Analysis of non-mutagenic substances in the context of drug impurity assessment - Few are potent toxicants.

ICH Q3A/B guidelines provide qualification thresholds for impurities or degradation products in new drug substances and products. However, the guidelines note that certain impurities/degradation products may warrant further safety evaluation for being unusually potent or toxic. The purpose of this study was to confirm that especially toxic non-mutagenic compounds are rare and to identify classes of compounds that could warrant lower qualification thresholds. A total of 2815 compounds were evaluated, of which 2213 were assessed as non-mutagenic. For the purpose of this analysis, compounds were considered potent when the point of departure was ≤0.2 mg/kg/day based on the qualification threshold (1 mg/day or 0.02 mg/kg/day for a 50 kg human) in a new drug substance, with an additional 10-fold margin. Only 54 of the entire set (2.4%) would be considered potent based on this conservative potency analysis, confirming that the existing ICH Q3A/B qualification thresholds are appropriate for the majority of impurities. If the Q3A/B threshold, without the additional 10-fold margin is used, 14 compounds (0.6%) are considered "highly potent". Very few non-mutagenic structural classes were identified, including organothiophosphates and derivatives, polychlorinated benzenes and polychlorinated polycyclic aliphatics, that correlate with potential high potency, consistent with prior publications.

Determining recommended acceptable intake limits for N-nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals: Development and application of the Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach (CPCA).

N-Nitrosamine impurities, including nitrosamine drug substance-related impurities (NDSRIs), have challenged pharmaceutical industry and regulators alike and affected the global drug supply over the past 5 years. Nitrosamines are a class of known carcinogens, but NDSRIs have posed additional challenges as many lack empirical data to establish acceptable intake (AI) limits. Read-across analysis from surrogates has been used to identify AI limits in some cases; however, this approach is limited by the availability of robustly-tested surrogates matching the structural features of NDSRIs, which usually contain a diverse array of functional groups. Furthermore, the absence of a surrogate has resulted in conservative AI limits in some cases, posing practical challenges for impurity control. Therefore, a new framework for determining recommended AI limits was urgently needed. Here, the Carcinogenic Potency Categorization Approach (CPCA) and its supporting scientific rationale are presented. The CPCA is a rapidly-applied structure-activity relationship-based method that assigns a nitrosamine to 1 of 5 categories, each with a corresponding AI limit, reflecting predicted carcinogenic potency. The CPCA considers the number and distribution of α-hydrogens at the N-nitroso center and other activating and deactivating structural features of a nitrosamine that affect the α-hydroxylation metabolic activation pathway of carcinogenesis. The CPCA has been adopted internationally by several drug regulatory authorities as a simplified approach and a starting point to determine recommended AI limits for nitrosamines without the need for compound-specific empirical data.

Characterization of Freezing Processes in Drug Substance Bottles by Ice Core Sampling.

Freezing of biological drug substance (DS) is a critical unit operation that may impact product quality, potentially leading to protein aggregation and sub-visible particle formation. Cryo-concentration has been identified as a critical parameter to impact protein stability during freezing and should therefore be minimized. The macroscopic cryo-concentration, in the following only referred to as cryo-concentration, is majorly influenced by the freezing rate, which is in turn impacted by product independent process parameters such as the DS container, its size and fill level, and the freezing equipment. (At-scale) process characterization studies are crucial to understand and optimize freezing processes. However, evaluating cryo-concentration requires sampling of the frozen bulk, which is typically performed by cutting the ice block into pieces for subsequent analysis. Also, the large amount of product requirement for these studies is a major limitation. In this study, we report the development of a simple methodology for experimental characterization of frozen DS in bottles at relevant scale using a surrogate solution. The novel ice core sampling technique identifies the axial ice core in the center to be indicative for cryo-concentration, which was measured by osmolality, and concentrations of histidine and polysorbate 80 (PS80), whereas osmolality revealed to be a sensitive read-out. Finally, we exemplify the suitability of the method to study cryo-concentration in DS bottles by comparing cryo-concentrations from different freezing protocols (-80°C vs -40°C). Prolonged stress times during freezing correlated to a higher extent of cryo-concentration quantified by osmolality in the axial center of a 2 L DS bottle.

Perceptual Generalization of Alcohol-Related Value Characterizes Risky Drinkers.

