Impurity Analysis

Impurity Analysis for Biologics & Biosimilars

Due to the unique production conditions and high complexity of biological drugs, the final product often contains a variety of molecular variants and impurities. These process-related and product-related impurities arise across multiple manufacturing steps and can be further influenced by storage, handling and the overall supply chain. Because identification, control and reporting of impurities are required by regulatory agencies such as FDA and EMA, qualitative and quantitative impurity analysis is a fundamental pillar of quality assurance during the development and manufacturing of biologics and biosimilars.

Our experts at Biofidus routinely distinguish between process-related impurities (e.g. host cell proteins, residual DNA, residual reagents) and product-related impurities (e.g. variants, fragments, aggregates), and help you define appropriate acceptance criteria for your product. In line with ICH Q6B, we offer a broad range of bioanalytical packages for purity and impurity analysis in upstream and downstream processes for peptides, antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccines and other biologics.

In accordance with your needs, we adapt and, if required, qualify (according to ICH guidelines) our platform methods, tailoring them to your drug substance, its formulation matrix and your specific analytical questions, from early process development through clinical phases to commercial lifecycle management.

Get in contact with us to find the optimal strategy for your project and to speak directly from scientist to scientist.

 

Our Capabilities

  • Host cell protein (HCP) impurities
  • Residual host cell DNA and RNA
  • Product-related variants
  • Fragments and low molecular weight species (LMWS)
  • Aggregates and high molecular weight species (HMWS)
  • Charge variants and isoforms
  • Residual process-related reagents and contaminants
  • Impurity profiling in stability and forced-degradation studies
  • Integrated purity/impurity panels for comparability and biosimilarity

Just what you need? Contact us!

FAQ

Find answers to frequently asked questions about our analytical services, methods, technologies, and studies, from molecular characterization and bioactivity to comparability, stability, and fit-for-purpose method development. 

Yes. We quantify low- and high-molecular-weight species (LMWS/HMWS) and other product-related impurities using orthogonal analytical methods.

Yes. We adapt and qualify platform methods as needed (fit-for-purpose) to support submissions and lifecycle monitoring in line with regulatory expectations.

Yes. Impurity profiling is frequently combined with stress studies to identify degradation products and support stability-indicating method packages.

Yes. We distinguish process-related impurities such as HCP and residual DNA from product-related variants and integrate these readouts into fit-for-purpose impurity control strategies.

For comparability studies, the focus is typically on product-related quality attributes such as variants, fragments, aggregates, charge heterogeneity, glycosylation, and functional activity. Process-related impurities such as HCP or residual DNA can also be included when process changes or impurity-related risks make them relevant.

CQA relevant techniques

Advancing research through tailored bioanalytical solutions.

  • Host cell protein analysis (ELISA & LC-MS/MS)
  • Host cell DNA (ONT-Sequencing)
  • Cell-culture and downstream derived components (LC-ESI-MS)
  • Truncated forms (LC-MS, SDS-Page etc.)
  • Deamidation, oxidation or equivalent modified forms (LC-MS, cIEF, CD)
  • Aggregates (SEC-UV, CGE)
  • Visible and subvisible particles (LO/MFI)

TECHNOLOGIES USED

  1. LC-ESI-TOF
  2. Capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE)
  3. SDS-PAGE
  4. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC-UV)
  5. Circular dichroism (CD)
  6. Next generation “Oxford Nanopore Technologies” sequencing (ONT)
  7. Visible and subvisible particles (LO/MFI)
  8. cIEF

Tell us about Your Project

We‘ll advise you to define your assay needs.

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Our Expert

Across end-to-end delivery, our experts remain on hand with deep scientific expertise whenever needed, providing oversight to streamline and de-risk milestone delivery.
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