Background and objective: Human plasma is used for the generation of several life-saving drugs and contains valuable antibodies from the immunoglobulin classes IgG, IgM and IgA. Purified intravenous IgG solutions (IVIGs) form the majority of plasma-derived medicine to treat patients with various forms of immunodeficiencies. In conventional IVIG manufacturing processes, immunoglobulin classes IgM and IgA are often discarded as contaminants, but these antibody classes have been proven to be effective for the treatment of acute bacterial infections. Considering the increase in demand for human plasma-derived products and the ethical value of the raw material, a more resource-saving usage of human plasma is needed. Intensive research over the last decades showed that adverse reactions to IVIGs depend on the presence of thrombogenic factors, partially unfolded proteins, non-specific activation of the complement system, and blood group specific antibodies. Therefore, new IVIG preparations with reduced risks of adverse reactions are desirable.
Method: A new manufacturing process that yields two biologics was established and quality attributes of the new IVIG solution (Yimmugo®) obtained from this process are presented.
Results: Here, we provide a biochemical characterization of Yimmugo®, a new 10% IVIG preparation. It is derived from human blood plasma by a combined manufacturing process, where IgM and IgA are retained for the production of a new biologic (trimodulin, currently under investigation in phase III clinical trials). Several improvements have been implemented in the manufacturing of Yimmugo® to reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Gentle and efficient mixing by vibration (called "vibromixing") during a process step where proteins are at risk to aggregate was implemented to potentially minimize protein damage. In addition, a dedicated process step for the removal of the complement system activator properdin was implemented, which resulted in very low anticomplementary activity levels. The absence of measurable thrombogenic activity in combination with a very high degree of functional monomeric antibodies predict excellent efficacy and tolerability.
Conclusion: Yimmugo® constitutes a new high quality IVIG preparation derived from a novel manufacturing process that takes advantage of the full therapeutic immunoglobulin potential of human plasma.
© 2023. The Author(s).