Anti-tnf-alpha antibodies in solution and uses thereof

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-IANT1-TNF-ALPHA ANTIBODIES IN SOLUTION AND USES THEREOF

Background of the Invention

Tumor necrosis factor a (TNFa) is a cytokine produced by numerous cell types, including monocytes and macrophages, that was originally identified based on its capacity to indoce the necroa* oi certain mouse tnmon (see e.g., Old, L. (1985) Science 230:630-632). Subsequently, a factor termed cachectin, associated with cachexia, was shown to be the same molecule as TNFa. TNFa has been implicated In mediating shock (see e.g., Beutler, B. and Cerami, A. (1988) Annu. Rev. Biochan. 57:505-518; Oeutler. B. and flnrami, A. (1989) Annu. Rev. Immunol. 7:625-655). Furthermore, TNFa has been implicated in the pathophysiology of a variety of other human diseases and disorders, including sepsis, infections, autoimmune diseases, transplant rejection and graft-versus-host disease (see e.g., Moeller, A, et aL (1990) Cytokine 2:162-169; rj.S. Patent No. 5331,024 to Moeller et aL·, European Patent Publication No. 260 610 111 by Moeller, A., et otVasilli.P. (1992.) Annu. Rev. Immunol. 1Q-.411-452:Traaev.

KLJ. and Cerami, A. (1994) Annu. Rev. Med. 45:491-503).

Because of the harmful role of human TNFa (hTNFa) in a variety of human disordera, therapeutic strategies have been designed to inhibit or counteract hTNFa activity. In particular, antibodies that bind to, and neutralize, hTNFa have been sought as a means to inhibit hTNFa activity. Some of the earliest of such antibodies were mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), secreted by hybridamas prepared from lymphocytes of mice immunized with hTNFa (see e.g., Hahn T; et aL, (1985) Proc Nail Acad Sci USA 82:3814-3818; Liang, C-Μ-, et aL (1986) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 137:847-854: Hirai, M., et aL (1987) J, ImmunoL Methods 96:57-62: Fendly, B.M., et aL (1987) Hybridoma £:359-370: Moeller, A-, et ai (1990) Cytokine 2:162169; U.S. Patent No. 5331,024 to Moeller et of.; European Patent Publication No. 186 333 BI by Wallach, D.; European Patent Application Publication No. 218 868 Al by Old etaL; European Patent Publication No. 260 610 BI by Moeller, A, et aL). While these mouse anti-hTNFot antibodies often displayed high affinity for hTNFa (e.g., Kd S 10*^M) and were able to neutralize hTNFct activity, their use in vivo may be limited by problems associated with administration of mouse antibodies to humans, such as short serum half life, an inability to trigger certain human effector functions and elicitation of an unwanted immune response against the mouse antibody in a human (the human antimoose antibody (HAMA) reaction).

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-2Γη an attempt to overcome the problems associated with use of folly-murine antibodies in humans, murine anti-hTNFa antibodies have been genetically engineered to bo more human-like. For example, chimeric antibodies, in which the variable regions of the antibody chains are murine-derived and the constant regions of the antibody chains are human-derived, have been prepared (Knight, D.M, et aL (1993)

Mol. Immunol. 3fl: 1443-1453; PCT Publication No. WO 92/16553 by Daddona, P.E., et aL). Additionally, humanized antibodies, in which the hypervariable domains of the antibody variable regions are murine-derived but the remainder of the variable regions and the antibody constant regions arc human-derived, have also been prepared (PCT

Publication No. WO 92/11383 by Adair, J.R., et aL). However, because these chimeric and humanized antibodies still retain some murine sequences, they still may elicit an unwanted immune reaction, the human anti-chimeric antibody (HACA) reaction, especially when administered for prolonged periods, e.g., for chronic indications, such as rheumatoid arthritis (see e.g., Elliott, MJ., et aL (1994) Lancet 344:1125-1127; Elliot,

MJ., et al. (1994) Lancet 344:1105-1110).

A preferred hTNFa inhibitory agent to murine mAbs or derivatives thereof (e.g., chimeric or humanized antibodies) would be an entirely human anti-hTNFa antibody, since such an agent should not elicit the HAMA reaction, even if used for prolonged periods. Human monoclonal autoantibodies against hTNFa have been prepared using human hybridoma techniques (Boyle, P., et aL (1993) CelL Immunol. 152:556-568: Boyle, P., et aL (1993) CeU. Immunol. 152:569-581: European Patent Application Publication No. 614 984 A2 by Boyle, et aL). However, these hybridoma-derived monoclonal autoantibodies were reported to have an affinity for hTNFa that was too low to calculate by conventional methods, were unable to bind soluble hTNFa and were unable to neutralize hTNFa-induced cytotoxicity (see Boyle, et aL ; supra). Moreover, the success of the human hybridoma technique depends upon the natural presence in human peripheral blood of lymphocytes producing autoantibodies specific for hTNFa. Certain studies have detected serum autoantibodies against hTNFa in human subjects (Fomsgaard, A., et aL (1989) Scand. J. ImmunoL 30:219-223: Bendtzen, K., et aL (1990) Prog. Leukocyte BioL 10B:447-452). whereas others have not (Leusch, H-G., et al. (1991) 7. ImmunoL Methods 132:145-147).

Alternative to naturally-occurring human anti-hTNFa antibodies would be a recombinant hTNFa antibody. Recombinant human antibodies that bind hTNFa with relatively low affinity (Le., Kj ~1O*7M) and a fast off rate (Le., Koff - 10^-^ sec'l) have been described (Griffiths, AD., et aL (1993) EMBO J. /2.125-734). However, because of their relatively fast dissociation kinetics, these antibodies may not be suitable for therapeutic use. Additionally, a recombinant human anti-hTNFa has been described

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- 3 that does not neutralize hTNFa activity, but rather enhances binding of hTNFa to the surface of cells and enhances internalization of hTNFa (Lidbury, A., et at (1994) Uiotechnot Ther. 5:27-45; PCT Publication No. WO 92/03145 by Aston, R. et at)

Recombinant human antibodies that bind soluble hTNFa with high affinity and slow dissociation kinetics and that have the capacity to neutralize hTNFa activity, including hTNFa-induccd cytotoxicity (in vitro and in vivo) and hTNFa-induced cell activation, have also been described (see U.S. Patent No. 6,090,382).

Summary of the Invention

There is a need for a stable aqueous pharmaceutical formulation with an extended shelf life, comprising an antibody which is suitable for therapeutic use to inhibit or counteract detrimental hTNFa activity. There is also a need for a stable aqueous pharmaceutical formulation with an extended shelf life, comprising an antibody suitable for therapeutic use which is easily administered and contains a high protein concentration.

This invention relates to:

< 1 > A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml, a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, wherein said formulation has a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<2> A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising (a) from 20 to 150 mg/ml of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody, (b) from 5 to 20 mg/ml of mannitol, (c) from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml of polysorbate 80, and (d) a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, with a pH from 4 to 8,

CA 02872089 2014-11-25 wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<3> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <1>, wherein the sugar alcohol is mannitol.

<4> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <l>, wherein the polysorbate is polysorbate 80.

<5> I'he liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <2>, wherein the antibody is antibody D2E7.

<6> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <1>, <3> or <4>, wherein the antibody is antibody D2E7.

<7> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of any one of <l>-<6>, comprising from 30 to 120 mg/ml of the antibody.

<8> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of any one of <l>-<7>, comprising from 35 to 115 mg/ml of the antibody.

<9> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <8>, comprising from 40 to 110 mg/ml of the antibody.

<10> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <9>, comprising from 45 to 105 mg/ml of the antibody.

<11> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of any one of <l>-<10>, wherein the pH is from 4.5 to 6.0.

<12> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <11>, wherein the pH is from 4.8 to 5.5.

< 13> Tho liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <2> or <3>, comprising from 10 to 14 mg/ml of mannitol.

<14> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <2> or <4>, comprising from 0.5 to 5 mg/ml of polysorbate 80.

< 15> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <2>, which contains (a) (b) (c) from 40 to 100 mg/ml of the antibody, from 7.5 to 15 mg/ml of mannitol, and from 0.5 to 5 mg/ml of polysorbate 80.

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- 5 <I6> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of any one of <l>-<4> and < 13>-< 15>, wherein the antibody comprises an IgGi heavy chain constant region.

<17> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of any one of <l>-<4> and 13>-<15>, wherein the antibody comprises an lgG₄ heavy chain constant region.

<18> Λ liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation having a pH from 4 to 8 and comprising (a) from 20 to 150 mg/ml of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgGj antibody comprising a D2E7 light chain variable region and a D2E7 heavy chain variable region;

(b) from 10 to 14 mg/ml of mannitol, (c) from 0.1 to 5 mg/ml of polysorbate 80, (d) from 1 to 1.5 mg/ml of citric acid monohydrate, (e) from 0.25 to 0.5 mg/ml of sodium citrate, (f) from 1.25 to 1.75 mg/ml of disodium phosphate dihydrate, (g) from 0.7 to 1.1 mg/ml of sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, and (h) from 6.0 to 6.4 mg/ml sodium chloride.

