Stabilized radio-labeled anti-CD45 immunoglobulin compositions

Abstract

Compositions and methods are described for stabilizing a radio-iodinated monoclonal IgG antibody for up to 17 days against radiolytic decomposition. The stabilized radiolabeled murine antibody binding the CD45 antigen expressed on various forms of lymphomas is useful as a radio-therapeutic and diagnostic agent in the treatment of human malignancies of hematopoietic origin, including lymphomas.

Claims

1. An aqueous composition comprising: a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody against CD45, wherein the radiolabeled antibody comprises a heavy chain having complementarity determining regions with amino acid sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:6-8, and an aspartic acid at position 141, a light chain having complementarity determining regions with amino acid sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NOS:3-5, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier that includes 0.5% to 5.0% (w/v) of ascorbic acid and 0.5% to 4.0% (w/v) of PVP.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the radiolabeled antibody comprises a radiolabel selected from .sup.131I, .sup.90Y, .sup.177Lu, .sup.186Re, or .sup.188e.

3. The composition of claim 1, further comprising 0.5% to 5.0% (w/v) of HSA.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the heavy chain of the radiolabeled antibody comprises an N-terminal region with the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:12.

5. The composition of claim 1, wherein the heavy chain of the radiolabeled antibody comprises the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:14.

6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises non-radiolabeled antibody against CD45, wherein the non-radiolabeled antibody against CD45 is the same as the radiolabeled antibody against CD45.

7. An aqueous composition comprising: a radiolabeled antibody against CD45, and 0.5% to 5.0% (w/v) ascorbic acid and 0.5% to 5.0% (w/v) polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), wherein the radiolabeled antibody comprises: a heavy chain comprising complementarity determining regions having the amino acid sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO:7, and SEQ ID NO:8, and a light chain comprising complementarity determining regions having the amino acid sequences as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO:4, and SEQ ID NO:5.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the radiolabeled antibody comprises a radiolabel selected from .sup.131I, .sup.90Y, .sup.177Lu, .sup.186Re, or .sup.188e.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 provides the sequence of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs), framework regions and variable domain sequences of the light chain (VL) and the heavy chain (VH) of the anti-CD45 mAb. The CDRs are in bold and underlined.

(2) FIG. 2 provides the CDRs and the N-terminal sequence of the light chain and the heavy chain of anti-CD45 mAb.

(3) FIG. 3 provides the entire nucleotide (SEQ ID NO:9) and amino acid (SEQ ID NO:13) sequence of the light chain of an anti-CD45-immunoglobulin.

(4) FIG. 4A provides the entire nucleotide (SEQ ID NO:10) and actual amino acid (SEQ ID NO:14) sequence of the heavy chain of anti-CD45-immunoglobulin.

(5) FIG. 4B provides the entire nucleotide (SEQ ID NO:10) and theoretical amino acid (SEQ ID NO:15) sequence of the heavy chain of anti-CD45-immunoglobulin.

(6) FIGS. 5A-5D provide bar graphs of stability test data for a 100 mCi dose of .sup.131I-anti-CD45 immunoglobulin over a total period of seven days which included two freeze thaw cycles. Size exclusion-High performance liquid chromatography (SEC-HPLC) results showing percent product (FIG. 5A), percent free-.sup.131I (FIG. 5D) and percent fraction of aggregates (FIG. 5C), and immunoreactivity results (FIG. 5B) are shown for various time points. The time points of this stability study and the formulation excipient composition were as follows: The radiolabeled anti-CD45 antibody initially formulated during the purification process contained 2.5% ascorbic acid and 4% HSA (both w/v) and was tested on day 0, and following its storage for 0-3 days at −20° C. On day-3 after thawing, it was further formulated with 2% (w/v) PVP and once again stored at −20° C. for three additional days. Both stability tests were performed on day-6 followed by storing the formulated product at room temperature for an additional 24 hours after which the stability tests were repeated.

(7) FIGS. 6A-6C provide bar graphs of stability test data of a 1,100 mCi therapeutic dose formulation of .sup.131I-anti-CD45 immunoglobulin over a total period of four days which included a freeze thaw cycle. SEC-HPLC results showing % product (FIG. 6A), % free-.sup.131I and % fraction of aggregates (FIG. 6C), and immunoreactivity results (FIG. 6B) are shown for various time points. The time points of this stability study and the formulation excipient composition were as follows. The radiolabeled anti-CD45 antibody initially formulated during the purification process contained 2.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid, and was formulated with 2% (w/v) PVP and tested on day-0, and following its storage for 0-3 days at −20° C. On day-3, after thawing, the radiolabeled anti-CD45 antibody was stored at room temperature, during which stability was tested at 8 and 24 hours (storage time at room temperature).

