NUCLEOPHILIC CATALYSTS FOR OXIME LINKAGE

Information

  • Patent Application
  • 20200017543
  • Publication Number
    20200017543
  • Date Filed
    August 05, 2019
    5 years ago
  • Date Published
    January 16, 2020
    5 years ago
Abstract
The invention relates to materials and methods of conjugating a water soluble polymer to an oxidized carbohydrate moiety of a therapeutic protein comprising contacting the oxidized carbohydrate moiety with an activated water soluble polymer under conditions that allow conjugation. More specifically, the present invention relates to the aforementioned materials and methods wherein the water soluble polymer contains an active aminooxy group and wherein an oxime or hydrazone linkage is formed between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety and the active aminooxy group on the water soluble polymer, and wherein the conjugation is carried out in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst.
Description
REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING

The instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, is named “SEQUENCE LISTING” and is 4,096 kilobytes in size.


FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to materials and methods for conjugating a water soluble polymer to a protein.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The preparation of conjugates by forming a covalent linkage between the water soluble polymer and the therapeutic protein can be carried out by a variety of chemical methods. PEGylation of polypeptide drugs protects them in circulation and improves their pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles (Harris and Chess, Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2003; 2:214-21). The PEGylation process attaches repeating units of ethylene glycol (polyethylene glycol (PEG)) to a polypeptide drug. PEG molecules have a large hydrodynamic volume (5-10 times the size of globular proteins), are highly water soluble and hydrated, non-toxic, non-immunogenic and rapidly cleared from the body. PEGylation of molecules can lead to increased resistance of drugs to enzymatic degradation, increased half-life in vivo, reduced dosing frequency, decreased immunogenicity, increased physical and thermal stability, increased solubility, increased liquid stability, and reduced aggregation. The first PEGylated drugs were approved by the FDA in the early 1990s. Since then, the FDA has approved several PEGylated drugs for oral, injectable, and topical administration.


Polysialic acid (PSA), also referred to as colominic acid (CA), is a naturally occurring polysaccharide. It is a homopolymer of N-acetylneuraminic acid with α(2→8) ketosidic linkage and contains vicinal diol groups at its non-reducing end. It is negatively charged and a natural constituent of the human body. It can easily be produced from bacteria in large quantities and with pre-determined physical characteristics (U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,951). Because the bacterially-produced PSA is chemically and immunologically identical to PSA produced in the human body, bacterial PSA is non-immunogenic, even when coupled to proteins. Unlike some polymers, PSA acid is biodegradable. Covalent coupling of colominic acid to catalase and asparaginase has been shown to increase enzyme stability in the presence of proteolytic enzymes or blood plasma. Comparative studies in vivo with polysialylated and unmodified asparaginase revealed that polysialylation increased the half-life of the enzyme (Fernandes and Gregoriadis, Int J Pharm. 2001; 217:215-24).


Coupling of PEG-derivatives to peptides or proteins is reviewed by Roberts et al. (Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2002; 54:459-76). One approach for coupling water soluble polymers to therapeutic proteins is the conjugation of the polymers via the carbohydrate moieties of the protein. Vicinal hydroxyl (OH) groups of carbohydrates in proteins can be easily oxidized with sodium periodate (NaIO4) to form active aldehyde groups (Rothfus et Smith, J Biol Chem 1963; 238:1402-10; van Lenten et Ashwell, J Biol Chem 1971; 246:1889-94). Subsequently the polymer can be coupled to the aldehyde groups of the carbohydrate by use of reagents containing, for example, an active hydrazide group (Wilchek M and Bayer E A, Methods Enzymol 1987; 138:429-42). A more recent technology is the use of reagents containing aminooxy groups which react with aldehydes to form oxime linkages (WO 96/40662, WO2008/025856).


Additional examples describing conjugation of a water soluble polymer to a therapeutic protein are described in WO 06/071801 which teaches the oxidation of carbohydrate moieties in Von Willebrand factor and subsequent coupling to PEG using hydrazide chemistry; US Publication No. 2009/0076237 which teaches the oxidation of rFVIII and subsequent coupling to PEG and other water soluble polymers (e.g. PSA, HES, dextran) using hydrazide chemistry; WO 2008/025856 which teaches oxidation of different coagulation factors, e.g. rFIX, FVIII and FVIIa and subsequent coupling to e.g., PEG, using aminooxy chemistry by forming an oxime linkage; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,621,039 which teaches the oxidation of FIX and subsequent coupling to PEG using hydrazide chemistry.


Recently, an improved method was described comprising mild periodate oxidation of sialic acids to generate aldehydes followed by reaction with an aminooxy group containing reagent in the presence of catalytic amounts of aniline (Dirksen A., and Dawson P E, Bioconjugate Chem. 2008; 19, 2543-8; and Zeng Y et al., Nature Methods 2009; 6:207-9). The aniline catalysis dramatically accelerates the oxime ligation, allowing the use of very low concentrations of the reagent. The use of nucelophilic catalysts are also described in Dirksen, A., et al., J Am Chem Soc., 128:15602-3 (2006); Dirksen, A., et al., Angew chem. Int Ed., 45:7581-4 (2006); Kohler, J. J., ChemBioChem., 10:2147-50 (2009); Giuseppone, N., et al., J Am Chem Soc., 127:5528-39 (2005); and Thygesen, M. B., et al., J Org Chem., 75:1752-5 (2010).


Although aniline catalysis can accelerate the oxime ligation allowing short reaction times and the use of low concentrations of the aminooxy reagent, aniline has toxic properties that must be considered when, for example, the conjugated therapeutic protein to form the basis of a pharmaceutical. For example, aniline has been shown to induce methemoglobinemia (Harrison, J. H., and Jollow, D. J., Molecular Pharmacology, 32(3) 423-431, 1987). Long-term dietary treatment of rats has been shown to induce tumors in the spleen (Goodman, D G., et al., J Natl Cancer Inst., 73(1):265-73, 1984). In vitro studies have also shown that aniline has the potential to induce chromosome mutations and has the potentially genotoxic activity (Bombhard E. M. et Herbold B, Critical Reviews in Toxicology 35, 783-835, 2005).


Considering the potentially dangerous properties of aniline and notwithstanding the methods available of conjugating water soluble polymers to therapeutic proteins, there remains a need to develop materials and methods for conjugating water soluble polymers to proteins that improves the protein's pharmacodynamic and/or pharmacokinetic properties while minimizing the costs associated with the various reagents and minimizing the health risks to the patient recipient.


SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides materials and methods for conjugating polymers to proteins that improves the protein's pharmacodynamic and/or pharmacokinetic properties while minimizing the costs associated with the various reagents and the health risks to the patient recipients when the conjugation reaction is catalyzed by a nucleophilic catalyst. In various embodiments of the invention, alternative catalysts to substitute for aniline are provided.


In one embodiment, a method of conjugating a water soluble polymer to an oxidized carbohydrate moiety of a therapeutic protein is provided comprising contacting the oxidized carbohydrate moiety with an activated water soluble polymer under conditions that allow conjugation; said water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group and is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, PolyPEG® (Warwick Effect Polymers; Coventry, UK), polysialic acid (PSA), starch, hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC); and said carbohydrate moiety oxidized by incubation with a buffer comprising an oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium periodate (NaIO4), lead tetraacetate (Pb(OAc)4) and potassium perruthenate (KRuO4); wherein an oxime linkage is formed between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety and the active aminooxy group on the water soluble polymer; and wherein said oxime linkage formation is catalyzed by a nucleophilic catalyst selected from the group consisting of o-amino benzoic acid, m-amino benzoic acid, p-amino benzoic acid, sulfanilic acid, o-aminobenzamide, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine, and p-anisidine.


In another embodiment, a method of conjugating a water soluble polymer to an oxidized carbohydrate moiety of a therapeutic protein is provided comprising contacting the oxidized carbohydrate moiety with an activated water soluble polymer under conditions that allow conjugation; said therapeutic protein selected from the group consisting of Factor IX (FIX), Factor VIII (FVIII), Factor VIIa (FVIIa), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Factor FV (FV), Factor X (FX), Factor XI (FXI), Factor XII (FXII), thrombin (FII), protein C, protein S, tPA, PAI-1, tissue factor (TF), ADAMTS 13 protease, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-11, colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), M-CSF, SCF, GM-CSF, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), EPO, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), consensus interferon, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, IFN-omega, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-19, IL-20, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-24, IL-31, IL-32 alpha, IL-33, thrombopoietin (TPO), Ang-1, Ang-2, Ang-4, Ang-Y, angiopoietin-like polypeptide 1 (ANGPTL1), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 2 (ANGPTL2), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 3 (ANGPTL3), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 4 (ANGPTL4), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 5 (ANGPTL5), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 6 (ANGPTL6), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 7 (ANGPTL7), vitronectin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin, activin A, activin B, activin C, bone morphogenic protein-1, bone morphogenic protein-2, bone morphogenic protein-3, bone morphogenic protein-4, bone morphogenic protein-5, bone morphogenic protein-6, bone morphogenic protein-7, bone morphogenic protein-8, bone morphogenic protein-9, bone morphogenic protein-10, bone morphogenic protein-11, bone morphogenic protein-12, bone morphogenic protein-13, bone morphogenic protein-14, bone morphogenic protein-15, bone morphogenic protein receptor IA, bone morphogenic protein receptor IB, bone morphogenic protein receptor II, brain derived neurotrophic factor, cardiotrophin-1, ciliary neutrophic factor, ciliary neutrophic factor receptor, cripto, cryptic, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 1, cytokine-induced neutrophil, chemotactic factor 2α, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 2β,β endothelial cell growth factor, endothelin 1, epidermal growth factor, epigen, epiregulin, epithelial-derived neutrophil attractant, fibroblast growth factor 4, fibroblast growth factor 5, fibroblast growth factor 6, fibroblast growth factor 7, fibroblast growth factor 8, fibroblast growth factor 8b, fibroblast growth factor 8c, fibroblast growth factor 9, fibroblast growth factor 10, fibroblast growth factor 11, fibroblast growth factor 12, fibroblast growth factor 13, fibroblast growth factor 16, fibroblast growth factor 17, fibroblast growth factor 19, fibroblast growth factor 20, fibroblast growth factor 21, fibroblast growth factor acidic, fibroblast growth factor basic, glial cell line-derived neutrophic factor receptor α1, glial cell line-derived neutrophic factor receptor α2, growth related protein, growth related protein α, growth related protein β, growth related protein γ, heparin binding epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, hepatoma-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor I, insulin-like growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein, keratinocyte growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor α, nerve growth factor nerve growth factor receptor, neuropoietin, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, oncostatin M (OSM), placenta growth factor, placenta growth factor 2, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, platelet derived growth factor A chain, platelet derived growth factor AA, platelet derived growth factor AB, platelet derived growth factor B chain, platelet derived growth factor BB, platelet derived growth factor receptor α, platelet derived growth factor receptor β, pre-B cell growth stimulating factor, stem cell factor (SCF), stem cell factor receptor, TNF, TNF0, TNF1, TNF2, transforming growth factor α, transforming growth factor (3, transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth factor β1.2, transforming growth factor β2, transforming growth factor β3, transforming growth factor β5, latent transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth factor β binding protein I, transforming growth factor β binding protein II, transforming growth factor β binding protein III, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), tumor necrosis factor receptor type I, tumor necrosis factor receptor type II, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, phospholipase-activating protein (PUP), insulin, lectin ricin, prolactin, chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, tissue plasminogen activator, IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA, and IgD, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, DNAse, fetuin, leutinizing hormone, estrogen, insulin, albumin, lipoproteins, fetoprotein, transferrin, thrombopoietin, urokinase, integrin, thrombin, leptin, Humira (adalimumab), Prolia (denosumab), Enbrel (etanercept), a protein in Table 1, or a biologically active fragment, derivative or variant thereof; said water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group and is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, PolyPEG® (Warwick Effect Polymers; Coventry, UK), polysialic acid (PSA), starch, hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC); and said carbohydrate moiety oxidized by incubation with a buffer comprising an oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium periodate (NaIO4), lead tetraacetate (Pb(OAc)4) and potassium perruthenate (KRuO4); wherein an oxime linkage is formed between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety and the active aminooxy group on the water soluble polymer; and wherein in said oxime linkage formation is catalyzed by a nucleophilic catalyst selected from the group consisting of o-amino benzoic acid, m-amino benzoic acid, p-amino benzoic acid, sulfanilic acid, o-aminobenzamide, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine, and p-anisidine.


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein a solution comprising an initial concentration of the therapeutic protein between about 0.3 mg/ml and about 3.0 mg/ml is adjusted to a pH value between about 5.0 and about 8.0 prior to contacting with the activated water soluble polymer.


As used herein, the term “about” means a value above or below a stated value. In various embodiments, the term “about” includes the stated value plus or minus 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10% of the stated value.


In yet another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the initial concentration of the therapeutic protein is about 1.0 mg/ml and the pH is about 6.0. In a related embodiment, the initial concentration of the therapeutic protein is about 0.75 mg/ml and the pH is about 6.0. In still another related embodiment, the initial concentration of the therapeutic protein is about 1.25 mg/ml and the pH is about 6.0.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the therapeutic protein is contacted by a desired excess concentration of activated water soluble polymer, wherein the excess concentration is between about 1-molar and about 300-molar excess. In another embodiment, the excess concentration is about 50-fold molar excess.


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the therapeutic protein is incubated with the activated water soluble polymer under conditions comprising a time period between about 0.5 hours and about 24 hours; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring. In another embodiment, the conditions comprise a time period of about 120 minutes, a temperature of about 22° C., the absence of light; and with stirring. As used herein, the term “stirring” is meant to include stirring at various speeds and intensities (e.g., gentle stirring) by commonly used laboratory or manufacturing equipment and products.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the nucleophilic catalyst is added in an amount to result in a final concentration between about 1.0 mM and about 50 mM nucleophilic catalyst, under conditions comprising a time period between about 0.1 minutes and about 30 minutes; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring. In another embodiment, the final concentration of the nucleophilic catalyst is about 10 mM, and the conditions comprise a time period of up to about 15 minutes, a temperature of about 22° C., the absence of light; and with stirring.


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the oxidizing agent is added in an amount to result in a final concentration between about 50 μM and about 1000 μM oxidizing agent, under conditions comprising a time period between about 0.1 minutes and 120 minutes; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring. In another embodiment, the final concentration of oxidizing agent is about 400 μM, and the conditions comprise a time period of about 10 minutes, a temperature of about 22° C., the absence of light and with stirring.


In yet another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the conjugating the water soluble polymer to the oxidized carbohydrate moiety of the therapeutic protein is stopped by the addition of a quenching agent selected from the group consisting of L-cysteine, methionine, glutathione, glycerol, sodium meta bisulfate (Na2S2O5), tryptophane, tyrosine, histidine or derivatives thereof, kresol, imidazol, and combinations thereof; wherein the quenching agent is added in an amount to result in a final concentration between about 1 mM and about 100 mM quenching agent, under conditions comprising a time period between about 5 minutes and about 120 minutes; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring. In another embodiment, the quenching agent is L-cysteine. In still another embodiment, the L-cysteine is added to result in a final concentration of about 10 mM and the conditions comprise a time period of about 60 minutes, a temperature of about 22° C., the absence of light and with stirring.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided comprising: a) a first step comprising adjusting the pH value of a solution comprising the therapeutic protein to a pH value between about 5.0 and about 8.0, wherein the therapeutic protein concentration is between about 0.3 mg/ml and about 3.0 mg/ml; b) a second step comprising oxidizing one or more carbohydrates on the therapeutic protein, wherein the oxidizing agent is added to the solution in the first step to result in a final concentration between about 50 μM and about 1000 μM, under conditions comprising a time period between about 0.1 minutes and about 120 minutes; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light, and with or without stirring; c) a third step comprising contacting the therapeutic protein with a desired excess concentration of activated water soluble polymer, wherein the excess concentration is between about 1-molar excess and about 300-molar excess, under conditions comprising a time period between about 0.5 hours and about 24 hours, a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring; d) a fourth step comprising adding a nucleophilic catalyst to the solution of the third step, wherein the nucleophilic catalyst is added to result in a final concentration between about 1 mM and about 50 mM, under conditions comprising a time period between about 0.1 minutes and about 30 minutes; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light, and with or without stirring; e) a fifth step wherein the therapeutic protein is incubated with the activated water soluble polymer and nucleophilic catalyst under conditions that allow conjugation of the activated water-soluble polymer to one or more oxidized carbohydrates on the therapeutic protein, said conditions comprising a time period between about 0.5 hours and about 24 hours, a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light, and with or without stirring; and f) a sixth step wherein the conjugating the water soluble polymer to the one or more oxidized carbohydrates of the therapeutic protein in the fifth step is stopped by the addition of a quenching agent selected from the group consisting of L-cysteine, methionine, glutathione, glycerol, Na2S205 (sodium meta bisulfite), tryptophane, tyrosine, histidine or derivatives thereof, kresol, imidazol, and combinations thereof; wherein the quenching agent is added to result in a final concentration of about 1 mM and about 100 mM, under conditions comprising a time period between about 5 minutes and about 120 minutes; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light, and with or without stirring. In another embodiment, the initial concentration of the therapeutic protein in the first step is about 1 mg/ml and the pH is about 6.0; wherein the final concentration of oxidizing agent in the second step is about 400 μM, and the conditions in the fifth step comprise a time period of about 10 minutes, a temperature of about 22° C., the absence of light and with stirring; wherein the excess concentration in the third step is about 50 molar excess; wherein the conditions in the third step comprise a time period of about 15 minutes, a temperature of about 22° C., the absence of light and with stirring; wherein the final concentration of the nucleophilic catalyst in the fourth step is about 10 mM, and the conditions in the fourth step comprise a time period of about 15 minutes, a temperature of about 22° C., the absence of light and with stirring; wherein the conditions of incubating the therapeutic protein with the activated water soluble polymer and nucleophilic catalyst in the fifth step comprise a time period of about 2 hours; a temperature of about 22° C.; the absence of light; and with stirring; and wherein the quenching agent in the sixth step is L-cysteine; and wherein the L-cysteine is added to result in a final concentration of about 10 mM and the conditions in the sixth step comprise a time period of about 60 minutes, a temperature of about 22° C., the absence of light and with stirring.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the water soluble polymer is PSA. In another embodiment the PSA is comprised of about 10-300 sialic acid units. In another embodiment, the water soluble polymer is PEG. In another embodiment, the water soluble polymer is HES. In still another embodiment, the water soluble polymer is HAS.


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the therapeutic protein is FIX. In another embodiment, the therapeutic protein is FVIIa. In another embodiment, the therapeutic protein is FVIII.


In yet another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the oxidizing agent is sodium periodate (NaIO4).


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the oxidized carbohydrate moiety of the therapeutic protein is located in the activation peptide of the blood coagulation protein.


In one embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein PSA is prepared by reacting an activated aminooxy linker with oxidized PSA; wherein the aminooxy linker is selected from the group consisting of:

    • a) a 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine linker of the formula:




embedded image




    • b) a 3,6,9-trioxa-undecane-1,11-dioxyamine linker of the formula:







embedded image


and

    • c) a 3,6,9,12,15-penatoxa-heptadecane-1,17-dioxyamine linker of the formula:




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wherein the PSA is oxidized by incubation with a oxidizing agent to form a terminal aldehyde group at the non-reducing end of the PSA. In a related embodiment, the aminooxy linker is 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine.


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the oxidizing agent is NaIO4.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the nucleophilic catalyst is provided at a concentration between about 1 mM and about 50 mM. In one embodiment, the nucleophilic catalyst is m-toluidine. In still another embodiment, the m-toluidine is present in the conjugation reaction at a concentration of about 10 mM.


In yet another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided further comprising the step of reducing an oxime linkage in the conjugated therapeutic protein by incubating the conjugated therapeutic protein in a buffer comprising a reducing compound selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanoborohydride (NaCNBH3), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and NaBH3. In one embodiment, the reducing compound is sodium cyanoborohydride (NaCNBH3).


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided further comprising the step of purifying the conjugated therapeutic protein. In another embodiment, the conjugated therapeutic protein is purified by a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, filtration and precipitation. In another embodiment, the chromatography is selected from the group consisting of Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC), Ion Exchange chromatography (IEC), Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), Affinity chromatography, and Reversed-phase chromatography. In still another embodiment, an anti-chaotropic salt is used in a chromotagraphy loading step and in a chromatography washing step. In yet another embodiment, the chromatography takes place in a column. In another embodiment, the column comprises a chromatography resin selected from the group consisting of Phenyl-Sepharose FF and Butyl-Sepharose FF. In another embodiment, the resin is present in the column at a bed height of between about 5 cm and about 20 cm. In one embodiment, the bed height is about 10 cm.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided comprising one or more washing steps wherein flow direction is set to up-flow and wherein the flow rate is between about 0.2 cm/min and about 6.7 cm/min. As used herein, the term “down-flow” refers to a flow direction from the top of the chromatographic column to the bottom of the chromatographic column (normal flow direction/standard mode). As used herein, the term “up-flow” refers to a flow direction from the bottom to the top of the column (reversed flow direction). In one embodiment, the flow rate is about 2 cm/min.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided comprising one or more elution steps wherein flow direction is set to down-flow and wherein the flow rate is between about 0.1 cm/min and about 6.7 cm/min. In a related embodiment, the flow rate is about 1 cm/min.


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided comprising concentrating the conjugated therapeutic protein by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF). In another embodiment, the final concentration of therapeutic protein is between about 0.5 and about 3 mg/ml.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the therapeutic protein comprises between about 5 and about 11 water-soluble polymer moieties. In another embodiment, the therapeutic protein comprises between about 1 and about 3 water-soluble polymers.


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the conjugated therapeutic protein is purified using chromatography; wherein an anti-chaotropic salt is used for a loading step and for a washing step; the method comprising one or more washing steps wherein flow direction is set to up-flow and wherein the flow rate is between about 0.2 cm/min and about 6.7 cm/min and one or more elution steps wherein flow direction is set to down-flow and wherein the flow rate is between about 0.2 cm/min andabout 6.7 cm/min; further comprising concentrating the conjugated therapeutic protein by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF). In another embodiment, the chromatography is hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC); wherein the one or more washing steps flow rate is about 2 cm/min; and wherein the one or more elution steps flow rate is about 1 cm/min.


In another embodiment, a modified therapeutic protein produced by any of the aforementioned methods is provided.


In still another embodiment, a method of forming an oxime linkage between an oxidized carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein and an activated water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group is provided comprising the steps of: a) oxidizing a carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein by incubating said protein with an oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium periodate (NaIO4), lead tetraacetate (Pb(OAc)4) and potassium perruthenate (KRuO4); and b) forming an oxime linkage between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety of the therapeutic protein and the activated water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group in the presence of a nuclephilic catalyst under conditions allowing formation of said oxime linkage; wherein said water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group is selected from the group consisting polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, PolyPEG® (Warwick Effect Polymers; Coventry, UK), polysialic acid (PSA), starch, hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC); wherein the nucleophilic catalyst is selected from the group consisting of o-amino benzoic acid, m-amino benzoic acid, p-amino benzoic acid, sulfanilic acid, o-aminobenzamide, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine, and p-anisidine.


In yet another embodiment, a method of forming an oxime linkage between an oxidized carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein and an activated water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group is provided comprising the steps of: a) oxidizing a carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein by incubating said protein with an oxidinzing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium periodate (NaIO4), lead tetraacetate (Pb(OAc)4) and potassium perruthenate (KRuO4); and b) forming an oxime linkage between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety of the therapeutic protein and the activated water soluble polymer containing an an active aminooxy group in the presence of a nuclephilic catalyst under conditions allowing formation of said oxime linkage; wherein the therapeutic protein is selected from the group consisting of Factor IX (FIX), Factor VIII (FVIII), Factor VIIa (FVIIa), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Factor FV (FV), Factor X (FX), Factor XI (FXI), Factor XII (FXII), thrombin (FII), protein C, protein S, tPA, PAI-1, tissue factor (TF), ADAMTS 13 protease, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-11, colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), M-CSF, SCF, GM-CSF, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), EPO, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), consensus interferon, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, IFN-omega, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-19, IL-20, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-24, IL-31, IL-32 alpha, IL-33, thrombopoietin (TPO), Ang-1, Ang-2, Ang-4, Ang-Y, angiopoietin-like polypeptide 1 (ANGPTL1), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 2 (ANGPTL2), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 3 (ANGPTL3), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 4 (ANGPTL4), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 5 (ANGPTL5), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 6 (ANGPTL6), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 7 (ANGPTL7), vitronectin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin, activin A, activin B, activin C, bone morphogenic protein-1, bone morphogenic protein-2, bone morphogenic protein-3, bone morphogenic protein-4, bone morphogenic protein-5, bone morphogenic protein-6, bone morphogenic protein-7, bone morphogenic protein-8, bone morphogenic protein-9, bone morphogenic protein-10, bone morphogenic protein-11, bone morphogenic protein-12, bone morphogenic protein-13, bone morphogenic protein-14, bone morphogenic protein-15, bone morphogenic protein receptor IA, bone morphogenic protein receptor IB, bone morphogenic protein receptor II, brain derived neurotrophic factor, cardiotrophin-1, ciliary neutrophic factor, ciliary neutrophic factor receptor, cripto, cryptic, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 1, cytokine-induced neutrophil, chemotactic factor 2a, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 2β,β endothelial cell growth factor, endothelin 1, epidermal growth factor, epigen, epiregulin, epithelial-derived neutrophil attractant, fibroblast growth factor 4, fibroblast growth factor 5, fibroblast growth factor 6, fibroblast growth factor 7, fibroblast growth factor 8, fibroblast growth factor 8b, fibroblast growth factor 8c, fibroblast growth factor 9, fibroblast growth factor 10, fibroblast growth factor 11, fibroblast growth factor 12, fibroblast growth factor 13, fibroblast growth factor 16, fibroblast growth factor 17, fibroblast growth factor 19, fibroblast growth factor 20, fibroblast growth factor 21, fibroblast growth factor acidic, fibroblast growth factor basic, glial cell line-derived neutrophic factor receptor α1, glial cell line-derived neutrophic factor receptor α2, growth related protein, growth related protein α, growth related protein β, growth related protein γ, heparin binding epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, hepatoma-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor I, insulin-like growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein, keratinocyte growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor α, nerve growth factor nerve growth factor receptor, neuropoietin, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, oncostatin M (OSM), placenta growth factor, placenta growth factor 2, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, platelet derived growth factor A chain, platelet derived growth factor AA, platelet derived growth factor AB, platelet derived growth factor B chain, platelet derived growth factor BB, platelet derived growth factor receptor α, platelet derived growth factor receptor β, pre-B cell growth stimulating factor, stem cell factor (SCF), stem cell factor receptor, TNF, TNF0, TNF1, TNF2, transforming growth factor α, transforming growth factor β, transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth factor β1.2, transforming growth factor β2, transforming growth factor β3, transforming growth factor β5, latent transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth factor β binding protein I, transforming growth factor β binding protein II, transforming growth factor β binding protein III, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), tumor necrosis factor receptor type I, tumor necrosis factor receptor type II, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, phospholipase-activating protein (PUP), insulin, lectin ricin, prolactin, chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, tissue plasminogen activator, IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA, and IgD, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, DNAse, fetuin, leutinizing hormone, estrogen, insulin, albumin, lipoproteins, fetoprotein, transferrin, thrombopoietin, urokinase, integrin, thrombin, leptin, Humira (adalimumab), Prolia (denosumab), Enbrel (etanercept), a protein from Table 1, or a biologically active fragment, derivative or variant thereof; wherein said water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, PolyPEG® (Warwick Effect Polymers; Coventry, UK), polysialic acid (PSA), starch, hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC); wherein the nucleophilic catalyst is selected from the group consisting of o-amino benzoic acid, m-amino benzoic acid, p-amino benzoic acid, sulfanilic acid, o-aminobenzamide, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine, and p-anisidine.


In yet another embodiment, a method of forming a hydrazone linkage between an oxidized carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein and an activated water soluble polymer containing an active hydrazide group is provided comprising the steps of: a) oxidizing a carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein by incubating said protein with an oxidinzing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium periodate (NaIO4), lead tetraacetate (Pb(OAc)4) and potassium perruthenate (KRuO4); and b) forming a hydrazone linkage between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety of the therapeutic protein and the activated water soluble polymer containing an an active hydrazide group in the presence of a nuclephilic catalyst under conditions allowing formation of said hydrazone linkage; wherein said water soluble polymer containing an active hydrazide group is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, PolyPEG® (Warwick Effect Polymers; Coventry, UK), polysialic acid (PSA), starch, hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC); wherein the nucleophilic catalyst is selected from the group consisting of o-amino benzoic acid, m-amino benzoic acid, p-amino benzoic acid, sulfanilic acid, o-aminobenzamide, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine, and p-anisidine.


