Investigation of Fragment Antibody Stability and Its Release Mechanism from Poly(Lactide-co-Glycolide)–Triacetin Depots for Sustained-Release Applications

Achieving long-term drug release from polymer-based delivery systems continues to be a challenge particularly for the delivery of large hydrophilic molecules such as therapeutic antibodies and proteins. Here, we report on the utility of an in situ-forming and injectable polymer–solvent system for the long-term release of a model antibody fragment (Fab1). The delivery system was prepared by dispersing a spray-dried powder of Fab1 within poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)–triacetin solution. The formulation viscosity was within the range 1.0 ± 0.3 Pa s but it was injectable through a 27G needle. The release profile of Fab1, measured in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), showed a lag phase followed by sustained-release phase for close to 80 days. Antibody degradation during its residence within the depot was comparable to its degradation upon long-term incubation in PBS. On the basis of temporal changes in surface morphology, stiffness, and depot mass, a mechanism to account for the drug release profile has been proposed. The unprecedented release profile and retention of greater than 80% of antigen-binding capacity even after several weeks demonstrates that PLGA–triacetin solution could be a promising system for the long-term delivery of biologics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association J Pharm Sci 104:3404–3417, 2015