required for all biologics, the
cytotoxic nature of most ADCs requires the establishment of an environment
suitable for handling highly potent and cytotoxic molecules. Not only must
personnel be isolated from the process, but the process must also be isolated
from the personnel. Effective containment for highly potent compounds involves
rigorous control of the flow of personnel, materials, and room air.
Multiple mechanical seals are employed when the conjugation vessel is
operational to prevent any release of material to the surrounding environment.
“Air curtains” are used as shields for certain steps. The air turnover rate in
a room for processing highly potent compounds must be extremely high
(somewhere between 25 and 50 air changes per hour). For certain molecules and
operations, personnel may be required to wear special respirators or air
masks. Gloveboxes are typically used when preparing solutions of the cytotoxic
compound to prevent release of even very small quantities of cytotoxic powder
into the environment. The facility must be equipped with HEPA and carbon
filters to remove even trace amounts of cytotoxins in the air and prevent
their exhaustion to the environment.
Unlike traditional biologic processes, waste generated during the processing
of highly potent compounds must be incinerated. That includes liquids from
chromatography columns and tangential-flow filtration (TFF) systems (up to
thousands of liters) and solids.
Changeover from one bioconjugation process to another when cytotoxic payloads
are involved is more challenging as well. In addition to monitoring for
microbial contamination, it is necessary to determine whether any residual
cytotoxic materials are present. That requires analysis using liquid
chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to detect minute levels of toxins.
A truly integrated ADC service provider should have equipment that will be
dedicated to certain cytotoxic payloads widely used in ADCs (e.g., tubulin
inhibitors). It is also expected that, where it is possible to limit the
quantity of organic cosolvent required to solubilize the cytotoxic payload
before conjugation, such as for less hydrophobic compounds, single-use systems
will be employed. To meet the required co-solvent level, ADC candidates must
be produced in stainless steel or borosilicate glass-lined reaction vessels
simply because of the level of co-solvent required.
Importance of the Right Analytical Support
Given that ADCs involve a biologic large molecule, a small molecule, and
linker components that may be enzymes, peptides, or polymers, a wide range of
analytical capabilities are needed to support process development, process
monitoring, and product release.
For product release, typical methods are required to analyze the naked
antibody, but others are also needed to evaluate the conjugated antibody
(e.g., DAR, sites of conjugation). It is also necessary to confirm that no
free payload molecules are present. Separate methods are needed to confirm the
identity and purity of the payload and the linker before their attachment and
to confirm proper attachment to one another. Finally, at least one biological,
cell-based assay is needed as well. All told, approximately 15 different
analytical methods are required to release an ADC drug substance.
Overcoming Market Hurdles
The ADC field continues to advance at a rapid pace, with scientific knowledge
expanding exponentially as more candidates progress through the development
cycle. More information is being gained on how ADCs harness and activate the
immune system and kill cancer cells. With this knowledge, the design of
targeting agents is improving, and new payloads and linkers will enable
treatment of a wider range of oncology indications. New companion diagnostics
designed around the physiology of the therapeutic indication will increase the
patient response rate. ADCs are designable therapeutics where our prior
experience will increase the probability of success for the next generation of
ADCs. The future is very exciting, and Samsung Biologics, given its
unparalleled track record of success in biologics development and
manufacturing services, is well poised to play a major role in bringing these
novel treatments to patients safely and as cost-effectively as possible.
Authors
Thomas Rohrer
Senior Director of
Technical Support Bioconjugates
Thomas Rohrer is a Senior Director of Technical Support Bioconjugates at Samsung Biologics. He has an extensive background in the biologics industry, with more than 38 years of experience in biological process development, clinical manufacturing, and licensed biological manufacturing at the National Cancer Institute, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Human Genome Sciences (GSK), and Lonza AG.
References
- Gogia, Pooja,Hamza Ashraf, Sidharth Bhasin and Yiqing Xu. “Antibody-Drug Conjugates: A Review of Approved Drugs and Their Clinical Level of Evidence..” Cancers (Basel). 15: 3886 (2023).
- Barnscher, Stuart D. “The Clinical Landscape Of ADCs In 2023: Diverse Technologies, Narrow Target.” Clinical Leader. 16 Mar. 2023.
- Global Antibody Drug Conjugates Market Size To Grow USD 23.9 Billion By 2032 | CAGR of 10.7. Spherical Insights LLP. 30 May 2023.
- Antibody Drug Conjugates Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Blood Cancer, Breast Cancer), By Technology ({Type-Cleavable, Non-cleavable}), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 -2030. Rep. Grand View Research. 2023.
- Challener, C.A. “Optimization of Linker Chemistries for Antibody-Drug Conjugates.” BioPharm International. Nov. 2023.
ABOUT SAMSUNG BIOLOGICS
Samsung Biologics is a fully integrated, end-to-end CDMO service provider,
offering seamless development and manufacturing solutions from cell line
development to final aseptic fill/finish, as well as laboratory testing
support for the biopharmaceutical products we manufacture. Our state-of-the-
art facilities are cGMP compliant with bioreactors ranging from small to large
scales to serve varying client needs.
To maximize our operational efficiency and expand our capabilities in response
to growing biomanufacturing demands, Samsung Biologics fully completed Plant
4, which will further advance the company’s standing as the world’s largest
manufacturing facility at a single site—holding a 604KL total capacity—and
announced plans to construct Plant 5, which will be operational in April 2025.
Additionally, Samsung Biologics America enables the company to work in closer
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We continue to upgrade our capabilities to accommodate our clients by
investing in technologies such as an anti-body drug conjugate (ADC) facility,
a dedicated mRNA manufacturing facility, and additional aseptic filling
capacity. As a sustainable CDMO partner of choice, we are committed to on-
time, in-full delivery of the products we manufacture with our flexible
manufacturing solutions, operational excellence, and proven expertise.
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