Aggregation of monoclonal and bispecific antibodies during pneumatic tube transport of IV bags in a hospital: Mitigation by polysorbate 80, poloxamer 188, and headspace removal

Parham Parnian; Annette M Medina; Nidia Gonzalez Lopez; Katiria Flores; Lakyn Lucio; Lauren Reist; Mark A Arnold; Stanley C Kwok; Reza Nejadnik

doi:10.1016/j.xphs.2026.104264

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Aggregation of monoclonal and bispecific antibodies during pneumatic tube transport of IV bags in a hospital: Mitigation by polysorbate 80, poloxamer 188, and headspace removal

Journal article

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Aggregation of monoclonal and bispecific antibodies during pneumatic tube transport of IV bags in a hospital: Mitigation by polysorbate 80, poloxamer 188, and headspace removal

Parham Parnian, Annette M Medina, Nidia Gonzalez Lopez, Katiria Flores, Lakyn Lucio, Lauren Reist, Mark A Arnold, Stanley C Kwok and Reza Nejadnik

Journal of pharmaceutical sciences, Vol.115(6), 104264

06/2026

DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2026.104264

PMID: 41905654

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Abstract

Pneumatic tube systems (PTS) are being increasingly used in hospitals to rapidly transport critical packages, but their mechanical stresses raise concerns for the safe transport of protein therapeutics. This study examined the impact of the PTS at the University of Iowa Hospital on protein admixtures of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) and a bispecific antibody (BsAb) prepared in IV-bags and benchmarked it against manual transport and shaking. The PTS ride imposed sharp shocks nearly tenfold higher than either shaking or manual transport. Flow imaging microscopy revealed increased microparticle formation for both proteins, though with distinct profiles. The mAb generated more small aggregates, whereas the BsAb produced fewer yet larger particles. Surfactants reduced particle formation, with Polysorbate 80 (PS80) more effective than poloxamer 188. For BsAb, PS80 lowered microparticles by ∼70% but failed to prevent large particle formation, in contrast to its near-complete protection for mAb. Headspace removal further reduced particle formation, fully preventing the formation of large aggregates when combined with PS80. Size exclusion chromatography revealed no detectable increase in soluble aggregates or monomer loss. These findings show that PTS presents a unique stress profile not replicated by shaking and highlight the need for case-by-case evaluation of PTS compatibility based on protein, container, and excipients.

polysorbate 80

nanoparticles

IV bags

protein aggregation

bispecific antibody

pneumatic tube system transportation

microparticles

poloxamer 188

headspace

monoclonal antibody

Details

Title: Subtitle: Aggregation of monoclonal and bispecific antibodies during pneumatic tube transport of IV bags in a hospital: Mitigation by polysorbate 80, poloxamer 188, and headspace removal
Creators: Parham Parnian - University of Iowa
Annette M Medina - AstraZeneca (France)
Nidia Gonzalez Lopez - AstraZeneca (United States)
Katiria Flores - AstraZeneca (United States)
Lakyn Lucio - University of Iowa, Pharmacy Practice and Science
Lauren Reist - University of Iowa Health Care
Mark A Arnold - University of Iowa
Stanley C Kwok - AstraZeneca (France)
Reza Nejadnik - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of pharmaceutical sciences, Vol.115(6), 104264
DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2026.104264
PMID: 41905654
ISSN: 0022-3549
eISSN: 1520-6017
Publisher: Elsevier
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 03/27/2026
Date published: 06/2026
Academic Unit: Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering; Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics; Pharmacy Practice and Science; Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing; Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center; Chemistry
Record Identifier: 9985149573102771

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