Generalizing from past experiences to novel situations is critical for adaptive behavior, whereas overgeneralization can promote maladaptive responses (e.g., context-inappropriate fear in anxiety). Here, we propose that overgeneralizing alcohol-related associations characterizes risky drinking. We conducted two online experiments assessing generalization of alcohol-related gains (Study 1) and losses (Study 2) among individuals who engaged in light or risky patterns of drinking (Study 1: N = 88, 24-44 years old; Study 2: N = 87, 21-44 years old). After learning to associate cards with alcohol and non-alcohol-related outcomes, participants chose whether to play with cards varying in perceptual similarity to those shown during conditioning. Finally, participants completed a surprise recognition memory test for all outcomes. Although both groups showed comparable conditioning, we found that risky drinkers overgeneralized alcohol-related gains and losses. Risky drinkers also showed a bias toward recognizing alcohol-related images. These results indicate a novel role for overgeneralization of alcohol-related gains and losses as a mechanism associated with risky drinking.

Prevalence of nitrosamine contaminants in drug samples: Has the crisis been overcome?

Various drug samples (N = 249; drug substances, tablets, capsules, solutions, crèmes, and more) from the European pharmaceutical market were collected since 2019 and analyzed for 16 nitrosamines (NAs). In 2.0% of the cases, NAs were detected. These findings included four active pharmaceutical ingredients already known for potential NA contamination: losartan (N-nitrosodimethylamine [NDMA] and N-nitrosodiethylamine, simultaneously), valsartan (NDMA), metformin (NDMA) and ranitidine (NDMA). The fifth new finding, which has not been reported yet, discovered contamination of a molsidomine tablet sample with N-nitrosomorpholine (NMor). The tablet contained 144% of the toxicological allowable intake for NMor. NMor was included in our screening from the beginning and is currently the focus of regulatory authorities, but was added to the guidelines only last year. Thus, it may not have been the focus of regulatory investigations for too long. Our results indicate that the majority of drug products in the market are nonhazardous in terms of patient safety and drug purity. Unfortunately, the list of individual affected products keeps growing constantly and new NA cases, such as molsidomine or nitrosated drug substances (nitrosamine drug substance-related impurities [NDSRI]), continue to emerge. We therefore expect nitrosamine screenings to remain a high priority.

The Evolution of Flow Chemistry: An Opinion on Factors Driving Innovation.

This article seeks to provide an overview of the environmental factors within the pharmaceutical industry that have contributed to the emergence of flow chemistry over the past two decades. It highlights some of the challenges facing the industry and describes how they are being overcome by the exponential trajectory of scientific progress in the area. We identify current trends and offer a speculative glimpse into the future of drug development and manufacturing with some examples of progress being made at CARBOGEN AMCIS.

An update on the current status and prospects of nitrosation pathways and possible root causes of nitrosamine formation in various pharmaceuticals.

Over the last two years, global regulatory authorities have raised safety concerns on nitrosamine contamination in several drug classes, including angiotensin II receptor antagonists, histamine-2 receptor antagonists, antimicrobial agents, and antidiabetic drugs. To avoid carcinogenic and mutagenic effects in patients relying on these medications, authorities have established specific guidelines in risk assessment scenarios and proposed control limits for nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals. In this review, nitrosation pathways and possible root causes of nitrosamine formation in pharmaceuticals are discussed. The control limits of nitrosamine impurities in pharmaceuticals proposed by national regulatory authorities are presented. Additionally, a practical and science-based strategy for implementing the well-established control limits is notably reviewed in terms of an alternative approach for drug product N-nitrosamines without published AI information from animal carcinogenicity testing. Finally, a novel risk evaluation strategy for predicting and investigating the possible nitrosation of amine precursors and amine pharmaceuticals as powerful prevention of nitrosamine contamination is addressed.

White Matter Microstructure and Gray Matter Volume in Cannabis-Induced Psychosis and Schizophrenia With Cannabis Use.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the differences in white matter (WM) microstructural integrity and gray matter (GM) volume between cannabis-induced psychosis (CIP) and schizophrenia with cannabis use (SZC). METHODS: This cross-sectional study with convenience sampling involved three groups of 20 participants each (CIP, SZC, and a control group without substance use), matched on age, handedness, and education. CIP and SZC were diagnosed with the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and Mental Disorders. Diffusion tensor and kurtosis imaging were done, and fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity, and mean kurtosis were estimated. GM volume was measured with voxel-based morphometry. RESULTS: Group comparisons revealed comparable age at initiation and duration and frequency of cannabis use between participants in the SZC and CIP groups. Participants with SZC had lower FA than controls in the anterior and retrolenticular internal capsule limbs, cingulate gyrus hippocampal formation, fornix, and superior fronto-occipital fasciculus (all p<0.05). Participants with CIP had lower FA than controls in the left fornix and right superior fronto-occipital fasciculus but higher FA than those with SZC in the left corticospinal tract (all p<0.05). On morphometry, participants with CIP had greater cerebellar GM volume than those with SZC and greater inferior frontal gyrus volumes than controls (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Widespread WM microstructural abnormalities were observed in participants with SZC, and fewer but significant WM disruptions were observed in those with CIP. Better WM integrity in some WM fiber tracts and greater GM volumes in crucial brain areas among those with CIP may have prevented the transition to schizophrenia.

