BioPharmaSpec provides a complete solution for Filgrastim and pegylated Filgrastim comparability, biosimilarity and characterization studies.
Filgrastim (trade name Neupogen) is a G-CSF analog used to stimulate the bone marrow to produce granulocytes and stem cells. Pegfilgrastim is a PEGylated form of G-CSF often used to fight infection in patients undergoing chemotherapy. PEGylation of recombinant biopharmaceutical products is performed to increase the half-life of the product. For example, Pegfilgrastim has a human half-life of 15-80 hours, compared to Filgrastim’s half-life of 3–4 hours.
Biosimilar Characterization Considerations
The guidelines state that Filgrastim and pegylated Filgrastim comparability and characterization studies should include determination of physicochemical and structural properties, purity, impurities and quantity in line with ICH Topic Q6B:
Structural Characterization
Physicochemical Characterization
Functional Testing by Custom Biologics
- Cell proliferation Assay
- ELISA
- Neutralization Assays
- Receptor Binding Assays
Product Specific Technical Considerations
In addition to a PEGylation site assessment for the PEGylated product, particular attention should be paid to the Post Translational Modifications (PTMs) including:
- N-terminal heterogeneity
- Disulfide bridges
- Deamidation
- Oxidation