New research from Lund University provides a potential explanation as to why antibody-based drugs often become too thick to be injected at higher concentrations, providing a potential new pathway to developing easily injectable medications.
The research, described in a recent publication in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, utilized advanced computer simulations to show that the increased viscosity of antibody-based injectables is due to the antibodies forming short lived charge-driven structures.
"We were surprised that models previously used to describe the structure of antibody solutions couldn't predict these dynamics. It's clear that electrical charges play a crucial role in understanding the true properties," said Fabrizio Camerin, chemistry researcher at Lund University.
Unlike more basic models, the advanced simulations used by the team show that both the complex charge distribution of the antibodies and the surrounding ions in the solution must be considered to accurately reproduce experimental results.
The findings of the study pave the way for developing new techniques for predicting how antibodies will behave at higher concentrations, providing valuable guidance for pharmaceutical manufacturers working to develop stable, easily injectable formulations.
"By understanding the mechanism behind viscous antibody solutions, we can contribute to better treatment strategies and improved quality of life for patients," Camerin concluded.