Endotoxin and pyrogen test service

Based on long lasting experience

Based on long lasting experience in endotoxin and pyrogen testing, Microcoat offers a set of proprietary methods and skilled scientific personnel for non-routine projects. Services are run as flexible customer-specified projects including the search for root causes, exploration of realization alternatives, development of product-specific adaptions and validation of newly established methods.

Our Support

We support customers in the selection and establishment of testing strategies for challenging samples and biopharmaceuticals in line with regulatory guidelines.

Low endotoxin recovery

LER (low endotoxin recovery) was first reported in 2013 (Chen et al. 2013) and describes the observation that endotoxin is underestimated due to masking in various drug product formulations with time. Reports exist where spiked endotoxin in drug formulations was not detectable by LAL but were pyrogenic in rabbit pyrogen test.

Typical formulations comprise a protein component, polysorbate, citrate or phosphate. The effect is strongly dependend on storage temperature, duration of storage, nature of the API and source of spiked endotoxin.

A LER hold-time study performed in our lab includes a detailed project plan and report. The experimental setup will be aligned with your specific needs. The turnaround time depends on the duration of the experimental phase but we guaranty short processing time for preparation of the study and generation of  the report (in general 4 weeks).

Lowendotoxinrecovery

Requests from FDA for biologics

Provide evidence that the bulk drug substance and drug product formulation (containing phosphate, citrate, polysorbate, etc.) does not interfere with endotoxin recovery of the LAL test
Conduct spiking studies on the undiluted drug substance and drug product with known amount of endotoxin and simulate the worst-case hold conditions to evaluate endotoxin masking over time
Based on the results of the studies, modify the endotoxin release test and/or determine the suitability of alternative endotoxin test methods

Microcoat offers projects to determine the masking potential of customer's drug formulations.

Studies are individually designed based on the nature of the formulation, customer’s manufacturing processes and storage conditions. Looking back of 5 years of hold-time study experience we are experts in planning and performing LER studies. Our trained staff has the scientific background and routine.  The studies will be performed according to FDA understanding and in line with cGMP standards.

Demasking studies

As reported by the FDA, classical endotoxin test methods (LAL) can fail to detect masked endotoxin in various drug formulations (low endotoxin recovery).

In 2013 Hyglos GmbH launched a sample preparation kit for the demasking of endotoxin in biopharmaceuticals, EndoRS(1). The new method is based on the combinatorial use of the kit components for the screening for the best demasking mixture. The kit has to be applied in combination with EndoLISA detection method.

Demaskingfeasabilitystudies

Microcoat offers license-free feasability studies

To proof the general applicability of the demasking approach for given drug formulations. We have the expertise and infrastructure to process projects reliably and fast. EndoLISA is routinely running in our detection service for several years.

Removal of Endotoxin

Pyrogens produced by gram negative bacteria, i.e., the endotoxin (LPS), are of significance to the pharmaceutical industry (1). Endotoxin ingress is not only due to contaminations. Endotoxin can also occur as a result of the biotechnological process (e.g., E.coli expression system). Especially for such processes, dedicated endotoxin removal steps need to be clearly identified and validated. Thereby, endotoxin removal procedures can be challenging as high and also low levels of endotoxin need to be removed and the product shall remain without alteration.

Foto Beitrag

@Microcoat, we support the identification and validation of endotoxin removal in small scale models.

Routine sample measurement

Endotoxin and pyrogen testing is mandatory during process development, as in-process control and for product release in pharmaceutical and medical device industry. In research (cell culture experiments and animal trails) contaminating endotoxins and other pyrogenic substances induce severe physiological reactions which often lead to false interpretation.