<19> Λ liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation having a pH from 4 to 8 and comprising (a) from 20 to 150 mg/ml of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG< antibody comprising a D2E7 light chain variable region and a D2E7 heavy chain variable region;

(b) from 10 to 14 mg/ml of mannitol, (c) from 0.1 to 5 mg/ml of polysorbate 80, (d) from 1 to 1.5 mg/ml of citric acid monohydrate, (e) from 0.25 to 0.5 mg/ml of sodium citrate, (f) from 1.25 to 1.75 mg/ml of disodium phosphate dihydrate, (g) from 0.7 to 1.1 mg/ml of sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, and (h) from 6.0 to 6.4 mg/ml sodium chloride.

<20> Use of the formulation of any one of < 1>-<19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is an autoimmune disease.

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-6<21> The use of <20>, wherein the autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, allergy, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diabetes, autoimmune uveitis, autoimmune hepatitis, or nephrotic syndrome.

<22> Use of the formulation of any one of <|>-<I9> in the preparation of a medicament for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is an infectious disease.

<23> The use of <22>, wherein the infectious disease is meningitis, malaria, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or cytomegalovirus infection secondary to transplantation.

<24> Use of the formulation of any one of <1>-<19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is a pulmonary disorder.

<25> The use of <24>, wherein the pulmonary disorder is adult respiratory distress syndrome, shock lung, a chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, an obstructive pulmonary disease, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, or silicosis.

<26> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is an inflammatory bowel disease.

<27> The use of <26>, wherein the inflammatory bowel disease is Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

<28> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is ankylosing spondylitis.

<29> Use of the formulation of any one of <1>-<19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in a human subject.

<30> Use of the formulation of any one of <1>-<19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating psoriasis in a human subject.

<31> Use of the formulation of any one of <1>-<19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating psoriatic arthritis in a human subject.

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-7-32> Use ofthe formulation of any one of <(>-<I9> in the preparation of a medicament for treating sarcoidosis in a human subject.

<33> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating scleroderma in a human subject.

<34> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating a spondyloarthropathy in a human subject.

<35> Use of the formulation of any one of <l>-< 19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating Still's disease in a human subject.

<36> Use of the formulation of any one of <1>-<19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating Sjogren's syndrome in a human subject.

<37> Use of the formulation of any one of < 1 >-< 19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating atherosclerosis in a human subject.

<3 8> Use of the formulation of any one of < 1 >-< 19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating uveitis in a human subject.

<39> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is sepsis, a graft versus host disease, a malignancy, cachexia, an inflammatory bone disorder, a bone resorption disease, hepatitis, a coagulation disturbance, bum, a reperfusion injury, keloid formation, scar tissue formation, pyrexia, a periodontal disease, obesity, radiation, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, liver failure, chronic liver failure, dcrmatopolymyositis, diabetic macrovasculopathy, endometriosis, familial periodic fevers, fibrosis, hemodialysis, Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, Kawasaki syndrome, myelodysplastic syndrome, panciaticular vulgaris, peripheral neuropathy, polyarticular, polymyositis, progressive renal failure, Reiter's syndrome, stroke, therapy associated syndrome, therapy induced inflammatory syndrome, inflammatory syndrome following IL-2 administration, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (TAAA), VasuIo-Behcet's disease, Yellow Fever vaccination, type 1 diabetes meliitus, type 2 diabetes meilitus, neuropathic pain, sciatica, cerebral edema, edema in or around the spinal cord, vasculitide, Wegener's granulomatosis, temporal arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, Takayasu's arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Felty's syndrome, mixed

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- 7:ι connective tissue disorder, relapsing polychondritis, pseudogout, loosening of prostheses, sclerosing cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, glomerulonephritides, post-strcptococcal glomerulonephritis or IgA nephropathy, rheumatic heart disease, orchitis, pyoderma gangerenosum, multiple myeloma, TNF receptor associated periodic syndrome [TRAPS], atherosclerosis, steroid dependent giant cell arteritismyostitis, or a cardiac disorder.

<40> Use of the formulation of any one of < 1 >-< 19> for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is an autoimmune disease.

<41> The use of <40>, wherein the autoimmune disease is rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, allergy, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diabetes, autoimmune uveitis, autoimmune hepatitis, or nephrotic syndrome.

<42> Use of the fonnulation of any one of < l>-< 19> for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is an infectious disease.

<43> The use of <42>, wherein the infectious disease is meningitis, malaria, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or cytomegalovirus infection secondary to transplantation.

<44> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is a pulmonary disorder.

<45> The use of <44>, wherein the pulmonary disorder is respiratory distress syndrome, shock lung, a chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, an obstructive pulmonary disease, a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, or silicosis.

<46> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is an inflammatory bowel disease.

<47> The use of <46>, wherein the inflammatory bowel disease is Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

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-7b<48> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> for treating ankylosing spondylitis in a human subject.

< I9> Use of the formulation of any one of <!>-< 19> for treating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) in a human subject.

<50> Use of the formulation of any one of <!>-<! 9> for treating psoriasis in a human subject.

<51> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> for treating psoriatic arthritis in a human subject.

<52> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> for treating sarcoidosis in a human subject.

<53> Use of the formulation of any one of <!>-<!9> for treating scleroderma in a human subject.

<54> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> for treating a spondyloarthropathy in a human subject.

<55> Use of the formulation of anyone of <1>-<19> for treating Still’s disease in a human subject.

<56> Use of the formulation of any one of <!>-< 19> for treating Sjogren's syndrome in a human subject.

<57> Use of the formulation of any one of < l>-< 19> for treating atherosclerosis in a human subject.

<58> Use of the formulation of any one of < 1 >-< 19> for treating uveitis in a human subject.

<59> Use of the formulation of any one of <l>-< 19> for treating a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental in a human subject, wherein the disorder is sepsis, a graft versus host disease, a malignancy, cachexia, an inflammatory bone disorder, a bone resorption disease, hepatitis, a coagulation disturbance, bum, a reperfusion injury, keloid formation, scar tissue formation, pyrexia, a periodontal disease, obesity, radiation, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, liver failure, chronic liver failure, dermatopolymyositis, diabetic macrovasculopathy, endometriosis, familial periodic fevers, fibrosis, hemodialysis, Jarisch-Herxheimer

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-7creaction, Kawasaki syndrome, inyelodysplastic syndrome, panciaticular vulgaris, peripheral neuropathy, polyarticular, polymyositis, progressive renal failure, Reiter's syndrome, stroke, therapy associated syndrome, therapy induced inflammatory syndrome, inflammatory syndrome following IL-2 administration, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (TAAA), Vasulo-Behcet's disease, Yellow Fever vaccination, type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, neuropathic pain, sciatica, cerebral edema, edema in or around the spinal cord, vasculitide, Wegener's granulomatosis, temporal arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, Takayasu's arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Felty's syndrome, mixed connective tissue disorder, relapsing polychondritis, pseudogout, loosening of prostheses, sclerosing cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, glomcrulonephritides, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis or IgA nephropathy, rheumatic heart disease, orchitis, pyoderma gangerenosum, multiple myeloma, TNF receptor associated periodic syndrome [TRAPS], atherosclerosis, steroid dependent giant cell arteritismyostitis, or a cardiac disorder.

<60> Use of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody that specifically binds TNFa to treat psoriasis, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml in a solution comprising a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, at a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<61> Use of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody that specifically binds TNFa to treat psoriatic arthritis, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml in a solution comprising a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, at a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<62> Use of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody that specifically binds TNFa to treat ankylosing spondylitis, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml in a solution comprising a sugar alcohol at a

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- 7tlconcentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 ίng/inl, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, at a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<63> Use of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha ( TNFa) IgG antibody that specifically binds TNFa to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml in a solution comprising a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, at a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<64> Use of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody that specifically binds TNFa to treat rheumatoid arthritis, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml in a solution comprising a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, at a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<65> Use of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody that specifically binds TNFa to treat Crohn’s disease, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml in a solution comprising a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, at a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<66> Use of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody that specifically binds TNFa to treat ulcerative colitis, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml in a solution comprising a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, at a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

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- 7e<67> Use of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody that specifically binds TNFa to treat uveitis, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml in a solution comprising a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, at a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<68> Use of a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody that specifically binds TNFa to treat Vasulo-Behcet’s disease, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml in a solution comprising a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, at a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<69> The use of any one of <60>-<68>, wherein the sugar alcohol is mannitol.

<70> The use of <69>, wherein the mannitol is at a concentration from 10 to 14 mg/ml.

<71 > The use of any one of <60>-<70>, wherein the polysorbate is polysorbate 80.

<72> The use of <71>, wherein the polysorbate 80 is at a concentration from 0.5 to 5 mg/ml.

<73> The use of any one of <60>-<72>, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 30 to 120 mg/ml.

<74> The use of <73>, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 35 to 115 mg/ml.

<75> The use of <73>, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 40 to 110 mg/ml.

<76> The use of <73>, wherein the antibody is at a concentration from 45 to 105 mg/ml.

<77> The use of any one of <60>-<76>, wherein the pH is from 4.5 to 6.0.

<78> The use of <77>, wherein the pH is from 4.8 to 5.5.

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-7f<79> Tho use of any one of <60>-<78>, wherein the antibody is antibody D2E7, the sugar alcohol is mannitol at a concentration from 10 to 14 mg/ml, and the polysorbate is polysorbate 80 at a concentration from 0.5 to 5 mg/ml.

<80> The use of any one of <60>-<78>, wherein the antibody comprises an IgGj or IgG< heavy chain constant region.

<81> The use of any one of <60>-<78>, wherein the antibody is antibody D2E7.

