Assessing Protein Content and Dimer Formation in the Bevacizumab Reference Product and Biosimilar Versions Marketed in Spain

Background: The manufacture of biologics is a complex, controlled, and reproducible process that results in a product that meets specifications. This should be based on data from batches used to demonstrate manufacturing consistency. Ten batches of originator product (Avastin®) were analyzed over a 10-year period. Methods: The β-expectation tolerance intervals and the process capability analysis were proposed to establish the specification limits for determining the acceptance criteria of the final product from the manufacturing process. Protein concentration and dimer content were utilized as CQAs. The analytical similarity between three biosimilars authorized in Spain since 2021 (Vegzelma®, Alymsys®, and Oyavas®) and the originator product were evaluated for both CQAs using two methods: the quality range (QR) method, based on one sample per batch, and the QRML one, which takes into account the inter- and intra-batch variability of the originator product. Results: The results indicate that the two main sources of variation are under control; even the level of variability observed is close to the capability of the analytical method. The manufacturing process, therefore, continues under statistical control. Similarity is demonstrated for the bevacizumab concentration regardless of the approach used, whereas similarity is demonstrated for the dimer content for only one of the biosimilar products. Conclusions: The proposed methodologies allow for the analysis of the consistency of the manufacturing process and the variability from batch to batch.

Duke Scholars

Author Shein-Chung Chow Biostatistics & Bioinformatics, Division of Biostatistics