Characterization of false positive, contaminant-driven mutagenicity in impurities associated with the sotorasib drug substance.

Sotorasib (Lumakras™) is a first-in-class, non-genotoxic, small molecule inhibitor of KRAS G12C developed as an anticancer therapeutic for treatment of patients that have a high unmet medical need. Anticancer therapeutics are considered out of scope of ICH M7 guidance for control of mutagenic impurities; however, based on ICH S9 Q&A, mutagenicity assessments are needed for impurities that exceed the qualification threshold, consistent with ICH Q3A/B, and non-mutagenic drugs. Here, we carried out hybrid-based mutagenicity assessment of sotorasib drug substance (DS) impurities using in silico quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) modelling and Ames tests (for in silico positive mutagens). We encountered contradictive mutagenicity results for 2 impurities (Beta-Chloride and PAC). PAC was negative initially by QSAR but positive in a GLP full plate Ames test and Beta-Chloride was positive by QSAR, negative in a non-GLP micro-Ames but positive in a GLP full plate Ames assay. Root cause analyses identified and characterized mutagenic contaminants, 3-chloropropionic acid in batches of Beta-Chloride and 3-chloropropionic acid and Chloro-PAC in batches of PAC, used in initial GLP full-plate Ames tests. Significant reduction of these contaminants in re-purified batches resulted in no induction of mutagenicity in follow-up GLP micro-Ames tests. In summary, root-cause analyses led to accurate mutagenicity assessment for sotorasib DS-associated impurities.

An Integrative QbD Approach for the Development and Optimization of Controlled Release Compressed Coated Formulation of Water-Soluble Drugs.

Controlled release dosage forms maintain regulated pharmacokinetic profile of drug substance within its therapeutic window by ensuring constant plasma concentrations. Controlled release formulations not only increase the therapeutic efficacy of drug substances but also reduce their dose-related side effects. Present investigation was conducted to develop, optimize, and validate compressed coated controlled release tablet formulation for highly water-soluble drug substances which have no rate-controlling factor towards its release from dosage form. Drug dispersed waxy core tablet, press coated within the swellable hydrophilic polymeric barrier layer, was developed and optimized via quality by design approach (QbD) using Box-Behnken design. The optimized formulation was characterized and validated using in vitro quality control parameters. Attributes identified under SUPAC guidelines, such as drug release rates at 30 min, 6 h, and 12 h, were considered as the critical quality attributes (CQAs) that significantly affected efficiency of the compressed coated controlled release tablets. CQAs screened using risk assessment and Pareto chart analyses were used for optimizing controlled release dosage form. Findings revealed that tablets containing drug to wax ratio of 1:1, hydrophilic swellable polymer concentration of 200 mg, and prepared using compression pressure of 6.5 kg/cm2 exhibited the highest desirability indices in terms of controlling the release rate of drug substance. Optimized formulation was also evaluated for swelling rate, erosion rate, and other post-compression parameters, including release kinetics. Fickian diffusion-based zero-order controlled release of BCS class I drug substance was achieved through the developed dosage form.

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric methods for trace quantification of potential genotoxic impurities in ivacaftor and lumacaftor.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to develop and validate the sensitive LC-MS methods for trace analysis of genotoxic impurities in Ivacaftor and Lumacaftor. The first method is for the trace analysis of 2,4-di-tert-butyl-5-nitrophenol in ivacaftor and the second method is for the trace analysis of 1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5yl)-cyclopropane carboxylic acid and 3-carboxyphenyl boronic acid in lumacaftor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: High pure analytical grade solvents and reagents were used for this study. The chromatographic separation was performed on Luna C18 (250×4.6mm, 5.0µm) at a column temperature of 25°C using eluent consisting of acetonitrile and 0.1% v/v formic acid in water in a gradient elution mode. The eluent was run at a flow of 1.0mL/min and injection volume of 20µL. RESULTS: The linearity, precision and accuracy of the developed methods was validated over the concentration range of 0.35-15.0ppm for 2,4-di-tert-butyl-5-nitrophenol, 0.30-15.0ppm for 1-(2,2-difluoro-1,3-benzodioxol-5yl)-cyclopropane carboxylic acid and 0.23-15.0ppm for 3-carboxyphenyl boronic acid. In both methods, interference was not observed at the retention time of analyte peaks. All the analytes were found to be stable in solution for a period of 48h. CONCLUSION: The proposed methods are reliable, sensitive, precise, accurate, and robust for the trace level quantification of genotoxic impurities in Ivacaftor and Lumacaftor. These methods can be successfully implemented in the quality control lab for routine analysis.