(8) FIGS. 7A-7C provide bar graphs of the stability test data of a 13 mCi dosimetry dose formulation of .sup.131I-anti-CD45 immunoglobulin over a total period of seven days which included a freeze thaw cycle. SEC-HPLC results showing % product (FIG. 7A), % free-.sup.131I and % fraction of aggregates (FIG. 7C), and immunoreactivity results (FIG. 6B) are shown for various time points. The time points of this stability study and the formulation excipient composition were as follows. The radiolabeled anti-CD45 antibody initially formulated during the purification process contained 2.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid and was further formulated with 2% (w/v) PVP and tested on day-0, and following its storage for 0-6 days at −20° C. On day-6 the formulated product was thawed and stored at room temperature for an additional 24 hours after which the stability tests were repeated.

(9) FIGS. 8A-8D provide bar graphs of the stability test data of a 150 mCi dose of .sup.131I-anti-CD45 immunoglobulin over a total period of 17 days which included two freeze thaw cycles. SEC-HPLC results showing % product (FIG. 8A), % free-.sup.131I (FIG. 8D) and % fraction of aggregates (FIG. 8B), and immunoreactivity results (FIG. 8C) are shown for various time points. The time points of this stability study and the formulation excipient composition were as follows. The radiolabeled anti-CD45 antibody initially formulated during the purification process contained 2.5% ascorbic acid and 4% HSA (both w/v) was tested on day 0, and following its storage for 0-14 days at −20° C. On day-14 after thawing, it was then further formulated with 2% (w/v) PVP, tested and once again stored at −20° C. for three additional days. Both the stability tests were performed on day-17 after thawing. It is noteworthy that the 17-day period is almost close to two half-lives of the .sup.131I isotope (half-life 8.02 days).

(10) FIGS. 9A and 9B show a typical radio-elution SEC-HPLC profile of a purified .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin (FIG. 9A) and the area percent of each eluent from peak integration (FIG. 9B).

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS

(11) The following definitions and abbreviations have been used in describing this invention:

(12) iTLC—instant thin layer chromatograph

(13) IEF—isoelectric focusing

(14) SDS-PAGE—sodium dodecyl sulfate—polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

(15) LC-MS/MS—liquid chromatography—tandem mass spectrometry

(16) HSA—human serum albumin

(17) PVP—polyvinylpyrrolidone (Povidone)

(18) SEC-HPLC—size exclusion chromatography—High performance liquid chromatography

(19) LMWS—low molecular weight species (Free-.sup.131I)

(20) BMWS—high molecular weight species (aggregates of antibody protein)

(21) As used herein, the term “therapeutic dose” refers to an amount of radiolabeled immunoglobulin sufficient to provide a desired therapeutic radiation dose to the target tissue or organ upon administration to a subject. In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, this dose ranges between 100 to 1,500 mCi of .sup.131I radioactivity.

(22) As used herein, the term “dosimetry dose” refers to an amount of radiolabeled immunoglobulin sufficient to yield an in vivo biodistribution profile for various organs, and a pharmacokinetic profile, in a subject in need of therapy with the immunoglobulin, in order to help ascertain a subsequent therapeutic dose for the subject. In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, this dose ranges between five to 15 mCi of .sup.131I radioactivity.

(23) As used herein, the terms “antibody” and “immunoglobulin” are used interchangeably, and refer, for example, to full-length monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antibodies. These include, for example, murine antibodies, human antibodies, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies, Fab fragments, F(ab′).sub.2 fragments, antibody fragments with the desired biological activity, and epitope-binding fragments of any of the above. Immunoglobulin molecules can be of any type, such as IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM.

(24) An “epitope” refers to the target molecule site that is capable of being recognized by, and bound by, an antibody. For a protein epitope, for example, this may refer to the amino acids (and particularly their side chains) that are bound by the antibody. Overlapping epitopes include at least one to five common amino acid residues. Methods of identifying epitopes of antibodies are known to those skilled in the art and include, for example, those described in Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Ed Harlow and David Lane (1988).