< 82> The use of any one of <79>-<81>, wherein the use is subcutaneous use.

<83> A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgGj antibody at a concentration from 20 to 150 mg/ml, a sugar alcohol at a concentration from 5 to 20 mg/ml, a polysorbate at a concentration from 0.1 to 10 mg/ml, and a buffer system comprising citrate and phosphate, wherein said formulation has a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<84> A liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a human anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFa) IgG antibody at a concentration from 40 to 110 mg/ml, citric acid monohydrate, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, mannitol, monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, polysorbate 80, sodium citrate, and sodium chloride, wherein said formulation has a pH from 4 to 8, and wherein the antibody comprises a light chain variable region and a heavy chain variable region of antibody D2E7.

<85> Hie liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <83> or <84>, wherein the pH is from 4.5 to 6.0.

<86> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <83> or <84>, wherein the pH is from 4.8 to 5.5.

<87> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of any one of <83> to <86>, wherein the concentration of the antibody is 50 mg/ml.

<88> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <83>, wherein the antibody is antibody D2E7, the sugar alcohol is mannitol at a concentration from 10 to

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-7g14 mg/ml, and the polysorbate is polysorbate 80 at a concentration from 0.5 to 5 mg/ml.

<H9> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <84>, wherein the antibody is antibody D2E7, mannitol is at a concentration from 10 to 14 mg/ml, and polysorbate 80 is at a concentration from 0.5 to 5 mg/ml.

<90> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <83>, wherein the antibody is antibody D2E7 at a concentration of about 50 mg/ml, the sugar alcohol is mannitol at a concentration of about 12 mg/ml, the polysorbate is polysorbate 80 at a concentration of about I mg/ml, and the pH of the buffer system is from about 4.8 to about 5.5.

<91> The liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of <84>, wherein the antibody is antibody D2E7 at a concentration of about 50 mg/ml, mannitol is at a concentration of about 12 mg/ml, polysorbate 80 is at a concentration of about 1 mg/ml, and the pH of the buffer system is from about 5.0 to about 5.2.

<92> Use of the formulation of any one of <1>-<19> in the preparation of a medicament for treating rheumatoid arthritis in a human subject.

<93> Use of the formulation of any one of < 1 >-< 19> for treating rheumatoid arthritis in a human subject.

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-8Detailcd Description of the invention

Tliis invention pertains to a liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation with a pH of about 4 to about 8 which contains a high protein concentration, including an antibody concentration ranging from about 1 to about 150 mg/ml, and has enhanced stability.

This invention also pertains to a liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation for therapeutic use in a subject suffering from a condition characterized by detrimental TNFa activity. The formulation of the invention comprises the following constituents: an antibody which binds to human TNFa with high affinity, a low off rate and high neutralizing capacity; a buffer, which includes citric acid, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, and sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate; tonicity agents, which include mannitol and sodium chloride; a detergent, including polysorbate 80; and sodium hydroxide, for pH adjustment

Definitions

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, certain terms are first defined.

The term “subject” is intended to include living organisms, e.g., prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Examples of subjects include mammals, e.g., humans, dogs, cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats, cats, mice, rabbits, rats, and transgenic non-human animals. In specific embodiments of the invention, the subject is a human.

The term pharmaceutical formulation refers to preparations which are in such form as to permit the biological activity of the active ingredients to be unequivocally effective, and which contain no additional components which are significantly toxic to the subjects to which the formulation would be administered. Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients (vehicles, additives) are those which can reasonably be administered to a subject mammal to provide an effective dose of the active ingredient employed.

A stable formulation is one in which the antibody therein essentially retains its physical stability and/or chemical stability and/or biological activity upon storage.

Various analytical techniques for measuring protein stability are available in the art and are reviewed in Peptide and Protein Drug Delivery, 247-301, Vincent Lee Ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y., Pubs. (1991) and Jones, A. Adv. Drug Delivery Rev. 10:

29-90 (1993), for example. Stability can be measured at a selected temperature for a selected time period. Preferably, the formulation is stable at room temperature (about 3O°C) or at 40“C for at least 1 month and/or stable at about 2-8°C. for at least 1 year for

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-liât least 2 years. Furthermore, the formulation is preferably stable following freezing (to, e.g., -70°C) and thawing of the formulation, hereinafter referred to as a frceze/thaw cycle.

An antibody retains its physical stability in a pharmaceutical formulation if it shows substantially no signs of aggregation, precipitation and/or dénaturation upon visual examination of color and/or clarity, or as measured by UV light scattering or by size exclusion chromatography.

An antibody retains its chemical stability in a pharmaceutical formulation, if the chemical stability at a given time is such that the antibody is considered to still retain its biological activity as defined below. Chemical stability can be assessed by detecting and quantifying chemically altered forms of the antibody. Chemical alteration may involve size modification (e.g. clipping) which can be evaluated using size exclusion chromatography, SDS-PAGE and/or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time-offlight mass spectrometry (MALDI/TOFMS), for example. Other types of chemical alteration include charge alteration (e.g. occurring as a result of deamidation) which can be evaluated by ion-exchange chromatography, for example.

An antibody retains its biological activity” in a pharmaceutical formulation, if the antibody in a pharmaceutical formulation is biologically active for its intended purpose. For example, biological activity is retained if the biological activity of the antibody in the pharmaceutical formulation is within about 30%, about 20%, or about 10% (within the errors of the assay) of the biological activity exhibited at the time the pharmaceutical formulation was prepared (e.g., as determined in an antigen binding assay).

Isotonic is a term recognized in the art Isotonic can mean, for example, that the formulation of interest has essentially the same osmotic pressure as human blood. Isotonic formulations will generally have an osmotic pressure from about 250 to 350 mOsm. Isotonicity can be measured using a vapor pressure or ice-freezing type osmometer, for example. A tonicity agent is a compound which renders the formulation isotonic.

A polyol is a substance with multiple hydroxyl groups, and includes sugars (reducing and nonreducing sugars), sugar alcohols and sugar acids. Preferred polyols herein have a molecular weight which is less than about 600 kD (e.g. in the range from about 120 to about 400 kD). A reducing sugar is one which contains a hemiacetal group that can reduce metal ions or react covalently with lysine and other amino groups in proteins and a nonreducing sugar is one which does not have these properties of a reducing sugar. Examples of reducing sugars are fructose, mannose, maltose, lactose, arabinose, xylose, ribose, rhamnose, galactose and glucose. Nonreducing sugars include

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- 10sucrose, trehalose, sorbose, melezitose and raffinose. Mannitol, xylitol, erythritol, threitol, sorbitol and glycerol are examples of sugar alcohols. As to sugar acids, these include L-gluconate and metallic salts thereof. Where it desired that the formulation is freeze-thaw stable, the polyol is preferably one which does not crystallize at freezing temperatures (e.g. -20°C) such that it destabilizes the antibody in the formulation. The polyl may also act as a tonicity agent In one embodiment of the invention, one ingredient of the formulation is mannitol in a concentration of 5 to 20 mg/ml. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the concentration of mannitol is 7.5 to 15 mg/ml. In a more preferred embodiment of the invention, the concentration of mannitol is 10-14 mg/ml.

As used herein, buffer refers to a buffered solution that resists changes in pH by the action of its acid-base conjugate components. The buffer of this invention has a pH in the range from about 4 to about 8; preferably from about 4.5 to about 7; and most preferably has a pH in the range from about 5.0 to about 6.5. Examples of buffers that will control the pH in this range include acetate (e.g. sodium acetate), succinate (such as sodium succinate), gluconate, histidine, citrate and other organic acid buffers.

In a pharmacological sense, in the context of the present invention, a therapeutically effective amount or effective amount of an antibody refers to an amount effective in the prevention or treatment of a disorder for the treatment of which the antibody is effective. A disorder” is any condition that would benefit from treatment with the antibody. This includes chronic and acute disorders or diseases including those pathological conditions which predisposes the subject to the disorder in question.

A preservative” is a compound which can be included in the formulation to essentially reduce bacterial action therein, thus facilitating the production of a multi-use formulation, for example. Examples of potential preservatives include octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, hexaméthonium chloride, benzalkonium chlorido (a mixture of alkylbenzyldimethylammonium chlorides in which the alkyl groups are long-chain compounds), and benzéthonium chloride. Other types of preservatives include aromatic alcohols such as phenol, butyl and benzyl alcohol, alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben, catechol, resorcinol, cyclohexanol, 3pentanol, and m-cresol.

'Treatment refers to both therapeutic treatment and prophylactic or preventative measures. Those in need of treatment include those already with the disorder as well as those in which the disorder is to be prevented.

The phrases parenteral administration and administered parenteially as usedherein means modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration,

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- 11usually by injection, and includes, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal and intrastemai injection and infusion.

The phrases systemic administration,¹’ administered systemically, peripheral administration and administered peripherally as used herein mean the administration of a compound, drug or other material other than directly into the central nervous system, such that it enters the patient's system and, thus, is subject to metabolism and other like processes, for example, subcutaneous administration.

