Proteins are still gaining importance in the pharmaceutical world, where they are used to improve our arsenal of therapeutic drugs and vaccines and as diagnostic tools. Proteins are different from "traditional" low-molecular-weight drugs. As a group, they exhibit a number of biopharmaceutical and formulation problems. These problems have drawn considerable interest from both industrial and aca demic environments, forcing pharmaceutical scientists to explore a domain previ ously examined only by peptide and protein chemists. Biopharmaceutical aspects of proteins, e.g., low oral bioavailability, have been extensively investigated. Although all possible conventional routes of ad ministration have been examined for proteins, no real, generally applicable alter native to parenteral administration in order to achieve systemic effects has yet been discovered. Several of these biopharmaceutical options have been discussed in Volume 4 of this series, Biological Barriers to Protein Delivery. Proteins are composed of many amino acids, several of which are notorious for their chemical instability. Rational design of formulations that optimize the native structure and/or bioactivity of a protein is therefore of great importance when long shelf life is required, as it is for pharmaceutical products. This issue has also been examined in two prior volumes of this series: Volume 2: Stability of Protein Pharmaceuticals (Part A) and Volume 5: Stability and Characterization of Protein and Peptide Drugs.

This collection of state-of-the-art research describes the most frequently used techniques for structural analysis of proteins. Chapters focus on the impressive progress that has been made in the development of these techniques and identify future trends and research needs. Papers feature several spectroscopic techniques-including fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism, and infrared spectroscopy.

Biophysical Characterization of Proteins in Developing Biopharmaceuticals, Second Edition, presents the latest on the analysis and characterization of the higher-order structure (HOS) or conformation of protein based drugs. Starting from the very basics of protein structure, this book explains the best way to achieve this goal using key methods commonly employed in the biopharmaceutical industry. This book will help today's industrial scientists plan a career in this industry and successfully implement these biophysical methodologies. This updated edition has been fully revised, with new chapters focusing on the use of chromatography and electrophoresis and the biophysical characterization of very large biopharmaceuticals. In addition, best practices of applying statistical analysis to biophysical characterization data is included, along with practical issues associated with the concept of a biopharmaceutical's developability and the technical decision-making process needed when dealing with biophysical characterization data. - Presents basic protein characterization methods and tools applicable to (bio)pharmaceutical research and development - Highlights the capabilities and limitations of each technique - Discusses the underlining science of each tool - Empowers industrial biophysical chemists by providing a roadmap for applying biophysical tools - Outlines the needs for new characterization and analytical tools in the biopharmaceutical industry

Protein pharmaceuticals form a fast-growing category in the arsenal of drugs. This book explores the nature of different analytical techniques and the way in which they are related to pharmaceutical proteins. In addition to serving the analytical chemist, this book is needed by the formulation scientist who is responsible for design and formulation of a pharmaceutical protein that can be monitored during production and over time.

Leading scientists offer detailed profiles of ten protein drugs currently in development. The case histories of these important new compounds are described from the perspective of their formulation, characterization, and stability. This ready reference also features recent data and an abundance of previously unpublished information. The in-depth coverage includes a highly useful compendium of degradation sites occurring in over 70 proteins. An invaluable aid in the rapid identification of potential `hot spots' in proteins, this accessible compilation allows for inspection of the protein's primary structure and preparation of a hydroflex plot.

The aim of this book is to present a range of analytical methods that can be used in formulation design and development and focus on how these systems can be applied to understand formulation components and the dosage form these build. To effectively design and exploit drug delivery systems, the underlying characteristic of a dosage form must be understood--from the characteristics of the individual formulation components, to how they act and interact within the formulation, and finally, to how this formulation responds in different biological environments. To achieve this, there is a wide range of analytical techniques that can be adopted to understand and elucidate the mechanics of drug delivery and drug formulation. Such methods include e.g. spectroscopic analysis, diffractometric analysis, thermal investigations, surface analytical techniques, particle size analysis, rheological techniques, methods to characterize drug stability and release, and biological analysis in appropriate cell and animal models. Whilst each of these methods can encompass a full research area in their own right, formulation scientists must be able to effectively apply these methods to the delivery system they are considering. The information in this book is designed to support researchers in their ability to fully characterize and analyze a range of delivery systems, using an appropriate selection of analytical techniques. Due to its consideration of regulatory approval, this book will also be suitable for industrial researchers both at early stage up to pre-clinical research.

This new edition brings you up-to-date on the role of pharmaceutics and its future paradigms in the design of medicines. Contributions from over 30 international thought leaders cover the core disciplines of pharmaceutics and the impact of biotechnology, gene therapy, and cell therapy on current findings. Modern Pharmaceutics helps you stay current