In another embodiment, a method of forming a hydrazone linkage between an oxidized carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein and an activated water soluble polymer containing an active hydrazide group comprising the steps of: a) oxidizing a carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein by incubating said protein with an oxidinzing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium periodate (NaIO4), lead tetraacetate (Pb(OAc)4) and potassium perruthenate (KRuO4); and b) forming a hydrazone linkage between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety of the therapeutic protein and the activated water soluble polymer containing an an active hydrazide group in the presence of a nuclephilic catalyst under conditions allowing formation of said hydrazone linkage; wherein the therapeutic protein is selected from the group consisting of Factor IX (FIX), Factor VIII (FVIII), Factor VIIa (FVIIa), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Factor FV (FV), Factor X (FX), Factor XI (FXI), Factor XII (FXII), thrombin (FII), protein C, protein S, tPA, PAI-1, tissue factor (TF), ADAMTS 13 protease, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-11, colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), M-CSF, SCF, GM-CSF, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), EPO, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), consensus interferon, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, IFN-omega, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-19, IL-20, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-24, IL-31, IL-32 alpha, IL-33, thrombopoietin (TPO), Ang-1, Ang-2, Ang-4, Ang-Y, angiopoietin-like polypeptide 1 (ANGPTL1), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 2 (ANGPTL2), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 3 (ANGPTL3), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 4 (ANGPTL4), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 5 (ANGPTL5), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 6 (ANGPTL6), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 7 (ANGPTL7), vitronectin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin, activin A, activin B, activin C, bone morphogenic protein-1, bone morphogenic protein-2, bone morphogenic protein-3, bone morphogenic protein-4, bone morphogenic protein-5, bone morphogenic protein-6, bone morphogenic protein-7, bone morphogenic protein-8, bone morphogenic protein-9, bone morphogenic protein-10, bone morphogenic protein-11, bone morphogenic protein-12, bone morphogenic protein-13, bone morphogenic protein-14, bone morphogenic protein-15, bone morphogenic protein receptor IA, bone morphogenic protein receptor IB, bone morphogenic protein receptor II, brain derived neurotrophic factor, cardiotrophin-1, ciliary neutrophic factor, ciliary neutrophic factor receptor, cripto, cryptic, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 1, cytokine-induced neutrophil, chemotactic factor 2a, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 2β,β endothelial cell growth factor, endothelin 1, epidermal growth factor, epigen, epiregulin, epithelial-derived neutrophil attractant, fibroblast growth factor 4, fibroblast growth factor 5, fibroblast growth factor 6, fibroblast growth factor 7, fibroblast growth factor 8, fibroblast growth factor 8b, fibroblast growth factor 8c, fibroblast growth factor 9, fibroblast growth factor 10, fibroblast growth factor 11, fibroblast growth factor 12, fibroblast growth factor 13, fibroblast growth factor 16, fibroblast growth factor 17, fibroblast growth factor 19, fibroblast growth factor 20, fibroblast growth factor 21, fibroblast growth factor acidic, fibroblast growth factor basic, glial cell line-derived neutrophic factor receptor α1, glial cell line-derived neutrophic factor receptor α2, growth related protein, growth related protein α, growth related protein β, growth related protein γ, heparin binding epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, hepatoma-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor I, insulin-like growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein, keratinocyte growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor α, nerve growth factor nerve growth factor receptor, neuropoietin, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, oncostatin M (OSM), placenta growth factor, placenta growth factor 2, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, platelet derived growth factor A chain, platelet derived growth factor AA, platelet derived growth factor AB, platelet derived growth factor B chain, platelet derived growth factor BB, platelet derived growth factor receptor α, platelet derived growth factor receptor β, pre-B cell growth stimulating factor, stem cell factor (SCF), stem cell factor receptor, TNF, TNF0, TNF1, TNF2, transforming growth factor α, transforming growth factor β, transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth factor β1.2, transforming growth factor β2, transforming growth factor β3, transforming growth factor β5, latent transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth factor β binding protein I, transforming growth factor β binding protein II, transforming growth factor β binding protein III, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), tumor necrosis factor receptor type I, tumor necrosis factor receptor type II, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, phospholipase-activating protein (PUP), insulin, lectin ricin, prolactin, chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, tissue plasminogen activator, IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA, and IgD, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, DNAse, fetuin, leutinizing hormone, estrogen, insulin, albumin, lipoproteins, fetoprotein, transferrin, thrombopoietin, urokinase, integrin, thrombin, leptin, Humira (adalimumab), Prolia (denosumab), Enbrel (etanercept), a protein from Table 1, or a biologically active fragment, derivative or variant thereof; wherein said water soluble polymer containing an active hydrazide group is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, PolyPEG® (Warwick Effect Polymers; Coventry, UK), polysialic acid (PSA), starch, hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC); wherein the nucleophilic catalyst is selected from the group consisting of o-amino benzoic acid, m-amino benzoic acid, p-amino benzoic acid, sulfanilic acid, o-aminobenzamide, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine, and p-anisidine.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group is prepared by a method comprising: incubating a solution comprising an oxidized water-soluble polymer with an activated aminooxy linker comprising an active aminooxy group under conditions that allow the formation of a stable oxime linkage between the oxidized water-soluble polymer and the activated aminooxy linker, said conditions comprising a time period between about 1 minute and about 24 hours; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light, and with or without stirring; thereby forming a water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group; and b) purifying the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group by a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, filtration and precipitation. The term “activated water-soluble polymer” refers, in one embodiment, to a water-soluble polymer containing an aldehyde group.


In yet another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group is prepared by a method comprising: a) incubating a solution comprising an oxidized water-soluble polymer with an activated aminooxy linker comprising an active aminooxy group under conditions that allow the formation of a stable oxime linkage between the oxidized water-soluble polymer and the activated aminooxy linker, said conditions comprising a time period between about 1 minute and about 24 hours; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light, and with or without stirring; thereby forming a water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group; b) incubating a solution comprising the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group of step a) with a reducing agent under conditions that allow the formation of a stable alkoxamine linkage between the oxidized water-soluble polymer and the activated aminooxy linker, said conditions comprising a time period between about 1 minute and about 24 hours; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring; and c) purifying the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group by a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, filtration and precipitation.


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group is prepared by a method comprising: a) incubating a solution comprising an oxidized water-soluble polymer with an activated aminooxy linker comprising an active aminooxy group under conditions that allow the formation of a stable oxime linkage between the oxidized water-soluble polymer and the activated aminooxy linker, said conditions comprising a time period between about 1 minute and about 24 hours; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light, and with or without stirring; thereby forming a water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group; b) incubating a solution comprising the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group of step a) with a nucleophilic catalyst under conditions comprising a time period between 1 minute and 24 hours; a temperature between 2° C. and 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring; and c) purifying the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group by a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, filtration and precipitation.


In yet another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group is prepared by a method comprising: a) incubating a solution comprising an oxidized water-soluble polymer with an activated aminooxy linker comprising an active aminooxy group under conditions that allow the formation of a stable oxime linkage between the oxidized water-soluble polymer and the activated aminooxy linker, said conditions comprising a time period between about 1 minute and about 24 hours; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light, and with or without stirring; thereby forming a water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group; b) incubating a solution comprising the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group of step a) with a nucleophilic catalyst under conditions comprising a time period between 1 minute and 24 hours; a temperature between 2° C. and 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring; c) incubating a solution comprising the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group of step b) with a reducing agent under conditions that allow the formation of a stable alkoxamine linkage between the oxidized water-soluble polymer and the activated aminooxy linker, said conditions comprising a time period between about 1 minute and about 24 hours; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring; and d) purifying the water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group by a method selected from the group consisting of chromatography, filtration and precipitation.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the oxidized water soluble polymer is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, PolyPEG® (Warwick Effect Polymers; Coventry, UK), polysialic acid (PSA), starch, hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC), and wherein said water-soluble polymer is oxidized by incubation with a oxidizing agent to form a terminal aldehyde group at the non-reducing end of the water-soluble polymer. In one embodiment, the water-soluble polymer is PSA.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the oxidizing agent is NaIO4.


In still another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the aminooxy linker is selected from the group consisting of:

    • a) a 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine linker of the formula:




embedded image




    • b) a 3,6,9-trioxa-undecane-1,11-dioxyamine linker of the formula:







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and

    • c) a 3,6,9,12,15-penatoxa-heptadecane-1,17-dioxyamine linker of the formula:




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In yet another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of sodium cyanoborohydride (NaCNBH3), ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and NaBH3. In one embodiment, the reducing agent is sodium cyanoborohydride (NaCNBH3).


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided wherein the nucleophilic catalyst is selected from the group consisting of o-amino benzoic acid, m-amino benzoic acid, p-amino benzoic acid, sulfanilic acid, o-aminobenzamide, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine, and p-anisidine. In one embodiment, the nucleophilic catalyst is m-toluidine. In another embodiment, the nucleophilic catalyst is added in an amount to result in a final concentration between about 1.0 mM and about 50 mM nucleophilic catalyst.


In another embodiment, an aforementioned method is provided further comprising concentrating the conjugated therapeutic protein by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF).


In another embodiment, a method of conjugating a water soluble polymer to an oxidized carbohydrate moiety of a blood coagulation protein is provided comprising contacting the oxidized carbohydrate moiety with an activated water soluble polymer under conditions that allow conjugation;


said blood coagulation protein selected from the group consisting of Factor IX (FIX), Factor VIII (FVIII), Factor VIIa (FVIIa), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Factor FV (FV), Factor X (FX), Factor XI (FXI), Factor XII (FXII), thrombin (FII), protein C, protein S, tPA, PAI-1, tissue factor (TF) and ADAMTS 13 protease or a biologically active fragment, derivative or variant thereof;


said water soluble polymer containing an active aminooxy group and is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, polysialic acid (PSA), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC); and


said carbohydrate moiety oxidized by incubation with a buffer comprising an oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium periodate (NaIO4), lead tetraacetate (Pb(OAc)4) and potassium perruthenate (KRuO4); wherein an oxime linkage is formed between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety and the active aminooxy group on the water soluble polymer.





FIGURES


FIG. 1 shows the primary structure of coagulation Factor IX (SEQ ID NO: 1).



FIG. 2 shows the coupling of oxidized rFIX to aminooxy-PSA.



FIG. 3 shows the synthesis of the water soluble di-aminoxy linkers 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine and 3,6,9-trioxa-undecane-1,11-dioxyamine.



FIG. 4 shows the preparation of aminooxy-PSA.



FIG. 5 shows the visualization of PSA-FIX conjugates prepared in the presence of different catalysts by SDS PAGE. a) Comparison of aniline with m-toluidine using different concentrations; b) Comparison of aniline with o-aminobenzoic acid, m-aminobenzoic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, p-aminobenzamide and sulfanilic acid; c) Comparison of aniline and m-toluidine with o-anisidine and m-anisidine.



FIG. 6 shows percent of polysialylation with various nucleophilic catalysts.





DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The pharmacological and immunological properties of therapeutic proteins can be improved by chemical modification and conjugation with polymeric compounds such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, polysialic acid (PSA), hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC). The properties of the resulting conjugates generally strongly depend on the structure and the size of the polymer. Thus, polymers with a defined and narrow size distribution are usually preferred in the art. Synthetic polymers like PEG can be manufactured easily with a narrow size distribution, while PSA can be purified in such a manner that results in a final PSA preparation with a narrow size distribution. In addition PEGylation reagents with defined polymer chains and narrow size distribution are on the market and commercially available for a reasonable price.


The addition of a soluble polymer, such as through polysialylation, is one approach to improve the properties of therapeutic proteins such as the blood coagulation protein FIX, as well as other coagulation proteins (e.g., VWF, FVIIa (see, e.g., US 2008/0221032A1, incorporated herein by reference) and FVIII).


Therapeutic Proteins

In certain embodiments of the invention, the aforementioned polypeptides and polynucleotides are exemplified by the following therapeutic proteins: enzymes, antigens, antibodies, receptors, blood coagulation proteins, growth factors, hormones, and ligands. In certain embodiments, the therapeutic protein is a blood coagulation protein such as Factor IX (FIX), Factor VIII (FVIII), Factor VIIa (FVIIa), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Factor FV (FV), Factor X (FX), Factor XI (FXI), Factor XII (FXII), thrombin (FII), protein C, protein S, tPA, PAI-1, tissue factor (TF) or ADAMTS 13 protease. In one embodiment, a therapeutic protein according to the invention is a glycoprotein or, in various embodiments, a protein that is not naturally glycosylated in vivo (i.e., a protein that does not contain a natural glycosylation site or a protein that is not glycosylated in a host cell prior to purification).


In certain embodiments, the therapeutic protein is immunoglobulins, cytokines such IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-11, colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), M-CSF, SCF, GM-CSF, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), EPO, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), consensus interferon, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, IFN-omega, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-19, IL-20, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-24, IL-31, IL-32 alpha, IL-33, thrombopoietin (TPO), angiopoietins, for example Ang-1, Ang-2, Ang-4, Ang-Y, the human angiopoietin-like polypeptides ANGPTL1 through 7, vitronectin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin, activin A, activin B, activin C, bone morphogenic protein-1, bone morphogenic protein-2, bone morphogenic protein-3, bone morphogenic protein-4, bone morphogenic protein-5, bone morphogenic protein-6, bone morphogenic protein-7, bone morphogenic protein-8, bone morphogenic protein-9, bone morphogenic protein-10, bone morphogenic protein-11, bone morphogenic protein-12, bone morphogenic protein-13, bone morphogenic protein-14, bone morphogenic protein-15, bone morphogenic protein receptor IA, bone morphogenic protein receptor IB, bone morphogenic protein receptor II, brain derived neurotrophic factor, cardiotrophin-1, ciliary neutrophic factor, ciliary neutrophic factor receptor, cripto, cryptic, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 1, cytokine-induced neutrophil, chemotactic factor 2a, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 2β,β endothelial cell growth factor, endothelin 1, epidermal growth factor, epigen, epiregulin, epithelial-derived neutrophil attractant, fibroblast growth factor 4, fibroblast growth factor 5, fibroblast growth factor 6, fibroblast growth factor 7, fibroblast growth factor 8, fibroblast growth factor 8b, fibroblast growth factor 8c, fibroblast growth factor 9, fibroblast growth factor 10, fibroblast growth factor 11, fibroblast growth factor 12, fibroblast growth factor 13, fibroblast growth factor 16, fibroblast growth factor 17, fibroblast growth factor 19, fibroblast growth factor 20, fibroblast growth factor 21, fibroblast growth factor acidic, fibroblast growth factor basic, glial cell line-derived neutrophic factor receptor α1, glial cell line-derived neutrophic factor receptor α2, growth related protein, growth related protein α, growth related protein β, growth related protein γ, heparin binding epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, hepatoma-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor I, insulin-like growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein, keratinocyte growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor α, nerve growth factor nerve growth factor receptor, neuropoietin, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, oncostatin M (OSM), placenta growth factor, placenta growth factor 2, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, platelet derived growth factor A chain, platelet derived growth factor AA, platelet derived growth factor AB, platelet derived growth factor B chain, platelet derived growth factor BB, platelet derived growth factor receptor α, platelet derived growth factor receptor 13, pre-B cell growth stimulating factor, stem cell factor (SCF), stem cell factor receptor, TNF, including TNF0, TNF1, TNF2, transforming growth factor α, transforming growth factor 13, transforming growth factor 131, transforming growth factor 131.2, transforming growth factor β2, transforming growth factor β3, transforming growth factor β5, latent transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth factor β binding protein I, transforming growth factor β binding protein II, transforming growth factor β binding protein III, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), tumor necrosis factor receptor type I, tumor necrosis factor receptor type II, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and chimeric proteins and biologically or immunologically active fragments thereof.


In certain embodiments, the therapeutic protin is alpha-, beta-, and gamma-interferons, colony stimulating factors including granulocyte colony stimulating factors, fibroblast growth factors, platelet derived growth factors, phospholipase-activating protein (PUP), insulin, plant proteins such as lectins and ricins, tumor necrosis factors and related alleles, soluble forms of tumor necrosis factor receptors, interleukin receptors and soluble forms of interleukin receptors, growth factors such as tissue growth factors, such as TGFαs or TGFβs and epidermal growth factors, hormones, somatomedins, pigmentary hormones, hypothalamic releasing factors, antidiuretic hormones, prolactin, chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, tissue plasminogen activator, and immunoglobulins such as IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA, and IgD, a galactosidase, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, DNAse, fetuin, leutinizing hormone, estrogen, corticosteroids, insulin, albumin, lipoproteins, fetoprotein, transferrin, thrombopoietin, urokinase, DNase, integrins, thrombin, hematopoietic growth actors, leptin, glycosidases, Humira (adalimumab), Prolia (denosumab), Enbrel (etanercept), and fragments thereof, or any fusion proteins comprising any of the above mentioned proteins or fragments thereof. In addition to the aforementioned proteins, the following Table 1 provides therapeutic proteins contemplated by the present invention:










TABLE 1







Follicular dendritic cell secreted peptide
Angiotensin-converting enzyme


Dermokine
Antithrombin-III


Secreted frizzled-related protein 1
Apolipoprotein B-100


Ectodysplasin-A
Apolipoprotein D


Secreted frizzled-related protein 2
Apolipoprotein E


Resistin
Beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 1


Osteopontin
Bone morphogenetic protein 7


Secreted frizzled-related protein 5
Complement C1q subcomponent subunit B


Secreted frizzled-related protein 4
C4b-binding protein alpha chain


Secreted phosphoprotein 24
Calreticulin


Glypican-6
Corticosteroid-binding globulin


Secreted frizzled-related protein 3
Carboxypeptidase A1


C-C motif chemokine 4
Carboxypeptidase A2


Melanocyte protein Pmel 17
Eotaxin


Secreted Ly-6/uPAR-related protein 1
C-C motif chemokine 13


Beta-microseminoprotein
C-C motif chemokine 18


Glypican-4
C-C motif chemokine 20


Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid


member 15
cells 2


Resistin-like beta
C-C motif chemokine 2


Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily
Transforming growth factor-beta-induced


member 12
protein ig-h3


SPARC
CD40 ligand


Glypican-5
Corneodesmosin


Anterior gradient protein 2 homolog
Complement factor D


Protein canopy homolog 2
Chromogranin-A


Glypican-1
Collagen alpha-1(I) chain


von Willebrand factor A domain-containing
Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-


protein 2
containing protein 18


WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway
Cysteine-rich secretory protein LCCL


protein 1
domain-containing 1


C-C motif chemokine 1
Collagen alpha-4(IV) chain


SPARC-related modular calcium-binding
Keratinocyte differentiation-associated


protein 2
protein


C-type lectin domain family 11 member A
Complement C4-B


Secreted Ly-6/uPAR-related protein 2
Collagen alpha-2(V) chain


Glypican-3
Complement C5


Secreted and transmembrane protein 1
Collagen alpha-1(VII) chain


Testis-expressed sequence 264 protein
Complement component C7


Glypican-2
Complement component C8 beta chain


Serine protease 23
Complement component C8 gamma chain


39S ribosomal protein L55, mitochondrial
Collagen alpha-1(XV) chain


Protein NipSnap homolog 3A
Collagen alpha-1(XVI) chain


Fibronectin
Collagen alpha-1(XVIII) chain


Neudesin
Collagen alpha-1(XIX) chain


Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2
Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein


Carbonic anhydrase 6
C-reactive protein


Deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 protein
Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor


SPARC-related modular calcium-binding
Granulocyte-macrophage colony-


protein 1
stimulating factor


Amyloid beta A4 protein
Protein CYR61


Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
Complement component receptor 1-like


member 6
protein


Gamma-aminobutyric acid type B receptor
Stem cell growth factor; lymphocyte


subunit 1
secreted C-type lectin


Pro-neuregulin-1, membrane-bound
CMP-N-acetylneuraminate-beta-


isoform
galactosamide-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase


Glycoprotein hormone alpha-2
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4


Membrane metallo-endopeptidase-like 1
Dentin sialophosphoprotein


Fc receptor-like A
Endothelin-1


C-C motif chemokine 4-like
Ephrin-B1


Epithelial discoidin domain-containing
Epidermis-specific serine protease-like


receptor 1
protein


Mucin-1
EMILIN-1


Vascular endothelial growth factor A
Endoplasmin


Fibulin-1
Ephrin type-A receptor 3


Prolactin receptor
Ephrin type-B receptor 6


Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin
Glycosyltransferase 1 domain-containing


type 6
protein 1


CD209 antigen
Coagulation factor X


Collagen alpha-2(XI) chain
Coagulation factor VIII


Granulocyte-macrophage colony-
Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-


stimulating factor receptor subunit alpha
related protein 7


Elastin
Fibrillin-2


Interleukin-15 receptor subunit alpha
Alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein


Midkine
Fibroblast growth factor 10


Integrin alpha-7
Fibrinogen alpha chain


Mucin-4
Fibrinogen beta chain


Peptidyl-glycine alpha-amidating
Long palate, lung and nasal epithelium


monooxygenase
carcinoma-associated protein 1


Apolipoprotein A-I
Gastrin


Proteoglycan 4
Glycoprotein hormones alpha chain


Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
N-acetylglucosamine-1-


member 25
phosphotransferase subunits alpha/beta


Attractin
Granzyme A


Prostate-associated microseminoprotein
Hepatocyte growth factor-like protein


Alpha-amylase 1
Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1


Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2


C-type lectin domain family 4 member M
Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 4


Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor
Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily


receptor
member 10D


Insulin-like growth factor II
Interferon alpha-1/13


Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell
Interferon-induced helicase C domain-


adhesion molecule 1
containing protein 1


C-type lectin domain family 7 member A
Interferon alpha-2


CMRF35-like molecule 1
Interferon beta


Choline transporter-like protein 4
Interferon gamma


Pulmonary surfactant-associated protein A1
Insulin-like growth factor IB


Spermine oxidase
Indian hedgehog protein


CMP-N-acetylneuraminate-beta-1,4-
Neural cell adhesion molecule


galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase
L1-like protein


Kallikrein-8
Interleukin-13


Tissue-type plasminogen activator
Interleukin-2


Peroxisomal N(1)-acetyl-
Chymotrypsin-like elastase family


spermine/spermidine oxidase
member 2A


Probable palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC4
Inhibin beta A chain


Cholesteryl ester transfer protein
Pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor


HLA class I histocompatibility antigen, A-2
Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily


alpha chain
member 21


Collagen alpha-1(II) chain
Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H1


Pro-interleukin-16
Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H2


Leptin receptor
Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H3


Decorin
Prostate-specific antigen


Stromal cell-derived factor 1
Kallikrein-4


Tenascin
Plasma kallikrein


Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-
Calcium-activated chloride channel


containing protein 12
regulator 4


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
Bactericidal/permeability-increasing


thrombospondin motifs 13
protein-like 1


T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3 alpha chain
Leptin


EGFR-coamplified and overexpressed
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with


protein
thrombospondin motifs 4


Autophagy-related protein 16-1
Hepatic triacylglycerol lipase


Breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance
Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus


protein 3
protein G6c


Cadherin-23
Eosinophil lysophospholipase


Macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1
Lutropin subunit beta


Folate receptor alpha
Microfibrillar-associated protein 1


Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related
Mesencephalic astrocyte-derived


protein 8
neurotrophic factor


E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase LRSAM1
Matrix Gla protein


Neural cell adhesion molecule 1
72 kDa type IV collagenase


Neuroligin-4, X-linked
Stromelysin-1


Netrin-G1
Neutrophil collagenase


GPI transamidase component PIG-T
Mesothelin


Kit ligand
Mucin-5AC


Seizure 6-like protein
Mucin-6


SLAM family member 7
Norrin


Tumor necrosis factor
Oxytocin-neurophysin 1


Uromodulin
Beta-nerve growth factor


Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily
Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily


member 13
member 18


Protein CREG1
Neurotrophin-3


EGF-like domain-containing protein 8
Platelet-derived growth factor subunit A


Aminoacyl tRNA synthetase complex-
Phosphopantothenoylcysteine


interacting multifunctional protein 1
decarboxylase


ADAMTS-like protein 4
Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1


Coagulation factor XI
Plasminogen activator inhibitor 2


Interleukin-22 receptor subunit alpha-2
Procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer 1


Deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1
Transmembrane and ubiquitin-like domain-


homolog
containing protein 2


Prostaglandin-H2 D-isomerase
Protein disulfide-isomerase


Alpha-1-antitrypsin
Pigment epithelium-derived factor


Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin
Pepsin A


Acyl-CoA-binding protein
Gastricsin


Complement factor B
Sonic hedgehog protein


Choriogonadotropin subunit beta
Peptidoglycan recognition protein I-alpha


Versican core protein
Biglycan


Epidermal growth factor receptor
Prolactin-inducible protein


Ecto-NOX disulfide-thiol exchanger 2
Platelet factor 4


Hyaluronidase-1
Plasminogen


Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein
Serum paraoxonase/arylesterase 1


Interleukin-6 receptor subunit beta
Alkaline phosphatase, placental type


Interleukin-1 receptor-like 1
Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase B


Insulin
Bone marrow proteoglycan


Glycodelin
Basic salivary proline-rich protein 1


Parathyroid hormone-related protein
Pulmonary surfactant-associated protein C


Nurim
Parathyroid hormone


Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-2
Serum amyloid P-component


CD276 antigen
Secretogranin-1


Cysteine-rich with EGF-like domain
Basement membrane-specific heparan


protein 1
sulfate proteoglycan core protein


CUB and sushi domain-containing protein 1
Antileukoproteinase


Ficolin-2
Stabilin-1


Fc receptor-like protein 5
Extracellular superoxide dismutase [Cu—Zn]


Protein GPR89
Somatotropin


Junctional adhesion molecule A
Serpin B5


Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8A
Spondin-1


Multiple inositol polyphosphate
Structural maintenance of chromosomes


phosphatase 1
protein 3


Neuropilin-1
Syntaxin-1A


Plexin-A4
Tetranectin


Plexin-B1
Transforming growth factor beta-1


Periostin
Thyroglobulin


Protein RIC-3
Metalloproteinase inhibitor 1


SLIT and NTRK-like protein 2
Metalloproteinase inhibitor 2


Sulfatase-modifying factor 1
Metalloproteinase inhibitor 3


Sulfatase-modifying factor 2
Urokinase-type plasminogen activator


Transmembrane protease, serine 6
Lactotransferrin


Lymphotoxin-alpha
Trypsin-1


Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
Submaxillary gland androgen-regulated


member 10B
protein 3B


Urokinase plasminogen activator surface
Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily


receptor
member 1A


V-set domain-containing T-cell activation
Vascular endothelial growth factor


inhibitor 1
receptor 1


Glucagon
Vitamin D-binding protein


N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase
Vitronectin


Sulfhydryl oxidase 1
von Willebrand factor


Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family
Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus


member 4
protein G5c


Interleukin-18-binding protein
Zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein


Kin of IRRE-like protein 2
Uncharacterized protein C14orf93


Myeloid-associated differentiation marker
Retinoschisin


Chordin
Alpha-1,3-mannosyltransferase ALG2


1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate
C-type lectin domain family 11, member A,


acyltransferase gamma
isoform CRA_b


Advanced glycosylation end product-
Major facilitator superfamily domain-


specific receptor
containing protein 7


NLR family CARD domain-containing
Leucine-rich repeat transmembrane


protein 4
neuronal protein 1


Pro-neuregulin-2, membrane-bound
NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] 1 beta


isoform
subcomplex subunit 11, mitochondrial


Sperm-associated antigen 11A
UPF0546 membrane protein C1orf91


Oocyte-secreted protein 1 homolog
Carbonic anhydrase-related protein 10


Serum albumin
Cholecystokinin


Cochlin
Codanin-1


Plasma protease C1 inhibitor
Uncharacterized protein C6orf89


Interleukin-7 receptor subunit alpha
Chondroitin sulfate glucuronyltransferase


Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H5
Chitinase domain-containing protein 1


Platelet-derived growth factor D
Transmembrane protein C9orf7


Protein S100-A7
CMRF35-like molecule 9


Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 10
Cytochrome P450 2S1


Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen-like
Crumbs protein homolog 3


Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily
Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family


member 13B
member 7


Long-chain-fatty-acid--CoA ligase 5
Protein ENED


Claudin-14
Complement factor H-related protein 4


Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 20
Leucine-rich repeat LGI family member 3


Interleukin-1 family member 7
Gliomedin


Lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus
Glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase


protein G5b
domain-containing protein 5


Acetylcholinesterase
Probable G-protein coupled receptor 113


Amelogenin, X isoform
Probable G-protein coupled receptor 114


Angiogenin
Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 4


Anthrax toxin receptor 2
Gremlin-1


Annexin A2
Potassium channel subfamily K member 17


Apolipoprotein C-III
KDEL motif-containing protein 2


Apolipoprotein L1
Layilin


Complement C1q subcomponent subunit A
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8B


Complement C1q subcomponent subunit C
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 8D


Calcitonin
Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 6


Soluble calcium-activated nucleotidase 1
Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 2


C-C motif chemokine 15
Ly6/PLAUR domain-containing protein 1


CD97 antigen (
Ly6/PLAUR domain-containing protein 5


Contactin-4
MLN64 N-terminal domain homolog


Complement C2
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor


Collagen alpha-6(IV) chain
2-acylglycerol O-acyltransferase 3


Collagen alpha-2(VI) chain
Mitochondrial carrier homolog 1


Collagen alpha-1(XI) chain
Apolipoprotein L6


Crumbs homolog 1
Protocadherin alpha-6


Cystatin-C
Protocadherin gamma-A12


Neutrophil defensin 1
Voltage-gated hydrogen channel 1


Endothelin-3
All-trans-retinol 13,14-reductase


Low affinity immunoglobulin epsilon
Regulator of microtubule dynamics


Fc receptor
protein 2


Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3
R-spondin-4


Fibroblast growth factor receptor 4
Long-chain fatty acid transport protein 3


Growth arrest-specific protein 6
Vesicle-trafficking protein SEC22c


Growth hormone receptor
Claudin-1


Bifunctional UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-
Leucine-rich repeats and immunoglobulin-


epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase
like domains protein 3


Immunoglobulin superfamily member 8
SLAM family member 9


Interleukin-4 receptor alpha chain
Transthyretin


Kallikrein-14
Serine/threonine-protein kinase 32B


Kallikrein-6
Platelet-derived growth factor subunit B


Laminin subunit beta-3
Noggin


Leucyl-cystinyl aminopeptidase
Tryptase alpha-1


Mannan-binding lectin serine protease 1
Tetratricopeptide repeat protein 14


Mannan-binding lectin serine protease 2
XTP3-transactivated gene B protein


Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin
Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC15


Neuropeptide Y
Zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 3


Aggrecan core protein
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 39


Pulmonary surfactant-associated protein B
Pancreatic triacylglycerol lipase


Poliovirus receptor-related protein 1
Transmembrane protein 139


Renin
Leukemia inhibitory factor


Ribonuclease pancreatic
Galectin-1


Semenogelin-1
C-C motif chemokine 21


Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule
CD5 antigen-like


Tissue factor pathway inhibitor
Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 9