The phrase pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” is art recognized and includes a pharmaceutically acceptable material, composition or vehicle, suitable for administration to mammals. The carriers include liquid or solid filler, diluent, excipient, solvent or encapsulating material, involved in carrying or transporting the subject agent from one organ, or portion of the body, to another organ, or portion of the body. Each carrier must be acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not injurious to the patient

The term human TNFa (abbreviated herein as hTNFa, or simply hTNF), as used herein, is intended to refer to a human cytokine that exists as a 17 kD secreted form and a 26 kD membrane associated form, the biologically active form of which is composed of a trimer of noncovalently bound 17 kD molecules. The structure of hTNFa is described further in, for example, Pennica, D., et al. (1984) Nature 312:724729; Davis, J.M., et aL (1987) Biochemistry 2^:1322-1326; and Jones, E.Y., et aL (1989) Nature 338:225-228. The term human TNFa is intended to include recombinant human TNFa (rhTNFa), which can be prepared by standard recombinant expression methods or purchased commercially (R & D Systems, Catalog No. 210-TA,

Minneapolis, MN).

The term antibody, as used herein, is intended to refer to immunoglobulin molecules comprised of four polypeptide chains, two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains inter-connected by disulfide bonds. Each heavy chain is comprised of a heavy chain variable region (abbreviated herein as HCVR or VH) and a heavy chain constant region. The heavy chain constant region is comprised of three domains, CHI, CH2 and CH3. Each light chain is comprised of a light chain variable region (abbreviated herein as LCVR or VL) and a light chain constant region. The light chain constant region is comprised of one domain, CL. The VH and VL regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, termed complementarity determining regions (CDR), interspersed with regions that are more conserved, termed framework regions (FR).

Each VH and VL is composed of three CDRs and four FRs, arranged from aminoCA 02872089 2014-11-25

- 12terminus to carboxy-terminus in the following order PR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4. In one embodiment of the invention, the formulation contains an antibody with CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequence» like those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,090,382 and 6,258,562.

The term antigen-binding portion* of an antibody (or simply antibody portion), as used herein, refers to one or more fragments of an antibody that retain the ability to specifically bind to an antigen (e.g„ hTNFa). It has been shown that the antigen-binding function of an antibody can be performed by fragments of a full-length antibody. Examples of binding fragmenta encompassed within the term antigen10 binding portion of an antibody include (i) a Fab fragment, a monovalent fragment consisting of the VL, VH, CL and CHI domains; (ii) a F(ab*)2 fragment, a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments linked by a disulfide bridge at the hinge region; (iii) a Fd fragment consisting of the VH and CHl'damaina; (iv) a Fv fragment consisting of the VL and VH domains of a single arm of an antibody, (v) a dAb fragment (Ward et aL, ¢1989) Nature 341:544-546 ), which consists of a VH domain; and (vi) an isolated complementarity determining region (CDR). Furthermore, although the two domains of the Fv fragment, VL and VH, are coded for by separate genes, they can be joined, using ' recombinant methods, by a synthetic linker that enable» them to be made aa a single protein chain in which the VL and VH regions pair to form monovalent molecules (known as single chain Fv (scFv); see e.g., Bird et aL (1988) Science 242:423-426; and Huston et aL (1988) Proc. NatL Acad. Sci USA. 8&5879-58S3). Such single chain antibodies are also intended to be mcompassed within the term antigen-binding portion of an antibody. Other forma of single chain antibodies, soch as diabodiea are also encompassed. Diabodies are bivalent, bispedfic antibodies in which VH and VL domain» are expressed on a single polypeptide chain, but using a linker that is too short to allow for pairing between the two domains on the same chain, thereby forcing the domains to pair with complementary domains of another chain and creating two antigen binding sites (see e.g., Holliger, P., et aL (1993) Proc. NatL Acad. ScL USA 22:64446448; Poljak, R_L, et aL (1994) Structure £1121-1123). In one embodiment of the invention, the formulation contains an antigen-binding portions described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,090,382 and 6/258,562.

Still farther, an antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof may be part of a larger immunoadhesion molecules, formed by covalent or noncovalent asaodatico of the antibody or antibody portion with one or more other proteins or peptidea. Examples of such immunoadhesion molecules include use of the streptavidin core region to make a tetrameric scFv molecule (Klpriyanov, SJÆ, et aL (1995) HumanAntibodiet and Hybridomas 6:93-101) and use of a cysteine residue, a marker peptide and a C-terminal

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-13polyhistidine tag to make bivalent and biotinylnted scFv molecules (Kipriyanov, S.M., et aL (1994) MoL Immunol. 31:1047-1058). Antibody portions, such as Fab andF(ab')2 fragments, can bo prepared from whole antibodies using conventional techniques, such as papain or pepsin digestion, respectively, of whole antibodies. Moreover, antibodies, ;mhbody portions andimmunoadhesion molecules can be obtained using standard recombinant DNA techniques, as described herein.

Tlie term human antibody, as used herein, is intended to include antibodies having variable and constant regions derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences. The human antibodies of the invention may include amino acid residues not encoded by human germline immunoglobulin sequences (e.g., mutations introduced by random or site-specific mutagenesis in vitro or by somatic mutation in vivo), for example in the CDRs and in particular CDR3. However, the term human antibody, as used herein, is not intended to include antibodies in which CDR sequences derived from the gennline of another mammalian species, such as a mouse, have been grafted onto human framework sequences.

The term recombinant human antibody, as used herein, is intended to include all human antibodies that are prepared, expressed, created or isolated by recombinant means, such as antibodies expressed using a recombinant expression vector transfected into a host cell (described further in Section Π, below), antibodies isolated from a recombinant, combinatorial human antibody library (described further in Section 1H, below), antibodies isolated from an animal (e.g., a mouse) that is transgenic for human immunoglobulin genes (see e.g., Taylor, LD., et aL (1992) Nucl Acids Res. 20:62876295) or antibodies prepared, expressed, created or isolated by any other means that involves splicing of human immunoglobulin gene sequences to other DNA sequences. Such recombinant human antibodies have variable and constant regions derived from human gennline immunoglobulin sequences. In certain embodiments, however, such recombinant human antibodies are subjected to in vitro mutagenesis (or, when an animal transgenic for human Ig sequences is used, in vivo somatic mutagenesis) and thus the amino acid sequences of the VH and VL regions of the recombinant antibodies are sequences that, while derived from and related to human germline VH and VL sequences, may not naturally exist within the human antibody gennline repertoire in vivo.

An isolated antibody, as used herein, is intended to refer to an antibody that is substantially free of other antibodies having different antigenic specificities (e.g., an isolated antibody that specifically binds hTNFa is substantially free of antibodies that specificallybind antigens other than hTNFa). An isolated antibody that specifically binds hTNFa may, however, have cross-reactivity to other antigens, such as TNFa

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-14molecules from other species. Moreover, an isolated antibody may be substantially free of other cellular material and/or chemicals.

A neutralizing antibody, as used herein (or an antibody that neutralized hTNFa activity), is intended to refer to an antibody whose binding to hTNFa results in inhibition of the biological activity of hTNFa This inhibition of the biological activity of hTNFa can be assessed by measuring one or more indicators of hTNFa biological activity, such as hTNFa-induced cytotoxicity (either in vitro or in vivo), hTNFainduced cellular activation and hTNFa binding to hTNFa receptors. These indicators of hTNFa biological activity can be assessed by one or mare of several standard in vitro or in vivo assays known in the art, and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,090,382 and

6,258362. Preferably, the ability of an antibody to neutralize hTNFa activity is assessed by inhibition of hTNFa-induced cytotoxicity of L929 cells. As an additional or alternative parameter of hTNFa activity, the ability of an antibody to inhibit hTNFa-induced expression of ELAM-1 on HUVEC, as a measure of hTNFa-induced cellular activation, can be assessed.

The term surface plasmon resonance, as used herein, refers to an optical phenomenon that allows for the analysis of real-time biospecific interactions by detection of alterations in protein concentrations within a biosensor matrix, for example using the BIAcore system (Pharmacia Biosensor AB, Uppsala, Sweden and Piscataway, NJ). For further descriptions, see Jônsson, U., et aL (1993) Aim. Biol. Clin. 51:19-26; Jônsson, U., et aL (1991) Biotechniques 11:620-627; Johnsson, B„ et aL (1995) J. MoL Recognit. 8:125-131; and Johnnson, B., et aL (1991) AnaL Biochem. \9&2£&-ΤΠ.

The term K_ofj, as used herein, is intended to refer to the off rate constant for dissociation of an antibody from the antibody/antigen complex.

The term Kj, as used heron, is intended to refer to the dissociation constant of a particular antibody-antigen interaction.

H, Antibodies of the Formulation

The invention is directed to a liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody in a buffered solution forming a formulation having a pH between about 4 and about 8 and having an extended shelf life, preferably of at least about 18 months. In another embodiment, the liquid aqueous pharmaceutical formulation of the invention has enhanced stability. In a further embodiment of the invention, the formulation is not light sensitive. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the claimed formulation remains stable following at least

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-153 freeze/thaw cycles. In still another embodiment, the pharmaceutical formulation of the invention is suitable for single use sc injection.

Antibodies that can be used in the formulation include polyclonal, monoclonal, recombinant antibodies, single chain antibodies, hybrid antibodies, chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, or fragments thereof. Antibody-like molecules containing one or two binding sites for an antigen and aFc-part of an immunoglobulin can also be used. An example of an antibody-like molecule is the active ingredient etanercept or infliximab. Preferred antibodies used in the formulation are human antibodies which are cloned from human cells or from gene-archives representing the human antibodyreservoir. Especially preferred among the human antibodies are antibodies directed against the antigen TNFa, including human TNFa (or hTNFa).