Microcoat has established a variety of commercial assays in order to narrow down the true nature of a contamination in a given sample. This may help to avoid false positive results and to provide improved strategies in process development and trouble shooting (OOS analysis). For differential testing two or more of the following assays may be applied:

Assay formats

Endotoxin detection

LAL assay (kinetic chromogenic and kinetic turbidimetric from ACC, Charles River or Lonza)
Recombinant Factor C assay
ENDOLISA (bioMérieux)

Pyrogen detection

Monocyte activation test (Pyrodetect, PBMCs, Cryoblood, Cell Lines)

Services

Endotoxin and pyrogen determination according to Ph. Eur.
GMP certificate for endotoxin determination (KCA, KTA and rFC)
Comparative studies including different formats
Interference testing
Product specific validation for bacterial endotoxin test (KCA, KTA and rFC)

LAL assay

The kinetic LAL reagent is based on a cell lysate generated from the blood of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. The lysate is containing a blood clotting enzyme cascade which is specifically activated by the interaction of endotoxin with Factor C. The activated Factor C activates Factor B and Factor B activates proclotting enzyme. The activated proclotting enzyme releases a dye from a chromogenic peptide substrate. Proclotting enzyme is also activated by ß-Glucan via the specific receptor Factor G.

Specifications

Sensitivity range: 0.005 EU/ml – 50 EU/ml
Specificity: LPS, ß-Glucans
Interference: various substances at higher concentration which can be overcome by dilution of the sample

Advantages

Gold standard in the industry for endotoxin detection
High sensitivity for interference-free samples
High dynamic range (4 orders of magnitude)

Limitations

Multiple dilutions required due to high level of interference by matrix components. Therefore loss of sensitivity
False positive results due to specific activation by ß-glucans

Regulatory status

Recommended test for endotoxin by FDA, US Pharmacopoeia (Chapter 85), EU Pharmacopoeia (chapter 2.6.14) and J Pharmacopoeia (chapter 4.01)

Recombinant Factor C assay

Homogeneous in vitro assay. The assay reagent is containing a recombinant Factor C from horseshoe crab which becomes specifically activated by endotoxin. Activated Factor C is converting a peptide substrate and thereby releasing a fluorescent dye.

If not differently requested, the recombinant Factor C assay (EndoZyme®) from Hyglos GmbH is used for analysis.

Specifications

Sensitivity range: 0.005 EU/ml – 50 EU/ml
Specificity: LPS
Interference: Interference by various substances at higher concentration which can be overcome by dilution of the sample (loss of sensitivity)

Advantages

No use of animal material
No activation by ß-glucan

Limitations

Often extended dilution required due to high level of interference with matrix components. Therefore loss of sensitivity.

Regulatory status

Alternative method according to European Pharmacopoeia, chapter 5.1.10 and FDA (Guidance for Industry 06/2012).

EndoLISA®

Specific endotoxin test based on ELISA principle. Endotoxin is bound to a microwell plate by a LPS-specific phage protein. After washing off the sample matrix, bound LPS is detected using a recombinant Factor C and a chromogenic peptide substrate. EndoLISA® from Hyglos GmbH is used for analysis.

Specifications
Sensitivity range: 0.05 EU/ml – 500 EU/ml
Specificity: LPS
Interference: low interference due to removal of sample matrix by a washing step
Advantages
Low interference due to solid phase-based assay principle. Suitable for complex samples.
No activation by ß-glucan
Less dilution required
Limitations
One order of magnitude less sensitive compared to LAL and recombinant Factor C assay.
Regulatory status
Alternative method according to European Pharmacopoeia, chapter 5.1.10 and FDA (Guidance for Industry 06/2012).

Monocyte activation test

The Monocyte acitivation test (MAT) is a cell-based assay: Toll-like receptor mediated stimulation of blood monocytes to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to various pyrogens. The level of released cytokine is determined by a classical ELISA.

Monocyte Activation Test from different vendors are used:

Merck - PyroMAT TM and PyroDetect
Haemochrome - HaemoMAT®
MAT-Biotech/ CTL-MAT Kit
MAT Kit from MATResearch
MAT Kit from Sanquin
Specifications
Sensitivity: Comparable for all different MATs
Specificity: Pyrogens
Interference: substances with influence on blood cells
Advantages
Unique in vitro assay for pyrogen detection as substitute for the rabbit pyrogen test (RPT)
Limitations
No differentiation between various pyrogens possible. Different pyrogens have different potencies.
Cell-based assay. For reliable results more replicates and controls are required
Small linear range (semi quantitative)
Regulatory status
European Pharmacopoeia, chapter 2.6.30

MAT Proficiency Test Program

We offer quality assurance to laboratories working with Monocyte Activation Test (MAT). Based on our expertise we provide frequently audits of MAT test proficiency. Our Proficiency Test Program (PTP) confidentially verifies working procedures, method and report validation, identifies trends and potential demands for training. This supplies additional value to internal quality assurance.