Usherin
Lipopolysaccharide-binding protein


Fibroblast growth factor 23
Cysteine-rich motor neuron 1 protein


Interleukin-23 subunit alpha
Connective tissue growth factor


Epididymal secretory protein E1
Protein eyes shut homolog


ADAMTS-like protein 1
Mucin-like protein 1


Chemokine-like factor
Fibroblast growth factor 19


EGF-like domain-containing protein 7
Follistatin-related protein 3


Tectonic-1
Hedgehog-interacting protein


Transmembrane protein 25
Interleukin-17 receptor B


UDP-GalNAc: beta-1,3-N-
FXYD domain-containing ion transport


acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1
regulator 5


Interleukin-15 (IL-15)
Endothelial lipase


Multiple epidermal growth factor-like
EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular


domains 11
matrix protein 2


Mucin and cadherin-like protein
Otoraplin


Ribonuclease 4
Group 3 secretory phospholipase A2


SH2 domain-containing protein 3C
Group XV phospholipase A2


CMP-N-acetylneuraminate-beta-
Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily


galactosamide-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase
member 14


Transmembrane protein 9
Plexin-A2


WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 2
Papilin


Adenosine A3 receptor
Prokineticin-1


Gamma-secretase subunit APH-1A
Ribonuclease 7


Basigin
Kunitz-type protease inhibitor 1


Baculoviral IAP repeat-containing protein 7
Spondin-2


Calumenin
Testican-2


Alpha-S1-casein
Inactive serine protease PAMR1


Cyclin-L1
Torsin-2A


Complement factor H
Vasohibin-1


Chorionic somatomammotropin hormone
Vasorin


Coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor
Xylosyltransferase 1


Ectonucleotide
Ectonucleotide


pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family
pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family


member 2
member 6


ERO1-like protein alpha
Oncostatin-M


Coagulation factor IX
Derlin-1


Low affinity immunoglobulin gamma Fc
HERV-FRD_6p24.1 provirus ancestral Env


region receptor III-B
polyprotein


Ficolin-3
Prostasin


Fc receptor-like protein 2
Transmembrane protease, serine 11E


Leucine-rich repeat transmembrane protein
HLA class I histocompatibility antigen,


FLRT3
Cw-16 alpha chain


Gelsolin
Wnt inhibitory factor 1


Granulysin
C-type natriuretic peptide


Transmembrane glycoprotein NMB
Angiopoietin-2


Granulins
Deoxyribonuclease gamma


Heparanase
Carboxypeptidase A5


Ig mu chain C region
C-C motif chemokine 14


Interleukin-1 alpha
Interleukin-5


Interleukin-31 receptor A
Interleukin-10


Junctional adhesion molecule B
C-X-C motif chemokine 2


Lipocalin-1
C-X-C motif chemokine 5


Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with


coupled receptor 6
thrombospondin motifs 6


Latent-transforming growth factor beta-
Polypeptide


binding protein 1
N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1


Matrilin-3
Fibulin-2


Myelin protein zero-like protein 1
Ficolin-1


Neurobeachin-like protein 2
SL cytokine


Nicastrin
Follistatin


ADP-ribose pyrophosphatase,
FRAS1-related extracellular matrix


mitochondrial
protein 1


Protocadherin-15
Enamelin


Placenta growth factor
Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link protein 1


Protein O-linked-mannose beta-1,2-N-
Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor


acetylglucosaminyltransferase 1
subfamily A member 3


Probable hydrolase PNKD
Interleukin-17F


Pleiotrophin
Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein


Poliovirus receptor
Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 5


Reticulon-4 receptor
Kallikrein-15


Serum amyloid A protein
Interferon alpha-14


Sex hormone-binding globulin
Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 4


SLAM family member 6
Collagenase 3


Sarcolemmal membrane-associated protein
Matrix metalloproteinase-16


Sushi, von Willebrand factor type A, EGF
Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating


and pentraxin domain-containing protein 1
polypeptide


Thyroxine-binding globulin
Prokineticin-2


Transmembrane and coiled-coil domain-
Latent-transforming growth factor beta-


containing protein 1
binding protein 3


Transmembrane protease, serine 3
Somatoliberin


Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
Thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing


member 10C
protein 1


Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
Angiogenic factor with G patch and FHA


member 11B
domains 1


Serotransferrin
TGF-beta receptor type III


Tryptase beta-2
Thyrotropin subunit beta


Protein YIPF5
Uncharacterized protein C19orf36


Vesicle-associated membrane protein-
Complement C1q tumor necrosis


associated protein B/C
factor-related protein 2


cDNA, FLJ96669, highly similar to Homo
Ectonucleotide



sapiens secreted protein, acidic, cysteine-

pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family


rich (osteonectin)(SPARC), mRNA
member 5


cDNA FLJ77519, highly similar to Homo
Polypeptide N-



sapiens secreted frizzled related protein

acetylgalactosaminyltransferase-like


mRNA
protein 2


T-cell differentiation antigen CD6
Slit homolog 1 protein


Pikachurin
Growth hormone variant


Fibrinogen-like protein 1
Angiopoietin-related protein 3


Interleukin-32
Angiopoietin-related protein 7


Matrilin-4
Ecto-ADP-ribosyltransferase 5


Sperm-associated antigen 11B
Carbonic anhydrase-related protein 11


Coagulation factor XII
Probable ribonuclease 11


Hepcidin
Probable carboxypeptidase X1


Klotho
Protein FAM3D


Serglycin
C-X-C motif chemokine 14


Tomoregulin-2
Beta-defensin 127


Chordin-like protein 2
Beta-defensin 129


Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
Cysteine-rich secretory protein LCCL


member 6B
domain-containing 2


UPF0414 transmembrane protein C20orf30
Fibroblast growth factor 21


C-type lectin domain family 4 member C
Plasma alpha-L-fucosidase


UPF0317 protein C14orf159, mitochondrial
Gastrokine-1


Netrin-G2
Gastrokine-2


Metalloreductase STEAP2
Glutathione peroxidase 7


Sushi domain-containing protein 4
HHIP-like protein 1


Protein YIF1B
Interferon kappa


Apolipoprotein M
Apolipoprotein C-I


C4b-binding protein beta chain
Procollagen C-endopeptidase enhancer 2


T-cell surface glycoprotein CD8 beta chain
Left-right determination factor 1


C-C motif chemokine 3-like 1
Leucine-rich repeat LGI family member 4


Fibroblast growth factor 8
BRCA1-A complex subunit Abraxas


Sialomucin core protein 24
Leucine zipper protein 2


Programmed cell death 1 ligand 2
Neurexophilin-3


Secreted and transmembrane 1
Osteomodulin


Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-
Kazal-type serine protease inhibitor


related protein 6
domain-containing protein 1


EGF-like module-containing mucin-like
Sperm acrosome membrane-associated


hormone receptor-like 3
protein 3


Noelin-3
Secretoglobin family 3A member 1


Odorant-binding protein 2b
Tsukushin


Urotensin-2
Claudin-2 (SP82)


Vitrin
Complement factor H-related protein 2


WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway
Immunoglobulin superfamily containing


protein 3
leucine-rich repeat protein


cDNA FLJ75759, highly similar to Homo
Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-



sapiens follistatin-like 3 (secreted

like domain-containing nogo receptor-


glycoprotein) (FSTL3), mRNA
interacting protein 1


Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
Kin of IRRE-like protein 3


Adiponectin
Hematopoietic cell signal transducer


Angiopoietin-related protein 4
Follitropin subunit beta


Apolipoprotein A-V
Melanoma inhibitory activity protein 3


Asporin
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 4


Bactericidal permeability-increasing protein
Zinc transporter 5


CUB domain-containing protein 1
Leucine-rich repeat neuronal protein 1


Cartilage intermediate layer protein 1
Apical endosomal glycoprotein


Beta-Ala-His dipeptidase
Serum amyloid A-4 protein


Collagen alpha-1(V) chain
Probetacellulin


Collagen alpha-1(XXV) chain
Beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 7


Estradiol 17-beta-dehydrogenase 11
3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase type 2


DnaJ homolog subfamily C member 10
C1GALT1-specific chaperone 1


EGF-like domain-containing protein 6
Beta-casein


Coagulation factor XIII A chain
Kappa-casein


Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase
Transmembrane protein C2orf18


Appetite-regulating hormone
Carboxypeptidase N catalytic chain


Interleukin-12 subunit beta
CD320 antigen


Interleukin-22
Chondroitin sulfate synthase 1


lntelectin-1
Chondroitin sulfate synthase 2


Leucine-rich glioma-inactivated protein 1
CMRF35-like molecule 7


Lymphocyte antigen 96
Protein canopy homolog 3


Matrilysin
Short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase 3


Mucin-20
Delta-like protein 4


Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin
Delta and Notch-like epidermal growth


type 9
factor-related receptor


Peptidoglycan recognition protein
Dolichol kinase


Interferon-induced 17 kDa protein
Endothelin-converting enzyme-like 1


Protein Wnt-4
Integral membrane protein 2B


Allograft inflammatory factor 1-like
Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5


Armadillo repeat-containing X-linked
Endothelial cell-selective adhesion


protein 3
molecule


Chondroitin sulfate N-
Signal peptide, CUB and EGF-like domain-


acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1
containing protein 1


Chitotriosidase-1
Complement factor H-related protein 3


Claudin domain-containing protein 1
Prorelaxin H1


Erlin-2
Follistatin-related protein 1


Glycosyltransferase 8 domain-containing
Globoside alpha-1,3-N-


protein 1
acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 1


Golgi membrane protein 1
Gamma-glutamyl hydrolase


Probable G-protein coupled receptor 125
Cadherin-24


Interleukin-20 receptor alpha chain
Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase 3


Galectin-7
G-protein coupled receptor 56


NKG2D ligand 4
Hyaluronan-binding protein 2


L-amino-acid oxidase
Proheparin-binding EGF-like growth factor


Prolyl 3-hydroxylase 1
Histidine-rich glycoprotein


GPI ethanolamine phosphate transferase 2
Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 14


GPI ethanolamine phosphate transferase 3
Interleukin-20 receptor beta chain


Calcium-binding mitochondrial carrier
Ectonucleotide


protein SCaMC-2 (Small calcium-binding
pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase


mitochondrial carrier protein 2)
family member 3


Pulmonary surfactant-associated protein A2
Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 7


Splicing factor, arginine/serine-rich 16
Kallistatin


Alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha-2,6-
Fibronectin type III domain-containing


sialyltransferase 6
protein 3B


Single Ig IL-1-related receptor
Leukemia inhibitory factor receptor


Tectonic-3
Lin-7 homolog B


Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily
Thioredoxin-related transmembrane


member 11
protein 1


Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-


member 19
containing protein 32


Palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC9
Ly6/PLAUR domain-containing protein 3


Fibulin-5
C-type lectin domain family 14 member A


Protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor
Protein cornichon homolog


Alpha-2-macroglobulin
Protein FAM151A


Agouti-related protein
FK506-binding protein 14


Pancreatic alpha-amylase
Neuropilin and tolloid-like protein 2


Natriuretic peptides B
Protocadherin beta-13


Atrial natriuretic factor
Prenylcysteine oxidase 1


Neutral ceramidase
Peflin


Beta-2-microglobulin
Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase-like 1


Bone morphogenetic protein 4
Prostate stem cell antigen


Biotinidase
Protein patched homolog 2


Scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type 1
Chitobiosyldiphosphodolichol beta-


protein M130
mannosyltransferase


Carboxypeptidase B2
Protein sel-1 homolog 1


Carboxypeptidase Z
ProSAAS


C-C motif chemokine 5
Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 9


C-C motif chemokine 7
SLIT and NTRK-like protein 1


C-C motif chemokine 8
Statherin


CD59 glycoprotein
Testisin


Complement factor I
Transmembrane channel-like protein 5


Clusterin
Transmembrane protease, serine 4


Collagen alpha-2(I) chain
Metastasis-suppressor KiSS-1


Collagen alpha-1(III) chain
Islet amyloid polypeptide


Collagen alpha-1(IV) chain
Trem-like transcript 2 protein


Collagen alpha-3(IV) chain
Thioredoxin domain-containing protein 12


Collagen alpha-5(IV) chain
Vascular endothelial growth factor B


Collagen alpha-3(VI) chain
Vascular endothelial growth factor C


Complement component C6
Reticulocalbin-3


Collagen alpha-1(IX) chain
Fibrillin-1


Collagen alpha-1(X) chain
Protein FAM3A


Collagen alpha-1(XVII) chain
Protein G7c


Collagen alpha-1(XXI) chain
Neuropilin and tolloid-like protein 1


Coatomer subunit alpha
Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 11


Complement receptor type 1
Serpin B4


Cystatin-SN
ADAM DEC1


Deoxyribonuclease-1
ADP-dependent glucokinase


Extracellular matrix protein 1
Alpha-amylase 2B


Low affinity immunoglobulin gamma
UDP-GlcNAc: betaGal beta-1,3-N-


Fc region receptor III-A
acetylglucosaminyltransferase 3


Alpha-fetoprotein
Calcitonin gene-related peptide 2


Heparin-binding growth factor 2
Carboxypeptidase E


Fibrinogen gamma chain
Cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1


Growth/differentiation factor 5
Collagen alpha-2(VIII) chain


Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor
Crumbs homolog 2


Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3
Dentin matrix acidic phosphoprotein 1


Insulin-like growth factor IA
Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule


Ig gamma-1 chain C region
Immunoglobulin superfamily member 1


Ig gamma-2 chain C region
Interleukin-4


Ig gamma-3 chain C region
Interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha


Insulin-like 3
Interleukin-24


Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain
Ladinin-1


UPF0378 protein KIAA0100
Lipase member I


Kininogen-1
Pancreatic lipase-related protein 1


Laminin subunit alpha-2
Leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein


Laminin subunit alpha-4
Matrix-remodeling-associated protein 5


Laminin subunit beta-1
Netrin-4


Protein-lysine 6-oxidase
Hepatocyte growth factor receptor


Multimerin-1
C-C motif chemokine 22


Vasopressin-neurophysin 2-copeptin
Nyctalopin


Nidogen-1
Osteocalcin


Phospholipase A2,
Basic salivary proline-rich protein 3


Perforin-1
Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 10


Phosphatidylinositol-glycan-specific
Leucine-rich repeat transmembrane protein


phospholipase D
FLRT2


Fibrocystin
R-spondin-3


Phospholipid transfer protein
Sialoadhesin


Prostatic acid phosphatase
Trypsin-3


Vitamin K-dependent protein Z
Dipeptidase 2


Salivary acidic proline-rich
Collagen and calcium-binding EGF


phosphoprotein 1/2
domain-containing protein 1


Pregnancy zone protein
Germ cell-specific gene 1-like protein


Prorelaxin H2
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 31


Semaphorin-4D
Apolipoprotein O


Slit homolog 2 protein
Dystroglycan


Alpha-tectorin
Neutrophil defensin 4


Tenascin-X
Amphoterin-induced protein 3


Trefoil factor 3
Gamma-secretase subunit APH-1B


Transferrin receptor protein 1
Apolipoprotein C-IV


Protransforming growth factor alpha
Arylsulfatase G


Transforming growth factor beta-2
Glia-activating factor


Tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily
Caspase recruitment domain-containing


member 6
protein 18


Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
Heparan sulfate glucosamine 3-O-


member 1B
sulfotransferase 3A1


Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
Thyrotropin-releasing hormone-degrading


member 5
ectoenzyme


Thrombopoietin
Guanylin


VIP peptides
Choline transporter-like protein 3


Acidic mammalian chitinase
17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 14


Cysteine-rich secretory protein 2
Immunoglobulin lambda-like polypeptide 1


Haptoglobin-related protein
DnaJ homolog subfamily B member 14


C-C motif chemokine 26
F-box only protein 8


Collectin-11
Fibroleukin


Cysteine-rich with EGF-like domain
Methionine-R-sulfoxide reductase B3,


protein 2
mitochondrial


C-X-C motif chemokine 16
Leucine-rich repeat LGI family member 2


Fibroblast growth factor-binding protein 1
Vesicle transport protein GOT1B


Interleukin-1 family member 5
Integral membrane protein GPR177


Interleukin-1 family member 9
Probable G-protein coupled receptor 78


Kallikrein-5
HEPACAM family member 2


Matrilin-2
Interleukin-27 receptor subunit alpha


Cell surface glycoprotein CD200 receptor 1
Proenkephalin-A


Lysophosphatidic acid phosphatase type 6
Integrin alpha-10


Nucleotide exchange factor SIL1
KIEL motif-containing protein 1


Thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing
Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor


protein 4
subfamily A member 5


WNT1-inducible-signaling pathway protein
Leucine-rich repeat and fibronectin type-III


2
domain-containing protein 3


Bromodomain-containing protein 9
Uteroglobin


CD99 antigen-like protein 2
Netrin-G1 ligand


Uncharacterized protein C1orf159
Pannexin-1


Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 12
Protocadherin-12


Probable serine carboxypeptidase CPVL
Protocadherin alpha-10


Mucin-3A
Protocadherin beta-10


CUB and zona pellucida-like domain-
Osteopetrosis-associated transmembrane


containing protein 1
protein 1


Polypeptide N-
Beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-


acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 14
sialyltransferase 1


Galectin-9
GPI transamidase component PIG-S


Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 17
Proline-rich transmembrane protein 3


Leucine-rich repeat neuronal protein 2
Sulfhydryl oxidase 2


Bifunctional heparan sulfate N-
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with


deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase 3
thrombospondin motifs 16


Tuftelin
SH2 domain-containing protein 3A


Brain mitochondrial carrier protein
SHC-transforming protein 4


Signal peptide, CUB and EGF-like domain-
Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-


containing protein 3
containing protein 23


14-3-3 protein sigma
Transducin beta-like protein 2


Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1
Tudor domain-containing protein 10


Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 2
Transmembrane 9 superfamily member 3


von Willebrand factor A domain-containing
Von Willebrand factor D and EGF domain-


protein 1
containing protein


Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with


containing protein 9
thrombospondin motifs 17


Angiotensinogen
Transmembrane channel-like protein 2


Apolipoprotein A-II (Apo-AII) (ApoA-II)
Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 3


Apolipoprotein A-IV (Apo-AIV) (ApoA-IV)
Tenomodulin


Apolipoprotein C-II (Apo-CII) (ApoC-II)
Tetraspanin-6


Beta-2-glycoprotein 1
Thioredoxin domain-containing protein 5


Apoptosis-related protein 3
Vascular endothelial growth factor D


Beta-secretase 2
Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 9


Histo-blood group ABO system transferase
Semaphorin-3F


Cathepsin L2
Acid phosphatase-like protein 2


C-C motif chemokine 3
Apolipoprotein O-like


C-type lectin domain family 1 member B
Beta-defensin 119


Calcium-activated chloride channel
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with


regulator 1
thrombospondin motifs 12


Chymase
Protein FAM131A


Collagen alpha-1(VI) chain
Protein FAM3B


Complement component C8 alpha chain
Beta-galactosidase-1-like protein


Complement component C9
Lysozyme g-like protein 1


Glucose-fructose oxidoreductase domain-
Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain


containing protein 2
H5-like protein


DnaJ homolog subfamily B member 11
Sperm acrosome-associated protein 5


Ectonucleotide
Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-


pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase family
like domain-containing nogo receptor-


member 7
interacting protein 2


Endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1
Surfactant-associated protein 2


Receptor tyrosine-protein kinase erbB-3
Adiponectin receptor protein 1


Endoplasmic reticulum resident protein
Multiple epidermal growth factor-like


ERp44
domains 6


IgGFc-binding protein
Neuroendocrine protein 7B2


Complement factor H-related protein 1
Alpha-1B-glycoprotein


Polypeptide N-
WAP, kazal, immunoglobulin, kunitz and


acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2
NTR domain-containing protein 2


Hemopexin
Arylacetamide deacetylase-like 1


Hepatocyte growth factor activator
Histatin-3


Major histocompatibility complex class I-
Pro-neuregulin-3, membrane-bound


related gene protein
isoform


Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 6
Agouti-signaling protein


Ig delta chain C region
Claudin-8


Interleukin-1 beta
UPF0454 protein C12orf49


Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related
von Willebrand factor A domain-containing


protein 10
protein 5B1


Junctional adhesion molecule C
Cadherin-6


Uncharacterized protein KIAA0319
Cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide


Laminin subunit alpha-5
Laminin subunit gamma-1


Fibronectin type III domain-containing
Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family


protein 4
member 7B


Lipoprotein lipase
C-C motif chemokine 16


Interstitial collagenase
C-C motif chemokine 24


Matrix metalloproteinase-9
HEAT repeat-containing protein C7orf27


Mucin-16
Collagen alpha-2(IX) chain


Mucin-2
Collagen alpha-3(IX) chain


Mucin-5B
Colipase


Myocilin
Collagen alpha-1(XXVII) chain


Oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor 1
Carboxypeptidase N subunit 2


Prostate tumor overexpressed gene 1
Leucine-rich repeat transmembrane


protein
neuronal protein 4


Receptor-interacting serine/threonine-
Collagen triple helix repeat-containing


protein kinase 2
protein 1


Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3
Endothelin-2


Selenoprotein P
Fibromodulin


Pulmonary surfactant-associated protein D
Fc receptor-like B


Stimulated by retinoic acid gene 6 protein
Zinc finger RAD18 domain-containing


homolog
protein C1orf124


Trefoil factor 1
Growth/differentiation factor 15


Tissue factor pathway inhibitor 2
Glia-derived nexin


Prothrombin
Progonadoliberin-1


Toll-like receptor 9
Granzyme K


Intercellular adhesion molecule 4
Interferon alpha-17


Interleukin-19
Interferon alpha-21


lsthmin-2
Interferon alpha-8


Kin of IRRE-like protein 1
Interferon omega-1


Kallikrein-10
Early placenta insulin-like peptide


Latent-transforming growth factor beta-
EGF, latrophilin and seven transmembrane


binding protein 4
domain-containing protein 1


Paired immunoglobulin-like type 2 receptor
Fibronectin type 3 and ankyrin repeat


alpha
domains protein 1


Regenerating islet-derived protein 3 alpha
Lysyl oxidase homolog 4


E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase RNF5
Lumican


Protachykinin-1
Adropin


Secreted frizzled-related protein 1, isoform
Leucine-rich repeat transmembrane protein


CRA_a
FLRT1


Plasminogen-related protein B
Nucleobindin-2


Probable palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC16
Phospholipase A2


Angiopoietin-related protein 1
Proenkephalin-B


UPF0510 protein C19orf63
Peptidoglycan recognition protein I-beta


Scavenger receptor cysteine-rich type 1
Immunoglobulin superfamily containing


protein M160
leucine-rich repeat protein 2


ER degradation-enhancing alpha-
V-set and immunoglobulin domain-


mannosidase-like 2
containing protein 2


Beta-galactosidase-1-like protein 2
Peptide YY


Interleukin-17 receptor E
Retinol-binding protein 3


Interleukin-20
Atherin


Interleukin-25
Translocation protein SEC63 homolog


PDZ domain-containing protein 11
Transforming growth factor beta-3


Relaxin-3
Protein Wnt-10b


Retinoid-inducible serine carboxypeptidase
Renalase


Short palate, lung and nasal epithelium
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin


carcinoma-associated protein 2
type 4


WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 5
Carboxypeptidase A4


Platelet-derived growth factor C
Olfactomedin-4


Disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-
Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein


containing protein 33
complex acid labile chain


BSD domain-containing protein 1
Amelogenin, Y isoform


Cell adhesion molecule 3
Arylsulfatase F


CDC45-related protein
Choriogonadotropin subunit beta variant 2


Chondrolectin
Beta-defensin 104


Diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2
Beta-defensin 105


3-keto-steroid reductase
Beta-defensin 107


Interleukin-17 receptor C
Protein WFDC11


Interleukin-17 receptor D
WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 6


Integrator complex subunit 1
Epigen


Junctional adhesion molecule-like
Protein FAM19A5


E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase LNX
Claudin-6


Leucine-rich repeat transmembrane
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell


neuronal protein 3
adhesion molecule 19


Methionine adenosyltransferase 2
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with


subunit beta
thrombospondin motifs 1


Podocalyxin-like protein 2
Protein COQ10 A, mitochondrial


Prominin-2
Uncharacterized protein C19orf41


Plexin domain-containing protein 2
Uncharacterized protein C21orf63


Roundabout homolog 4
Protein delta homolog 2


Lactosylceramide alpha-2,3-
Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated


sialyltransferase
transcript protein


SID1 transmembrane family member 2
Lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 1 protein


Sushi domain-containing protein 1
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 18


Serine/threonine-protein kinase TAO2
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 25


Transmembrane protease, serine 2
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 3B


UDP-glucuronic acid decarboxylase 1
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 3


Uncharacterized protein C10orf58
Ly6/PLAUR domain-containing protein 4


Thioredoxin-related transmembrane
Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex


protein 2
subunit 1


CMP-N-acetylneuraminate-beta-
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with


galactosamide-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase
thrombospondin motifs 20


Putative uncharacterized protein
Putative uncharacterized protein


ENSP00000380674
ENSP00000381830


Transmembrane protein 119
Cat eye syndrome critical region protein 1


Transmembrane protein 98
Testis-expressed protein 101


Pre-B lymphocyte protein 3
Xylosyltransferase 2


Putative uncharacterized protein C14orf144
Protein FAM20A


Membrane-bound transcription factor site-1
Transmembrane and immunoglobulin


protease
domain-containing protein 1


Ficolin (Collagen/fibrinogen domain
Putative killer cell immunoglobulin-like


containing) 3 (Hakata antigen) (NL3)
receptor-like protein KIR3DX1 (Leukocyte


(Ficolin (Collagen/fibrinogen domain
receptor cluster member 12)


containing) 3 (Hakata antigen), isoform


CRA_b)











Interleukin-1 family member 6
Herstatin


Prostate and testis expressed protein 2
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 28


Group XIIA secretory phospholipase A2
LRRN4 C-terminal-like protein


Collagen alpha-3(V) chain
Ly6/PLAUR domain-containing protein 2


Alpha-2-macroglobulin-like protein 1
Transmembrane protein 81


Dermatopontin
Myelin protein zero-like protein 3


Cartilage-associated protein
Protein notum homolog


Desert hedgehog protein
UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 3A2


Extracellular matrix protein 2
Protocadherin alpha-1


Gastric intrinsic factor
Phospholipase D4


Interleukin-33
Retinol dehydrogenase 10


Bone morphogenetic protein 2
Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 14


Bone morphogenetic protein 6
Transmembrane protein 161A


Uncharacterized protein KIAA0564
Transmembrane protein 161B


Cerberus
Transmembrane protein 182


Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 8
Protein FAM24B


Contactin-associated protein-like 3
Transmembrane protein 52


Group XIIB secretory phospholipase A2-
Major facilitator superfamily domain-


like protein
containing protein 4


Corticoliberin
UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 2A3


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
Odontogenic ameloblast-associated


thrombospondin motifs 19
protein


UPF0556 protein C19orf10
Neurosecretory protein VGF


C-X-C motif chemokine 3
Secreted phosphoprotein 2, 24 kDa


Cystatin-M
Protein FAM150B


Defensin-5
Growth/differentiation factor 9


Defensin-6
Clusterin-like protein 1


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
Transmembrane and immunoglobulin


thrombospondin motifs 18
domain-containing protein 2


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
C-type lectin domain-containing protein


thrombospondin motifs 3
UNQ5810/PRO19627


Dickkopf-related protein 4
Epididymal-specific lipocalin-10


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with


thrombospondin motifs 5
thrombospondin motifs 8


Mammalian ependymin-related protein 1
Epididymal-specific lipocalin-8


Fibrillin-3
Basic proline-rich peptide P-E


Fetuin-B
Putative uncharacterized protein C10orf99


Fibroblast growth factor 6
Uncharacterized protein C17orf77


Keratinocyte growth factor
Arylacetamide deacetylase-like 2


Growth/differentiation factor 8
Epididymal-specific lipocalin-12


Gastric inhibitory polypeptide
B melanoma antigen 2


Glycoprotein hormone beta-5
B melanoma antigen 3


Granzyme M
Bovine seminal plasma protein homolog 1


Gastrin-releasing peptide
Complement C1q-like protein 3


Serine protease HTRA1
UPF0565 protein C2orf69


Interferon alpha-4
UPF0669 protein C6orf120


Interferon alpha-5
Colipase-like protein C6orf127


Interferon alpha-7
Uncharacterized protein C7orf69


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-like


thrombospondin motifs 7
protein


Immunoglobulin superfamily member 10
Chondroadherin-like protein


Protease-associated domain-containing
Putative uncharacterized protein


protein of 21 kDa
UNQ6490/PRO21339


Abhydrolase domain-containing protein
Putative uncharacterized protein


FAM108A1
UNQ6493/PRO21345


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
Putative uncharacterized protein


thrombospondin motifs 9
UNQ5815/PRO19632


Interleukin-9 receptor
Cystatin-A


Interleukin-9
Peptidase inhibitor R3HDML


Inhibin beta B chain
Cystatin-9


Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 2
DAN domain family member 5