In one embodiment, the formulation of the invention includes a combination of antibodies (two or more), or a cocktail of antibodies. For example, the formulation can include the antibody D2E7 and one or more additional antibodies.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the formulation contains an antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, dissociates from human TNFa with a iQ of 1 x IO*⁸ M or less and a Karate constant of 1 x I0*³ s^-1 or less, both determined by surface plasmon resonance, and neutralizes human TNFa cytotoxicity in a standard in vitro L929 assay with an IC50 of 1 x IO*⁷ M or less, ha another preferred embodiment, the formulation of the invention contains an antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, like those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,090,382 and 6,258362.

In one aspect, the formulation of the invention contains D2E7 antibodies and antibody portions, D2E7-related antibodies and antibody portions, and other human antibodies and antibody portions with equivalent properties to D2E7, such as high affinity binding to hTNFa with low dissociation kinetics and high neutralizing capacity. In another one embodiment, the formulation of the invention contain» an isolated human antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, that dissociates from human TNFa with a Kd of 1 x IO*⁸ M or less and a Kg# rate constant of 1 x 10*³ s^-1 or less, both determined by surface plasmon resonance, and neutralizes human TNFa cytotoxicity in a standard in vitro L929 assay with an IC50 of 1 x IO*⁷ M or less. More preferahly, the isolated human antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, dissociates from human TNFa with aKoff of 5x lfr⁴ s*¹ or less, or even more preferably, with aKggof 1 x 10^-4s'l or less. More preferably, the isolated human antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, neutralizes human TNFa cytotoxicity in a standard in vitro L929 a^ay with an IC30 of 1 x 10*⁸ M or less, even more preferably with an IC5Q of 1 x Kk⁵ M or less and still more preferably with an IC50 of 5 x 10*^l° M or less. In a preferred embodiment, the

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-16fcumulation contains an antibody which is an isolated human recombinant antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof. In another preferred embodiment, the formulation contains an antibody which also neutralizes TNFa-induced cellular activation, as assessed using a standard in vitro assay for TNFa-induced ELAM-1 expression on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

ΠΙ, Preparation of Formulation

The present invention features .formulations (e.g., protein formulations and/or antibody formulations) having improved properties as compared to art-recognized formulations. For example, the formulations of the invention have an improved shelf life and/or stability as compared to art recognized formulations. In a preferred aspect, the formulations of the invention comprise a high protein concentration, including; for example, a protein concentration greater than about 45 mg/ml, a protein concentration greater than about 50 mg/ml, a protein concentration greater than about 100 mg/ml, or a protein concentration greater than about 150 mg/ml. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the protein is an antibody. In another preferred embodiment, the antibody is D2E7. The invention also provides an aqueous pharmaceutical composition comprising a polyol, a surfactant, and a buffer system comprising citrate and/or phosphate with a pH of about 4 to 8, in amounts sufficient to formulate an antibody for therapeutic use at a concentration of greater than about, for example, 45 mg/mL.

Preparation of the antibody of interest is performed according to standard methods known in the art In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the antibody used in the formulation is expressed in CHO cells and purified by a standard series of chromatography steps. In a further preferred embodiment, the antibody is directed to hTNFa, and is prepared according to the methods described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,090,382 and 6,258,562.

After preparation of the antibody of interest, the pharmaceutical formulation comprising the antibody is prepared. The therapeutically effective amount of antibody present in the formulation is determined, for example, by taking into account the desired dose volumes and mode(s) of administration. In one embodiment of the invention, the concentration of the antibody in the formulation is between about 1 to about 150 mg of antibody per ml of liquid formulation. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration of the antibody in the formulation is between about 5 to about 80 mg per ml. In another preferred embodiment, the concentration of the antibody in the formulation is between about 25 to about 50 mg/mL The formulation is especially suitable far large antibody

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-17dosages of more than 15 mg/ml. In a preferred embodiment, the concentration ofthe antibody is 50 mg/mL

In another embodiment of the invention, the concentration of the antibody in the formulation is about 1-150 mg/ml, about 5-145 mg/ml, about 10-140 mg/ml, about 15135 mg/ml, about 20-130 mg/ml, about 25-125 mg/ml, about 30-120 mg/ml, about 35115 mg/ml, about 40-110 mg/ml, about 45-105 mg/ml, about 50-100 mg/ml, about 5595 mg/ml, about 60-90 mg/ml, about 65-85 mg/ml, about 70-80 mg/ml, or about 75 mg/ml. Ranges intermediate to the above recited concentrations, e.g., about 6-144 mg/ml, are also intended to be part of this invention. For example, ranges of values using a combination of any of the above recited values as upper and/or lower limits are intended to be included.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a formulation with an extended shelf life comprising of an active ingredient, preferably an antibody, in combination with mannitol, citric acid monohydrate, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, sodium chloride, polysorbate 80, water, and sodium hydroxide. In a further embodiment, the fonniilation of the invention has an extended shelf life of at least about 18 months in the liquid state. Freezing the formulation of the invention can also be used to further extend its shelf life.

An aqueous formulation is prepared comprising the antibody in a pH-buffered solution. The buffer of this invention has a pH ranging from about 4 to about 8, preferably from about 4.5 to about 6.0, more preferably from about 4.8 to about 5.5, and most preferably has a pH of about 5.0 to about 5.2. Ranges intermediate to the above recited pH's are also intended to be part of this invention. For example, ranges of values using a combination of any of the above recited values as upper and/or lower limits are intended to be included. Examples of buffers that will control the pH within this range include acetate (e.g. sodium acetate), succinate (such as sodium succinate), gluconate, histidine, citrate and other organic acid buffers.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the formulation comprises a buffer system which contains citrate and phosphate to maintain the pH in a range of about 4 to about 8. In a further preferred embodiment the pH range is from about 4.5 to about 6.0, more preferably from about pH 4.8 to about 5.5, and most preferably in a pH range of about 5.0 to about 5.2. In another preferred embodiment, the buffer system includes citric acid monohydrate, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, and/or sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate. In a further preferred embodiment, the buffer system includes about 1.3 mg/ml of citric acid (e.g., 1.305 mg/ml), about 0.3 mg/ml of sodium citrate (s.g., 0.305 mg/ml), about 1.5 mg/ml of disodium phosphate dihydrate (e.g. 1.53 mg/ml), about 0.9 mg/ml of sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate (e.g., 0.86), and

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-18about 6.2 mg/ml of sodium chloride (e.g., 6.165 mg/ml). In additional preferred embodiments, the buffer system includes 1-1.5 mg/ml of citric acid, 0.25 to 0.5 mg/ml of sodium citrate, 1.25 to 1.75 mg/ml of of disodium phosphate dihydrate, 0.7 to 1.1 mg/ml of sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, and 6.0 to 6.4 mg/ml of sodium chloride. In a further embodiment, the pH of the formulation is adjusted with sodium hydroxide.

A polyol, which acts as a tonicifier and may stabilize the antibody, is also included in the formulation. The polyol is added to the formulation in an amount which may vary with respect to the desired isotonicity of the formulation. Preferably the aqueous formulation is isotonic. The amount of polyol added may also alter with respect to the molecular weight of the polyol. For example, a lower amount of a monosaccharide (e.g. mannitol) may be added, compared to a disaccharide (such as trehalose). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the polyol which is used in the formulation as a tonicity agent is mannitol. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mannitol concentration is about 5 to 20 mg/ml. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the concentration of mannitol is about 7.5 to 15 mg/ml. In a more preferred embodiment of the formulation of the invention, the concentration of mannitol is about 10-14 mg/ml. In the most preferred embodiment, the concentration of mannitol is about 12 mg/ml. In another embodiment of the invention, the polyol sorbitol is included in the formulation.

A detergent or surfactant is also added to the antibody formulation. Exemplary detergents include nonionic detergents such as polysorbates (e.g. polysorbates 20, 80 etc) or poloxamcrs (e.g. poloxamer 188). The amount of detergent added is such that it reduces aggregation of the formulated antibody and/or minimizes the formation of particulates in the formulation and/or reduces adsorption. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the formulation includes a surfactant which is a polysorbate. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the formulation contains the detergent polysorbate 80 or Tween 80. Tween 80 is a term used to describe polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitanmonooleate (see Fiedler, Lexikon der Hifsstoffe, Editio Cantor Verlag Aulendotf, 4th edi., 1996). hi one preferred embodiment, the formulation contains between about 0.1 and about 10 mg/ml of polysorbate 80, more preferably between about 0.5 and about 5 mg/ml. hi another preferred embodiment, about 0.1% polysorbate 80 is found in the formulation of the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the formulation is a 0.8 mL solution in a vial containing the ingredients shown below in Table 1.