(25) A “complementarity-determining region”, or “CDR”, refers to amino acid sequences that, together, define the binding affinity and specificity of the Fv region of a native immunoglobulin binding site. There are three CDRs in each of the light and heavy chains of an antibody.

(26) A “framework region”, or “FR”, refers to amino acid sequences interposed between CDRs.

(27) A “constant region” refers to the portion of an antibody molecule that is consistent for a class of antibodies and is defined by the type of light and heavy chains. For example, a light chain constant region can be of the kappa or lambda chain type and a heavy chain constant region can be of one of the five chain isotypes: alpha, delta, epsilon, gamma or mu. This constant region, in general, can confer effector functions exhibited by the antibodies. Heavy chains of various subclasses (such as the IgG subclass of heavy chains) are mainly responsible for different effector functions.

(28) As used herein, the term “anti-CD45” describes an antibody comprising at least one of the heavy chain CDRs and at least one of the light chain CDRs as described in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(29) A “variable domain sequence” is an amino acid sequence that affects the structure of an immunoglobulin variable domain. This includes all or a part of the amino acid sequence of a naturally occurring variable domain. For example, the sequence may include other alterations that are compatible with formation and maintenance of the protein secondary and tertiary structure.

(30) “Fv” is an antibody fragment that contains a complete antigen-recognition and binding site. This region consists of a dimer of one heavy and one light chain variable domain in tight, non-covalent or covalent association. Three CDRs of each variable domain interact to define an antigen-binding site on the surface of the VH-VL dimer. Collectively, the six CDRs confer antigen-binding specificity to the antibody.

(31) “Immunoreactivity” refers to a measure of the ability of an immunoglobulin to recognize and bind to a specific antigen. In one embodiment, the immunoglobulin binds to its antigen with an affinity (K.sub.D) of between 10.sup.−8 M and 10.sup.−10 M.

(32) “Purification”, as used herein with respect to an immunoglobulin (or portion thereof), includes, without limitation, the removal of other immunoglobulins and related proteins so that the desired immunoglobulin (or portion thereof) is at least 80% pure, at least 90% pure, at least 95% pure, at least 98% pure, or at least 99% pure.

(33) Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing described herein, suitable methods and materials are described below. In addition, embodiments of the present invention described with respect to Chothia CDRs may also be implemented using Kabat CDRs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(34) High expression of CD45 antigen is seen on malignant cells associated with most acute lymphoid and myeloid leukemias. A density of approximately 200,000 to 300,000 sites per cell on circulating leukocytes and malignant B cells has been reported. Among normal cells, all the cells of hematopoietic origin, with the exception of mature erythrocytes and platelets, express CD45. It is not found on tissues of non-hematopoietic origin. Therefore, the leukemia-associated CD45 antigen makes it a good target for developing therapeutics, including radio-immunotherapeutics.

(35) The complete amino acid sequence of the anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin determined by the methods described in Example 2 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A. Estimated CDR regions as determined by homology algorithms are shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The light chain of the anti-CD45-immunoglobulin was found to be a kappa-type chain.

(36) The light chain composed of 218 amino acids contains five cysteine residues. The heavy chain composed of 445 amino acids contains 12 cysteine residues. Both chains fold into immunoglobulin-type domains with expected cysteine pairs well positioned to establish intra-chain disulfide bridges. The hinge region on the heavy chain is composed of three inter-chain disulfide bonds.

(37) The light chain contains 10 tyrosine residues and the heavy chain contains 15 tyrosine residues. Therefore, all together, the anti-CD45 immunoglobulin contains 50 tyrosine residues which could be targeted as radio-iodination sites.

(38) As such, the anti-CD45 immunoglobulin was labeled with radioiodine using the chloramine-T method of radio-iodination as described in Example 3. It was found that an .sup.131I to immunoglobulin stoichiometry of 20-30 mCi/mg consistently afforded about 90% radio-chemical yield following purification of the radio-iodinated reaction product. Using this stoichiometry ratio, the immunoglobulin can be labeled with high levels of radioactivity (e.g., 300-3,000 mCi, or even 300-5,000 mCi) in a single batch. As detailed in Examples 3, 10 and 11, this radio-iodination process utilizing a 30 mCi/mg murine anti-CD45 immunoglobulin ratio during radio-labeling resulted in product with >90% radiochemical purity, a radiochemical yield of >90%, and >70% immunoreactivity.

