Hydroxylpropyl-β-cyclodextrin as Potential Excipient to Prevent Stress-Induced Aggregation in Liquid Protein Formulations

Due to the growing demand for patient-friendly subcutaneous dosage forms, the ability to increasing protein solubility and stability in formulations to deliver on the required high protein concentrations is crucial. A common approach to ensure protein solubility and stability in high concentration protein formulations is the addition of excipients such as sugars, amino acids, surfactants, approved by the Food and Drug Administration. In a best-case scenario, these excipients fulfil multiple demands simultaneously, such as increasing long-term stability of the formulation, reducing protein adsorption on surfaces/interfaces, and stabilizing the protein against thermal or mechanical stress. 2-Hydroxylpropyl-β-cyclodextrin (derivative of β-cyclodextrin) holds this potential, but has not yet been sufficiently investigated for use in protein formulations. Within this work, we have systematically investigated the relevant molecular interactions to identify the potential of Kleptose(®)HPB (2-hydroxylpropyl-β-cyclodextrin from Roquette Freres, Lestrem, France) as “multirole” excipient within liquid protein formulations. Based on our results three factors determine the influence of Kleptose(®)HPB on protein formulation stability: (1) concentration of Kleptose(®)HPB, (2) protein type and protein concentration, and (3) quality of the protein formulation. Our results not only contribute to the understanding of the relevant interactions but also enable the target-oriented use of Kleptose(®)HPB within formulation design.