Benefits

  • Check and validate analysis techniques
  • Verify conformity of procedures to requirements of the Pharmacopoeia
  • Control and correct possible drift in procedural compliance
  • Verify laboratory’s ability to recover correct level of contamination
  • Compare results to those of other laboratories and other MAT methods

The 9th PTP trial is now open for registration

After submitting the results to ptp@microcoat.de, the final report will be distributed by Email.

Timeline for the 9th PTP trial:

Registration:
Sample distribution:
Provision of results:
Distribution of final report:
15-Sep-2023 to 31-Oct-2023
01-Nov-2023 to 01-Dez-2023
until 28-Feb-2024
until 31-Mar-2024

Purpose

We audit involved analysts and confidentially compare MAT results to those of other laboratories in order to verify test accuracy. This enables laboratories to evaluate and subsequently improve MAT procedures and methods.

Participation

The program is targeted at all MAT users that seek to verify working procedures via external audit without restriction of methodology, reagents, or instrumentation.

Process

Participating analysts will receive a blind, contaminated sample. Methodology, source, and readout are chosen freely by respective laboratories. Process and results will be examined for accuracy in accordance with European Pharmacopoeia (EP) regulations. All participating laboratories will receive a confidential report for comparisons among peers, while ensuring anonymity.

Reporting

Microcoat will provide a template for data transfer. Upon audit completion, we will provide a final report of all results for individual analysis.

Get Started Today

With Microcoat PTP for MAT, laboratories can increase their MAT-expertise and ensure full MAT-compliance.
For more information about the Microcoat Proficiency Test Program, please contact: ptp@microcoat.de

ß-Glucan assay

This assay uses a specially treated limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) where the Factor C stimulation pathway is inhibited. Therefore only activation by ß-glucan via Factor G leads to activation of proclotting enzyme and conversion of the chromogenic substrate.

The ß-glucan assay from Associates of Cape Cod (Glucatell®) is used for analysis.

Specifications
Sensitivity range: 3.125 pg/ml – 100 pg/ml (pachyman)
Specificity: ß-Glucans
Interference: various substances at higher concentration which can be overcome by dilution of the sample
Advantages
Direct determination of ß-glucan. More reliable compared to use of ß-glucan blocker in combination with LAL
Limitations
Extended dilution required due to high level of interference with matrix components. Therefore loss of sensitivity.
Regulatory status
For research use only

Whole blood assay

Novel therapeutic antibodies can cause severe responses and ultimately lead to life-threatening systemic release of cytokines – termed cytokine release syndrome (CRS) – as seen in a Phase I clinical trial following the administration of the CD28 superagonist antibody TGN1412.1 This demonstrates that (although in rare cases), infusion related responses in patients may only become apparent in first-in-man trials.

In 2020, the FDA released its Nonclinical Safety Evaluation of the Immunotoxic Potential of Drugs and Biologics emphasizing the use of “human cells before initiating clinical trials” as an “an assessment of the potential for cytokine release syndrome caused by therapeutic proteins using unstimulated human cells in both plate-bound (or other assays that can assess the contribution of crosslinking of receptors) and soluble formats with appropriate positive and negative controls”.

Microcoat’s Cytokine Release Assay

  • Standardized
  • Controls included
  • Cohort of 30 healthy donors
Design ohne Titel(23)

Consulting

Microcoat provides consulting service in the field of pyrogen and bacterial endotoxin testing. Our team is specialized in the implementation of alternative test methods and provides advice in the case of test interference. For the analysis of the Low Endotoxin Recovery (LER) phenomenon, we provide dedicated guidance in planning, performing and interpreting of hold-time studies. Always giving you advice and quick support if you are facing unexpected trouble during execution of your studies. Furthermore, we support you in the development of strategies for mitigation of LER-affected products according to regulatory requirements.

Have a look:

Challenges

in the field of endotoxin and pyrogen testing

Challenges

in the field of endotoxin and pyrogen testing

Poster_Pyrogendetection

Poster_Pyrogendetection

Poster_Depyrogenation

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