Methods: There were prepared 3 batches of each of four formulation variants of the allergen vaccine PROLINEM-DS at pilot scale, complying with GMP. The vaccine contains an allergen fraction of D.siboney extract, alum and proteoliposome of Neisseria meningitidisas a TLR4 ligand. Variants consisted of a gradual reduction of phosphate ion and alum (from 1 to 2mg/mL). Adsorption of Der s1 was assessed by Mab-ELISA. Residual non-adsorbed total allergenic activity was measured by IgE inhibition ELISA. A real time stability study was performed at 4°C testing at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 during 18 months, according to ICH guidelines.
Results: The highest value of Der s1 adsorption was 98,7% achieved for the variant without phosphate, whereas the variant with full PBS buffer showed only 85,2%. After 18 months of storage at 4°C, the adsorption values remained high at 98,8% for the variants with reduced phosphate content, and even raised up to 94,8% for the variant with the highest phosphate content. Similar behaviour was noted for the non-adsorbed allergenic activity, in line with the major role of Der s1 allergen as IgE binding component within the allergen extract; pH values did not show changes overtime even in absence of phosphate buffer. Other quality control tests showed results according to release specifications. Linear regression analysis for Der s1 adsorption and residual allergenic activity confirmed a significant trend (p<0.05) towards an increase of adsorption values overtime in the variants with phosphate content. Alum content did not show a significant influence on adsorption and remained stable, as well, during 18 months. Batch to batch consistency of all formulation variant was demonstrated statistically.
Conclusions: Long term stability of allergen adsorption onto alum was demonstrated for a wide range of phosphate buffer as well as alum content variation, which provide a basis for the concept of “design space”, thus, assuring the safety and immunogenicity of the novel Prolinem-DS allergen vaccine.