Preformulation Characterization, Stabilization, and Formulation Design for the Acrylodan-Labeled Glucose-Binding Protein SM4-AC

Abstract

This study describes the physicochemical characterization, stabilization, and formulation design of SM4-AC, an acrylodan-labeled glucose/galactose-binding protein for use in a continuous glucose monitoring device. The physical stability profile of SM4-AC as a function of pH and temperature was monitored using a combination of biophysical techniques and the resulting physical stability profile was visualized using an empirical phase diagram. Forced degradation chemical stability studies (Asn deamidation, Met oxidation) of SM4-AC were performed using a combination of capillary isoelectric focusing, peptide mapping, and reversed-phase HPLC. Differential scanning fluorimetry was then employed to screen various pharmaceutical excipients for their ability to physically stabilize SM4-AC. An optimized formulation of 20% sucrose and 2.5 mM calcium chloride in 10 mM MES buffer, 150 mM NaCl at pH 6.0 increased the conformational stability of SM4-AC by 15°C. Accelerated and real-time stability studies were setup to compare the SM4-AC protein's physicochemical stability and glucose-binding activity in 2 formulations for up to 12 months. SM4-AC in an optimized formulation (vs the original formulation) showed improved physical stability, and similar chemical stability and glucose binding activity profiles during storage up to 52 weeks at various temperatures.

Keywords: acrylodan fluorescence; excipients; glucose binding; high-throughput fluorescence assay; physicochemical characterization; preformulation; stabilization.