BMP-binding endothelial regulator
Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-


protein
like 1


Keratinocyte-associated protein 2
Epididymal sperm-binding protein 1


Laminin subunit alpha-1
Elafin


Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2
Protein FAM55A


Gastric triacylglycerol lipase
Growth/differentiation factor 6


Leucine-rich repeat and calponin
Glucose-fructose oxidoreductase domain-


homology domain-containing protein 3
containing protein 1


Pancreatic lipase-related protein 2
Erythropoietin


Epididymis-specific alpha-mannosidase
Glutathione peroxidase 6


Fibronectin type III domain-containing
Uncharacterized protein


protein 7
UNQ511/PRO1026


Microfibrillar-associated protein 5
Beta-defensin 128


Muellerian-inhibiting factor
Interleukin-31


Matrix metalloproteinase-21
Interleukin-34


Matrix metalloproteinase-17
Plasma kallikrein-like protein 4


Matrix metalloproteinase-20
Epididymal-specific lipocalin-9


N-acetylglucosamine-1-
cDNA FLJ60957, highly similar to


phosphotransferase subunit gamma
Secreted frizzled-related protein 4


Multimerin-2
Lipase member M


Promotilin
CLECSF12


FRAS1-related extracellular matrix
Putative inactive group IIC secretory


protein 3
phospholipase A2


Protein kinase C-binding protein NELL1
Serine protease MPN2


Protein kinase C-binding protein NELL2
Netrin-5


Neurotrypsin
NHL repeat-containing protein 3


Neuroserpin
Olfactomedin-like protein 2B


Nidogen-2
Ovochymase-2


Abhydrolase domain-containing protein
Putative uncharacterized protein


FAM108B1
UNQ3029/PRO9830


Neurotrophin-4
Ovochymase-1


Epididymal secretory glutathione
Putative pregnancy-specific beta-1-


peroxidase
glycoprotein 7


Group 10 secretory phospholipase A2
Ovostatin homolog 2


Group IID secretory phospholipase A2
Orexigenic neuropeptide QRFP


Lactoperoxidase
Lymphocyte antigen 6K


p53 apoptosis effector related to PMP-22
Prostate and testis expressed protein 1


Placenta-specific protein 1
Putative phospholipase B-like 1


Tuberoinfundibular peptide of
Putative uncharacterized protein


39 residues
FLJ42147


Prolargin
Otogelin


Secretogranin-2
Ribonuclease 8


Endonuclease domain-containing 1
Nuclear pore complex-interacting protein-


protein
like 2


Semaphorin-3B
Proactivator polypeptide-like 1


Somatostatin
Protein spinster homolog 2


Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family
von Willebrand factor C domain-


member 4-like 2
containing protein 2-like


Transcobalamin-1
Urotensin-2B


Trefoil factor 2
Tetraspanin-18


Testican-1
UPF0514 membrane protein FAM159A


Serum paraoxonase/lactonase 3
Latherin


Tolloid-like protein 2
Methyltransferase-like protein 7B


Trypsin-2
Protein TEX261


RING finger and SPRY domain-
Alkylated DNA repair protein alkB


containing protein 1
homolog 7


Calcium-binding and coiled-coil domain-
Transmembrane emp24 domain-


containing protein 1
containing protein 6


Protein Wnt-2
XK-related protein 5


Ectonucleoside triphosphate
Putative V-set and immunoglobulin


diphosphohydrolase 8
domain-containing protein 7


Protein Wnt-8b
Insulin growth factor-like family member 3


UDP-GlcNAc: betaGal beta-1,3-N-
Nuclear pore complex-interacting protein-


acetylglucosaminyltransferase 4
like 1


EMI domain-containing protein 1
Secreted phosphoprotein 1


Uncharacterized protein C6orf15
Collagen alpha-5(VI) chain


Collectin-10
B melanoma antigen 5


Long-chain-fatty-acid--CoA ligase
WAP four-disulfide core domain protein


ACSBG2
10A


Oncoprotein-induced transcript 3 protein
UPF0369 protein C6orf57


Peptidase inhibitor 15
Putative uncharacterized protein C10orf31


Proline-rich acidic protein 1
Putative uncharacterized protein C11orf45


Urocortin
Uncharacterized protein C12orf28


Trypsin-X3 (EC 3.4.21.4)
Uncharacterized protein C17orf67


HHIP-like protein 2
Beta-defensin 121


Fractalkine
Beta-defensin 130


Protein Wnt-11
Histidine triad nucleotide-binding protein 2


Protein Wnt-7a
Apelin


FCH and double SH3 domains protein 1
Placenta-specific protein 9


Hepatoma-derived growth factor-related
Hepatocellular carcinoma-associated


protein 2
protein TD26


Interleukin-12 subunit alpha
Persephin


UPF0577 protein KIAA1324
Regulated endocrine-specific protein 18


Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-
Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-


related protein 9
related protein 8


Mucin-17
Bone morphogenetic protein 8A


Lysosomal protein NCU-G1
Protein WFDC13


Prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit alpha-3
Protein Wnt-8a


Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase
Ig-like domain-containing protein


SDCCAG10
ENSP00000270642


Peptidase inhibitor 16
Abhydrolase domain-containing protein 15


Poliovirus receptor-related protein 4
Ribonuclease-like protein 9


Solute carrier family 22 member 15
Uncharacterized protein C2orf66


GPI inositol-deacylase
Uncharacterized protein C17orf99


Transmembrane protein 43
Protein FAM150A


Angiopoietin-related protein 2
Placenta-specific 1-like protein


Angiopoietin-related protein 6
Uncharacterized protein C18orf20


Arylsulfatase K
Beta-defensin 110


Augurin
Neuritin-like protein


Brain-specific serine protease 4
Histidine-rich carboxyl terminus protein 1


DBH-like monooxygenase protein 1
C-type lectin domain family 2 member A


Uncharacterized protein C1orf56
Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 70


Cerebellin-3
Serpin A13


Cerebellin-4
BTB/POZ domain-containing protein 17


Colipase-like protein C6orf126
Uncharacterized protein C12orf53


Uncharacterized protein C11orf83
C-type lectin domain family 9 member A


Uncharacterized protein C16orf89
Complement C1q-like protein 4


Carboxypeptidase-like protein X2
CMRF35-like molecule 4


Cystatin-9-like
Protein FAM151B


Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family
Abhydrolase domain-containing protein


member 13
FAM108A2/A3


Beta-defensin 123
Osteocrin


Beta-defensin 132
Transmembrane protease, serine 11E2


Cytokine-like protein 1
Transmembrane protein 14E


Dickkopf-related protein 2
Transmembrane protein 207


Dickkopf-like protein 1
TOMM20-like protein 1


Epididymal secretory protein E3-beta
Uncharacterized protein C3orf41


EGF-like repeat and discoidin I-like
Submaxillary gland androgen-regulated


domain-containing protein 3
protein 3A


Protein FAM55D
B melanoma antigen 1


Fibroblast growth factor 17
Inactive carboxylesterase 4


Fibroblast growth factor 22
Four-jointed box protein 1


Fibroblast growth factor-binding protein 2
Protein HSN2


Growth/differentiation factor 3
Humanin


GLIPR1-like protein 1
Kielin/chordin-like protein


Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 6
UPF0624 protein C6orf186


Interleukin-17B
Putative neurofibromin 1-like protein 4/6


Interleukin-17C
Peroxidasin-like protein


Interleukin-17D
SCO-spondin


Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link
Putative uncharacterized protein


protein 3
UNQ9165/PRO28630


Vitelline membrane outer layer protein 1
Calcium-activated chloride channel


homolog
regulator family member 3


Choriogonadotropin subunit beta
Probable serine protease


variant 1
UNQ9391/PRO34284


Lysozyme-like protein 1
Uncharacterized protein C4orf26


Matrix metalloproteinase-28
Uncharacterized protein C4orf40


Nephronectin
Uncharacterized protein C5orf55


WAP four-disulfide core domain
Putative macrophage-stimulating protein


protein 12
MSTP9


Olfactomedin-like protein 1
Uncharacterized protein C15orf61


Olfactomedin-like protein 2A
Chymotrypsinogen B2


Serine protease 27
Beta-defensin 108A


Secretoglobin family 3A member 2
Beta-defensin 111


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
Putative V-set and immunoglobulin


thrombospondin motifs 2
domain-containing protein 6


Disintegrin and metalloproteinase
Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type


domain-containing protein 28
5-like 3


Bactericidal/permeability-increasing
Putative serine protease inhibitor Kazal-


protein-like 2
type 5-like 2


Acid sphingomyelinase-like
Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family


phosphodiesterase 3b
member 7C


Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 7
Beta-defensin 131


Neurexophilin-4
Beta-defensin 134


Protein Wnt-9b
Beta-defensin 136


Zymogen granule protein 16 homolog B
Beta-defensin 116


Semaphorin-3D
Protein FAM132A


Apolipoprotein L4
Protein FAM132B


Transmembrane protease, serine 11D
Beta-defensin 115


Scrapie-responsive protein 1
Beta-defensin 114


Putative annexin A2-like protein
Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 9


Bone morphogenetic protein 10
Lipase member N


Secretogranin-3
Pancreatic lipase-related protein 3


Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-
Testis, prostate and placenta-expressed


related protein 4
protein


Uncharacterized protein C1orf54
Neuromedin-S


Carboxypeptidase A6
Neuropeptide S


C-C motif chemokine 19
Neuronal pentraxin-like protein C16orf38


C-C motif chemokine 25
Otolin-1


Chymotrypsin-like elastase family
Iron/zinc purple acid phosphatase-like


member 2B
protein


Protein CEI
Ovostatin homolog 1


Uncharacterized protein C6orf1
Plasminogen-related protein A


Uncharacterized protein C7orf34
Polyserase-3


Keratinocyte-associated protein 3
Putative peptide YY-2


Uncharacterized protein C9orf47
Putative peptide YY-3


Collagen alpha-1(VIII) chain
Ribonuclease-like protein 10


Uncharacterized protein C18orf54
Ribonuclease-like protein 12


Cystatin-like 1
Ribonuclease-like protein 13


C2 domain-containing protein 2
Serpin A11


DDRGK domain-containing protein 1
Kunitz-type protease inhibitor 4


Protein FAM55C
Meteorin-like protein


Collagen alpha-1(XXVI) chain
Putative testis serine protease 2


Protein FAM19A2
Beta-defensin 112


Protein FAM5B
Uncharacterized protein FLJ37543


Fibroblast growth factor 5
Protein FAM24A


Probable serine protease HTRA3
Secreted frizzled-related protein 4


Interleukin-1 family member 8
Complement C1q-like protein 2


Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 4
Putative uncharacterized protein C17orf69


Otospiralin
Putative cystatin-13


Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2
Beta-defensin 109


Lysyl oxidase homolog 1
Beta-defensin 113


Lysyl oxidase homolog 2
Beta-defensin 135


Long palate, lung and nasal epithelium
Peptidase S1 domain-containing protein


carcinoma-associated protein 4
LOC136242


Lysozyme g-like protein 2
Growth/differentiation factor 7


Endomucin
IgA-inducing protein homolog


Neuropeptide B
Putative lipocalin 1-like protein 1


Kinesin-like protein KIF7
Putative serine protease 29


Leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-
Putative scavenger receptor cysteine-rich


like receptor 2
domain-containing protein LOC619207


Calcium-dependent phospholipase A2
Secretoglobin-like protein


Proapoptotic caspase adapter protein
Putative stereocilin-like protein


Integrin beta-like protein 1
Insulin growth factor-like family member 2


Tolloid-like protein 1
KIR2DL4


Kunitz-type protease inhibitor 3
Putative zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein-like 1


Protein TMEM155
Insulin growth factor-like family member 4


Prosalusin
Uncharacterized protein C2orf72


Protein amnionless
Replication initiation-like protein


Protein WFDC10B
Prostate and testis expressed protein 3


WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 8
B melanoma antigen 4


Protein Wnt-5b
Putative uncharacterized protein C1orf191


Protein Wnt-7b
Beta-defensin 108B-like


Zona pellucida-binding protein 2
Uncharacterized protein FLJ90687


SH3 domain-binding protein 5-like
Secreted frizzled-related protein 2


Adipocyte adhesion molecule
Basic proline-rich peptide IB-1


Uncharacterized protein C12orf59
Fibroblast growth factor 16


Apolipoprotein A-I-binding protein
Serine protease inhibitor Kazal-type 8


Claudin-17
Uncharacterized protein KIAA0495


Inactive caspase-12
Platelet basic protein-like 2


Uncharacterized protein C7orf58
Serpin E3


Collagen alpha-1(XXVIII) chain
CR1 receptor


Dentin matrix protein 4
Secreted phosphoprotein 1


Uncharacterized protein C16orf48
Stress induced secreted protein 1


Carboxylesterase 3
Protein Wnt


Protein FAM20B
Protein Wnt (Fragment)


GPN-loop GTPase 3
Putative serine protease LOC138652


GRAM domain-containing protein 1B
TOM1


Phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor
Putative uncharacterized protein


biosynthesis class U protein
FLJ46089


Interleukin-27 subunit alpha
Putative uncharacterized protein C1orf134


Pro-neuregulin-4, membrane-bound
UDP-GlcNAc: betaGal beta-1,3-N-


isoform
acetylglucosaminyltransferase 9


Leucine-rich repeat neuronal protein 3
Uncharacterized protein C11orf44


NMDA receptor-regulated protein 2
Uncharacterized protein C12orf73


NADH-cytochrome b5 reductase 1
Putative cystatin-9-like 2


Parkinson disease 7 domain-containing
Putative abhydrolase domain-containing


protein 1
protein FAM108A5


FK506-binding protein 11
Beta-defensin 133


C-type lectin domain family 12 member B
Fibrosin-1


Solute carrier family 35 member F5
Probable folate receptor delta


Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 12
RPE-spondin


Protein FAM19A3
NPIP-like protein ENSP00000346774


WD repeat-containing protein 82
Putative testis-specific prion protein


Adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1
Proline-rich protein 1


ADAMTS-like protein 3
Putative uncharacterized protein FP248


Coiled-coil domain-containing protein 80
UPF0670 protein C8orf55


Ecto-NOX disulfide-thiol exchanger 1
Putative zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein-like 2


Neuronal growth regulator 1
SPARC protein


Interphotoreceptor matrix proteoglycan 1
Otopetrin-1


cDNA FLJ36603 fis, clone
cDNA FLJ55667, highly similar to


TRACH2015180, highly similar to
Secreted protein acidic and rich in


Secreted frizzled-related protein 2
cysteine


Lipase member H
Lipase member K


Mucin-19 (MUC-19)
C-type lectin domain family 18 member C


Psoriasis susceptibility 1 candidate gene
Putative uncharacterized protein


2 protein
UNQ6125/PRO20090


Integral membrane protein 2A
Complement C3


Vesicle transport protein SFT2B
Collagen alpha-2(IV) chain


von Willebrand factor A domain-
Uncharacterized protein


containing protein 3A
UNQ6126/PRO20091


Protein shisa-2 homolog
Serpin-like protein HMSD


Signal peptidase complex subunit 3
Prostate and testis expressed protein 4


CD164 sialomucin-like 2 protein
Collagen alpha-1(XXII) chain


Cadherin-16
Putative uncharacterized protein C13orf28


Cadherin-19
Cystatin-S


Cerebellin-2
R-spondin-1


Transmembrane protein C3orf1
C8orf2


Sperm equatorial segment protein 1
Odorant-binding protein 2a


Uncharacterized protein C6orf72
Opiorphin


Uncharacterized protein C11orf24
Kidney androgen-regulated protein


Acyl-CoA synthetase family member 2,
Putative uncharacterized protein


mitochondrial
UNQ5830/PRO19650/PRO19816


Probable UDP-sugar transporter protein
Putative uncharacterized protein


SLC35A5
UNQ6975/PRO21958


C-type lectin domain family 1 member A
Tachykinin-3


C-type lectin domain family 3 member A
Secreted phosphoprotein 1


C-type lectin domain family 4 member E
Sclerostin


C-type lectin domain family 4 member G
ADAMTS-like protein 2


Probable cation-transporting
Scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain-


ATPase 13A4
containing protein LOC284297


UPF0480 protein C15orf24
Tryptase beta-1


Zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 4
Tryptase delta


Endoplasmic reticulum resident protein
Putative cat eye syndrome critical region


ERp27
protein 9


Transmembrane protein C16orf54
Plexin domain-containing protein 1


Cytochrome P450 4F12
MC51L-53L-54L homolog (Fragment)


Cytochrome P450 4X1
COBW-like placental protein (Fragment)


Cytochrome P450 4Z1
Cytokine receptor-like factor 2


Protein CREG2
Beta-defensin 103


DnaJ homolog subfamily B member 9
Beta-defensin 106


Dipeptidase 3
Hyaluronidase-3


Membrane protein FAM174A
Interleukin-28 receptor alpha chain


Thioredoxin domain-containing
Glycosyltransferase 54 domain-containing


protein 15
protein


Protein FAM19A4
Chordin-like protein 1


Adenosine monophosphate-protein
Putative uncharacterized protein


transferase FICD
UNQ9370/PRO34162


Prenylcysteine oxidase-like
Netrin receptor UNC5B


Phytanoyl-CoA hydroxylase-interacting
Fibroblast growth factor receptor FGFR-1


protein-like
secreted form protein (Fragment)


FXYD domain-containing ion transport
Uncharacterized protein


regulator 4
ENSP00000244321


Growth/differentiation factor 11
ECE2


Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor
EPA6


GPN-loop GTPase 2
Putative soluble interleukin 18 receptor 1


Growth hormone-inducible
Putative abhydrolase domain-containing


transmembrane protein
protein FAM108A6


Glycerophosphodiester
Putative V-set and immunoglobulin


phosphodiesterase domain-containing
domain-containing-like protein


protein 2
ENSP00000303034


WAP, kazal, immunoglobulin, kunitz and
B cell maturation antigen transcript variant


NTR domain-containing protein 1
4 (Tumor necrosis factor receptor



superfamily member 17)


KDEL motif-containing protein 1
UPF0672 protein C3orf58


Adipophilin
Methylthioribose-1-phosphate isomerase


Lactase-like protein
17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13


Chondromodulin-1
Aminopeptidase B


Collagen alpha-6(VI) chain
Dermcidin


Leucine-rich repeat-containing protein 33
Meteorin


MANSC domain-containing protein 1
Methyltransferase-like protein 7A


Lipocalin-15
NL3


Arylsulfatase I
N-acetyltransferase 15


Mesoderm development candidate 2
Ephrin-A4


Dickkopf-related protein 1
Protein Plunc


Podocan
Kallikrein-11


Fibronectin type III domain-containing
WNT1 induced secreted protein 1 splice


protein 1
variant x (Fragment)


Neurotrimin
Interleukin-1 family member 10


Olfactory receptor 10W1
PLA2G2D


Protein PARM-1
Proteoglycan 3


PDZ domain-containing protein 2
Insulin-like peptide INSL5


Proepiregulin
Olfactomedin-like protein 3


Polycystic kidney disease protein 1-like 1
Extracellular glycoprotein lacritin


WLPL514
Retinol dehydrogenase 13


Matrix metalloproteinase-26
Neutrophil defensin 3


RELT-like protein 2
GLGQ5807


Solute carrier family 35 member E3
TUFT1


Zinc transporter ZIP9
DRLV8200


Noelin-2
IDLW5808


Seizure 6-like protein 2
UBAP2


Semaphorin-3A
C1q/TNF-related protein 8


Semaphorin-4C
KIR2DL4 (Fragment)


Abhydrolase domain-containing protein
Chemokine-like factor super family 2


14A
transcript variant 2


Ankyrin repeat domain-containing
Keratinocytes associated transmembrane


protein 36
protein 1


Protein shisa-4
GKGM353


Neuromedin-U
MATL2963


Nodal homolog
NINP6167


Synaptogyrin-2
POM121-like


Brain-specific angiogenesis inhibitor 1-
RTFV9368 (SLE-dependent


associated protein 2-like protein 2
upregulation 1)


Coiled-coil domain-containing
Leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobulin-


protein 104
like domain-containing nogo receptor-



interacting protein 4


Transmembrane 4 L6 family member 20
KCNQ2


Transmembrane protein 107
ELCV5929


Transmembrane protein 143
KVVM3106


Transmembrane protein 178
ISPF6484


Transmembrane protein 205
LKHP9428


Transmembrane protein 41A
VNFT9373


Transmembrane protein 50A
ACAH3104


Transmembrane protein 50B
RVLA1944


Interleukin-28B
Wpep3002


Neuronal pentraxin-2
ZDHHC11


Collectrin
AGLW2560


Transmembrane protein 92
TSSP3028


Transmembrane protein 95
RFVG5814


Transmembrane protein 9B
SHSS3124


Probable carboxypeptidase PM20D1
MMP19


Tetraspanin-12
GSQS6193


Tetraspanin-13
VGPW2523


Tetraspanin-15
LMNE6487


UPF0513 transmembrane protein
ALLA2487


Mitochondrial uncoupling protein 4
GALI1870


Polyserase-2
FRSS1829


Probable palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC24
MRSS6228


Zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 1
GRPR5811


Zona pellucida sperm-binding protein 2
AVLL5809


Conserved oligomeric Golgi complex
CR1 C3b/C4b receptor SCR9 (or 16) C-


subunit 7
term. exon SCR = short consensus repeat


Adiponectin receptor protein 2
PIKR2786


Inhibin beta C chain
S100 calcium binding protein A7-like 3


Brorin
GTWW5826 (LP5085 protein)


Semaphorin-3C
KTIS8219 (HCG2020043)


Heparan sulfate glucosamine 3-O-
Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link


sulfotransferase 2
protein 4


Leptin receptor overlapping transcript-
Micronovel


like 1


SPARC-like protein 1
SAMK3000


Fibulin-7
VFLL3057


Protein HEG homolog 1
CVWG5837


Fibrinogen C domain-containing
VGSA5840


protein 1


Phospholipase A1 member A
GHPS3125


Basic salivary proline-rich protein 2
GRTR3118


Spermatogenesis-associated protein 6
PAMP6501


Sushi repeat-containing protein SRPX2
LTLL9335


Twisted gastrulation protein homolog 1
VCEW9374


Torsin-1B
AHPA9419


Protein Wnt-5a
MDHV1887


Acrosin-binding protein
HSAL5836


C-type lectin domain family 18 member B
LHLC1946


Lysosomal-associated transmembrane
Long palate, lung and nasal epithelium


protein 4A
carcinoma-associated protein 3 (Ligand-



binding protein RYA3)


Semaphorin-3E
LPPA601


Ameloblastin
PINK1


Major facilitator superfamily domain-
SERH2790


containing protein 5


Angiopoietin-1
FLFF9364


Angiopoietin-4
APELIN


Multiple epidermal growth factor-like
GLSH6409


domains 9


Acid sphingomyelinase-like
SFVP2550


phosphodiesterase 3a


ADAMTS-like protein 5
RRLF9220


Spexin
PTML5838


Putative trypsin-6
VLGN1945


Proto-oncogene protein Wnt-1
AVPC1948


Bone morphogenetic protein 3b
AWQG2491


Bone morphogenetic protein 5
PSVL6168


Bone morphogenetic protein 8B
LCII3035


Protein FAM26D
PPRR6495


C1q-related factor
RLSC6348


WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 1
CSRP2BP


Cerebellin-1
GLLV3061


Carboxypeptidase O
GWSI6489


Myelin protein zero-like protein 2
cDNA FLJ53955, highly similar to


(Epithelial V-like antigen 1)
Secreted frizzled-related protein 4


Serine protease 1-like protein 1
PPIF


Coiled-coil domain-containing protein 70
VSSW1971


C-C motif chemokine 28
KLIA6249


Uncharacterized protein C4orf29
ALLW1950


CUB domain-containing protein 2
GVEI466


Trem-like transcript 4 protein
ESFI5812


Uncharacterized protein C6orf58
GNNC2999


Chondroadherin
AAGG6488


Cartilage intermediate layer protein 2
HHSL751


Uncharacterized protein C10orf25
Beta-defensin 108B


Isthmin-1
Beta-defensin 118


Cystatin-8
Beta-defensin 124


Cardiotrophin-1 (CT-1)
Beta-defensin 125


Chymotrypsinogen B
Beta-defensin 126


C-X-C motif chemokine 9
Deoxyribonuclease-1-like 2


C-X-C motif chemokine 13
Stanniocalcin-2


EMILIN-3
Endothelial cell-specific molecule 1


Secretagogin
Carboxylesterase 7


Epididymal secretory protein E3-alpha
Protein NOV homolog


Epiphycan
UPF0528 protein FAM172A


Protein FAM5C
Interleukin-27 subunit beta


Fibroblast growth factor 20
Protein FAM3C


Fibroblast growth factor-binding protein 3
Stromal cell-derived factor 2-like protein 1


Transmembrane protein 204
Butyrophilin subfamily 1 member A1


Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding
Keratinocyte-associated transmembrane


protein 4
protein 2


Coagulation factor V
Immunoglobulin alpha Fc receptor


Coagulation factor VII
EMILIN-2


Pro-MCH
Ephrin type-A receptor 10


Folate receptor gamma
Exostosin-like 2


Mucin-7
Follistatin-related protein 4


Galanin-like peptide
Follistatin-related protein 5


Hemicentin-1
Transmembrane protein 66


Interleukin-6
Growth/differentiation factor 2


Embryonic growth/differentiation factor 1
GDNF family receptor alpha-4


Interleukin-8
Ig gamma-4 chain C region


Gremlin-2
Lymphocyte antigen 86


Stromelysin-2
Inhibin beta E chain


Probable G-protein coupled receptor 171
GRAM domain-containing protein 1C


Pappalysin-2
Interferon alpha-10


Microfibril-associated glycoprotein 4
Interferon alpha-16


Neuromedin-B
Interferon alpha-6


Mimecan
Immunoglobulin superfamily member 21


Matrix metalloproteinase-19
Agrin


Interleukin-11
Prolactin


Interleukin-17A
Kelch-like protein 11


Interleukin-18
Protein Wnt-16


Interleukin-26
Properdin


Interleukin-28A
Kallikrein-13


Transmembrane emp24 domain-
1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate


containing protein 3
acyltransferase delta


Interleukin-29
Kallikrein-9


Insulin-like peptide INSL6
Vitamin K-dependent protein S


Protein Wnt-2b
Butyrophilin-like protein 8


Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 1
Laminin subunit beta-4


Sperm acrosome membrane-associated
Lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic


protein 4
acid receptor 1


Laminin subunit gamma-3
Cystatin-SA


Lysyl oxidase homolog 3
Transmembrane protein 59


Neurotensin/neuromedin N
Apolipoprotein(a)-like protein 2


MAM domain-containing protein 2
Lysozyme-like protein 2


Microfibrillar-associated protein 2
Lysozyme-like protein 4


Melanoma inhibitory activity protein 2
Reelin


Matrix metalloproteinase-24
Retinol-binding protein 4


Matrix metalloproteinase-25
Carbonic anhydrase 14


Netrin-1
Tubulointerstitial nephritis antigen


Netrin-3
Neuropeptide W


Alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha-
Alpha-1,3-mannosyl-glycoprotein 4-beta-


2,6-sialyltransferase 1
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase B


Alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha-
Transmembrane emp24 domain-


2,6-sialyltransferase 3
containing protein 5


Melanoma-derived growth regulatory
Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-


protein
related protein 3


FMRFamide-related peptides
Podocan-like protein 1


Otoconin-90
Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 5


Neurturin
Keratocan


Neurexophilin-1
Group IIE secretory phospholipase A2


Neurexophilin-2
Left-right determination factor 2


Platelet factor 4 variant
NKG2D ligand 2


Nociceptin
Macrophage metalloelastase


V-set and transmembrane domain-
Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid


containing protein 1
cells 1


Proline-rich protein 4
Cytokine receptor-like factor 1


Prolactin-releasing peptide
Secretin


Serine protease 33
Stromal cell-derived factor 2


Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 8
Lysozyme-like protein 6


Retbindin
Serpin A9


FMRFamide-related peptides
Sclerostin domain-containing protein 1


Ribonuclease K6
Lysocardiolipin acyltransferase 1


Ribonuclease T2
Plasma glutamate carboxypeptidase


Repetin
Slit homolog 3 protein


Complement C1r subcomponent-like
C3 and PZP-like alpha-2-macroglobulin


protein
domain-containing protein 8


Uncharacterized glycosyltransferase
Retinoic acid receptor responder


AER61
protein 2


Semaphorin-3G
Cartilage acidic protein 1


Secretoglobin family 1C member 1
Stanniocalcin-1


Secretoglobin family 1D member 1
Beta-tectorin


Secretoglobin family 1D member 2
Post-GPI attachment to proteins factor 3


Serpin A12
Germ cell-specific gene 1 protein


Serpin I2
Interleukin-21 receptor


von Willebrand factor C and EGF
V-set and immunoglobulin domain-


domain-containing protein
containing protein 4


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
Scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain-


thrombospondin motifs 15
containing group B protein


Sodium channel subunit beta-2
Prothyroliberin


Metalloproteinase inhibitor 4
Semaphorin-4A


T-cell immunomodulatory protein


A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with
Tumor necrosis factor receptor


thrombospondin motifs 10
superfamily member 27


Thymic stromal lymphopoietin
Toll-like receptor 7


Transmembrane protein 130


Unique cartilage matrix-associated
Thioredoxin domain-containing


protein
protein 16


Urocortin-2
Alpha-2-antiplasmin


Urocortin-3 (
WAP four-disulfide core domain protein 3


Protein AMBP
Protein WFDC9


Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-
A disintegrin and metalloproteinase with


related protein 9-like
thrombospondin motifs 14


Growth inhibition and differentiation-
Adipocyte plasma membrane-associated


related protein 88
protein


Protein Wnt-10a
Peroxidasin homolog


Protein Wnt-3a
Progressive ankylosis protein homolog


Proto-oncogene protein Wnt-3
Chitinase-3-like protein 1


Protein Wnt-6
UPF0672 protein CXorf36


Protein Wnt-9a
Arylsulfatase J


Cytokine SCM-1 beta
Cortistatin


Zymogen granule membrane protein 16
Ceruloplasmin


Zona pellucida-binding protein 1
Angiopoietin-related protein 5


Anterior gradient protein 3 homolog
Coiled-coil domain-containing protein 126


Amelotin
CD177 antigen


Uncharacterized protein C5orf46
Protein canopy homolog 4


Uncharacterized aarF domain-containing
Fibronectin type-III domain-containing


protein kinase 1
protein C4orf31


Draxin
Protein FAM180A


Fibroblast growth factor 18
Platelet basic protein


C-X-C motif chemokine 11
Interferon epsilon


Ly6/PLAUR domain-containing protein 6
lntelectin-2


Chymotrypsin-like elastase family
Alpha-1,3-mannosyl-glycoprotein 4-beta-


member 1
N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase A


Erythropoietin receptor
Matrix extracellular phosphoglycoprotein


MAM domain-containing
cDNA FLJ77863, highly similar to Homo


glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor

sapiens secreted and transmembrane 1



protein 2
(SECTM1), mRNA


Matrix metalloproteinase-27
Epididymal-specific lipocalin-6


Inactive serine protease 35
Afamin


Coiled-coil domain-containing
Probable cation-transporting ATPase


protein 134
13A5


Suprabasin
Glutathione peroxidase 3


Secretoglobin family 1D member 4
Claudin-18


V-set and transmembrane domain-
Putative killer cell immunoglobulin-like


containing protein 2A
receptor like protein KIR3DP1


ADM
Secretory phospholipase A2 receptor


Uncharacterized protein C2orf82
Haptoglobin


Insulin growth factor-like family
Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell


member 1
adhesion molecule 20


Cadherin-like protein 29
Bone morphogenetic protein 3


Bone morphogenetic protein 15
Bone marrow stromal antigen 2


Plasma serine protease inhibitor
Cytochrome P450 20A1


Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell
Bactericidal/permeability-increasing


adhesion molecule 21
protein-like 3


Alpha-lactalbumin
Protein dpy-19 homolog 2


Sister chromatid cohesion protein DCC1
Group IIF secretory phospholipase A2


Galectin-3-binding protein
Carboxypeptidase B


Dynein heavy chain domain-containing
Glycosyltransferase 8 domain-containing


protein 1
protein 2


C-C motif chemokine 17
Protein FAM19A1


Fatty acyl-CoA reductase 1
GDNF family receptor alpha-like


Fin bud initiation factor homolog
Probable glutathione peroxidase 8


Polymeric immunoglobulin receptor
Cystatin-D


Prion-like protein doppel
Cystatin-F


C-X-C motif chemokine 6
Platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase


C-X-C motif chemokine 10
Pappalysin-1


Beta-defensin 1
Solute carrier family 22 member 12


Hyaluronan and proteoglycan link
Chorionic somatomammotropin hormone-


protein 2
like 1


Disintegrin and metalloproteinase
Regulator of microtubule dynamics


domain-containing protein 30
protein 3


Suppressor of fused homolog
Retinol dehydrogenase 14


Folate receptor beta
Galanin


Extracellular sulfatase Sulf-2
Transcobalamin-2


Tumor necrosis factor receptor
Catechol-O-methyltransferase domain-


superfamily member 14
containing protein 1


Artemin
Tripeptidyl-peptidase 1


Collagen alpha-1(XII) chain
Trem-like transcript 1 protein


Collagen alpha-1(XIV) chain
Guanylate cyclase activator 2B


Beta-defensin 2
Inducible T-cell costimulator


Interleukin-21


Interleukin-3


Interleukin-7
Notch homolog 2 N-terminal-like protein


Inhibin alpha chain
Laminin subunit beta-2


Laminin subunit alpha-3
Neuropilin-2


Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family
EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular


member on chromosome X
matrix protein 1


FXYD domain-containing ion transport
Receptor-type tyrosine-protein


regulator 6
phosphatase kappa


Serine incorporator 2
Regenerating islet-derived protein 4


Stromelysin-3
Tachykinin-4


Secreted phosphoprotein 1
Matrix metalloproteinase-23


Serine beta-lactamase-like protein
Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-


LACTB, mitochondrial
related protein 5


Galectin-3
Opticin


Pancreatic prohormone
Pre-small/secreted glycoprotein


Pregnancy-specific beta-1-glycoprotein 6
Pentraxin-related protein PTX3


Dickkopf-related protein 3
Carboxylesterase 8


Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family
Thioredoxin-related transmembrane


member 11
protein 4


Regenerating islet-derived protein 3
Major facilitator superfamily domain-


gamma
containing protein 2


RING finger protein 43
Kallikrein-12


Semenogelin-2
Brevican core protein


Mucin-15
Porimin


Bone sialoprotein 2
Torsin-1A


Lymphotactin
C-C motif chemokine 23


Growth-regulated alpha protein
Testican-3


R-spondin-2
Basic salivary proline-rich protein 4


Transmembrane and coiled-coil domain-
Tumor necrosis factor receptor


containing protein 3
superfamily member 18


VEGF co-regulated chemokine 1
Brother of CDO


ADM2
Beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase 4


Hydroxysteroid 11-beta-dehydrogenase
Dehydrogenase/reductase SDR family


1-like protein
member 9


Delta-like protein 1
Eppin


Ephrin-A1
Otoancorin


Fibroblast growth factor receptor-like 1
Tenascin-R


GDNF family receptor alpha-3
Growth factor


Platelet receptor Gi24
Protein TSPEAR


Progonadoliberin-2
Hephaestin


Kallikrein-7
Butyrophilin-like protein 3


Apolipoprotein F
Butyrophilin-like protein 9


Protein CASC4
Laminin subunit gamma-2


VIP36-like protein
Protein LMBR1L


Magnesium transporter protein 1
Mucin-21


Amiloride-sensitive amine oxidase
Endoplasmic reticulum mannosyl-


[copper-containing]
oligosaccharide 1,2-alpha-mannosidase


DNA damage-regulated autophagy
Pancreatic secretory granule membrane


modulator protein 2
major glycoprotein GP2


Transmembrane protein C17orf87
Semaphorin-4B


Complement factor H-related protein 5
Semaphorin-5B


FK506-binding protein 7
Epsilon-sarcoglycan


Serine incorporator 1
Guanylate-binding protein 5


Transmembrane and ubiquitin-like
Ectonucleoside triphosphate


domain-containing protein 1
diphosphohydrolase 6


Protein ERGIC-53-like
Serpin B3


Toll-like receptor 10
Protein RMD5 homolog B


Toll-like receptor 8
Scavenger receptor class A member 5


Selenoprotein T
Semaphorin-6B


Sialic acid-binding Ig-like lectin 11
Transmembrane protein 108


Sorting nexin-24
Sushi domain-containing protein 3


Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-
Latent-transforming growth factor beta-


related protein 1
binding protein 2


Putative uncharacterized protein
Putative uncharacterized protein


UNQ6494/PRO21346
UNQ6190/PRO20217


Secreted and transmembrane 1 precusor
Secreted and transmembrane 1 precusor


variant
variant


C-type lectin domain family 18 member A
Collagen alpha-1(XX) chain


Cysteine-rich secretory protein 3
Netrin receptor UNC5D


Complement C4-A
Mucin-13


Putative uncharacterized protein
ATP-dependent metalloprotease YME1L1


PRO2829


Calcium-activated chloride channel
Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin


regulator 2
type 5


Neuroblastoma suppressor of


tumorigenicity 1









The therapeutic proteins provided herein should not be considered to be exclusive. Rather, as is apparent from the disclosure provided herein, the methods of the invention are applicable to any protein wherein attachment of a water soluble polymer is desired according to the invention. For example, therapeutic proteins are described in US 2007/0026485, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.


Blood Coagulation Proteins

In one aspect, the starting material of the present invention is a blood coagulation protein, which can be derived from human plasma, or produced by recombinant engineering techniques, as described in patents U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,757,006; 5,733,873; 5,198,349; 5,250,421; 5,919,766; and EP 306 968.


Therapeutic polypeptides such as blood coagulation proteins including Factor IX (FIX), Factor VIII (FVIII), Factor VIIa (FVIIa), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Factor FV (FV), Factor X (FX), Factor XI (FXI), Factor XII (FXII), thrombin (FII), protein C, protein S, tPA, PAI-1, tissue factor (TF) and ADAMTS 13 protease are rapidly degraded by proteolytic enzymes and neutralized by antibodies. This reduces their half-life and circulation time, thereby limiting their therapeutic effectiveness. Relatively high doses and frequent administration are necessary to reach and sustain the desired therapeutic or prophylactic effect of these coagulation proteins. As a consequence, adequate dose regulation is difficult to obtain and the need of frequent intravenous administrations imposes restrictions on the patient's way of living.


As described herein, blood coagulation proteins including, but not limited to, Factor IX (FIX), Factor VIII (FVIII), Factor VIIa (FVIIa), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Factor FV (FV), Factor X (FX), Factor XI, Factor XII (FXII), thrombin (FII), protein C, protein S, tPA, PAI-1, tissue factor (TF) and ADAMTS 13 protease are contemplated by the invention. As used herein, the term “blood coagulation protein” refers to any Factor IX (FIX), Factor VIII (FVIII), Factor VIIa (FVIIa), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Factor FV (FV), Factor X (FX), Factor XII (FXII), thrombin (FII), protein C, protein S, tPA, PAI-1, tissue factor (TF) and ADAMTS 13 protease which exhibits biological activity that is associated with that particular native blood coagulation protein.


The blood coagulation cascade is divided into three distinct segments: the intrinsic, extrinsic, and common pathways (Schenone et al., Curr Opin Hematol. 2004; 11:272-7). The cascade involves a series of serine protease enzymes (zymogens) and protein cofactors. When required, an inactive zymogen precursor is converted into the active form, which consequently converts the next enzyme in the cascade.


The intrinsic pathway requires the clotting factors VIII, IX, X, XI, and XII. Initiation of the intrinsic pathway occurs when prekallikrein, high-molecular-weight kininogen, factor XI (FXI) and factor XII (FXII) are exposed to a negatively charged surface. Also required are calcium ions and phospholipids secreted from platelets.


The extrinsic pathway is initiated when the vascular lumen of blood vessels is damaged. The membrane glycoprotein tissue factor is exposed and then binds to circulating factor VII (FVII) and to small preexisting amounts of its activated form FVIIa. This binding facilitates full conversion of FVII to FVIIa and subsequently, in the presence of calcium and phospholipids, the conversion of factor IX (FIX) to factor IXa (FIXa) and factor X (FX) to factor Xa (FXa). The association of FVIIa with tissue factor enhances the proteolytic activity by bringing the binding sites of FVII for the substrate (FIX and FX) into closer proximity and by inducing a conformational change, which enhances the enzymatic activity of FVIIa.


The activation of FX is the common point of the two pathways. Along with phospholipid and calcium, factors Va (FVa) and Xa convert prothrombin to thrombin (prothrombinase complex), which then cleaves fibrinogen to form fibrin monomers. The monomers polymerize to form fibrin strands. Factor XIIIa (FXIIIa) covalently bonds these strands to one another to form a rigid mesh.


Conversion of FVII to FVIIa is also catalyzed by a number of proteases, including thrombin, FIXa, FXa, factor XIa (FXIa), and factor XIIa (FXIIa). For inhibition of the early phase of the cascade, tissue factor pathway inhibitor targets FVIIa/tissue factor/FXa product complex.


Factor VIIa

FVII (also known as stable factor or proconvertin) is a vitamin K-dependent serine protease glycoprotein with a pivotal role in hemostasis and coagulation (Eigenbrot, Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2002; 3:287-99).


FVII is synthesized in the liver and secreted as a single-chain glycoprotein of 48 kD. FVII shares with all vitamin K-dependent serine protease glycoproteins a similar protein domain structure consisting of an amino-terminal gamma-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) domain with 9-12 residues responsible for the interaction of the protein with lipid membranes, a carboxy-terminal serine protease domain (catalytic domain), and two epidermal growth factor-like domains containing a calcium ion binding site that mediates interaction with tissue factor. Gamma-glutamyl carboxylase catalyzes carboxylation of Gla residues in the amino-terminal portion of the molecule. The carboxylase is dependent on a reduced form of vitamin K for its action, which is oxidized to the epoxide form. Vitamin K epoxide reductase is required to convert the epoxide form of vitamin K back to the reduced form.


The major proportion of FVII circulates in plasma in zymogen form, and activation of this form results in cleavage of the peptide bond between arginine 152 and isoleucine 153. The resulting activated FVIIa consists of a NH2-derived light chain (20 kD) and a COOH terminal-derived heavy chain (30 kD) linked via a single disulfide bond (Cys 135 to Cys 262). The light chain contains the membrane-binding Gla domain, while the heavy chain contains the catalytic domain.


The plasma concentration of FVII determined by genetic and environmental factors is about 0.5 mg/mL (Pinotti et al., Blood. 2000; 95:3423-8). Different FVII genotypes can result in several-fold differences in mean FVII levels. Plasma FVII levels are elevated during pregnancy in healthy females and also increase with age and are higher in females and in persons with hypertriglyceridemia. FVII has the shortest half-life of all procoagulant factors (3-6 h). The mean plasma concentration of FVIIa is 3.6 ng/mL in healthy individuals and the circulating half-life of FVIIa is relatively long (2.5 h) compared with other coagulation factors.


Hereditary FVII deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder with a prevalence estimated to be 1 case per 500,000 persons in the general population (Acharya et al., J Thromb Haemost. 2004; 2248-56). Acquired FVII deficiency from inhibitors is also very rare. Cases have also been reported with the deficiency occurring in association with drugs such as cephalosporins, penicillins, and oral anticoagulants. Furthermore, acquired FVII deficiency has been reported to occur spontaneously or with other conditions, such as myeloma, sepsis, aplastic anemia, with interleukin-2 and antithymocyte globulin therapy.


Reference polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences include, e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. J02933 for the genomic sequence, M13232 for the cDNA (Hagen et al. PNAS 1986; 83: 2412-6), and P08709 for the polypeptide sequence (references incorporated herein in their entireties). A variety of polymorphisms of FVII have been described, for example see Sabater-Lleal et al. (Hum Genet. 2006; 118:741-51) (reference incorporated herein in its entirety).


Factor IX

FIX is a vitamin K-dependent plasma protein that participates in the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation by converting FX to its active form in the presence of calcium ions, phospholipids and FVIIIa. The predominant catalytic capability of FIX is as a serine protease with specificity for a particular arginine-isoleucine bond within FX. Activation of FIX occurs by FXIa which causes excision of the activation peptide from FIX to produce an activated FIX molecule comprising two chains held by one or more disulphide bonds. Defects in FIX are the cause of recessive X-linked hemophilia B.


Hemophilia A and B are inherited diseases characterized by deficiencies in FVIII and FIX polypeptides, respectively. The underlying cause of the deficiencies is frequently the result of mutations in FVIII and FIX genes, both of which are located on the X chromosome. Traditional therapy for hemophilias often involves intravenous administration of pooled plasma or semi-purified coagulation proteins from normal individuals. These preparations can be contaminated by pathogenic agents or viruses, such as infectious prions, HIV, parvovirus, hepatitis A, and hepatitis C. Hence, there is an urgent need for therapeutic agents that do not require the use of human serum.


The level of the decrease in FIX activity is directly proportional to the severity of hemophilia B. The current treatment of hemophilia B consists of the replacement of the missing protein by plasma-derived or recombinant FIX (so-called FIX substitution or replacement treatment or therapy).


Polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences of FIX can be found for example in the UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot Accession No. P00740, U.S. Pat. No. 6,531,298 and in FIG. 1 (SEQ ID NO: 1).


Factor VIII

Coagulation factor VIII (FVIII) circulates in plasma at a very low concentration and is bound non-covalently to Von Willebrand factor (VWF). During hemostasis, FVIII is separated from VWF and acts as a cofactor for activated factor IX (FIXa)-mediated FX activation by enhancing the rate of activation in the presence of calcium and phospholipids or cellular membranes.


FVIII is synthesized as a single-chain precursor of approximately 270-330 kD with the domain structure A1-A2-B-A3-C1-C2. When purified from plasma (e.g., “plasma-derived” or “plasmatic”), FVIII is composed of a heavy chain (A1-A2-B) and a light chain (A3-C1-C2). The molecular mass of the light chain is 80 kD whereas, due to proteolysis within the B domain, the heavy chain is in the range of 90-220 kD.


FVIII is also synthesized as a recombinant protein for therapeutic use in bleeding disorders. Various in vitro assays have been devised to determine the potential efficacy of recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) as a therapeutic medicine. These assays mimic the in vivo effects of endogenous FVIII. In vitro thrombin treatment of FVIII results in a rapid increase and subsequent decrease in its procoagulant activity, as measured by in vitro assays. This activation and inactivation coincides with specific limited proteolysis both in the heavy and the light chains, which alter the availability of different binding epitopes in FVIII, e.g. allowing FVIII to dissociate from VWF and bind to a phospholipid surface or altering the binding ability to certain monoclonal antibodies.


The lack or dysfunction of FVIII is associated with the most frequent bleeding disorder, hemophilia A. The treatment of choice for the management of hemophilia A is replacement therapy with plasma derived or rFVIII concentrates. Patients with severe hemophilia A with FVIII levels below 1%, are generally on prophylactic therapy with the aim of keeping FVIII above 1% between doses. Taking into account the average half-lives of the various FVIII products in the circulation, this result can usually be achieved by giving FVIII two to three times a week.


Reference polynucleotide and polypeptide sequences include, e.g., UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot P00451 (FA8 HUMAN); Gitschier J et al., Characterization of the human Factor VIII gene, Nature, 312(5992): 326-30 (1984); Vehar G H et al., Structure of human Factor VIII, Nature, 312(5992):337-42 (1984); Thompson A R. Structure and Function of the Factor VIII gene and protein, Semin Thromb Hemost, 2003:29; 11-29 (2002).


Von Willebrand Factor

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a glycoprotein circulating in plasma as a series of multimers ranging in size from about 500 to 20,000 kD. Multimeric forms of VWF are composed of 250 kD polypeptide subunits linked together by disulfide bonds. VWF mediates initial platelet adhesion to the sub-endothelium of the damaged vessel wall. Only the larger multimers exhibit hemostatic activity. It is assumed that endothelial cells secrete large polymeric forms of VWF and those forms of VWF which have a low molecular weight (low molecular weight VWF) arise from proteolytic cleavage. The multimers having large molecular masses are stored in the Weibel-Pallade bodies of endothelial cells and liberated upon stimulation.


VWF is synthesized by endothelial cells and megakaryocytes as prepro-VWF that consists to a large extent of repeated domains. Upon cleavage of the signal peptide, pro-VWF dimerizes through disulfide linkages at its C-terminal region. The dimers serve as protomers for multimerization, which is governed by disulfide linkages between the free end termini. The assembly to multimers is followed by the proteolytic removal of the propeptide sequence (Leyte et al., Biochem. J. 274 (1991), 257-261).


The primary translation product predicted from the cloned cDNA of VWF is a 2813-residue precursor polypeptide (prepro-VWF). The prepro-VWF consists of a 22 amino acid signal peptide and a 741 amino acid propeptide, with the mature VWF comprising 2050 amino acids (Ruggeri Z. A., and Ware, J., FASEB J., 308-316 (1993).


Defects in VWF are causal to Von Willebrand disease (VWD), which is characterized by a more or less pronounced bleeding phenotype. VWD type 3 is the most severe form, in which VWF is completely missing, and VWD type 1 relates to a quantitative loss of VWF and its phenotype can be very mild. VWD type 2 relates to qualitative defects of VWF and can be as severe as VWD type 3. VWD type 2 has many sub forms, some being associated with the loss or the decrease of high molecular weight multimers. Von Willebrand disease type 2a (VWD-2A) is characterized by a loss of both intermediate and large multimers. VWD-2B is characterized by a loss of highest-molecular-weight multimers. Other diseases and disorders related to VWF are known in the art.


The polynucleotide and amino acid sequences of prepro-VWF are available at GenBank Accession Nos. NM_000552 and NP_000543, respectively.


Other blood coagulation proteins according to the present invention are described in the art, e.g. Mann K G, Thromb Haemost, 1999; 82:165-74.


A. Polypeptides

In one aspect, the starting material of the present invention is a protein or polypeptide. As described herein, the term therapeutic protein refers to any therapeutic protein molecule which exhibits biological activity that is associated with the therapeutic protein. In one embodiment of the invention, the therapeutic protein molecule is a full-length protein.


Therapeutic protein molecules contemplated include full-length proteins, precursors of full length proteins, biologically active subunits or fragments of full length proteins, as well as biologically active derivatives and variants of any of these forms of therapeutic proteins. Thus, therapeutic protein include those that (1) have an amino acid sequence that has greater than about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98% or about 99% or greater amino acid sequence identity, over a region of at least about 25, about 50, about 100, about 200, about 300, about 400, or more amino acids, to a polypeptide encoded by a referenced nucleic acid or an amino acid sequence described herein; and/or (2) specifically bind to antibodies, e.g., polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, generated against an immunogen comprising a referenced amino acid sequence as described herein, an immunogenic fragment thereof, and/or a conservatively modified variant thereof.


According to the present invention, the term “recombinant therapeutic protein” includes any therapeutic protein obtained via recombinant DNA technology. In certain embodiments, the term encompasses proteins as described herein.


As used herein, “endogenous therapeutic protein” includes a therapeutic protein which originates from the mammal intended to receive treatment. The term also includes therapeutic protein transcribed from a transgene or any other foreign DNA present in said mammal. As used herein, “exogenous therapeutic protein” includes a blood coagulation protein which does not originate from the mammal intended to receive treatment.


As used herein, “plasma-derived blood coagulation protein” or “plasmatic” includes all forms of the protein found in blood obtained from a mammal having the property participating in the coagulation pathway.


As used herein “biologically active derivative” or “biologically active variant” includes any derivative or variant of a molecule having substantially the same functional and/or biological properties of said molecule, such as binding properties, and/or the same structural basis, such as a peptidic backbone or a basic polymeric unit.


An “analog,” such as a “variant” or a “derivative,” is a compound substantially similar in structure and having the same biological activity, albeit in certain instances to a differing degree, to a naturally-occurring molecule. For example, a polypeptide variant refers to a polypeptide sharing substantially similar structure and having the same biological activity as a reference polypeptide. Variants or analogs differ in the composition of their amino acid sequences compared to the naturally-occurring polypeptide from which the analog is derived, based on one or more mutations involving (i) deletion of one or more amino acid residues at one or more termini of the polypeptide and/or one or more internal regions of the naturally-occurring polypeptide sequence (e.g., fragments), (ii) insertion or addition of one or more amino acids at one or more termini (typically an “addition” or “fusion”) of the polypeptide and/or one or more internal regions (typically an “insertion”) of the naturally-occurring polypeptide sequence or (iii) substitution of one or more amino acids for other amino acids in the naturally-occurring polypeptide sequence. By way of example, a “derivative” is a type of analog and refers to a polypeptide sharing the same or substantially similar structure as a reference polypeptide that has been modified, e.g., chemically.


A variant polypeptide is a type of analog polypeptide and includes insertion variants, wherein one or more amino acid residues are added to a therapeutic protein amino acid sequence of the invention. Insertions may be located at either or both termini of the protein, and/or may be positioned within internal regions of the therapeutic protein amino acid sequence. Insertion variants, with additional residues at either or both termini, include for example, fusion proteins and proteins including amino acid tags or other amino acid labels. In one aspect, the blood coagulation protein molecule optionally contains an N-terminal Met, especially when the molecule is expressed recombinantly in a bacterial cell such as E. coli.


In deletion variants, one or more amino acid residues in a therapeutic protein polypeptide as described herein are removed. Deletions can be effected at one or both termini of the therapeutic protein polypeptide, and/or with removal of one or more residues within the therapeutic protein amino acid sequence. Deletion variants, therefore, include fragments of a therapeutic protein polypeptide sequence.


In substitution variants, one or more amino acid residues of a therapeutic protein polypeptide are removed and replaced with alternative residues. In one aspect, the substitutions are conservative in nature and conservative substitutions of this type are well known in the art. Alternatively, the invention embraces substitutions that are also non-conservative. Exemplary conservative substitutions are described in Lehninger, [Biochemistry, 2nd Edition; Worth Publishers, Inc., New York (1975), pp. 71-77] and are set out immediately below.


Conservative Substitutions
















SIDE CHAIN




CHARACTERISTIC
AMINO ACID









Non-polar (hydrophobic):




A. Aliphatic
A L I V P



B. Aromatic
F W



C. Sulfur-containing
M



D. Borderline
G



Uncharged-polar:



A. Hydroxyl
S T Y



B. Amides
N Q



C. Sulfhydryl
C



D. Borderline
G



Positively charged (basic)
K R H



Negatively charged (acidic)
D E










Alternatively, exemplary conservative substitutions are set out immediately below.


Conservative Substitutions II

















EXEMPLARY



ORIGINAL RESIDUE
SUBSTITUTION









Ala (A)
Val, Leu, Ile



Arg (R)
Lys, Gln, Asn



Asn (N)
Gln, His, Lys, Arg



Asp (D)
Glu



Cys (C)
Ser



Gln (Q)
Asn



Glu (E)
Asp



His (H)
Asn, Gln, Lys, Arg



Ile (I)
Leu, Val, Met, Ala, Phe,



Leu (L)
Ile, Val, Met, Ala, Phe



Lys (K)
Arg, Gln, Asn



Met (M)
Leu, Phe, Ile



Phe (F)
Leu, Val, Ile, Ala



Pro (P)
Gly



Ser (S)
Thr



Thr (T)
Ser



Trp (W)
Tyr



Tyr (Y)
Trp, Phe, Thr, Ser



Val (V)
Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Ala










B. Polynucleotides

Nucleic acids encoding a therapeutic protein of the invention include, for example and without limitation, genes, pre-mRNAs, mRNAs, cDNAs, polymorphic variants, alleles, synthetic and naturally-occurring mutants.


Polynucleotides encoding a therapeutic protein of the invention also include, without limitation, those that (1) specifically hybridize under stringent hybridization conditions to a nucleic acid encoding a referenced amino acid sequence as described herein, and conservatively modified variants thereof; (2) have a nucleic acid sequence that has greater than about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or higher nucleotide sequence identity, over a region of at least about 25, about 50, about 100, about 150, about 200, about 250, about 500, about 1000, or more nucleotides (up to the full length sequence of 1218 nucleotides of the mature protein), to a reference nucleic acid sequence as described herein. Exemplary “stringent hybridization” conditions include hybridization at 42° C. in 50% formamide, 5×SSC, 20 mM Na.PO4, pH 6.8; and washing in 1×SSC at 55° C. for 30 minutes. It is understood that variation in these exemplary conditions can be made based on the length and GC nucleotide content of the sequences to be hybridized. Formulas standard in the art are appropriate for determining appropriate hybridization conditions. See Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (Second ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1989) §§ 9.47-9.51.


A “naturally-occurring” polynucleotide or polypeptide sequence is typically derived from a mammal including, but not limited to, primate, e.g., human; rodent, e.g., rat, mouse, hamster; cow, pig, horse, sheep, or any mammal. The nucleic acids and proteins of the invention can be recombinant molecules (e.g., heterologous and encoding the wild type sequence or a variant thereof, or non-naturally occurring).


C. Production of Therapeutic Proteins

Production of a therapeutic protein includes any method known in the art for (i) the production of recombinant DNA by genetic engineering, (ii) introducing recombinant DNA into prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells by, for example and without limitation, transfection, electroporation or microinjection, (iii) cultivating said transformed cells, (iv) expressing therapeutic protein, e.g. constitutively or upon induction, and (v) isolating said blood coagulation protein, e.g. from the culture medium or by harvesting the transformed cells, in order to obtain purified therapeutic protein.


In other aspects, the therapeutic protein is produced by expression in a suitable prokaryotic or eukaryotic host system characterized by producing a pharmacologically acceptable blood coagulation protein molecule. Examples of eukaryotic cells are mammalian cells, such as CHO, COS, HEK 293, BHK, SK-Hep, and HepG2.


A wide variety of vectors are used for the preparation of the therapeutic protein and are selected from eukaryotic and prokaryotic expression vectors. Examples of vectors for prokaryotic expression include plasmids such as, and without limitation, pRSET, pET, and pBAD, wherein the promoters used in prokaryotic expression vectors include one or more of, and without limitation, lac, trc, trp, recA, or araBAD. Examples of vectors for eukaryotic expression include: (i) for expression in yeast, vectors such as, and without limitation, pAO, pPIC, pYES, or pMET, using promoters such as, and without limitation, AOX1, GAP, GAL1, or AUG1; (ii) for expression in insect cells, vectors such as and without limitation, pMT, pAc5, pIB, pMIB, or pBAC, using promoters such as and without limitation PH, p10, MT, Ac5, OpIE2, gp64, or polh, and (iii) for expression in mammalian cells, vectors such as and without limitation pSVL, pCMV, pRc/RSV, pcDNA3, or pBPV, and vectors derived from, in one aspect, viral systems such as and without limitation vaccinia virus, adeno-associated viruses, herpes viruses, or retroviruses, using promoters such as and without limitation CMV, SV40, EF-1, UbC, RSV, ADV, BPV, and β-actin.


D. Administration

In one embodiment a conjugated therapeutic protein of the present invention may be administered by injection, such as intravenous, intramuscular, or intraperitoneal injection.


To administer compositions comprising a conjugated therapeutic protein of the present invention to human or test animals, in one aspect, the compositions comprise one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. The terms “pharmaceutically” or “pharmacologically acceptable” refer to molecular entities and compositions that are stable, inhibit protein degradation such as aggregation and cleavage products, and in addition do not produce allergic, or other adverse reactions when administered using routes well-known in the art, as described below. “Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers” include any and all clinically useful solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents and the like, including those agents disclosed above.


As used herein, “effective amount” includes a dose suitable for treating a disease or disorder or ameliorating a symptom of a disease or disorder. In one embodiment, “effective amount” includes a dose suitable for treating a mammal having a bleeding disorder as described herein.


The compositions may be administered orally, topically, transdermally, parenterally, by inhalation spray, vaginally, rectally, or by intracranial injection. The term parenteral as used herein includes subcutaneous injections, intravenous, intramuscular, intracisternal injection, or infusion techniques. Administration by intravenous, intradermal, intramuscular, intramammary, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, retrobulbar, intrapulmonary injection and or surgical implantation at a particular site is contemplated as well. Generally, compositions are essentially free of pyrogens, as well as other impurities that could be harmful to the recipient.


Single or multiple administrations of the compositions can be carried out with the dose levels and pattern being selected by the treating physician. For the prevention or treatment of disease, the appropriate dosage will depend on the type of disease to be treated, as described above, the severity and course of the disease, whether drug is administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previous therapy, the patient's clinical history and response to the drug, and the discretion of the attending physician.


The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a conjugated therapeutic protein as defined herein. The pharmaceutical composition may further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, diluent, salt, buffer, or excipient. The pharmaceutical composition can be used for treating the above-defined bleeding disorders. The pharmaceutical composition of the invention may be a solution or a lyophilized product. Solutions of the pharmaceutical composition may be subjected to any suitable lyophilization process.


As an additional aspect, the invention includes kits which comprise a composition of the invention packaged in a manner which facilitates its use for administration to subjects. In one embodiment, such a kit includes a compound or composition described herein (e.g., a composition comprising a conjugated therapeutic protein), packaged in a container such as a sealed bottle or vessel, with a label affixed to the container or included in the package that describes use of the compound or composition in practicing the method. In one embodiment, the kit contains a first container having a composition comprising a conjugated therapeutic protein and a second container having a physiologically acceptable reconstitution solution for the composition in the first container. In one aspect, the compound or composition is packaged in a unit dosage form. The kit may further include a device suitable for administering the composition according to a specific route of administration. Preferably, the kit contains a label that describes use of the therapeutic protein or peptide composition.