New synthesis of a late-stage tetracyclic key intermediate of lumateperone.

New approaches have been tested for the synthesis of lumateperone intermediates. As a result of these efforts, a novel synthesis of the late-stage tetracyclic key intermediate of lumateperone starting from the commercially available quinoxaline is described. The tetracyclic skeleton was constructed by the reaction of 1-trifluoroacetyl-4-aminoquinoxaline with ethyl 4-oxopiperidine-1-carboxylate in a Fischer indole synthesis. The inexpensive starting material, the efficient synthetic steps, and the avoidance of the borane-based reduction step provide a reasonable potential for scalability.

Manufacturing and Clinical Formulations of Botulinum Neurotoxins.

Botulinum Neurotoxins have always existed in nature, but its paralytic effect on humans due to the consumption of poorly preserved food was not recognized until 18th century. There are 8 serotypes of botulinum neurotoxins (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H). Serotype A have been the most recognized one and was initially developed for large scale production in 1940's. The first batch for clinical use was produced by Edward Schantz, who collaborated with Dr. Alan Scott, an ophthalmologist, evaluating botulinum neurotoxin to treat strabismus. The process Schantz used had variability and led to inconsistent batch production. However, this process is still used by various manufacturers of commercial botulinum neurotoxin products as the foundation. These manufacturers have refined the manufacturing of botulinum neurotoxins by implementing new advanced techniques, including better potency assays. Despite the improvements in the manufacturing process, botulinum neurotoxins are still one of the most potent molecules and therefore, require special handing and additional safety/security measurements during production.

Recent Advances in Co-processed APIs and Proposals for Enabling Commercialization of These Transformative Technologies.

Optimized physical properties (e.g., bulk, surface/interfacial, and mechanical properties) of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are key to the successful integration of drug substance and drug product manufacturing, robust drug product manufacturing operations, and ultimately to attaining consistent drug product critical quality attributes. However, an appreciable number of APIs have physical properties that cannot be managed via routes such as form selection, adjustments to the crystallization process parameters, or milling. Approaches to control physical properties in innovative ways offer the possibility of providing additional and unique opportunities to control API physical properties for both batch and continuous drug product manufacturing, ultimately resulting in simplified and more robust pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. Specifically, diverse opportunities to significantly enhance API physical properties are created if allowances are made for generating co-processed APIs by introducing nonactive components (e.g., excipients, additives, carriers) during drug substance manufacturing. The addition of a nonactive coformer during drug substance manufacturing is currently an accepted approach for cocrystals, and it would be beneficial if a similar allowance could be made for other nonactive components with the ability to modify the physical properties of the API. In many cases, co-processed APIs could enable continuous direct compression for small molecules, and longer term, this approach could be leveraged to simplify continuous end-to-end drug substance to drug product manufacturing processes for both small and large molecules. As with any novel technology, the regulatory expectations for co-processed APIs are not yet clearly defined, and this creates challenges for commercial implementation of these technologies by the pharmaceutical industry. The intent of this paper is to highlight the opportunities and growing interest in realizing the benefits of co-processed APIs, exemplified by a body of academic research and industrial examples. This work will highlight reasons why co-processed APIs would best be considered as drug substances from a regulatory perspective and emphasize the areas where regulatory strategies need to be established to allow for commercialization of innovative approaches in this area.

An Overview of Drug Substance Manufacturing Processes.

To develop a comprehensive understanding of pharmaceutical drug substance manufacturing (DSM) processes, we conducted a data mining study to examine 50 new drug applications (NDAs) approved in 2010-2016. We analyzed the prevalence of several frequently deployed in-process control (IPC) techniques and postreaction workup procedures, as well as the operational conditions specified for reactions and workups. Our findings show that crystallization and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were the most commonly used workup steps and in-process controls, respectively, in drug substance manufacturing. On average, each NDA implemented 12.6 in-process controls and 11.3 workups. Operation time for reactions and workup procedures varied from a few minutes to multiple days, though 61% of these were between 1 and 10 h.