(39) As indicated above, radiolytic damage of .sup.131I-labelled antibodies has reduced or even precluded their use as therapeutic agents. It is an object of the present invention to employ one or more excipients to stabilize .sup.131I-labelled anti-CD45.

(40) Radical scavengers are employed here as stabilizers to minimize radiolysis of radiolabeled preparations. These scavengers and stabilizers include, for example, ascorbic acid, gentisic acid, HSA, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Ascorbic acid may be included at from 0.1 to 5% (w/v), and may be added post-labeling as a radio-protectant. Gentisic acid may be included at from 0.1 to 0.5% (w/v), or even higher amounts (e.g., 2 to 8%) when included as the sodium salt, and may be added post-labeling. HSA may be added at from 2 to 5% (w/v). Individually and in certain combinations, each excipient may slow radiolysis. In particular, combinations including ascorbic acid at from 0.1 to 5% (w/v), and HSA at from 2 to 5% (w/v), may be advantageous for slowing radiolytic damage of the .sup.131I-labelled anti-CD45 of the present invention.

(41) PVP is a linear chain water-soluble polymer useful for protecting antibodies against auto-radiolysis. Specifically, the PVP of average molecular weight 6-8 kD and a K-17 value (a designator of its viscosity) is the most useful for these purposes. As such, PVP may be included in the stabilizing formulations disclosed herein at from 0.1% to 6% and even up to 10% (w/v). PVP may also help to prevent aggregation of the protein in a composition.

(42) PVP in combination with a secondary stabilization agent, in particular, ascorbic acid or HAS, is most effective in ameliorating auto-radiolysis of radio-peptides in high radioactive fields (>Ci levels). An effective combination may include, for example, 0.5-5% (w/v) ascorbic acid and 0.5-4% (w/v) PVP, or 0.5-5% (w/v) ascorbic acid, 0.5-5.0% (w/v) HSA, and 0.5-4% (w/v) PVP. Ideally, the PVP and ascorbate combination, or PVP, ascorbate and HSA combination, is added immediately following the radiolabeling of the Ab.

(43) In addition to these agents, a variety of other radio-protective agents can be used, including synthetic thioethers and chromans that provide stability through their free radical scavenging and anti-oxidative properties.

(44) In additional to chemical means of stabilizing a radiolabeled protein, cryopreservation has also been shown to stabilize the labeled preparation in enhancing its shelf life. This was exemplified for three .sup.131I-labeled-mAbs where a successful technique of cryopreservation at −70° C. for several days was demonstrated to allow for their shipment and administration. The immunoreactivity of these cryoprotected antibodies was fully preserved throughout the course of this investigation (e.g. ˜10 days) with minimal radiation decay, as compared to samples stored at 4° C. One caveat to this approach, however, is that an antibody cannot tolerate more than one freeze-thaw cycle.

(45) Thus, another embodiment of the radiolabeling process according to this invention is to employ stability-enhancing excipients as early as possible in the process. For example, excipients such as ascorbic acid (2.5% w/v) may be added alone or in combination with HSA (2% to 4% w/v) to the quenched radio-iodination mixture before the purification of the labeled product, as detailed in Example 3. Excipients may be added using pre-cooled concentrated stock solutions.

(46) Purification of the labeled immunoglobulin over a desalting column may also be carried out in the presence of excipients, such as the 2.5% ascorbic acid or the mixture of 2.5% ascorbic acid and 2 to 4% HSA (all w/v). For example, the excipients may be added in the pre-cooled elution buffer used for purification of the labeled immunoglobulin. The purified product is therefore collected from the desalting column mixed with these stability-enhancing excipients. The purification of a 1,000 mCi aliquot may be performed on a commercially available sterile Sephadex G25 desalting column (GE HiPrep 26/10 desalting column, bed volume 53 mL). Similarly, smaller batches such as <200 mCi labeling can be purified on a commercially available PD10 desalting column (GE PD10 column, bed volume 8.6 mL). The use of pre-sterilized columns provides a convenient method to prepare radiolabeled product doses for human administration. While specific column sizes and matrices have been discussed, columns of other sizes and bed volumes using similar or equivalent matrices may also be used.

(47) The formulation of the product with stability-enhancing excipients is preferentially performed using ascorbic acid, PVP and HSA. As such, the purified radiolabeled product according to this invention may contain ascorbic acid or a mixture of ascorbic acid and HSA. Further, the purified product may be formulated with PVP (for example, at 2% w/v) to help prevent the formation of aggregates (Example 5).