Water Soluble Polymers

In one aspect, a therapeutic protein derivative (i.e., a conjugated therapeutic protein) molecule provided is bound to a water-soluble polymer including, but not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, polysialic acid (PSA), hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG) polyoxazoline, poly acryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC). In one embodiment of the invention, the water soluble polymer is consisting of sialic acid molecule having a molecular weight range of 350 to 120,000, 500 to 100,000, 1000 to 80,000, 1500 to 60,000, 2,000 to 45,000 Da, 3,000 to 35,000 Da, and 5,000 to 25,000 Da. The coupling of the water soluble polymer can be carried out by direct coupling to the protein or via linker molecules. One example of a chemical linker is MBPH (4-[4-N-Maleimidophenyl]butyric acid hydrazide) containing a carbohydrate-selective hydrazide and a sulfhydryl-reactive maleimide group (Chamow et al., J Biol Chem 1992; 267:15916-22). Other exemplary and preferred linkers are described below.


In one embodiment, the derivative retains the full functional activity of native therapeutic protein products, and provides an extended half-life in vivo, as compared to native therapeutic protein products. In another embodiment, the derivative retains at least 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44. 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, or 150 percent (%) biological activity relative to native blood coagulation protein. In a related aspect, the biological activities of the derivative and native blood coagulation protein are determined by the ratios of chromogenic activity to blood coagulation factor antigen value (blood coagulation factor:Chr:blood coagulation factor:Ag). In still another embodiment of the invention, the half-life of the construct is decreased or increased 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10-fold relative to the in vivo half-life of native therapeutic protein.


A. Sialic Acid and PSA

PSAs consist of polymers (generally homopolymers) of N-acetylneuraminic acid. The secondary amino group normally bears an acetyl group, but it may instead bear a glycolyl group. Possible substituents on the hydroxyl groups include acetyl, lactyl, ethyl, sulfate, and phosphate groups.




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Structure of Sialic Acid (N-Acetylneuraminic Acid)


PSAs and mPSAs generally comprise linear polymers consisting essentially of N-acetylneuraminic acid moieties linked by 2,8- or 2,9-glycosidic linkages or combinations of these (e.g. alternating 2,8- and 2,9-linkages). In particularly preferred PSAs and mPSAs, the glycosidic linkages are α-2,8. Such PSAs and mPSAs are conveniently derived from colominic acids, and are referred to herein as “CAs” and “mCAs”. Typical PSAs and mPSAs comprise at least 2, preferably at least 5, more preferably at least 10 and most preferably at least 20 N-acetylneuraminic acid moieties. Thus, they may comprise from 2 to 300 N-acetylneuraminic acid moieties, preferably from 5 to 200 N-acetylneuraminic acid moieties, or most preferably from 10 to 100 N-acetylneuraminic acid moieties. PSAs and CAs preferably are essentially free of sugar moieties other than N-acetylneuraminic acid. Thus PSAs and CAs preferably comprise at least 90%, more preferably at least 95% and most preferably at least 98% N-acetylneuraminic acid moieties.


Where PSAs and CAs comprise moieties other than N-acetylneuraminic acid (as, for example in mPSAS and mCAs) these are preferably located at one or both of the ends of the polymer chain. Such “other” moieties may, for example, be moieties derived from terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid moieties by oxidation or reduction.


For example, WO-A-0187922 describes such mPSAs and mCAs in which the non-reducing terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid unit is converted to an aldehyde group by reaction with sodium periodate. Additionally, WO 2005/016974 describes such mPSAs and mCAs in which the reducing terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid unit is subjected to reduction to reductively open the ring at the reducing terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid unit, whereby a vicinal diol group is formed, followed by oxidation to convert the vicinal diol group to an aldehyde group.


Sialic acid rich glycoproteins bind selectin in humans and other organisms. They play an important role in human influenza infections. E.g., sialic acid can hide mannose antigens on the surface of host cells or bacteria from mannose-binding lectin. This prevents activation of complement. Sialic acids also hide the penultimate galactose residue thus preventing rapid clearance of the glycoprotein by the galactose receptor on the hepatic parenchymal cells.




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Structure of Colominic Acid (Homopolymer of N-Acetylneuraminic Acid)


Colominic acids (a sub-class of PSAs) are homopolymers of N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) with α (2→8) ketosidic linkage, and are produced, inter alia, by particular strains of Escherichia coli possessing K1 antigen. Colominic acids have many physiological functions. They are important as a raw material for drugs and cosmetics.


Comparative studies in vivo with polysialylated and unmodified asparaginase revealed that polysialylation increased the half-life of the enzyme (Fernandes and Gregoriadis, Biochimica Biophysica Acta 1341: 26-34, 1997).


As used herein, “sialic acid moieties” includes sialic acid monomers or polymers (“polysaccharides”) which are soluble in an aqueous solution or suspension and have little or no negative impact, such as side effects, to mammals upon administration of the PSA-blood coagulation protein conjugate in a pharmaceutically effective amount. The polymers are characterized, in one aspect, as having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 200, 300, 400, or 500 sialic acid units. In certain aspects, different sialic acid units are combined in a chain.


In one embodiment of the invention, the sialic acid portion of the polysaccharide compound is highly hydrophilic, and in another embodiment the entire compound is highly hydrophilic. Hydrophilicity is conferred primarily by the pendant carboxyl groups of the sialic acid units, as well as the hydroxyl groups. The saccharide unit may contain other functional groups, such as, amine, hydroxyl or sulphate groups, or combinations thereof. These groups may be present on naturally-occurring saccharide compounds, or introduced into derivative polysaccharide compounds.


The naturally occurring polymer PSA is available as a polydisperse preparation showing a broad size distribution (e.g. Sigma C-5762) and high polydispersity (PD). Because the polysaccharides are usually produced in bacteria carrying the inherent risk of copurifying endotoxins, the purification of long sialic acid polymer chains may raise the probability of increased endotoxin content. Short PSA molecules with 1-4 sialic acid units can also be synthetically prepared (Kang S H et al., Chem Commun. 2000; 227-8; Ress D K and Linhardt R J, Current Organic Synthesis. 2004; 1:31-46), thus minimizing the risk of high endotoxin levels. However PSA preparations with a narrow size distribution and low polydispersity, which are also endotoxin-free, can now be manufactured. Polysaccharide compounds of particular use for the invention are, in one aspect, those produced by bacteria. Some of these naturally-occurring polysaccharides are known as glycolipids. In one embodiment, the polysaccharide compounds are substantially free of terminal galactose units.


B. Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) and Pegylation

In certain aspects, therapeutic proteins are conjugated to a water soluble polymer by any of a variety of chemical methods (Roberts J M et al., Advan Drug Delivery Rev 2002; 54:459-76). For example, in one embodiment a therapeutic protein is modified by the conjugation of PEG to free amino groups of the protein using N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) esters. In another embodiment the water soluble polymer, for example PEG, is coupled to free SH groups using maleimide chemistry or the coupling of PEG hydrazides or PEG amines to carbohydrate moieties of the therapeutic protein after prior oxidation.


The conjugation is in one aspect performed by direct coupling (or coupling via linker systems) of the water soluble polymer to a therapeutic protein under formation of stable bonds. In addition degradable, releasable or hydrolysable linker systems are used in certain aspects the present invention (Tsubery et al. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:38118-24/Greenwald et al., J Med Chem 1999; 42:3657-67/Zhao et al., Bioconj Chem 2006; 17:341-51/WO2006/138572A2/U.S. Pat. No. 7,259,224B2/U.S. Pat. No. 7,060,259B2).


In one embodiment of the invention, a therapeutic protein is modified via lysine residues by use of polyethylene glycol derivatives containing an active N-hydroxysuccinimide ester (NHS) such as succinimidyl succinate, succinimidyl glutarate or succinimidyl propionate. These derivatives react with the lysine residues of the therapeutic protein under mild conditions by forming a stable amide bond. In one embodiment of the invention, the chain length of the PEG derivative is 5,000 Da. Other PEG derivatives with chain lengths of 500 to 2,000 Da, 2,000 to 5,000 Da, greater than 5,000 up to 10,000 Da or greater than 10,000 up to 20,000 Da, or greater than 20,000 up to 150,000 Da are used in various embodiments, including linear and branched structures.


Alternative methods for the PEGylation of amino groups are, without limitation, the chemical conjugation with PEG carbonates by forming urethane bonds, or the reaction with aldehydes or ketones by reductive amination forming secondary amide bonds.


In one embodiment of the present invention a therapeutic protein molecule is chemically modified using PEG derivatives that are commercially available. These PEG derivatives in alternative aspects have linear or branched structures. Examples of PEG-derivatives containing NHS groups are listed below.


The following PEG derivatives are non-limiting examples of those commercially available from Nektar Therapeutics (Huntsville, Ala.; see www.nektar.com/PEG reagent catalog; Nektar Advanced PEGylation, price list 2005-2006):




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This reagent with branched structure is described in more detail by Kozlowski et al. (BioDrugs 2001; 5:419-29).


Other non-limiting examples of PEG derivatives are commercially available from NOF Corporation (Tokyo, Japan; see www.nof.co.jp/english: Catalogue 2005)




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Structures of Branched PEG-Derivatives (NOF Corp.):




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These propane derivatives show a glycerol backbone with a 1,2 substitution pattern. In the present invention branched PEG derivatives based on glycerol structures with 1,3 substitution or other branched structures described in US2003/0143596A1 are also contemplated.


PEG derivatives with degradable (for example, hydrolysable) linkers as described by Tsubery et al. (J Biol Chem 2004; 279:38118-24) and Shechter et al. (WO04089280A3) are also contemplated.


Surprisingly, the PEGylated therapeutic protein of this invention exhibits functional activity, combined with an extended half-life in vivo. In addition the PEGylated rFVIII, FVIIa, FIX, or other blood coagulation factor seems to be more resistant against thrombin inactivation.


C. Hydroxyalkyl Starch (HAS) and Hydroxylethyl Starch (HES)

In various embodiments of the present invention, a therapeutic protein molecule is chemically modified using hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS) or hydroxylethyl starch (HES) or derivatives thereof.


HES is a derivative of naturally occurring amylopectin and is degraded by alpha-amylase in the body. HES is a substituted derivative of the carbohydrate polymer amylopectin, which is present in corn starch at a concentration of up to 95% by weight. HES exhibits advantageous biological properties and is used as a blood volume replacement agent and in hemodilution therapy in the clinics (Sommermeyer et al., 1987, Krankenhauspharmazie, 8 (8), 271-278; and Weidler et al., 1991, Arzneim.-Forschung/Drug Res. g 419 494-498).


Amylopectin consists of glucose moieties, wherein in the main chain alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds are present and at the branching sites alpha-1, 6-glycosidic bonds are found. The physical-chemical properties of this molecule are mainly determined by the type of glycosidic bonds. Due to the nicked alpha-1,4-glycosidic bond, helical structures with about six glucose-monomers per turn are produced. The physico-chemical as well as the biochemical properties of the polymer can be modified via substitution. The introduction of a hydroxyethyl group can be achieved via alkaline hydroxyethylation. By adapting the reaction conditions it is possible to exploit the different reactivity of the respective hydroxy group in the unsubstituted glucose monomer with respect to a hydroxyethylation. Owing to this fact, the skilled person is able to influence the substitution pattern to a limited extent.


HAS refers to a starch derivative which has been substituted by at least one hydroxyalkyl group. Therefore, the term hydroxyalkyl starch is not limited to compounds where the terminal carbohydrate moiety comprises hydroxyalkyl groups R1, R2, and/or R3, but also refers to compounds in which at least one hydroxy group present anywhere, either in the terminal carbohydrate moiety and/or in the remaining part of the starch molecule, HAS′, is substituted by a hydroxyalkyl group R1, R2, or R3.




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The alkyl group may be a linear or branched alkyl group which may be suitably substituted. Preferably, the hydroxyalkyl group contains 1 to 10 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and even more preferably 2-4 carbon atoms. “Hydroxyalkyl starch” therefore preferably comprises hydroxyethyl starch, hydroxypropyl starch and hydroxybutyl starch, wherein hydroxyethyl starch and hydroxypropyl starch are particularly preferred.


Hydroxyalkyl starch comprising two or more different hydroxyalkyl groups is also comprised in the present invention. The at least one hydroxyalkyl group comprised in HAS may contain two or more hydroxy groups. According to one embodiment, the at least one hydroxyalkyl group comprised HAS contains one hydroxy group.


The term HAS also includes derivatives wherein the alkyl group is mono- or polysubstituted. In one embodiment, the alkyl group is substituted with a halogen, especially fluorine, or with an aryl group, provided that the HAS remains soluble in water. Furthermore, the terminal hydroxy group a of hydroxyalkyl group may be esterified or etherified. HAS derivatives are described in WO/2004/024776, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.


D. Methods of Attachment

A therapeutic protein may be covalently linked to the polysaccharide compounds by any of various techniques known to those of skill in the art. In various aspects of the invention, sialic acid moieties are bound to a therapeutic protein, e.g., FIX, FVIII, FVIIa or VWF, for example by the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,170, which is herein incorporated by reference.


Other techniques for coupling PSA to polypeptides are also known and contemplated by the invention. For example, US Publication No. 2007/0282096 describes conjugating an amine or hydrazide derivative of, e.g., PSA, to proteins. In addition, US Publication No. 2007/0191597 describes PSA derivatives containing an aldehyde group for reaction with substrates (e.g., proteins) at the reducing end. These references are incorporated by reference in their entireties.


Various methods are disclosed at column 7, line 15, through column 8, line 5 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,846,951 (incorporated by reference in its entirety). Exemplary techniques include linkage through a peptide bond between a carboxyl group on one of either the blood coagulation protein or polysaccharide and an amine group of the blood coagulation protein or polysaccharide, or an ester linkage between a carboxyl group of the blood coagulation protein or polysaccharide and a hydroxyl group of the therapeutic protein or polysaccharide. Another linkage by which the therapeutic protein is covalently bonded to the polysaccharide compound is via a Schiff base, between a free amino group on the blood coagulation protein being reacted with an aldehyde group formed at the non-reducing end of the polysaccharide by periodate oxidation (Jennings H J and Lugowski C, J Immunol. 1981; 127:1011-8; Fernandes A I and Gregoriadis G, Biochim Biophys Acta. 1997; 1341; 26-34). The generated Schiff base is in one aspect stabilized by specific reduction with NaCNBH3 to form a secondary amine. An alternative approach is the generation of terminal free amino groups in the PSA by reductive amination with NH4C1 after prior oxidation. Bifunctional reagents can be used for linking two amino or two hydroxyl groups. For example, PSA containing an amino group is coupled to amino groups of the protein with reagents like BS3 (Bis(sulfosuccinimidyl)suberate/Pierce, Rockford, Ill.). In addition heterobifunctional cross linking reagents like Sulfo-EMCS (N-ε-Maleimidocaproyloxy) sulfosuccinimide ester/Pierce) is used for instance to link amine and thiol groups.


In another approach, a PSA hydrazide is prepared and coupled to the carbohydrate moiety of the protein after prior oxidation and generation of aldehyde functions.


As described above, a free amine group of the therapeutic protein reacts with the 1-carboxyl group of the sialic acid residue to form a peptidyl bond or an ester linkage is formed between the 1-carboxylic acid group and a hydroxyl or other suitable active group on a blood coagulation protein. Alternatively, a carboxyl group forms a peptide linkage with deacetylated 5-amino group, or an aldehyde group of a molecule of a therapeutic protein forms a Schiff base with the N-deacetylated 5-amino group of a sialic acid residue.


Alternatively, the polysaccharide compound is associated in a non-covalent manner with a therapeutic protein. For example, the polysaccharide compound and the pharmaceutically active compound are in one aspect linked via hydrophobic interactions. Other non-covalent associations include electrostatic interactions, with oppositely charged ions attracting each other.


In various embodiments, the therapeutic protein is linked to or associated with the polysaccharide compound in stoichiometric amounts (e.g., 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, or 1:10, etc.). In various embodiments, 1-6, 7-12 or 13-20 polysaccharides are linked to the blood coagulation protein. In still other embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 or more polysaccharides are linked to the blood coagulation protein.


In various embodiments, the therapeutic protein is modified to introduce glycosylation sites (i.e., sites other than the native glycosylation sites). Such modification may be accomplished using standard molecular biological techniques known in the art. Moreover, the therapeutic protein, prior to conjugation to a water soluble polymer via one or more carbohydrate moieties, may be glycosylated in vivo or in vitro. These glycosylated sites can serve as targets for conjugation of the proteins with water soluble polymers (US Patent Application No. 20090028822, US Patent Application No. 2009/0093399, US Patent Application No. 2009/0081188, US Patent Application No. 2007/0254836, US Patent Application No. 2006/0111279, and DeFrees S. et al., Glycobiology, 2006, 16, 9, 833-43). For example, a protein that is not naturally glycoslyated in vivo (e.g., a protein that is not a glycoprotein) may be modified as described above.


E. Aminooxy Linkage

In one embodiment of the invention, the reaction of hydroxylamine or hydroxylamine derivatives with aldehydes (e.g., on a carbohydrate moiety following oxidation by sodium periodate) to form an oxime group is applied to the preparation of conjugates of blood coagulation protein. For example, a glycoprotein (e.g., a therapeutic protein according to the present invention) is first oxidized with a oxidizing agent such as sodium periodate (NaIO4) (Rothfus J A et Smith E L., J Biol Chem 1963, 238, 1402-10; and Van Lenten L and Ashwell G., J Biol Chem 1971, 246, 1889-94). The periodate oxidation of glycoproteins is based on the classical Malaprade reaction described in 1928, the oxidation of vicinal diols with periodate to form an active aldehyde group (Malaprade L., Analytical application, Bull Soc Chim France, 1928, 43, 683-96). Additional examples for such an oxidizing agent are lead tetraacetate (Pb(OAc)4), manganese acetate (MnO(Ac)3), cobalt acetate (Co(OAc)2), thallium acetate (TlOAc), cerium sulfate (Ce(SO4)2) (U.S. Pat. No. 4,367,309) or potassium perruthenate (KRuO4) (Marko et al., J Am Chem Soc 1997, 119, 12661-2). By “oxidizing agent” a mild oxidizing compound which is capable of oxidizing vicinal diols in carbohydrates, thereby generating active aldehyde groups under physiological reaction conditions is meant.


The second step is the coupling of the polymer containing an aminooxy group to the oxidized carbohydrate moiety to form an oxime linkage. In one embodiment of the invention, this step can be carried out in the presence of catalytic amounts of the nucleophilic catalyst aniline or aniline derivatives (Dirksen A et Dawson P E, Bioconjugate Chem. 2008; Zeng Y et al., Nature Methods 2009; 6:207-9). The aniline catalysis dramatically accelerates the oxime ligation allowing the use of very low concentrations of the reagents. In another embodiment of the invention the oxime linkage is stabilized by reduction with NaCNBH3 to form an alkoxyamine linkage (FIG. 2). Additional catalysts are described below.


Additional information on aminooxy technology can be found in the following references, each of which is incorporated in their entireties: EP 1681303A1 (HASylated erythropoietin); WO 2005/014024 (conjugates of a polymer and a protein linked by an oxime linking group); WO96/40662 (aminooxy-containing linker compounds and their application in conjugates); WO 2008/025856 (Modified proteins); Peri F et al., Tetrahedron 1998, 54, 12269-78; Kubler-Kielb J et. Pozsgay V., J Org Chem 2005, 70, 6887-90; Lees A et al., Vaccine 2006, 24(6), 716-29; and Heredia K L et al., Macromoecules 2007, 40(14), 4772-9.


In various embodiments of the invention, the water soluble polymer which is linked according to the aminooxy technology described herein to an oxidized carbohydrate moiety of a therapeutic protein (e.g., FVIII, FVIIa, or FIX) include, but are not limited to polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, polysialic acid (PSA), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulane, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, starch, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG) polyoxazoline, poly acryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyoxazoline, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF), 2-methacryloyloxy-2′-ethyltrimethylammoniumphosphate (MPC).


Nucleophilic Catalysts

As described herein, the conjugation of water soluble polymers to therapeutic proteins can be catalyzed by aniline. Aniline strongly catalyzes aqueous reactions of aldehydes and ketones with amines to form stable imines such as hydrazones and oximes. The following diagram compares an uncatalyzed versus the aniline-catalyzed oxime ligation reaction (Kohler J J, ChemBioChem 2009; 10:2147-50):




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However, considering the numerous health risks associated with aniline, alternative catalysts are desirable. The present invention provides aniline derivatives as alternative oxime ligation catalysts. Such aniline derivatives include, but are not limited to, o-amino benzoic acid, m-amino benzoic acid, p-amino benzoic acid, sulfanilic acid, o-aminobenzamide, o-toluidine, m-toluidine, p-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine, and p-anisidine.


In one embodiment of the invention, m-toluidine (aka meta-toluidine, m-methylaniline, 3-methylaniline, or 3-amino-1-methylbenzene) is used to catalyze the conjugation reactions described herein. M-toluidine and aniline have similar physical properties and essentially the same pKa value (m-toluidine: pKa 4.73, aniline: pKa 4.63).


The nucleophilic catalysts of the invention are useful for oxime ligation (e.g, using aminooxy linkage) or hydrazone formation (e.g., using hydrazide chemistry). In various embodiments of the invention, the nucleophilic catalyst is provided in the conjugation reaction at a concentration of of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, 10.0, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 mM. In one embodiment, the nucleophilic catalyst is provided between 1 to 10 mM. In various embodiments of the invention, the pH range of conjugation reaction is 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0 and 7.5. In one embodiment, the pH is between 5.5 to 6.5.


Purification of Conjugated Proteins

In various embodiments, purification of a protein that has been incubated with an oxidizing agent and/or a therapeutic protein that has been conjugated with a water soluble polymer according to the present disclosure, is desired. Numerous purification techniques are known in the art and include, without limitation, chromatographic methods such as ion-exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, size exclusion chromatography and affinity chromatography or combinations thereof, filtration methods, and precipitation methods (Guide to Protein Purification, Meth. Enzymology Vol 463 (edited by Burgess R R and Deutscher M P), 2nd edition, Academic Press 2009).


The following examples are not intended to be limiting but only exemplary of specific embodiments of the invention.


EXAMPLES
Example 1
Preparation of the Homobifunctional Linker NH2[OCH2CH2]2ONH2

The homobifunctional linker NH2[OCH2CH2]2ONH2




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(3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine) containing two active aminooxy groups was synthesized according to Boturyn et al. (Tetrahedron 1997; 53:5485-92) in a two step organic reaction employing a modified Gabriel-Synthesis of primary amines (FIG. 3). In the first step, one molecule of 2,2-chlorodiethylether was reacted with two molecules of Endo-N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide in dimethylformamide (DMF). The desired homobifunctional product was prepared from the resulting intermediate by hydrazinolysis in ethanol.


Example 2
Preparation of the Homobifunctional Linker NH2[OCH2CH2]4ONH2

The Homobifunctional Linker NH2[OCH2CH2]4ONH2




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(3,6,9-trioxa-undecane-1,11-dioxyamine) containing two active aminooxy groups was synthesized according to Boturyn et al. (Tetrahedron 1997; 53:5485-92) in a two step organic reaction employing a modified Gabriel-Synthesis of primary amines (FIG. 3). In the first step one molecule of Bis-(2-(2-chlorethoxy)-ethyl)-ether was reacted with two molecules of Endo-N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide in DMF. The desired homobifunctional product was prepared from the resulting intermediate by hydrazinolysis in ethanol.


Example 3
Preparation of the Homobifunctional Linker NH2[OCH2CH2]6ONH2

The Homobifunctional Linker NH2[OCH2CH2]6ONH2




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(3,6,9,12,15-penatoxa-heptadecane-1,17-dioxyamine) containing two active aminooxy groups was synthesized according to Boturyn et al. (Tetrahedron 1997; 53:5485-92) in a two step organic reaction employing a modified Gabriel-Synthesis of primary amines. In the first step one molecule of hexaethylene glycol dichloride was reacted with two molecules of Endo-N-hydroxy-5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboximide in DMF. The desired homobifunctional product was prepared from the resulting intermediate by hydrazinolysis in ethanol.


Example 4
Detailed Synthesis of the Aminooxy-PSA Reagent

3-oxa-pentane-1,5 dioxyamine was synthesized according to Botyryn et al (Tetrahedron 1997; 53:5485-92) in a two step organic synthesis as outlined in Example 1.


Step 1:

To a solution of Endo-N-hydroxy-5-norbonene-2,3-dicarboxiimide (59.0 g; 1.00 eq) in 700 ml anhydrous N,N-dimetylformamide anhydrous K2CO3 (45.51 g; 1.00 eq) and 2,2-dichlorodiethylether (15.84 ml; 0.41 eq) were added. The reaction mixture was stirred for 22 h at 50° C. The mixture was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue was suspended in 2 L dichloromethane and extracted two times with saturated aqueous NaCl-solution (each 1 L). The Dichloromethane layer was dried over Na2SO4 and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure and dried in high vacuum to give 64.5 g of 3-oxapentane-1,5-dioxy-endo-2′,3′-dicarboxydiimidenorbornene as a white-yellow solid (intermediate 1).


Step 2:

To a solution of intermediate 1 (64.25 g; 1.00 eq) in 800 ml anhydrous Ethanol, 31.0 ml Hydrazine hydrate (4.26 eq) were added. The reaction mixture was then refluxed for 2 hrs. The mixture was concentrated to the half of the starting volume by evaporating the solvent under reduced pressure. The occurring precipitate was filtered off. The remaining ethanol layer was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residue containing the crude product 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine was dried in vacuum to yield 46.3 g. The crude product was further purified by column chromatography (Silicagel 60; isocratic elution with Dichloromethane/Methanol mixture, 9/1) to yield 11.7 g of the pure final product 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine.


Example 5
Preparation of Aminooxy-PSA

1000 mg of oxidized PSA (MW=20 kD) obtained from the Serum Institute of India (Pune, India) was dissolved in 16 ml 50 mM phospate buffer pH 6.0. Then 170 mg 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine was given to the reaction mixture. After shaking for 2 hrs at RT 78.5 mg sodium cyanoborohydride was added and the reaction was performed for 18 hours over night. The reaction mixture was then subjected to a ultrafiltration/diafiltration procedure (UF/DF) using a membrane with a 5 kD cut-off made of regenerated cellulose (50 cm2, Millipore).


Example 6
Preparation of Aminooxy-PSA Employing a Chromatographic Purification Step

1290 mg of oxidized PSA (MW=20 kD) obtained from the Serum Institute of India (Pune, India) was dissolved in 25 ml 50 mM phosphate buffer pH 6.0 (Buffer A). Then 209 mg 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine was given to the reaction mixture. After shaking for 1 h at RT 101 mg sodium cyanoborohydride was added and the reaction was performed for 3 hours. Then the mixture was then subjected to a weak anion exchange chromatography step employing a Fractogel EMD DEAE 650-M chromatography gel (column dimension: XK26/135). The reaction mixture was diluted with 110 ml Buffer A and loaded onto the DEAE column pre-equilibrated with Buffer A at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. Then the column was washed with 20 CV Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, pH 6.0) to remove free 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine and cyanide at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. The aminooxy-PSA reagent was then eluted with a step gradient consisting of 67% Buffer B and 43% Buffer C (20 mM Hepes, 1M NaCl, pH 7.5). The eluate was concentrated by UF/DF using a 5 kD membrane made of polyether sulfone (50 cm2, Millipore). The final diafiltration step was performed against Buffer D (20 mM Hepes, 90 mM NaCl, pH 7.4). The preparation was analytically characterized by measuring total PSA (Resorcinol assay) and total aminooxy groups (TNBS assay) to determine the degree of modification. Furthermore the polydispersity as well as free 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine and cyanide was determined.


Example 7
Preparation of Aminooxy-PSA without a Reduction Step

573 mg of oxidized PSA (MW=20 kD) obtained from the Serum Institute of India (Pune, India) was dissolved in 11.3 ml 50 mM phosphate buffer pH 6.0 (Buffer A). Then 94 mg 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine was given to the reaction mixture. After shaking for 5 h at RT the mixture was then subjected to a weak anion exchange chromatography step employing a Fractogel EMD DEAE 650-M chromatography gel (column dimension: XK16/105). The reaction mixture was diluted with 50 ml Buffer A and loaded onto the DEAE column pre-equilibrated with Buffer A at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. Then the column was washed with 20 CV Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, pH 6.0) to remove free 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine and cyanide at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. The aminooxy-PSA reagent was the eluted with a step gradient consisting of 67% Buffer B and 43% Buffer C (20 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.5). The eluate was concentrated by UF/DF using a 5 kD membrane made of polyether sulfone (50 cm2, Millipore). The final diafiltration step was performed against Buffer D (20 mM Hepes, 90 mM NaCl, pH 7.4). The preparation was analytically characterized by measuring total PSA (Resorcinol assay) and total aminooxy groups (TNBS assay) to determine the degree of modification. Furthermore the polydispersity as well as free 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine was determined.


Example 8
Preparation of Aminooxy-PSA without a Reduction Step in the Presence of the Nucleophilic Catalyst m-Toluidine

573 mg of oxidized PSA (MW=20 kD) obtained from the Serum Institute of India (Pune, India) is dissolved in 9 ml 50 mM phosphate buffer pH 6.0 (Buffer A). Then 94 mg 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine is given to this solution. Subsequently 2.3 ml of a 50 mM m-toluidine stock solution are added to this reaction mixture. After shaking for 2 h at RT the mixture is then subjected to a weak anion exchange chromatography step employing a Fractogel EMD DEAE 650-M chromatography gel (column dimension: XK16/105). The reaction mixture is diluted with 50 ml Buffer A and loaded onto the DEAE column pre-equilibrated with Buffer A at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. Then the column is washed with 20CV Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, pH 6.0) to remove free 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine and cyanide at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. The aminooxy-PSA reagent is the eluted with a step gradient consisting of 67% Buffer B and 43% Buffer C (20 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.5). The eluate is concentrated by UF/DF using a 5 kD membrane made of polyether sulfone (50 cm2, Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Buffer D (20 mM Hepes, 90 mM NaCl, pH 7.4). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total PSA (Resorcinol assay) and total aminooxy groups (TNBS assay) to determine the degree of modification. Furthermore the polydispersity as well as free 3-oxa-pentane-1,5-dioxyamine is determined.


Example 9
Preparation of Aminooxy-PSA Reagent

An Aminooxy-PSA reagent was prepared according to the Examples 4-8. After diafiltration, the product was frozen at −80° C. and lyophilized. After lyophilization the reagent was dissolved in the appropriate volume of water and used for preparation of PSA-protein conjugates via carbohydrate modification.