Analysis of an Impurity, N-Nitrosodimethylamine, in Valsartan Drug Substances and Associated Products Using GC-MS.

Valsartan products, commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, have been recalled in many countries due to the presence of an impurity, N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), in the recalled products. We present and evaluate a GC-MS-based analytical method for the determination of NDMA levels and attempt an investigation of NDMA concentrations in valsartan drug substances and associated products. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for the method were estimated to be 0.1 and 0.5 µg/g, respectively, when testing a 0.5-g sample. A good trueness (99%) with a small relative standard deviation (1.9%) was obtained for a valsartan product spiked with NDMA at a concentration of 1.0 µg/g. Additionally, a valsartan drug substance and the associated product, which were previously determined to have NDMA contamination, were analyzed by the method. The NDMA content by our method was very close to previously determined values. Finally, six samples, including valsartan drug substances and associated, commercially available products in Japan, all of which were derived from the company implicated in the NDMA contamination, were analyzed by our method, revealing that none of these samples contained detectable concentrations of NDMA. Overall, the data indicate that the present method is reliable and useful for determination of NDMA in valsartan drug substances and associated products.

Efficient Exploration of Many Variables and Interactions Using Regularized Regression.

The prevention sciences often face several situations that can compromise the statistical power and validity of a study. Among these, research can (1) have data with many variables, sometimes with low sample sizes, (2) have highly correlated predictors, (3) have unclear theory or empirical evidence related to the research questions, and/or (4) have difficulty selecting the proper covariates in observational studies. Modeling in these situations is difficult-and at times impossible-with conventional methods. Fortunately, regularized regression-a machine learning technique-can aid in exploring datasets that are otherwise difficult to analyze, allowing researchers to draw insights from these data. Although many of these methods have existed for several decades, prevention researchers rarely use them. As a gentle introduction, we discuss the utility of regularized regression to the field of prevention science and apply the technique to a real dataset. The data (n = 7979) for the demonstration consisted of 76 variables (151 including the modeled interactions) from the Youth Risk-Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) from 2015. Overall, it is clear that regularized regression can be an important tool in analyzing and gaining insight from data in the prevention sciences.

Deuterated active pharmaceutical ingredients: A science-based proposal for synthesis, analysis, and control. Part 1: Framing the problem.

The International Consortium for Innovation & Quality (IQ) in Pharmaceutical Development recently established a working group focused on the development of a guidance to address Deuterated Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients. Deuteration of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) in some cases can retard and/or alter API metabolism by exploiting the primary kinetic isotope effect. Several deuterated APIs have entered into the clinic, and one has recently been approved. In most cases, it is very difficult to nearly impossible to synthesize a 100% isotopically pure compound. This raises synthetic, analytical, and regulatory questions that warrant a science-based assessment and recommendations for synthetic methods, analytical methods, and specifications. A cross functional team of scientists with expertise in isotope chemistry, process chemistry, analytical chemistry, and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics have been meeting under the auspices of IQ to define and address these questions. This paper strives to frame chemistry, manufacturing, and controls challenges.

Particle engineering at the drug substance, drug product interface: a comprehensive platform approach to enabling continuous drug substance to drug product processing with differentiated material properties.

Direct compression offers a simple route to generate pharmaceutical dosage units and is core to the growing arena of continuous manufacturing. However, direct compression can be untenable for some active materials. This paper will outline three specific challenges API's can present to direct (active pharmaceutical ingredients) compression. The first involves API's having exceedingly high aspect ratio ("needles") or small particle size resulting in low bulk density and poor flow properties. Two additional cases are relatively newer challenges to direct compression driven by the growing need for solubility enhancing formulations, and involve nano-crystalline materials and spray dried amorphous dispersions. Multiple approaches for managing high aspect ratio or micronized API's have been implemented during the crystallization process or via particle coating downstream from API isolation. Fewer options have been reported for the successful conversion of nano-crystalline materials or spray dried amorphous dispersions into materials amenable to direct compression as these materials offer another specific set of challenges. One route that has not been explored that stands to allow continuous drug product processing across a broader product portfolio involves evaluating opportunities at the drug substance/drug product interface. Here, the options achieved through targeted introduction of excipients to the drug substance processing steps during product precipitation and/or isolation from a product slurry are discussed. This approach introduces new opportunities for designing multicomponent particles through productive and inherently continuous processes. This also offers a longer-term potential route to integrate across continuous drug substance processing to continuous drug product processing.