(48) In addition, a cryopreservation approach to minimizing radiation damage to the high radioactivity labeled immunoglobulin may also be used. Prior cryopreservation schemes have used temperatures as low as −70° C. to stabilize an .sup.131I-labeled antibody. However, surprisingly, it was found that for the radiolabeled immunoglobulin of this invention, cryopreservation at −20° C. gave satisfactory results compatible with targeted stability and shelf life of four days for therapeutic dose formulations and eight days for the dosimetry dose formulations. Furthermore, as described in Examples 8-10, the use of this cryopreservation surprisingly allowed two freeze-thaw cycles while maintaining the integrity and stability of the formulated .sup.131I-labeled anti-CD45 immunoglobulin of this invention.

(49) Thus, the compositions, stabilizing excipient mixtures and cryopreservation methods of the present invention have been found to provide excellent stabilization of the radiolabelled antibody, providing intact antibodies having immunoreactivity of greater than 70%, greater than 80%, and even greater than 90%.

(50) Various stability-indicating tests performed (Example 7) with the therapeutic and dosimetry dose formulations suggest that, for example, the combination of 2.5% ascorbic acid and 2% PVP (both w/v) as excipients, along with cryopreservation at −20° C., provides good stability of four days and eight days, respectively, for the therapeutic dose and the dosimetry dose formulations. In both instances, the terminal day of storage is at ambient temperature.

(51) Each of the foregoing embodiments that provides excipient-stabilized radio-iodinated anti-CD45 immunoglobulin compositions may find use as a radiotherapeutic agent for treating malignancies of hematopoietic origin.

(52) The following examples of this invention are provided to illustrate its various aspects and by no means are to be viewed as limiting any of the described embodiments. A different combination of these embodiments may be used to achieve similar characteristics of the formulated radio-iodinated immunoglobulins of this invention. For example, the amounts of the excipients used may be varied and the temperature of storage may be changed to 2-8° C. or even room temperature. This may be adaptable to formulations intended for immediate use or use within a short period of 1-2 days.

(53) All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In addition, the materials, methods and examples are illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCES

(54) SEQ ID NO:1 shows the amino acid sequence of the variable domain of the light chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(55) SEQ ID NO:2 shows the amino acid sequence of the variable domain of the heavy chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(56) SEQ ID NO:3 shows the amino acid sequence of CDR1 of the light chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(57) SEQ ID NO:4 shows the amino acid sequence of CDR2 of the light chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(58) SEQ ID NO:5 shows the amino acid sequence of CDR3 of the light chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(59) SEQ ID NO:6 shows the amino acid sequence of CDR1 of the heavy chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(60) SEQ ID NO:7 shows the amino acid sequence of CDR2 of the heavy chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(61) SEQ ID NO:8 shows the amino acid sequence of CDR3 of the heavy chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(62) SEQ ID NO:9 shows the nucleotide sequence of the light chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(63) SEQ ID NO:10 shows the nucleotide sequence of the heavy chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(64) SEQ ID NO:11 shows the amino acid sequence of N-terminus of the light chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(65) SEQ ID NO:12 shows the amino acid sequence of N-terminus of the heavy chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(66) SEQ ID NO:13 shows the predicted amino acid sequence of the light chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(67) SEQ ID NO:14 shows the predicted amino acid sequence of the heavy chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8.

(68) SEQ ID NO:15 shows the actual amino acid sequence of the heavy chain of anti-CD45 murine immunoglobulin BC8 as determined by amino-acid sequencing.

EXAMPLES

Example 1: Production of Anti-CD45 Immunoglobulin BC8

(69) The murine anti-CD45 mAb BC8 was prepared from a hybridoma (ATCC No. HB-10507) that was initially developed by fusing mouse myeloma NS1 cells with spleen cells from a BALB/C mouse hyperimmunized with human phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated mononuclear cells. The original fused cells, after screening for microbial contaminations, were cultured using the JRH-Biosciences EXCell 300 medium supplemented with 1-2% Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS).