Example 10
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Different Alternative Nucleophilic Catalysts

rFIX was incubated with sodium periodate, aminooxy-PSA reagent under standardized conditions (1 mg/ml rFIX in 20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2), pH 6.0, 5-fold molar aminooxy-PSA reagent excess, 100 μM NaIO4) using different nucleophilic catalysts (aniline, m-toluidine, o-anisidine, m-anisidine, o-aminobenzoic acid, m-aminobenzoic acid, p-aminobenzoic acid, p-aminobenzamide, sulfanilic acid/standard concentration: 10 mM) The reaction was carried out for 2 hrs in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of aqueous cysteine solution with a final concentration of 1 mM.


The coupling efficiency was determined by SDS-PAGE using an Invitrogen X-cell mini system. Samples were spiked with lithium dodecyl sulfate (LDS) buffer and denatured for 10 min at 70° C. Then the samples were applied on 3-8% TRIS-acetate gels and ran at 150 V for 60 min. Subsequently the gels were stained with Coomassie.


In addition the samples were characterized by use of a SEC-HPLC system using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77).


50 μl of samples were injected undiluted and eluted isocratically with a 0.22 μm filtered solution of 20 mM NaH2PO4, 50 mM Na2SO4, pH 6.1 at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. The elution pattern was recorded at 280 nm.


The results are summarized in FIGS. 5A-C and 6 (SDS PAGE) and Table 2 (SEC-HPLC results). The catalytic effect of the different preparations is demonstrated. It is shown that the use of m-toluidine leads to equivalent results as obtained with aniline.












TABLE 2






di-PSAylated
mono-
free


nucleophilic catalysts
rFIX
PSAylated rFIX
rFIX


















no catalyst
4.5%
24.9%
70.6%


10 mM aniline
47.7%
33.6%
18.7%


10 mM m-toluidine
31.4%
40.8%
27.8%


10 mM o-aminobenzioc acid
30.9%
38.5%
30.6%


10 mM m-aminobenzioc acid
27.6%
38.0%
34.4%


10 mM p-aminobenzioc acid
18.1%
39.3%
42.6%


10 mM o-aminobenzamide
15.9%
38.4%
45.7%


10 mM sulfanilic acid
11.8%
35.8%
52.4%









Example 11
Polysialylation of rFIX Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

12.3 mg rFIX was dissolved in 6.1 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). 254 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) was then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 6.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture was subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate (8.8 ml), containing oxidized rFIX was mixed with 2.46 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) was added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture was incubated for 2.5 h at RT in the dark under gentle stirring.


The free rFIX was removed by means of anion exchange chromatography (AEC). The reaction mixture was diluted with 15 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. The column was then eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5). Free rFIX elutes at a conductivity between 12-25 mS/cm and the conjugate between 27-45 mS/cm. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fractions was subsequently raised to 190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9). Free aminooxy-PSA reagent was washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.4). The conjugate containing fractions were concentrated by UF/DF using Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrator. The final diafiltration step was performed against histidine buffer, pH 7.2 containing 150 mM NaCl and 5 mM CaCl2. The preparation was analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and FIX chromogenic activity. The PSA-rFIX conjugate showed a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native rFIX is determined.


Method 2:

12.3 mg rFIX is dissolved in in L-histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2) to get a final protein concentration of 1 mg rFIX/ml. A 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to get a final concentration of 100 μM and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 hour in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring at pH 6.0 and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution (or other quenching reagents) to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The obtained retentate (8.8 ml), containing oxidized rFIX, is mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) to give a final concentration of 10 mM and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture was incubated at pH 6.0 for 2.5 hours at room temperature; 0.5 hours to 18 hours at +4° C.) in the dark under gentle stirring.


The free rFIX is removed by means of anion exchange chromatography (AEC). The reaction mixture is diluted with appropriate amounts of Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5) to correct the solutions conductivity and pH prior to load onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5). Free rFIX is eluted by a step gradient using 25% of Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between 12-25 mS/cm in the obtained fraction and the conjugate using a step gradient of 50% Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between between 27-45 mS/cm in the conjugate fraction. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fraction is subsequently raised to 190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9 or by use of anti-chaotropic salts e.g. ammonium sulphate, ammonium acetate etc.) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn. or comparable HIC media) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9). Free aminooxy-PSA reagent is washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.4). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD, Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against L-histidine buffer, pH 7.2 containing 150 mM NaCl and 5 mM CaCl2. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and FIX chromogenic- and clotting activity. For the PSA-rFIX conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native rFIX is determined.


Method 3:

25.4 mg rFIX was dissolved in 18.7 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). 531 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) and 5.07 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) were then added. Subsequently, the aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) was added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture was incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 25 μl of 1 M aqueous cysteine solution.


The free rFIX was removed by means of anion exchange chromatography (AEC). The reaction mixture was diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column was eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5). Free rFIX eluted at a conductivity between 12-25 mS/cm and the conjugate between 27-45 mS/cm. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fractions was subsequently raised to 190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9). Free aminooxy-PSA reagent was washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently, the conjugate was eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.4). The conjugate containing fractions were concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD, Millipore). The final diafiltration step was performed against histidine buffer, pH 7.2 containing 150 mM NaCl and 5 mM CaCl2. The preparation was analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and FIX chromogenic activity. For the PSA-rFIX conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native rFIX was determined. The conjugate was additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It was shown that the preparation contains no free FIX. The conjugate consisted of 57% mono-polysialylated and 31% di-polysialylated and 12% tri-polysialyated product.


Method 4:

25.4 mg rFIX was dissolved in L-histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg rFIX/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution was added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) was added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture was incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of a 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The free rFIX was removed by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The reaction mixture was diluted with appropriate amounts of Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5) to correct the solutions conductivity and pH value prior to load onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column was eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5). Free rFIX was eluted by a step gradient using 25% of Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between 12-25 mS/cm in the obtained fraction and the conjugate using a step gradient of 50% Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between 27-45 mS/cm in the conjugate fraction. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fraction was subsequently raised to 190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9; by use of anti-chaotropic salts e.g. ammonium acetate) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.; or comparable HIC media) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9). Free aminooxy-PSA reagent was washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently the conjugate was eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.4). The conjugate containing fractions were concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD, Millipore). The final diafiltration step was performed against L-histidine buffer, pH 7.2 containing 150 mM NaCl and 5 mM CaCl2. The preparation was analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and FIX chromogenic- and clotting activity. For the PSA-rFIX conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native rFIX was determined. The conjugate was additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It was shown that the preparation contains no free FIX. The conjugate consisted of 57% mono-polysialylated and 31% di-polysialylated and 12% tri-polysialyated product.


Example 12
Polysialylation of rFVIII Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

50 mg rFVIII was transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 was added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation was carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. Then the reaction was quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT. The solution was subjected to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which was equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2), pH 7.0). The column was equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. Then the oxidized rFVIII was eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2), 1M NaCl, pH 7.0). The rFVIII containing fractions were collected. The protein content was determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5 M HCl. Then a 50-fold molar excess of a aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) was added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction was performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent was removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture was raised to 130 mS/cm by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate was eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2). Finally, the PSA-rFVIII containing fractions were collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a 30 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, Millipore). The preparation was analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and FVIII chromogenic activity. The PSA-rFVIII conjugate showed a specific activity of >70% in comparison to native rFVIII was determined.


Method 2:

58 mg of recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) derived from the ADVATE process in Hepes buffer (50 mM HEPES, ˜350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.1% Polysorbate 80, pH 7.4) is dissolved in reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized rFVIII is further purified by anion exchange chromatography on EMD TMAE (M) (Merck). The mixture is diluted with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2), pH 6.5) to give a conductivity of 5 ms/cm. This solution is loaded onto the IEX column (bed height: 5.4 cm) with a column volume of 10 ml using a flow rate of 1.5 cm/min. This column is subsequently washed (flow rate: 1.5 cm/min) with 5 CV of a 92:8 mixture (w/w) of Buffer A and Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2), 1.0 M NaCl, pH 7.0). Then the oxidized rFVIII is eluted with a 50:50 (w/w) mixture of Buffer A and Buffer B followed by a postelution step with 5 CV of Buffer B. The elution steps are carried out by use of a flow rate of 1.0 cm/min.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized rFVIII within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PSA-rFVIII conjugate is purified by Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) using a Phenyl Sepharose FF low sub resin (GE Healthcare) packed into a column manufactured by GE Healthcare with a bed height (h) of 15 cm and a resulting column volume (CV) of 81 ml.


The reaction mixture is spiked with ammonium acetate by addition of 50 mM Hepes buffer, containing 350 mM sodium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Two volumes of the reaction mixture are mixed with 1 volume of the ammonium acetate containing buffer system and the pH value is corrected to pH 6.9 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution. This mixture is loaded onto the HIC column at flow rate of 1 cm/min followed by a washing step using >3 CV equilibration buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9).


For removal of reaction by-products and anti-chaotropic salt a second washing step is performed with >5CV washing buffer 1 (50 mM Hepes, 3 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) in upflow mode at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. Then elution of purified PSA-rFVIII conjugate is performed in down flow mode using a step gradient of 40% washing buffer 2 (50 mM Hepes, 1.5 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) and 60% elution buffer (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5) at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. The elution of the PSA-rFVIII conjugate is monitored at UV 280 nm and the eluate containing the conjugate is collected within <4 CV. The post elution step is performed with >3 CV elution buffer under the same conditions to separate minor and/or non modified rFVIII from the main product.


Finally the purified conjugate is concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with a molecular weight cut off 30 kD (88 cm2, Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, FVIII chromogenic activity and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay). For the conjugate obtained a specific activity >50% and a PSA degree >5.0 is calculated.


Method 3:

50 mg rFVIII was transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) was added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction was performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction was quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (final concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture was raised to 130 mS/cm by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate was eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally, the PSA-rFVIII containing fractions were collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a 30 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, Millipore). The preparation was analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and FVIII chromogenic activity. For the PSA-rFVIII conjugate a specific activity of >70% in comparison to native rFVIII was determined.


Method 4:

50 mg recombinant factor VIII (rFVIII) derived from the ADVATE process in 50 mM Hepes buffer (50 mM HEPES, ˜350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.1% Polysorbate 80, pH 7.4) was dissolved in reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution was corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent was added in a 50-fold molar excess to this rFVIII solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) was added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution was added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture was incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction was stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained PSA-rFVIII conjugate was purified by Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) using a Phenyl Sepharose FF low sub resin (GE Healthcare) packed into a column manufactured by GE Healthcare with a bed height (h) of 15 cm and a resulting column volume (CV) of 81 ml.


The reaction mixture was spiked with ammonium acetate by addition of of 50 mM Hepes buffer, containing 350 mM sodium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Two volumes of the reaction mixture was mixed with 1 volume of the ammonium acetate containing buffer system and the pH value was corrected to pH 6.9 by drop wise addition of an 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution. This mixture was loaded onto the HIC column using a flow rate of 1 cm/min followed by a washing step using >3CV equilibration buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9).


For removal of reaction by-products and anti-chaotropic salt a second washing step was performed with >5CV washing buffer 1 (50 mM Hepes, 3 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) in upflow mode at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. Then elution of purified rFVIII conjugate was performed in down flow mode using a step gradient of 40% washing buffer 2 (50 mM Hepes, 1.5 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) and 60% elution buffer (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5) at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. The elution of the PSA-rFVIII conjugate was monitored at UV 280 nm and the eluate containing the conjugate was collected within <4 CV. The post elution step was performed with >3 CV elution buffer under the same conditions to separate minor and/or non modified rFVIII from the main product.


Finally, the purified conjugate was concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with a molecular weight cut off 30 kD (88 cm2, Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure were analytically characterized by measuring total protein, FVIII chromogenic activity and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).

    • Analytical data (mean of 6 consecutive batches):
    • Process yield (Bradford): 58.9%
    • Process yield (FVIII chrom.): 46.4%
    • Specific activity: (FVIII chrom./mg protein): 4148 IU/mg
    • Specific activity (% of starting material): 79.9%
    • PSA degree (mol/mol): 8.1


Example 13
PEGylation of r FVIII Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

rFVIII is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). 14.7 mg rFVIII is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). Then 296 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture was subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate (10.9 ml), containing oxidized rFVIII, is mixed with 2.94 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture was incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-rFVIII conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a 30 kD membrane (50 cm2, Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and FVIII chromogenic activity. It is expected that the PEG-rFVIII conjugate will demonstrate a specific activity of >70% in comparison to native rFVIII was determined.


Method 2:

rFVIII is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). A starting weight or concentration of rFVIII is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized rFVIII is further purified by anion exchange chromatography on EMD TMAE (M) (Merck). The mixture is diluted with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.5) to give a conductivity of 5 ms/cm. This solution is loaded onto the IEX column (bed height: 5.4 cm) with a column volume of 10 ml using a flow rate of 1.5 cm/min. This column is subsequently washed (flow rate: 1.5 cm/min) with 5 CV of a 92:8 mixture (w/w) of Buffer A and Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1.0 M NaCl, pH 7.0). Then the oxidized rFVIII is eluted with a 50:50 (w/w) mixture of Buffer A and Buffer B followed by a postelution step with 5 CV of Buffer B. The elution steps are carried out by use of a flow rate of 1.0 cm/min.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized rFVIII within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-rFVIII conjugate is purified by Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) using a Phenyl Sepharose FF low sub resin (GE Healthcare) packed into a column manufactured by GE Healthcare with a bed height (h) of 15 cm and a resulting column volume (CV) of 81 ml.


The reaction mixture is spiked with ammonium acetate by addition of 50 mM Hepes buffer, containing 350 mM sodium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Two volumes of the reaction mixture are mixed with 1 volume of the ammonium acetate containing buffer system and the pH value is corrected to pH 6.9 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution. This mixture is loaded onto the HIC column using a flow rate of 1 cm/min followed by a washing step using >3 CV equilibration buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9).


For removal of reaction by-products and anti-chaotropic salt a second washing step is performed with >5CV washing buffer 1 (50 mM Hepes, 3 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) in upflow mode at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. Then elution of purified rFVIII conjugate is performed in down flow mode using a step gradient of 40% washing buffer 2 (50 mM Hepes, 1.5 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) and 60% elution buffer (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5) at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. The elution of the PEG-rFVIII conjugate is monitored at UV 280 nm and the eluate containing the conjugate is collected within <4 CV. The post elution step is performed with >3 CV elution buffer under the same conditions to separate minor and/or non modified rFVIII from the main product.


Finally, the purified conjugate is concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with a molecular weight cut off 30 kD (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

rFVIII is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). 7.84 mg rFVIII, dissolved in 6 ml Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) are mixed with 314 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and 1.57 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally the PEG-rFVIII conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2). The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2) and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a 30 kD membrane (88 cm2, Millipore). The analytical characterization of the conjugate by FVIII chromogenic assay and determination of total protein (Bradford) shows a specific activity of >60% compared to the rFVIII starting material.


Method 4:

rFVIII is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of rFVIII is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg rFVIII/ml. Subsequently, an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of a 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The free rFVIII is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The reaction mixture was diluted with appropriate amounts of Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5) to correct the solutions conductivity and pH value prior to load onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column was eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5). Free rFVIII was eluted by a step gradient using 25% of Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between 12-25 mS/cm in the obtained fraction and the conjugate using a step gradient of 50% Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between 27-45 mS/cm in the conjugate fraction. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fraction is subsequently raised with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9; by use of anti-chaotropic salts e.g. ammonium acetate, ammonium sulphate etc.) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.; or comparable HIC media) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9). Free PEG-reagent was washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently, the conjugate was eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.4). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD, Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 14
Polysialylation of rFVIIa Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration or weight of recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 50 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized rFVIIa is further purified by anion exchange chromatography on EMD TMAE (M) (Merck). The mixture is diluted with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2), pH 6.5) to give a conductivity of 5 ms/cm. This solution is loaded onto the IEX column (bed height: 5.4 cm) with a column volume of 10 ml using a flow rate of 1.5 cm/min. This column is subsequently washed (flow rate: 1.5 cm/min) with 5 CV of a 92:8 mixture (w/w) of Buffer A and Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2), 1.0 M NaCl, pH 7.0). Then the oxidized rFVIIa is eluted with a 50:50 (w/w) mixture of Buffer A and Buffer B followed by a postelution step with 5 CV of Buffer B. The elution steps are carried out by use of a flow rate of 1.0 cm/min.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized rFVIIa within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PSA-rFVIIa conjugate is purified by Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) using a Phenyl Sepharose FF low sub resin (GE Healthcare) packed into a column manufactured by GE Healthcare with a bed height (h) of 15 cm and a resulting column volume (CV) of 81 ml.


The reaction mixture is spiked with ammonium acetate by addition of 50 mM Hepes buffer, containing 350 mM sodium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Two volumes of the reaction mixture are mixed with 1 volume of the ammonium acetate containing buffer system and the pH value is corrected to pH 6.9 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution. This mixture is loaded onto the HIC column using a flow rate of 1 cm/min followed by a washing step using >3 CV equilibration buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9).


For removal of reaction by-products and anti-chaotropic salt a second washing step is performed with >5CV washing buffer 1 (50 mM Hepes, 3 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) in upflow mode at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. Then elution of purified rFVIIa conjugate is performed in down flow mode using a step gradient of 40% washing buffer 2 (50 mM Hepes, 1.5 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) and 60% elution buffer (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5) at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. The elution of the PSA-rFVIIa conjugate is monitored at UV 280 nm and the eluate containing the conjugate is collected within <4 CV. The post elution step is performed with >3 CV elution buffer under the same conditions to separate minor and/or non modified rFVIIa from the main product.


Finally, the purified conjugate is concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (e.g. 10 kD MWCO, 88 cm2, Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 2:

A starting weight or concentration of rFVIIa is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this rFVIIa solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 150 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained PSA-rFVIIa conjugate is purified by Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) using a Phenyl Sepharose FF low sub resin (GE Healthcare) packed into a column manufactured by GE Healthcare with a bed height (h) of 15 cm and a resulting column volume (CV) of 81 ml.


The reaction mixture is spiked with ammonium acetate by addition of of 50 mM Hepes buffer, containing 350 mM sodium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Two volumes of the reaction mixture is mixed with 1 volume of the ammonium acetate containing buffer system and the pH value is corrected to pH 6.9 by drop wise addition of an 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution. This mixture is loaded onto the HIC column using a flow rate of 1 cm/min followed by a washing step using >3CV equilibration buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9).


For removal of reaction by-products and anti-chaotropic salt a second washing step is performed with >5CV washing buffer 1 (50 mM Hepes, 3 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) in upflow mode at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. Then elution of purified rFVIIa conjugate is performed in down flow mode using a step gradient of 40% washing buffer 2 (50 mM Hepes, 1.5 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) and 60% elution buffer (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5) at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. The elution of the PSA-rFVIIa conjugate is monitored at UV 280 nm and the eluate containing the conjugate was collected within <4 CV. The post elution step is performed with >3 CV elution buffer under the same conditions to separate minor and/or non modified rFVIII from the main product.


Finally, the purified conjugate is concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 15
PEGylation of rFIX Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

rFIX is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). A starting weight or concentration of rFIX is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized rFVIII is further purified by anion exchange chromatography on EMD TMAE (M) (Merck). The mixture is diluted with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.5) to give a conductivity of 5 mS/cm. This solution is loaded onto the IEX column (bed height: 5.4 cm) with a column volume of 10 ml using a flow rate of 1.5 cm/min. This column is subsequently washed (flow rate: 1.5 cm/min) with 5 CV of a 92:8 mixture (w/w) of Buffer A and Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1.0 M NaCl, pH 7.0). Then the oxidized rFIX is eluted with a 50:50 (w/w) mixture of Buffer A and Buffer B followed by a postelution step with 5 CV of Buffer B. The elution steps are carried out by use of a flow rate of 1.0 cm/min.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized rFIX within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-rFIX conjugate is purified by Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) using a Phenyl Sepharose FF low sub resin (GE Healthcare) packed into a column manufactured by GE Healthcare with a bed height (h) of 15 cm and a resulting column volume (CV) of 81 ml.


The reaction mixture is spiked with ammonium acetate by addition of 50 mM Hepes buffer, containing 350 mM sodium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Two volumes of the reaction mixture are mixed with 1 volume of the ammonium acetate containing buffer system and the pH value is corrected to pH 6.9 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution. This mixture is loaded onto the HIC column using a flow rate of 1 cm/min followed by a washing step using >3 CV equilibration buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9).


For removal of reaction by-products and anti-chaotropic salt a second washing step is performed with >5CV washing buffer 1 (50 mM Hepes, 3 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) in upflow mode at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. Then elution of purified rFIX conjugate is performed in down flow mode using a step gradient of 40% washing buffer 2 (50 mM Hepes, 1.5 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) and 60% elution buffer (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5) at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. The elution of the PEG-rFIX conjugate is monitored at UV 280 nm and the eluate containing the conjugate is collected within <4 CV. The post elution step is performed with >3 CV elution buffer under the same conditions to separate minor and/or non modified rFIX from the main product.


Finally, the purified conjugate is concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with a molecular weight cut off 10 kD (88 cm2, Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

rFIX is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of rFIX is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg rFIX/ml. Subsequently, an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of a 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The free rFIX is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The reaction mixture was diluted with appropriate amounts of Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5) to correct the solutions conductivity and pH value prior to load onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column was eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5). Free rFIX was eluted by a step gradient using 25% of Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between 12-25 mS/cm in the obtained fraction and the conjugate using a step gradient of 50% Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between 27-45 mS/cm in the conjugate fraction. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fraction is subsequently raised with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9; by use of anti-chaotropic salts e.g. ammonium acetate, etc) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.; or comparable HIC media) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9). Free aminooxy-PEG reagent was washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently, the conjugate was eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.4). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD, Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 16
PEGylation of rFVIIa Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

rFVIIa is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). A starting weight or concentration of rFVIIa is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 50 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized rFVIIa is further purified by anion exchange chromatography on EMD TMAE (M) (Merck). The mixture is diluted with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.5) to give a conductivity of 5 mS/cm. This solution is loaded onto the IEX column (bed height: 5.4 cm) with a column volume of 10 ml using a flow rate of 1.5 cm/min. This column is subsequently washed (flow rate: 1.5 cm/min) with 5 CV of a 92:8 mixture (w/w) of Buffer A and Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1.0 M NaCl, pH 7.0). Then the oxidized rFVIIa is eluted with a 50:50 (w/w) mixture of Buffer A and Buffer B followed by a postelution step with 5 CV of Buffer B. The elution steps are carried out by use of a flow rate of 1.0 cm/min.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized rFVIIa within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-rFVIIa conjugate is purified by Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) using a Phenyl Sepharose FF low sub resin (GE Healthcare) packed into a column manufactured by GE Healthcare with a bed height (h) of 15 cm and a resulting column volume (CV) of 81 ml.


The reaction mixture is spiked with ammonium acetate by addition of 50 mM Hepes buffer, containing 350 mM sodium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Two volumes of the reaction mixture are mixed with 1 volume of the ammonium acetate containing buffer system and the pH value is corrected to pH 6.9 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous NaOH solution. This mixture is loaded onto the HIC column using a flow rate of 1 cm/min followed by a washing step using >3 CV equilibration buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9).


For removal of reaction by-products and anti-chaotropic salt a second washing step is performed with >5CV washing buffer 1 (50 mM Hepes, 3 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) in upflow mode at a flow rate of 2 cm/min. Then elution of purified rFVIIa conjugate is performed in down flow mode using a step gradient of 40% washing buffer 2 (50 mM Hepes, 1.5 M sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9) and 60% elution buffer (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5) at a flow rate of 1 cm/min. The elution of the PEG-rFVIIa conjugate is monitored at UV 280 nm and the eluate containing the conjugate is collected within <4 CV. The post elution step is performed with >3 CV elution buffer under the same conditions to separate minor and/or non modified rFVIIa from the main product.


Finally, the purified conjugate is concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with a molecular weight cut off 10 kD (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

rFVIIa is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of rFVIIa is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg rFVIIa/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of a 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The free rFVIIa is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The reaction mixture was diluted with appropriate amounts of Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5) to correct the solutions conductivity and pH value prior to load onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column was eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5). Free rFVIIa was eluted by a step gradient using 25% of Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between 12-25 mS/cm in the obtained fraction and the conjugate using a step gradient of 50% Buffer B, which results in a conductivity between 27-45 mS/cm in the conjugate fraction. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fraction is subsequently raised with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9; by use of anti-chaotropic salts e.g. ammonium acetate) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.; or comparable HIC media) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 6.9). Free PEG-reagent was washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently the conjugate was eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.4). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD, Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 17
Polysialylation of rFIX in the Presence of o-Amino Benzoic Acid
Method 1:

8.2 mg rFIX is dissolved in 4.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). Then 82 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 4 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 6 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate (6.5 ml), containing oxidized rFIX, is mixed with 1.64 ml of an aqueous o-amino benzoic acid (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture was incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


The further purification of the conjugate is carried out as described herein.


Method 2:

A solution of 1 mg rFIX in 0.65 ml sodium phosphate buffer, pH 6.0 containing a 5-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) was prepared. Then 333 μl of an aqueous o-amino benzoic acid solution (30 mM) was added as nucleophilic catalyst to give a final concentration of 10 mM. Subsequently 20 μl of an aqueous solution of NaIO4 (5 mM) was added yielding in a final concentration of 100 μM. The coupling process was performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 1 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M). The further purification of the conjugate is carried out as described herein.


Example 18
Polysialylation of EPO Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration of erythropoietin (EPO) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2), pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized EPO is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2), 1M NaCl, pH 7.0). The EPO containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of a aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2). Finally the PSA-EPO containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (MWCO 10 kD, 50 cm2, Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows.


10 mg EPO is dissolved in 5 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 100 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 50 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate (approx. 7 ml), containing oxidized EPO, is mixed with 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at RT in the dark under gentle stirring.


The free EPO is removed by means of anion exchange chromatography (AEC). The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 7.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.5). Free EPO is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fractions is subsequently raised to ˜190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, pH 6.9). Free PSA-reagent is washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, pH 7.4). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 7.2 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PSA-EPO conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native EPO is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free EPO.


Method 2:

EPO is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized EPO is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized EPO containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized EPO within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-EPO conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-EPO conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

Erythropoietin (EPO) is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50 fold molar excess of a aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally, the PSA-EPO containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (MWCO 10 kD, 88 cm2, Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. 10 mg EPO is dissolved in 8 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 200 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) and 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) are then added. Subsequently, the aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 100 μl of 1 M aqueous cysteine solution.


The free EPO is removed by means of anion exchange chromatography (AEC). The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 7.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.5). Free EPO is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fractions is subsequently raised to ˜190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, pH 6.9). Free PSA-reagent is washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, pH 7.4). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD, Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 7.2 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PSA-EPO conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native EPO is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free EPO.


Method 4:

EPO is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this EPO solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained PSA-EPO conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-EPO containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (MWCO 10 kD, 88 cm2, Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 19
Polysialylation of Ang-2 Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts, or, in the alternative, subjected to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized Ang-2 is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.0). The Ang-2 containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5 M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally, the PSA-Ang-2-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at R.T.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-Ang-2 conjugate-containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

Ang-2 is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized Ang-2 is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized Ang-2 containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized Ang-2 within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-Ang-2 conjugate is further purified by ion-exchange chromatography


The PSA-Ang-2 conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50 fold molar excess of a PSA aminooxy reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally, the PSA Ang-2-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of a PSA aminooxy reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM) and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. PSA Ang-2-containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

Ang-2 is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this Ang-2 solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained PSA-Ang-2 conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-Ang-2 containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 20
Polysialylation of VEGF Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized VEGF is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.0). The VEGF containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5M NaOH.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally the PSA-VEGF-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-VEGF-containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

VEGF is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized VEGF is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized VEGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized VEGF within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-VEGF conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-VEGF conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of a PSA aminooxy reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally, the PSA-VEGF containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM) and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-VEGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

VEGF is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this VEGF solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained VEGF-conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-VEGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 21
Polysialylation of EGF Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration of epidermal growth factor (EGF) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at R.T.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized EGF is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1M NaCl, pH 7.0). The EGF containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally, the PSA-EGF containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at R.T.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-EGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

EGF is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized EGF is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized EGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized EGF within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-EGF conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-EGF conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of a PSA aminooxy reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally the PSA-EGF containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of a PSA aminooxy reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM) and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

EGF is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this EGF-solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained EGF-conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-EGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 22
Polysialylation of NGF Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration of nerve growth factor (NGF) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized NGF is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1M NaCl, pH 7.0). The NGF containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally, the PSA-NGF containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-NGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

NGF is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized NGF is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized NGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized NGF within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-NGF conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-NGF conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally, the PSA NGF-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Nerve growth factor (NGF) is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM) and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. Then the PSA-NGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

NGF is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this NGF-solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained NGF-conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-NGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 23
Polysialylation of HGH Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


A starting concentration of human growth hormone (HGH) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized HGH is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.0). The HGH containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5 M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally, the PSA-HGH containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art. HGH is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-HGH containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


HGH is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized HGH is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized HGH containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized HGH within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-HGH conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-HGH conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


Human growth hormone (HGH) is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50 fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally, the PSA HGH-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art. HGH is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50 fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM) and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. Then the PSA-HGH-containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


HGH is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this HGH-solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained HGH-conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-HGH containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 24
Polysialylation of TNF-Alpha Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst

A starting concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized TNF-alpha is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1M NaCl, pH 7.0). The TNF-alpha containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally the PSA-TNF-alpha-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-TNF-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

TNF-alpha is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized TNF-alpha is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized TNF-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized TNF-alpha within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-TNF-alpha conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-TNF-alpha conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally the PSA-TNF-alpha-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-TNF-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

TNF-alpha is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this TNF-alpha-solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained TNF-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-TNF-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 25
Polysialylation of Insulin Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art. A starting concentration of insulin is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized insulin is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.0). The insulin containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5 M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally the PSA-insulin containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art. Insulin is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-insulin containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


Insulin is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized insulin is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized insulin containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized insulin within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-insulin conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-insulin conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


Insulin is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally, the PSA-insulin containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


Insulin is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM) and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. PSA-insulin containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


Insulin is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this insulin-solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained insulin conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-insulin containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 26
Polysialylation of Interferon-Alpha Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration of interferon-alpha is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized interferon-alpha is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1M NaCl, pH 7.0). The interferon-alpha containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5 M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally the PSA-interferon-alpha containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Interferon-alpha is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-interferon-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

Interferon-alpha is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized interferon-alpha is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized interferon-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized interferon-gamma within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-interferon-alpha conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-interferon-alpha conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


Method 3:

Interferon-alpha is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of a PSA aminooxy reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally, the PSA-interferon-alpha containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Interferon-alpha is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM) and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-interferon-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

Interferon-alpha is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this interferon-alpha solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained interferon-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-interferon-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 27
Polysialylation of Interferon-Gamma Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

10 mg interferon-gamma is dissolved in 5 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 100 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 50 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate (approx. 7 ml), containing oxidized interferon-gamma, is mixed with 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at RT in the dark under gentle stirring.