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- 19TablO 1 vial with 0.8 mL solution for injection¹¹ contains:

<td> Name of Ingredient</td><td> Quantity</td><td> Function</td>

<td> Active substancei Antibody (D2B7)⁴</td><td> 40.0 mg</td><td> Active substance</td>

<td> Excipient»;</td><td></td><td></td>

<td> Mannitol</td><td> 9.6 mg</td><td> Tonicity agent</td>

<td> Citric acid monohydrate Citric acid</td><td> 1.044 mg</td><td> Buffer</td>

<td> Sodium citrate Sodium citrate</td><td> 0.244 mg</td><td> Buffer</td>

<td> Disodium phosphate dihydrate Dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate</td><td> 1.224 mg</td><td> Buffer</td>

<td> Sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate Monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate</td><td> 0.688 mg</td><td> Buffer</td>

<td> Sodium chloride</td><td> 4.932 mg</td><td> Tonicity agent</td>

<td> Polysorbate 80</td><td> 0.8 mg</td><td> Detergent</td>

<td> Water for injection! Water for injection</td><td> 759.028 - 759.048 mg</td><td> Solvent</td>

<td> Sodium hydroxide⁹¹</td><td> 0.02 - 0.04 mg</td><td> pH adjustment</td>

<td> Total</td><td> 817.6 mg</td><td></td>

¹¹ Density of the solution: 1.022 g/mL ⁵ Is used as concentrate ³¹ Addition as 1M solution

In one embodiment, the formulation contains the above-identified agents (i.e.

antibody, buffer, polyol and detergent) and is essentially free of one or more preservatives, such as benzyl alcohol, phenol, m-crcsol, chlorobutanol and benzéthonium Cl. In another embodiment, a preservative may be included in the formulation, particularly where the formulation is a multidose formulation. One or more other pharmaceutically acceptable camera, excipients or stabilizers such as those described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980) may be included in the formulation provided that they do not significantly adversely affect the desired characteristics of the formulation. Acceptable carriers, excipients or stabilizers are nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed and include; additional buffering agents; co-solvents; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; chelating agents such as EDTA; metal complexes (e.g. Zn-protein

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-20complexes); biodegradable polymère such as polyesters; and/or salt-forming counterions such as sodium.

The formulation herein may also be combined with one or more other therapeutic agents as necessary for the particular indication being treated, preferably those with complementary activities that do not adversely affect the antibody of the formulation. Such therapeutic agents are suitably present in combination m amounts that are effective for the purpose intended. Additional therapeutic agents which can be combined with the formulation of the invention are further described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,090,382 and 6,258,562.

The formulations to be used for in vivo administration must be sterile. This is readily accomplished by filtration through sterile filtration membranes, prior to, or following, preparation of the formulation.

IV. Administration of Fonnnlation

The formulation of the invention can be used in similar indications as those described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,090,382 and 6,258,562, each is further detailed below.

The language “effective amount” of the formulation is that amount necessary or sufficient to inhibit TNFa activity, e.g., prevent the various morphological and somatic symptoms of a detrimental TNFa activity-associated state. In another embodiment, the effective amount of the formulation is the amount necessary to achieve the desired result In one example, an effective amount of the formulation is the amount sufficient to inhibit detrimental TNFa activity. In another example, an effective amount of the formulation is 0.8 mL of the formulation containing 40 mg of antibody, as described in table 1. The effective amount can vary depending on such factors as the size and weight of the subject, or the type of illness. For example, the choice of a TNFa activityinhibiting formulation can affect what constitutes an effective amount*. One of ordinary skill in the art would be able to study the aforementioned factors and make the determination regarding the effective amount of the TNFa activity inhibiting fonnnlation without undue experimentation.

The regimen of administration can affect what constitutes an effective amount The TNFa activity-inhibiting formulation can be administered to the subject either prior to or after the onset of detrimental TNFo activity. Further, several divided dosages, as well as staggered dosages, can be administered daily or sequentially, or the dose can be continuously infused, or cm be a bolus injection. Farther, the dosages of the TNFa activity-inhibiting formulation cm be proportionally increased or decreased as indicated

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-21by the exigencies of the therapeutic or prophylactic situation.

The term “treated, ‘‘treating” or “treatment” includes the diminlshment or alleviation of at least one symptom associated or caused by the state, disorder or disease being treated. For example, treatment can be diminishment of one or several symptoms of a disorder or complete eradication of a disorder.

Actual dosage levels of the active ingredients (antibody) in the pharmaceutical formulation of this invention may be varied so as to obtain an amount of the active ingredient that is effective to achieve the desired therapeutic response for a particular patient, composition, and mode of administration, without being toxic to the patient

The selected dosage level will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the antibody found in the formulation, the route of administration, the time of administration, the rate of excretion of the particular compound being employed, the duration of the treatment other drugs, compounds and/or materials used in combination with the particular compound employed, the age, sex, weight condition, general health and prior medical history of the patient being treated, and like factors well known in the medical arts.

A physician or veterinarian having ordinary skill in the art can readily determine and prescribe the effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention required. For example, the physician or veterinarian could start doses of the compounds of the invention employed in the pharmaceutical formulation at levels lower than that required in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect and gradually increase the dosage until the desired effect is achieved.

In general, a suitable daily dose of a formulation of the invention will be that amount of the formulation that is the lowest dose effective to produce a therapeutic effect Such an effective dose will generally depend upon the factors described above. An effective amount of the formulation of the present invention is an amount that inhibits TNFa activity in a subject suffering from a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental. In a preferred embodiment, the formulation provides an effective dose of 40 mg per injection of the active ingredient, the antibody. In another embodiment, the formulation provides an effective dose which ranges from about 1 to 150 mg of antibody. If desired, the effective daily dose of the pharmaceutical formulation may be administered as two, three, four, five, six or more sub-doses administered separately at appropriate intervals throughout the day, optionally, in unit dosage forms.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dosage of the antibody in the formulation is between about 5 to about 80 mg. In another embodiment, the dosage of the antibody in the formulation is between about 25 to about 50 mg. The formulation is especially suitable for large antibody dosages of more than 15 mg. In a preferred

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-22cmbodiment of the invention, the formulation provides an antibody at a (lose of about 40 mg. fn another preferred embodiment, the antibody is directed to TNFa. In the most preferred embodiment, the antibody is D2E7.

In one embodiment of the invention, the dosage of the antibody in the formulation is between about 1-150 mg, about 5-145 mg, about 10-140 mg, about 15135 mg, about 20-130 mg, about 25-125 mg, about 30-120 mg, about 35-115 mg, about 40-110 mg, about 45-105 mg, about 50-100 mg, about 55-95 mg, about 60-90 mg, about 65-85 mg, about 70-80 mg, or about 75 mg. In a preferred embodiment, the dosage of Lho antibody is 40 mg. In a further preferred embodiment, the antibody is directed to TNFa. In the most preferred embodiment, the antibody is D2E7. Ranges intermediate to the above recited dosages, e.g., about 2-149 mg, are also intended to be part of this invention. For example, ranges of values using a combination of any of the above

I recited values as upper and/or lower limits are intended to be included.

It is to be noted that dosage values may vary with the severity of the condition to be alleviated. It is to be further understood that for any particular subject, specific dosage regimens should be adjusted over time according to the individual need and the professional judgment of the person administering or supervising the administration of the compositions, and that dosage ranges set forth herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope or practice of the claimed composition.

The invention provides a pharmaceutical formulation with an extended shelf life, which, in one embodiment, is used to inhibit TNFa activity in a subject suffering from a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental, comprising ariministering to the subject an antibody or antibody portion of the invention such that TNFa activity in the subject is inhibited. Preferably, the TNFa is human TNFa and the subject is a human subject Alternatively, the subject can be a mammal expressing a TNFa with which an antibody of the invention cross-reacts. Still further the subject can be a mammal into which has been introduced hTNFa (e.g., by administration of hTNFa or by expression of an hTNFa transgene). A formulation of the invention can be administered to a human subject for therapeutic purposes (discussed further below). In one embodiment of the invention, the liquid pharmaceutical formulation is easily adminiatmtahto, which includes, for example, a formulation which is self-administered by the patient In a preferred embodiment the formulation of the invention is administered through sc injection, preferably single use. Moreover, a formulation of the invention can be administered to a non-human mammal expressing a TNFa with which the antibody cross-reacts (e.g., a primate, pig or mouse) for veterinary purposes or as an animal model of human disease. Regarding the latter, such animal models may be useful for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of antibodies of the invention (e.g., testing of dosages

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-23:ind time courses of administration).

As used herein, the term a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental is intended to include diseases and other disorders in which the presence of TNFa in a subject suffering from the disorder has been shown to be or is suspected of being either responsible for the pathophysiology of the disorder or a factor that contributes to a worsening of the disorder. Accordingly, a disorder in which TNFa activity is detrimental is a disorder in which inhibition of TNFa activity is expected to alleviate the symptoms and/or progression of the disorder. Such disorders may be evidenced, for example, by an increase in the concentration of TNFa in a biological fluid of a subject suffering from the disorder (e.g., an increase in the concentration of TNFa in serum, plasma, synovial fluid, etc. of the subject), which can be detected, for example, using an anti-TNFa antibody as described above.

There are numerous examples of disorders in which TNFa activity is detrimental. Examples of disorders in which TNFa activity is detrimental are described in PCT Publication No. WO 2004/009776. Examples in which TNFa activity is detrimental are also described in U.S. Patent Nos. 6,015,557, 6,177,077, 6,379,666, 6,419,934,6,419,944,6,423,321, and 6,428,787; U.S. Patent

Publ. Nos. US2001/0016195, US2001/0004456 and US2001/026801; PCTPubl. Nos. WO 00/50079 and WO 01/49321.

The use of the antibodies and antibody portions of the invention in the treatment of specific disorders is discussed further below:

A, Sepsis

Tumor necrosis factor has an established role in the pathophysiology of sepsis, with biological effects that include hypotension, myocardial suppression, vascular leakage syndrome, organ necrosis, stimulation of the release of toxic secondary mediators and activation of the clotting cascade (see e.g., Tracey, KJ. and Orami, A. (1994) Atmu. Rev. Med. 45:491-503; Russell, D and Thompson, R.C. (1993) Curr. Opin. Biotech. 4:714-721). Accordingly, the formulation of the invention can be used to treat sepsis in any of its clinical settings, including septic shock, endotoxic shock, gram negative sepsis and toxic shock syndrome.

