Yong Ying
Genentech, USA
Title: A systematic approach to investigate the impact of variable fragment (Fv) charge on antibody PK
Biography
Biography: Yong Ying
Abstract
PK characterization is a key step in the drug development process. In preclinical studies approximately 40% of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) tested in cynomolgus monkeys has atypically fast clearance. There are currently efforts to understand and mitigate the lead selection process to improve translational success in the clinic. One approach has been to investigate how antibody variable fragment (Fv) charge impacts PK and bioavailability of therapeutic antibodies. An empirical model was used to test the role of antibody Fv charge on PK properties by systematic amino acid substitutions in the Fv region of two mAbs, rhuMAbX and rhuMAbY. We compared the PK results of the parental mAbs and Fv charge variants to test our prediction for non-specific clearance. Given the large number of samples and low volumes we selected the Gyros platform for PK assay development and sample analysis. PK assays were developed and qualified successfully for the two parental mAbs and their two variants in three preclinical species (Cynomolgus monkey, Rat and Mouse). We present our results as well as our strategy in utilizing micro-sampling and the Gyros technology as a cost and time effective approach to streamline and improve efficiency for screening and selection of therapeutic mAb lead candidates for clinical development.