The free Interferon-gamma is removed by means of cation exchange chromatography (CEC). The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep SPFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 6.5). Free interferon-gamma is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fractions is subsequently raised to ˜190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, pH 6.9). Free PSA-reagent is washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.9). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD, Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 6.9 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PSA-Interferon-gamma conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native Interferon-gamma is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free Interferon gamma.


Method 2:

10 mg interferon-gamma is dissolved in 8 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 200 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) and 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) are then added. Subsequently the aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 100 μl of 1 M aqueous cysteine solution.


The free interferon gamma is removed by means of cation exchange chromatography (CEC). The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep SPFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 6.5). Free interferon-gamma is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fractions is subsequently raised to ˜190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, pH 6.9). Free PSA-reagent is washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.9). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 6.9 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PSAinterferon-gamma conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native interferon-gamma is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free interferon-gamma.


Method 3:

10 mg interferon-gamma is dissolved in 8 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 200 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) and 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) are then added. Subsequently the aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 100 μl of 1 M aqueous cysteine solution.


The free interferon gamma is removed by means of cation exchange chromatography (CEC). The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep SPFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 6.5). Free interferon-gamma is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fractions is subsequently raised to ˜190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, pH 6.9). Free PSA-reagent is washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.9). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 6.9 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PSAinterferon-gamma conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native interferon-gamma is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free interferon-gamma.


Method 4:

Interferon-gamma is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this interferon-gamma solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained interferon-gamma conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-interferon-gamma containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 28
Polysialylation of G-CSF Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized G-CSF is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.0). The G-CSF containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5 M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally the PSA-G-CSF-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g., 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-G-CSF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

G-CSF is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized G-CSF is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized G-CSF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized G-CSF within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-G-CSF conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-G-CSF conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally, the PSA-G-CSF-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM) and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-G-CSF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

G-CSF is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this G-CSF solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained G-CSF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-G-CSF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 29
Polysialylation of Humira Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration of Humira is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized Humira is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1M NaCl, pH 7.0). The Humira containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally, the PSA-Humira containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Humira is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography The PSA-Humira containing fractions of the elutae are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

Humira is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized Humira is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized Humira containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized Humira within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained PSA-Humira conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-Humira conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

Humira is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally the PSA-Humira containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Humira is transferred into reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM) and the conjugate is purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PSA-Humira containing fractions of the eluate are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

Humira is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently, the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this Humira solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained Humira-conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-Humira containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 30
Polysialylation of Prolia Using Aminooxy-PSA and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

A starting concentration of Prolia is transferred into a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. To this solution, NaIO4 is added to give a final concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation is carried at RT for 30 min in the dark under gentle shaking. The reaction is then quenched with cysteine (final concentration: 10 mM) for 60 min at RT.


The solution is next subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof or, in the alternative, to an IEX column with a volume of 20 ml (Merck EMD TMAE (M)) which is equilibrated with Buffer A (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.0). The column is equilibrated with 5 CV Buffer A. The oxidized Prolia is eluted with Buffer B (20 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, 1M NaCl, pH 7.0). The Prolia containing fractions are collected. The protein content is determined (Coomassie, Bradford) and adjusted to 1 mg/ml with reaction buffer and adjusted to pH 6.0 by dropwise addition of 0.5 M HCl.


A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (final concentration: 10 mM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. The excess of aminooxy reagent is removed by means of HIC. The conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with 80 ml Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer pH 7.5 containing 5 mM CaCl2. Finally, the PSA-Prolia containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. 10 mg Prolia is dissolved in 5 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 100 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 50 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate (approx. 7 ml), containing oxidized Prolia, is mixed with 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at RT in the dark under gentle stirring.


The free Prolia is removed by means of cation exchange chromatography (CEC). The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep SPFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 6.5). Free Prolia is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fractions is subsequently raised to ˜190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, pH 6.9). Free PSA-reagent is washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently, the conjugate is eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.9). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD, Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 6.9 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PSA-Prolia conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native Prolia is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free Prolia.


Method 2:

Prolia is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized Prolia is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized Prolia containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized Prolia within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. at pH 6.0 in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking (protein concentration: 1 mg/ml).


The obtained Prolia conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The Prolia conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure is analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Method 3:

Prolia is transferred into reaction buffer (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and diluted to obtain a protein concentration of 1 mg/ml. A 50-fold molar excess of aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added followed by m-toluidine as a nucleophilic catalyst (10 mM final concentration) and NaIO4 (final concentration: 400 μM). The coupling reaction is performed for 2 hours in the dark under gentle shaking at room temperature. Subsequently, the reaction is quenched with cysteine for 60 min at RT (cysteine concentration: 10 mM). Then the conductivity of the reaction mixture is adjusted by adding a buffer containing ammonium acetate (50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 8 M ammonium acetate, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a column filled with Phenyl Sepharose FF (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes, 2.5 M ammonium acetate, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, 0.01% Tween 80, pH 6.9. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 7.5. Finally the PSA Prolia-containing fractions are collected and subjected to UF/DF by use of a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore). The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. 10 mg Prolia is dissolved in 8 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 200 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) and 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) are then added. Subsequently the aminooxy-PSA reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5 fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 100 μl of 1 M aqueous cysteine solution.


The free Prolia is removed by means of cation exchange chromatography (CEC). The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep SPFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 6.5). Free Prolia is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conductivity of the conjugate containing fractions is subsequently raised to ˜190 mS/cm with Buffer C (50 mM Hepes, 5 M NaCl, pH 6.9) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep Butyl FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer D (50 mM Hepes, 3 M NaCl, pH 6.9). Free PSA-reagent is washed out within 5 CV Buffer D. Subsequently the conjugate is eluted with 100% Buffer E (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.9). The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 6.9 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PSA-Prolia conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native Prolia is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free Prolia.


Method 4:

Prolia is dissolved in or transferred to a reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution.


Subsequently the aminooxy-polysialic acid (PSA-ONH2) reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to this Prolia-solution within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. Finally a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added to give a concentration of 400 μM.


The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking. Then the reaction is stopped by the addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The obtained Prolia conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The PSA-Prolia containing fractions of the eluate are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose (Millipore).


The conjugates prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein, biological activity according to methods known in the art, and determination of the polysialyation degree by measuring the PSA content (resorcinol assay).


Example 31
Polysialylation of Other Therapeutic Proteins

Polysialylation reactions performed in the presence of alternative nucleophilic catalysts like m-toluidine or o-aminobenzoic acid as described herein may be extended to other therapeutic proteins. For example, in various aspects of the invention, the above polysialylation or PEGylation reactions as described herein with PSA aminooxy or PEG aminooxy reagents is repeated with therapeutic proteins such as those proteins described herein.


Example 32
PEGylation of EPO Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

Erythropoietin (EPO) is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). EPO is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized EPO is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-EPO conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g. on Q Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2). The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2) and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. EPO is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). 10 mg EPO is dissolved in 5 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 100 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 50 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate (approx. 7 ml), containing oxidized EPO, is mixed with 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at RT in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-EPO conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose FF. The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 7.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.5). Free EPO is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 7.2 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PEG-EPO conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native EPO is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free EPO.


Method 2:

EPO is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan).


EPO is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized EPO is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized EPO containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized EPO within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-EPO conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-EPO conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

EPO is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). EPO is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently, the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-EPO conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. EPO is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). 10 mg EPO is dissolved in ˜8 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 200 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) and 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) are then added. Subsequently, the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 100 μl of 1 M aqueous cysteine solution.


Finally, the PEG-EPO conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose FF. The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 7.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep QFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 7.5). Free EPO is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 7.2 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PEG-EPO conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native EPO is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free EPO.


Method 4:

EPO is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of EPO is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg EPO/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of a 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-EPO conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2), pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 33
PEGylation of Ang-2 Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

Ang-2 is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Ang-2 is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized Ang-2 is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-Ang-2 conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g. on Q Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Ang-2 is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Ang-2 is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized Ang-2 is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-Ang-2 conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fraction of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

Ang-2 is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan).


Ang-2 is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized Ang-2 is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized Ang-2 containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized Ang-2 within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-Ang-2 conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-Ang-2 conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

Ang-2 is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Ang-2 is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-Ang-2 conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Ang-2 is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Ang-2 is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally the PEG-Ang-2 conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography The conjugate containing reactions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

Ang-2 is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of Ang-2 is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg Ang-2/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-Ang-2 conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Subsequently, the free Ang-2 is removed by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF.


Example 34
PEGylation of VEGF Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

VEGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). VEGF is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized VEGF is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-VEGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. VEGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). VEGF is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized VEGF is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-VEGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

VEGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). VEGF is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized VEGF is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized VEGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized VEGF within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-VEGF conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-VEGF conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

VEGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). VEGF is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently, the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-VEGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. VEGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). VEGF is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently, the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-VEGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate conjugate fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

VEGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of VEGF is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg VEGF/ml. Subsequently, an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-VEGF conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 35
PEGylation of EGF Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

EGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). EGF is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized EGF is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-EGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. EGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). EGF is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized EGF is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-EGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

EGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). EGF is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized EGF is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized EGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized NGF within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-EGF conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-EGF conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

EGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). EGF is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-EGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. EGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). EGF is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-EGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

EGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of EGF is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg EGF/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-EGF conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 36
PEGylation of NGF Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

NGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). NGF is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized NGF is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-NGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q-Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. NGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). NGF is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized NGF is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-NGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

NGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). NGF is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized NGF is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized NGF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized NGF within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-NGF conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-NGF conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

NGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). NGF is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-NGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. NGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). NGF is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-NGF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions are collected and then subjected to UF/DF. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

NGF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of NGF is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg NGF/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-NGF conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 37
PEGylation of HGH Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


HGH is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). HGH is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized HGH is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-HGH conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


HGH is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). HGH is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized HGH is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-HGH conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


HGH is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). HGH is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized HGH is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized HGH containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized HGH within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-HGH conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-NGF conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


HGH is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). HGH is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-HGH conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art. HGH is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). HGH is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-HGH conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions are collected and then subjected to UF/DF. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of human growth hormone (HGH) is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, HGH is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


HGH is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of HGH is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg HGH/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of a 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-HGH conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 38
PEGylation of TNF-Alpha Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

TNF-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). TNF-alpha is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized TNF-alpha is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-TNF-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q-Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. TNF-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). TNF-alpha is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized TNF-alpha is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 mm at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-TNF-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

TNF-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). TNF-alpha is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized TNF-alpha is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized TNF-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized TNF alpha within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-TNF-alpha conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-TNF-alpha conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

TNF-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). TNF-alpha is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-TNF-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. TNF-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). TNF-alpha is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently, the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-TNF-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions are collected and then subjected to UF/DF. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

TNF-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of TNF-alpha is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg TNF-alpha/ml. Subsequently, an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-TNF-alpha conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 39
PEGylation of Insulin Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art. Insulin is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Insulin is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized insulin is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-insulin conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q-Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art. Insulin is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Insulin is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized insulin is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-insulin conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


Insulin is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Insulin is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized insulin is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized insulin containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized insulin within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-insulin conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-insulin conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


Insulin is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Insulin is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently, the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-insulin conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art. Insulin is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Insulin is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the insulin-conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions are collected and then subjected to UF/DF. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

As described herein, the amino acid sequence of insulin is first modified to incorporate at least one glycosylation site. Following purification, insulin is glycosylated in vitro according to methods known in the art.


Insulin is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of insulin is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg insulin/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of a 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-insulin conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 40
PEGylation of Interferon-Alpha Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

Interferon-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Interferon-alpha is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized interferon-alpha is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-interferon-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q-Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Interferon-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Interferon-alpha is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized interferon-alpha is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-interferon-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography The conjugate containing freactions are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

Interferon-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Interferon-alpha is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized interferon-alpha is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized interferon-alpha containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized interferon-alpha within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-interferon-alpha conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-interferon alpha conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

Interferon-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Interferon-alpha is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-interferon-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Interferon-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Interferon-alpha is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-interferon-alpha conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

Interferon-alpha is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of interferon-alpha is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg interferon-alpha/ml. Subsequently, an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-interferon-alpha conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 41
PEGylation of Interferon-Gamma Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

Interferon-gamma is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). 10 mg Interferon-gamma is dissolved in 5 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 100 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 50 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate (approx. 7 ml), containing oxidized interferon-gamma, is mixed with 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at RT in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-interferon-gamma conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on SP Sepharose FF. The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep SPFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 6.5). Free interferon-gamma is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 6.9 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PEG-interferon-gamma conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native Interferon gamma is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free Interferon-gamma.


Method 2:

Interferon-gamma is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Interferon-gamma is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5 N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized interferon-gamma is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized interferon-gamma containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized interferon-gamma within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-interferon-gamma conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-interferon-gamma conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


The conjugate prepared by use of this procedure are analytically characterized by measuring total protein and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 3:

Interferon-gamma is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). 10 mg interferon-gamma is dissolved in ˜8 ml histidine-buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 200 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) and 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) are then added. Subsequently the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 100 μl of 1 M aqueous cysteine solution.


Finally the PEG-interferon-gamma conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on SP-Sepharose FF. The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep SP FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 6.5). Free intergferon-gamma is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 6.9 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according according to methods known in the art. For the PEG-interferon-gamma conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native interferon-gamma is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free interferon-gamma.


Method 4:

Interferon-gamma is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of interferon-gamma is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg interferon-gamma/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The PEG-interferon-gamma conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 42
PEGylation of G-CSF Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

G-CSF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). G-CSF is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized G-CSF is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-G-CSF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q-Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. G-CSF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). G-CSF is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized G-CSF is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-G-CSF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

G-CSF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). G-CSF is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized G-CSF is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized G-CSF containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized G-CSF within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-G-CSF conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-G-CSF conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


Method 3:

G-CSF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). G-CSF is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently, the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-G-CSF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. G-CSF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). G-CSF is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently, the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-G-CSF conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

G-CSF is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of G-CSF is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg G-CSF/ml. Subsequently, an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The G-CSF conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 43
PEGylation of Humira Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

Humira is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Humira is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized Humira is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-Humira conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q-Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Humira is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Humira is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized Humira is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-Humira conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 2:

Humira is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Humira is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized Humira is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized Humira containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized Humira within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-Humira conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-Humira conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


Method 3:

Humira is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Humira is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently, the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-Humira conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows. Humira is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Humira is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-Humira conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The conjugate containing fractions are collected and then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


Method 4:

Humira is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of Humira is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg Humira/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of a 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The Humira conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 44
PEGylation of Prolia Using an Aminooxy-PEG Reagent and m-Toluidine as a Nucleophilic Catalyst
Method 1:

Prolia is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Prolia is dissolved in 7.0 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl, 5 mM CaCl2). An aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 7.5 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate containing oxidized Prolia is next mixed with an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD is then added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at room temperature in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally, the PEG-Prolia conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography (e.g., on Q-Sepharose FF). For example, 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using an appropriate MW cutoff membrane. The preparation is next analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Coomassie, Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 1 is carried out as follows. Prolia is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). 10 mg rFIX is dissolved in 5 ml histidine-buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 100 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) is then added and the reaction mixture is incubated for 1 h in the dark at 4° C. under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 50 μl of a 1 M aqueous cysteine solution. The mixture is subsequently subjected to UF/DF employing Vivaspin 15R 10 kD centrifugal filtrators to remove excess periodate, quencher and the byproducts thereof.


The retentate (approx. 7 ml), containing oxidized Prolia, is mixed with 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) and incubated for 30 min at room temperature. Then aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. This mixture is incubated for 2.5 h at RT in the dark under gentle stirring.


Finally the PEG-Prolia conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on SP Sepharose FF. The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep SP FF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 6.5). Free Prolia is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 6.9 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PEG-Prolia conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native Prolia is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free Prolia.


Method 2:

Prolia is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). Prolia is transferred or dissolved in reaction buffer (e.g. 50 mM Hepes, 350 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 1.0+/−0.25 mg/ml. Then the pH of the solution is corrected to 6.0 by drop wise addition of a 0.5N aqueous HCl solution. Subsequently, a 40 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 10 minutes to give a concentration of 200 μM. The oxidation reaction is carried out for 30+/−5 min at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. Then the reaction is stopped by addition of an aqueous L-cysteine solution (1 M) within 15 minutes at T=+22+/−2° C. to give a final concentration of 10 mM in the reaction mixture and incubation for 60+/−5 min.


The oxidized Prolia is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The oxidized Humira containing fractions of the eluate are collected and used for the conjugation reaction.


The aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD reagent is added in a 50-fold molar excess to the eluate containing the purified oxidized Prolia within a maximum time period (t) of 15 minutes under gentle stirring. Then an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) is added within 15 minutes to get a final concentration of 10 mM. The reaction mixture is incubated for 120+/−10 min. in the dark at a temperature (T) of T=+22+/−2° C. under gentle shaking.


The obtained PEG-Prolia conjugate is further purified by ion exchange chromatography. The PEG-Prolia conjugate containing fractions are collected and concentrated by ultra-/diafiltration (UF/DF) using a membrane made of regenerated cellulose with an appropriate molecular weight cut off (Millipore).


Method 3:

Prolia is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). EPO is dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) and mixed with an aqueous sodium periodate solution (10 mM), and an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM). Subsequently the aminooxy reagent is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 8 μl of aqueous cysteine solution (1 M).


Finally, the PEG-Prolia conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose FF. 1.5 mg protein/ml gel is loaded on the column pre equilibrated with 50 mM Hepes buffer, pH 7.4 containing 5 mM CaCl2. The conjugate is eluted with 50 mM Hepes buffer containing 5 mM CaCl2 and 500 mM sodium chloride, pH 7.4 and is then subjected to UF/DF using a membrane. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art.


In an alternative embodiment, Method 3 is carried out as follows.


Prolia is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). 10 mg Prolia is dissolved in ˜8 ml histidine buffer, pH 6.0 (20 mM L-histidine, 150 mM NaCl). 200 μl of an aqueous sodium periodate solution (5 mM) and 2 ml of an aqueous m-toluidine solution (50 mM) are then added. Subsequently, the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 5-fold molar reagent excess. The mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of 100 μl of 1 M aqueous cysteine solution.


Finally the PEG-Prolia conjugate is purified by ion-exchange chromatography on SP-Sepharose FF. The reaction mixture is diluted with 20 ml Buffer A (50 mM Hepes, pH 6.5) and loaded onto a 20 ml HiPrep SPFF 16/10 column (GE Healthcare, Fairfield, Conn.) pre-equilibrated with Buffer A. Then the column is eluted with Buffer B (50 mM Hepes, 1 M NaCl, pH 6.5). Free Prolia is eluted by washing the column with 25% Buffer B and the conjugate at 50% Buffer B. The conjugate containing fractions are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against histidine buffer, pH 6.9 containing 150 mM NaCl. The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford) and biological activity according to methods known in the art. For the PEG-Prolia conjugate a specific activity of >50% in comparison to native Prolia is determined. The conjugate is additionally analytically characterized by Size Exclusion HPLC using a Agilent 1200 HPLC system equipped with a Shodex KW 803 column under conditions as previously described (Kolarich et al, Transfusion 2006; 46:1959-77). It is shown that the preparation contains no free Prolia.


Method 4:

Prolia is PEGylated by use of a linear 20 kD PEGylation reagent containing an aminooxy group. An example of this type of reagent is the Sunbright® CA series from NOF (NOF Corp., Tokyo, Japan). An initial concentration or weight of Humira is transferred or dissolved in Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 150 mM sodium chloride, 5 mM calcium chloride, pH 6.0) to get a final protein concentration of 2 mg Prolia/ml. Subsequently an 5 mM aqueous sodium periodate solution is added within 15 minutes to give a final concentration of 100 μM, followed by addition of an 50 mM aqueous m-toluidine solution to get a final concentration of 10 mM within a time period of 30 minutes. Then the aminooxy-PEG reagent with a MW of 20 kD (described above) is added to give a 20-fold molar reagent excess. After correction of the pH to 6.0 the mixture is incubated for 2 h in the dark at room temperature under gentle stirring and quenched for 15 min at room temperature by the addition of an 1 M aqueous L-cysteine solution to give a final concentration of 10 mM.


The Prolia conjugate is purified by means of ion exchange chromatography (IEC). The conjugate containing fractions of the eluate are concentrated by UF/DF using a 10 kD membrane made of regenerated cellulose (88 cm2, cut-off 10 kD/Millipore). The final diafiltration step is performed against Hepes buffer (50 mM Hepes, 5 mM CaCl2, pH 7.5).


The preparation is analytically characterized by measuring total protein (Bradford and BCA procedure) and biological activity according to known methods.


Example 45
PEGylation of a Therapeutic Protein Using Branched PEG

PEGylation of a therapeutic protein of the invention may be extended to a branched or linear PEGylation reagent, which is made of an aldehyde and a suitable linker containing an active aminooxy group.

Claims
  • 1.-72. (canceled)
  • 73. A modified therapeutic protein comprising an activated water soluble polymer conjugated to an oxidized carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein through forming a hydrazone linkage, wherein said activated water soluble polymer contains an active hydrazide group and is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), branched PEG, PolyPEG® (Warwick Effect Polymers; Coventry, UK), polysialic acid (PSA), starch, hydroxyalkyl starch (HAS), hydroxylethyl starch (HES), carbohydrate, polysaccharides, pullulan, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, dextran, carboxymethyl-dextran, polyalkylene oxide (PAO), polyalkylene glycol (PAG), polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyoxazoline, polyacryloylmorpholine, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polycarboxylate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyphosphazene, polyethylene-co-maleic acid anhydride, polystyrene-co-maleic acid anhydride, and poly(l-hydroxymethylethylene hydroxymethylformal) (PHF);wherein the modified therapeutic protein is prepared by a method comprising the steps of:a) oxidizing a carbohydrate moiety on a therapeutic protein by incubating said protein with an oxidizing agent selected from the group consisting of sodium periodate (NaIO4), lead tetraacetate (Pb(OAc)4) and potassium perruthenate (KRuO4); andb) forming a hydrazone linkage between the oxidized carbohydrate moiety of the therapeutic protein and the activated water soluble polymer containing an active hydrazide group in the presence of a nucleophilic catalyst under conditions allowing formation of said hydrazone linkage; andwherein the nucleophilic catalyst is m-toluidine.
  • 74. The modified therapeutic protein of claim 73, wherein the therapeutic protein is selected from the group consisting of Factor IX (FIX), Factor VIII (FVIII), Factor VIIa (FVIIa), Von Willebrand Factor (VWF), Factor V (FV), Factor X (FX), Factor XI (FXI), Factor XII (FXII), thrombin (FII), protein C, protein S, tPA, PAI-1, tissue factor (TF), ADAMTS 13 protease, IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-11, human growth hormone (HGH), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1), M-CSF, SCF, GM-CSF, granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), EPO, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), consensus interferon, IFN-beta, IFN-gamma, IFN-omega, IL-7, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-14, IL-15, IL-16, IL-17, IL-18, IL-19, IL-20, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23, IL-24, IL-31, IL-32 alpha, IL-33, thrombopoietin (TPO), Ang-1, Ang-2, Ang-4, Ang-Y, angiopoietin-like polypeptide 1 (ANGPTL1), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 2 (ANGPTL2), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 3 (ANGPTL3), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 4 (ANGPTL4), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 5 (ANGPTL5), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 6 (ANGPTL6), angiopoietin-like polypeptide 7 (ANGPTL7), vitronectin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiogenin, activin A, activin B, activin C, bone morphogenic protein-1, bone morphogenic protein-2, bone morphogenic protein-3, bone morphogenic protein-4, bone morphogenic protein-5, bone morphogenic protein-6, bone morphogenic protein-7, bone morphogenic protein-8, bone morphogenic protein-9, bone morphogenic protein-10, bone morphogenic protein-11, bone morphogenic protein-12, bone morphogenic protein-13, bone morphogenic protein-14, bone morphogenic protein-15, bone morphogenic protein receptor IA, bone morphogenic protein receptor IB, bone morphogenic protein receptor II, brain derived neurotrophic factor, cardiotrophin-1, ciliary neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor, cripto, cryptic, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 1, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 2α, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemotactic factor 2β, β endothelial cell growth factor, endothelin 1, epidermal growth factor, epigen, epiregulin, epithelial-derived neutrophil attractant, fibroblast growth factor 4, fibroblast growth factor 5, fibroblast growth factor 6, fibroblast growth factor 7, fibroblast growth factor 8, fibroblast growth factor 8b, fibroblast growth factor 8c, fibroblast growth factor 9, fibroblast growth factor 10, fibroblast growth factor 11, fibroblast growth factor 12, fibroblast growth factor 13, fibroblast growth factor 16, fibroblast growth factor 17, fibroblast growth factor 19, fibroblast growth factor 20, fibroblast growth factor 21, fibroblast growth factor acidic, fibroblast growth factor basic, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor α1, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor receptor α2, growth related protein, growth related protein α, growth related protein α, growth related protein γ, heparin binding epidermal growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor receptor, hepatoma-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor I, insulin-like growth factor receptor, insulin-like growth factor II, insulin-like growth factor binding protein, keratinocyte growth factor, leukemia inhibitory factor, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor α, nerve growth factor, nerve growth factor receptor, neuropoietin, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, oncostatin M (OSM), placenta growth factor, placenta growth factor 2, platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, platelet derived growth factor A chain, platelet derived growth factor AA, platelet derived growth factor AB, platelet derived growth factor B chain, platelet derived growth factor BB, platelet derived growth factor receptor α, platelet derived growth factor receptor 13, pre-B cell growth stimulating factor, stem cell factor (SCF), stem cell factor receptor, TNF, TNF0, TNF1, TNF2, transforming growth factor α, transforming growth factor β, transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth factor β1.2, transforming growth factor β2, transforming growth factor β3, transforming growth factor β5, latent transforming growth factor β1, transforming growth factor β binding protein I, transforming growth factor β binding protein II, transforming growth factor β binding protein III, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), tumor necrosis factor receptor type I, tumor necrosis factor receptor type II, urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor, phospholipase-activating protein (PUP), insulin, lectin, ricin, prolactin, chorionic gonadotropin, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, tissue plasminogen activator, IgG, IgE, IgM, IgA, and IgD, α-galactosidase, β-galactosidase, DNAse, fetuin, luteinizing hormone, estrogen, albumin, lipoproteins, fetoprotein, transferrin, thrombopoietin, urokinase, integrin, thrombin, leptin, Humira (adalimumab), Prolia (denosumab), Enbrel (etanercept), a protein in Table 1, or a biologically active fragment, derivative or variant thereof.
  • 75. The modified therapeutic protein of claim 74, wherein the therapeutic protein has biological activity of a blood coagulation protein.
  • 76. The modified therapeutic protein of claim 75, wherein the blood cogulation protein is selected from the group consisting of FVIIa, FVIII and FIX.
  • 77. The modified therapeutic protein of claim 73, wherein the water soluble polymer is PEG or PSA.
  • 78. The modified therapeutic protein of claim 73, wherein the oxidizing agent is sodium periodate (NaIO4) and is added in an amount to result in a final concentration between about 50 μM and about 1000 μM under conditions comprising a time period between about 0.1 minutes and 120 minutes; a temperature between about 2° C. and about 37° C.; in the presence or absence of light; and with or without stirring.
  • 79. The modified therapeutic protein of claim 73, wherein the m-toluidine is provided at a concentration between 1 mM and about 50 mM.
  • 80. The modified therapeutic protein of claim 74, wherein the therapeutic protein has biological activity of FVIIa, FVIII or FIX; wherein the water soluble polymer is PEG or PSA;wherein the oxidizing agent is sodium periodate (NaIO4) and is added in an amount to result in a final concentration between about 50 μM and about 1000 μM; andwherein the m-toluidine is provided at a concentration between 1 mM and about 50 mM.
  • 81. The modified therapeutic protein of claim 80, wherein the oxidizing agent is sodium periodate (NaIO4) and is added in an amount to result in a final concentration of 400 μM; and wherein the m-toluidine is provided at a concentration of 10 mM.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/281,616, filed Sep. 30, 2016, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/136,233, filed Dec. 20, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,492,555, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/194,038, filed Jul. 29, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,642,737, which claims benefit to U.S. Provisional No. 61/369,186, filed Jul. 30, 2010, and is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/843,542, filed Jul. 26, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,637,640, which claims benefit of to U.S. Provisional No. 61/347,136, filed May 21, 2010 and U.S. Provisional No. 61/228,828, filed Jul. 27, 2009, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Provisional Applications (3)
Number Date Country
61369186 Jul 2010 US
61347136 May 2010 US
61228828 Jul 2009 US
Continuations (3)
Number Date Country
Parent 15281616 Sep 2016 US
Child 16532212 US
Parent 14136233 Dec 2013 US
Child 15281616 US
Parent 13194038 Jul 2011 US
Child 14136233 US
Continuation in Parts (1)
Number Date Country
Parent 12843542 Jul 2010 US
Child 13194038 US