Furthermore, to treat sepsis, the formulation of the invention can be coadministered with one or more additional therapeutic agents that may further alleviate sepsis, such as an interleukin-1 inhibitor (such as those described in PCT Publication Nos. WO 92/16221 and WO 92/17583), the cytokine interleukin-6 (seee.g., PCT Publication No. WO 93/11793) or an antagonist of platelet activating factor (see e.g., European Patent Application Publication No. EP 374 510).

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-24Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the formulation of the invention is administered to a human subject within a subgroup of sepsis patients having a serum or plasma concentration of IL-6 above 500 pg/ml, and more preferably 1000 pg/ml, at the time of treatment (see PCT Publication No. WO 95/20978 by Daum, L., et aL).

II. Autoimmune Diseases

Tumor necrosis factor has been implicated in playing a role in the pathophysiology of a variety of autoimmune diseases. For example, TNFa has been implicated in activating tissue inflammation and causing joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (see e.g., Tracey and Cerami, supra; Arend, W.P. and Dayer, J-M. (1995) Arth. Rheum. 38:151-160; Fava, R.A., et aL (1993) Clin. Exp. ImmunoL 94:261-266). TNFa also has been implicated in promoting the death of islet cells and in mediating insulin resistance in diabetes (see e.g., Tracey and Cerami, supra; PCT Publication No. WO 94/08609). TNFa also has been implicated in mediating cytotoxicity to : oligodendrocytes and induction of inflammatory plaques in multiple sclerosis (see e.g., Tracey and Cerami, supra). Chimeric and humanized murine anti-hTNFa antibodies have undergone clinical testing for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (see e.g., Elliott, MJ., et aL (1994) Lancet 344:1125-1127: Elliot. MJ., etal. (1994) Loncrt 344:11051110; Rankin, E.C., et aL (1995) Br. J. RheumatoL 31:334-342).

The formulation of the invention can be used to treat autoimmune diseases, in particular those associated with inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis, allergy, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diabetes, autoimmune uveitis and nephrotic syndrome. Typically, the formulation is administered systemically, although for certain disorders, local administration of the antibody or antibody portion at a site of inflammation may be beneficial (e.g., local administration in the joints in rheumatoid arthritis or topical application to diabetic ulcers, alone or in combination with a cyclohexane-yiidene derivative as described in PCT Publication No. WO 93/19751).

C, Infectious Diseases

Tumor necrosis factor has been implicated in mediating biological effects observed in a variety of infectious diseases. For example, TNFa has been implicated in mediating brain inflammation and capillary thrombosis and infarction in malaria (see e.g., Tracey and Cerami, supra). TNFa also has been implicated in mediating brain inflammation, inducing breakdown of the blood-brain barrier, triggering septic shock syndrome and activating venous infarction in meningitis (see e.g., Tracey and Cerami, supra). TNFa also has been implicated in inducing cachexia, stimulating viral

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-25proliferation and mediating central nervous system injury in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) (see e.g., Tracey and Cerami, supra). Accordingly, the antibodies, und antibody portions, of the invention, can be used in the treatment of infectious diseases, including bacterial meningitis (see e.g., European Patent Application Publication No. EP 585 705), cerebral malaria, AIDS and AIDS-related complex (ARC) (see e.g., European Patent Application Publication No. EP 230 574), as well as cytomegalovirus infection secondary to transplantation (see e.g., Pietze, E., et aL (1994) Transplantation 5§:675-680). The formulation of the invention, also can be used to alleviate symptoms associated with infectious diseases, including fever and myalgias due to infection (such as influenza) and cachexia secondary to infection (e.g., secondary to AIDS or ARC).

D, Transplantation

Tumor necrosis factor has been implicated as a key mediator of allograft rejection and graft versus host disease (GVHD) and in mediating an adverse reaction that has been observed when the rat antibody OKT3, directed against the T cell receptor CD3 complex, is used to inhibit rejection of renal transplants (see e.g., Tracey and Cerami, supra’, Eason, JD., et aL (1995) Transplantation 52:300-305; Suthanthiran, M. and Strom, TJB. (1994) New EngL J. Med. 331:365-375). Accordingly, the formulation of the invention, can be used to inhibit transplant rejection, including rejections of allografts and xenografts and to inhibit GVHD. Although the antibody or antibody portion may be used alone, more preferably it is used in combination with one or more other agents that inhibit the immune response against the allograft or inhibit GVHD.

For example, in one embodiment, the formulation of the invention is used in combination with OKT3 to inhibit OKT3-induced reactions. In another embodimenL the formulation of the invention is used in combination with one or more antibodies directed at other targets involved in regulating immune responses, such as the cell surface molecules CD25 (interleukin-2 receptor-α), CD1 la (LFA-1), CD54 (ICAM-1), CD4, CD45, CD28/CTLA4, CD80 (B7-1) and/or CD86 (B7-2). In yet another embodiment, the formulation of the invention is used in combination with one or more general immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporin A orFK506.

E. Malienancv

Tumor necrosis factor has been implicated in inducing cachexia, stimulating tumor growth, enhancing metastatic potential and mediating cytotoxicity in malignancies (see e.g., Tracey and Cerami, supra). Accordingly, the formulation of the invention, can be used in the treatment of malignancies, to inhibit tumor growth or

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-26mctastasis and/or to alleviate cachexia secondary to malignancy. The formulation may he administered systemically or locally to the tumor site.

P. Pulmonary Disorders

Tumor necrosis factor has been implicated in the pathophysiology of adult icspiratory distress syndrome, including stimulating leukocyte-endothelial activation, directing cytotoxicity to pneumocytes and inducing vascular leakage syndrome (see e.g., Tracey and Cerami, supra). Accordingly, the formulation of the invention, can be used to treat various pulmonary disorders, including adult respiratory distress syndrome (see e.g., PCT Publication No. WO 91/04054), shock lung, chronic pulmonary inflammatory disease, pulmonary sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis and silicosis. The formulation may be administered systemically or locally to the lung surface, for example as an aerosol. O, Intestinal Disorders

Tumor necrosis factor has been implicated in the pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel disorders (see e.g., Tracy, KJ., et aL (1986) Science 234:470-474: Sun, X-M., et al. (1988) J. Clin. Invest. 81:1328-1331; MacDonald, T.T., et al. (1990) Clin. Exp. ImmunoL 81:301-305). Chimeric murine anti-hTNFa antibodies have undergone clinical testing for treatment of Crohn’s disease (van Dullemen, H.M., et aL (1995) Gastroenterology 109:129-135). The formulation of the invention, also can be used to treat intestinal disorders, such as idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease, which includes two syndromes, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

H. Cardiac Disorders

The formulation of the invention, also can be used to treat various cardiac disorders, including ischemia of the heart (see e.g., European Patent Application Publication No. EP 453 898) and heart insufficiency (weakness of the heart muscle)(see e.g., PCT Publication No. WO 94/20139).

L Others.

The pharmaceutical formulation of the invention, also can be used to treat various other disorders in which TNFa activity is detrimental. Examples of other diseases and disorders in which TNFa activity has been implicated in the pathophysiology, and thus which can be treated using the formulation of the invention, include inflammatory bone disorders and bone resorption disease (see e.g., Bertolini,

D.R., et aL (1986) Nature 319:516-518: Konig, A, et aL (1988) 7. Bone Miner. Res. 3:621-627; Lerner, UJL and Ohlin, A. (1993) 7. Bone Miner. Res. 8:147-155; and

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-27Shankar, G. and Stem, P.H. (1993) Bone 14:871-876), hepatitis, including alcoholic hepatitis (see e.g., McClain, CJ. and Cohen, D.A. (1989) Hepatology 9:349-351; Felver, M.E., et aL (1990) AlcohoL Clin. Exp. Res. 14:255-259; and Hansen, J., et aL (1994) Hepatology 2Q:461-474) and viral hepatitis (Sheron, N., et al. (1991) J. Hepatol.

12:241-245; and Hussain, MJ., etal. (1994)7. Clin. Pa/AoZ. 42:1112-1115), coagulation disturbances (see e.g., van der Poll, T., etal. (1990) N. Engl. J. Med. 322:1622-1627: and van der Poll, T., et al. (1991) Prog. Clin. BioL Res. 367:55-601. bums (see e.g., Giroir, BJP., etaL (1994) Ant 7. Physiol. 267:H118-124: and Liu, X.S., et al. (1994) Bums 2():40-44), reperfusion injury (see e.g., Scales, W.E., et al. (1994) Am. J. PhysioL

267.Q1122-1127; Serrick, C., etal. (1994) Transplantation 5^:1158-1162; and Yao, Y.M., et al. (1995) Resuscitation 22.:157-168), keloid formation (see e.g., McCauley, R.L., et aL (1992) 7. Clin. ImmunoL 12:300-308). scar tissue-formation; pyrexia; periodontal disease; obesity and radiation toxicity.

