Physicochemical and Biological Stability Assessment of SB11 (Ranibizumab Biosimilar) Under Ambient and In-Use Storage for Intravitreal Administration

INTRODUCTION: SB11 (Byooviz™) is a ranibizumab biosimilar that acts as a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A inhibitor. Stability data for unopened SB11 vials at room temperature are limited and no data are available for SB11 withdrawn into syringes (in-use) for intravitreal administration. METHODS: SB11 stability was assessed in two different settings: unopened vials stored at 30 ± 2 °C/65 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) for 2 months, and in-use SB11 withdrawn into syringes stored at 5 ± 3 °C for 98 days and then 25 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5% RH for 24 h. The product was stored in the absence of light, and the experimental design followed International Conference on Harmonization and European Medicines Agency requirements for stability evaluation of biological products. Analysis included visual appearance (color, clarity, and presence of visible particles), pH, protein concentration (A(280)) and purity (size-exclusion high-pressure liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis–sodium dodecyl sulfate, imaged capillary isoelectric focusing), biological activity (VEGF binding and neutralization), and safety (sub-visible particulates). RESULTS: Except for charge variants in unopened vials at room temperature after 1 month by US standards, all results met the stability acceptance criteria (US and EU) for both unopened vials and for in-use SB11. There were no major changes in terms of physicochemical stability, biological activity and sub-visible particulates. CONCLUSION: SB11 was stable for longer periods and at higher temperatures than what is stated in the labels of the reference product (Lucentis) and SB11. The physicochemical properties, biological activity, and sub-visible particulates of SB11 in both tested settings (unopened vials at room temperature and in-use product withdrawn into syringes) were maintained under the described storage periods. This information can help to avoid unnecessary delays in patient treatment without any loss in quality and biological activity, lower the workload of health care providers and reduce costs associated with drug waste.