Other disorders in which TNFa activity is detrimental include, but are not limited to, adult Still’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis, asthma, cancer and cachexia, atherosclerosis, chronic atherosclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, liver failure, chronic liver failure, obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, dermatopolymyositis, diabetic macrovasculopathy, endometriosis, familial periodic fevers, fibrosis, hemodialysis,

Jarisch-Hcrxheimer reaction, juvenile RA, Kawasaki syndrome, myelo dysplastic syndrome, myocardial infarction, panciaticular vulgaris, periodontal disease, peripheral neuropathy, polyarticular, polymyositis, progressive renal failure, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, scleroderma, spondyloarthropathies. Still’s disease, stroke, therapy associated syndrome, therapy induced inflammatory syndrome, inflammatory syndrome following IL-2 administration, thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair (TAAA), Vasulo-Behcet’s disease, Yellow Fever vaccination, type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, neuropathic pain, sciatica, cerebral edema, edema in and/or around the spinal cord, vasculitide, Wegener’s granulomatosis, temporal arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, Takayasu’s arteritis, polyarteritis nodosa, microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, Felty's syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, mixed connective tissue disorder, relapsing polychondritis, pseudogout, loosening of prostheses,, autoimmune hepatitis, sclerosing cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, chronic pancreatitis, glomerulonephritides, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis or IgA nephropathy, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy, orchitis, pyoderma gangerenosum, multiple myeloma, TNF receptor associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS]; atherosclerosis, steroid dependent giant cell arteritismyostitis, uveitis, and drug reactions.

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-28The invention is further illustrated in the following examples, which should not be construed as further limiting.

Examples

EXAMPLE 1; Preparation of the Formulation

The pharmaceutical formulation of the invention was made according to the following protocol.

Materials which were used in the formulation include: mannitol, citric acid monohydrate (citric acid), sodium citrate, disodium phosphate dihydrate (dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate), sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate (monobasic sodium phosphate dihydrate), sodium chloride, polysorbate 80, water far the injections, sodium hydroxide, which was used as a IM solution to adjust the pH, and protein concentrate (e.g., antibody concentrate).

Preparation of20L of buffer (equivalent to 20.180kg - density of the solution : 1,009

Ingredients v/etto weighed out as follows: 240.0 g mannitol, 26.1 g citric add monohydrate, 6.1 g sodium citrate, 30.6 g disodium phosphate dihydrate, 17.2 g sodium dihydrogen phosphate dihydrate, 123.3 g sodium chloride, 20.0 g polysorbate 80, and

19,715.7 to 19,716.1 g of water.

A sodium hydroxide solution was prepared by combining 40.0 g of sodium hydroxide with 1000.8 g of water for injections.

Next, a buffer was prepared by dissolving the following pre-weighed ingredients (described above) in about 90% of the water for injections: mannitol, citric add monohydrate, sodium citrate, disodium phosphate dihydrate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, sodium chloride, and polysorbate 80. It was determined that the sequence of the addition of the buffer constituents was not important and can, therefore, be chosen at wiU.

Following addition of all of the buffer constituents, the pH of the solation was adjusted with IM sodium hydroxide which was prepared as described above. Alter the addition of the sodium hydroxide, the final weight of the water was added. The buffer

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-29solution was then filtered through a sterilized filter (hydrophilic polyvinylidene difluoride, 0.22 pm pore size) into a sterilized receptacle. The filtration medium used was filtration sterilized nitrogen.

Preparation of40L of formulation (equivalent to 40.88 kgi

The filtered buffer solution was then added to the thawed and pooled antibody concentrate (the active ingredient of the pharmaceutical formulation), prepared as follows. The antibody (concentrate) was thawed in a water bath prior to the preparation of the pharmaceutical formulation. 34.207 g of antibody concentrate was used, which is equivalent to 2.0 kg of protein with 60 mg protein/mL protein concentrate. The density of the concentrate was 1.0262 g/mL. Any protein concentrate ranging from 25.655 to 37.316, which is equivalent to a protein concentration in the protein concentrate of 55 to 80 mg/ml can be used. The buffer was added while stirring, until the final weight of the bulk solution was reached.

The formulation, with all of its ingredients included, was then sterilized by filtration as described above, except the formulation was filtered through two sterile 0.22 pm membrane filters. Following sterilization, the formulation was packaged for use in either a vial or a pre-filled syringe.

The skilled artisan will also appreciate that the weight quantities and/or weightto-volume ratios recited herein, can be converted to moles and/or molarities using the art-recognized molecular weights of the recited ingredients. Weight quantities exemplified herein (e.g., g or kg) are for the volumes (e.g., of buffer or pharmaceutical formulation) recited. The skilled artisan will appreciate that the weight quantities can be proportionally adjusted when different formulation volumes are desired. For example, 32L, 20L, 10L, 5L, or IL formulations would include 80%, 50%, 25%, 12.5%, or 2.5%, respectively, of the exemplified weight quantities.

EXAMPLE 2; Freeze/Thaw Studies

After the formulation buffer for the D2E7 antibody was selected the drug substance was formulated in the same matrix as the finished product

Freeze thaw behavior of the D2E7 antibody drug substance at a protein concentration of 63 mg/mL was evaluated by cycling drug substance 3 times from the frozen state to the liquid state. Table N shows the results of an experiment evaluating the effect of three fast and slow freeze-thaw cycles in the presence and absence of 0.1 % polysorbate 80 starting from -80°C or -30°C, respectively.

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-30Table 2 shows that the D2E7 antibody drug substance can be thawed/frozen at least 3 times without any detrimental effect on cither chemical (cation exchange HPLC, size exclusion HPLC, colour, pH), physicochemical properties (subvisible particles, clarity) or biological activity (in vitro TNF neutralization assay). Also table 2 shows that the inclusion of polysorbate 80 improved the physicochemical properties of the D2E7 antibody drug substance as evidenced by the lower number of subvisible particles regardless whether a slow or fast freeze/thaw cycle was being used (see shaded areas in table 2).

Table 2: Effect of freeze thaw on the D2E7 antibody drug substance with/without polysorbate 80

<td> Test criteria</td><td> Polysorbate (0.1 %)^w</td><td> No freeze/ thaw</td><td> Slow thaw -30*C In refrigerator</td><td> Fast thaw -30’Cin water bath</td><td> Slow thaw -80· in refrigerator</td><td> Fast thaw -80*C in water bath</td>

<td> Clarity</td><td> -</td><td> 25.0</td><td> 22J</td><td> 25.3</td><td> 25.8 ·</td><td> 25.6</td>

<td></td><td> +</td><td> 27.8</td><td> 28.1</td><td> 28.2</td><td> 28.0</td><td> 28.1</td>

<td> Colour</td><td> -</td><td> £B9</td><td> ^B9</td><td> SB9</td><td> SB9</td><td> $09</td>

<td></td><td> +</td><td> ^B9</td><td> SB9</td><td> SB9</td><td> &lt;B9</td><td> $09</td>

<td> PH</td><td> -</td><td> 5.01</td><td> 5.02</td><td> 5.02</td><td> 5.02</td><td> 5.02</td>

<td></td><td> +</td><td> 5.02</td><td> 5.02</td><td> 5.02</td><td> 5.02</td><td> 5.02</td>

<td> SubVisible .</td><td></td><td> 42/</td><td> 7 600 . </td><td> 303C</td><td> 1891 .</td><td> 303</td>

<td> particles .</td><td></td><td> 2'</td><td> . 4. ·</td><td> ' ⁵</td><td> 8</td><td> 0 '</td>

<td> ·</td><td></td><td> • 0 .</td><td> 5 ' </td><td> ‘ 1-</td><td> .' o</td><td> 8</td>

<td></td><td></td><td> .0.</td><td> ... . 0</td><td> ... o .</td><td></td><td> &gt; 1 &gt;,.</td>

<td> Size exclusion</td><td> -</td><td> 99.8</td><td> 99.8</td><td> 99.8</td><td> 99.8</td><td> 99.8</td>

<td> HPLC</td><td> +</td><td> 99.8</td><td> 99.8</td><td> 99.8</td><td> 99.8</td><td> 99.8</td>

<td> Cation</td><td> -</td><td> 87.1</td><td> 87.0</td><td> 87.2</td><td> 86.9</td><td> 86.9</td>

<td> exchange HPLC</td><td> +</td><td> 86.8</td><td> 87.0</td><td> 87.1</td><td> 87.3</td><td> 86.8</td>

<td> In vitro TNF</td><td> -</td><td> 118.0</td><td> 123.8</td><td> 118.0</td><td> 103.3</td><td> 120.5</td>

<td> neutralization test</td><td> +</td><td> 111.8</td><td> 96.2</td><td> 100.9</td><td> 96.7</td><td> 95.8</td>

1)+ = formulation with 0.1 % polysorbate 80; - = formulation without 0.1 % polysorbate 80

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-31EXAMPLE 3: Microbial Studies

Testa were performed to determine If the Ibmmlarion can support ndcrohial growth. The result» from these experiments shewed that the ibrnmlation does not support microbial growth if atared at 20 to 25 °C for 14 days. This resnltwaa determined by directly inoculating the sterile formulation with microorganisms (e.g., Staphylococous aureus, ATCC-No.: 6538P, Candida albicans, ATÇC-No.:10231, Aspergillus nlger, ATCCC-No.: 16404, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, AICGNoj 9027, an environmental Isolate) at low level (MATT100 cft/mL). Inoculated fannnlations were then examined for overall microbial growth, *£., for changes in turbidity. A lade of turbidity was an indication of no overall growth, and was detected in the inoculated containers after 14 days. Further, no organisms eonld be reisolated flora these containers. Thue it was concluded that the ibnnnlatlon does not support microbial growth under these conditions.

Eonlvnlenta

The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.