(70) The hybridoma cell line was adapted for culture in a serum-free culture medium. Briefly, the cells in culture were slowly and gradually weaned of the serum albumin using the combo medium supplemented with glutamine, cholesterol, insulin and transferrin. The cells were then grown in up to 500 L scale to a density of >1 e6 cells/mL The medium was harvested and processed for the purification of the anti-CD45 antibody using a combination of cation exchange chromatography, Protein-A chromatography, and anion exchange membrane separation. The purified antibody was concentrated by nano-filtration (30 kD cutoff). The concentration of the purified product was measured at 5.2 mg/ml and was stored at 2-8° C.

(71) The purified antibody was characterized by SDS-PAGE, IEF and SEC-HPLC techniques. A single product peak (99.4%) was recorded with SEC-HPLC with about 0.6% aggregates. The non-reducing SDS-PAGE showed the band at 186.55 kD for the antibody. The SDS-PAGE under reduced conditions confirmed the presence of the light and the heavy chains (99.9% together).

Example 2: Sequencing of the Anti-CD45-Immunoglobulin BC8

(72) DNA Sequence: Total RNA was isolated from the hybridoma cells following the technical manual of Trizol® Reagent. The total RNA was analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis and was reverse transcribed into cDNA using isotype-specific anti-sense primers or universal primers following the technical manual of PrimeScript™ 1st Strand cDNA Synthesis Kit. The antibody fragments of VH, VL, CH and CL were amplified and were separately cloned into a standard cloning vector using standard molecular cloning procedures. Colony PCR screening was performed to identify clones with inserts of correct sizes. More than five single colonies with inserts of correct sizes were sequenced for each antibody fragment. The complete nucleotide sequence of the light and the heavy chains are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4A.

(73) Protein Sequencing by LC-MS/MS: The anti-CD45-immunoglobulin was sequenced using the mass spectrometry peptide mapping approach. The anti-CD45-immunoglobulin was de-glycosylated, reduced and digested with individual enzymes; trypsin, Lys-C and chymotrypsin. The peptide fragments were then analyzed by the LC-coupled mass spectrometry technique using the MS/MS fragmentation analysis approach. In the LC-MS/MS peptide mapping-based sequence, certain isomeric amino acids of the same mass may be mistaken for one another. For example, interpretation between a Leu and Ile can be difficult. The nucleotide-based sequence was used to correct for such ambiguities.

(74) The complete predicted protein sequences of the light and the heavy chain, based on the DNA sequence and standard codon usage, are shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B. Protein sequencing of the heavy and light chains of the BC8 antibody showed that the actual amino acid sequence differs from that predicted by the DNA sequence by only a single amino acid in the heavy chain. The complete actual sequence of the heavy chain, based on this protein sequencing, is shown in FIG. 4A. The codon which codes for the amino acid at position 141 predicts an ASN-141 and not the actual ASP-141 found by protein sequencing.

(75) This type of post-translational modification, deamination, may depend on the cellular environment and, in some cases, has been postulated to be related to protein age (e.g., may provide a signal for protein degradation). The fact that other deaminated amino acids were not identified, however, may be indicative of an important and specific role for ASP-141. At the very least, ASP-141 may be in an exposed or accessible region on the folded protein. That is, ASN-141 may be solvent accessible and reside within a conformationally flexible region of the antibody. The effect of deamination on the biological activity of the BC8 antibody may be determined from the results of human clinical trials.

Example 3: Radio-Iodination of Anti-CD45 Immunoglobulin BC8 and its Purification in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid

(76) One mg of anti-CD45 immunoglobulin was labeled with 20 to 30 mCi of .sup.131I-Na (30 mCi) in the presence of chloramine-T (23 micrograms) in PBS buffer (pH 7.2). The reaction was quenched with the addition of aqueous sodium thiosulfate (69 micrograms) and diluted with cold NaI (1 mg). Immediately following, a concentrated ascorbic acid solution made in 50 mM PBS (pH 7) was added to achieve 2.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid strength in the quenched reaction mixture. Labeling reactions up to 3,000 mCi per batch were successfully performed using this method.

(77) The labeled product was purified by gel filtration on a sterile, pre-packed commercially available Sephadex G25 column (GE HiPrep 26/10 column, bed volume 53 mL) using PBS (50 mM, pH 7) mobile phase supplemented with 2.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid to stabilize the radiolabeled product. Up to 1,000 mCi reaction volume was purified on a single column. The product was collected in the five to 35 mL elution volume from the column.

(78) The radio-iodinated reaction batches of <200 mCi could be purified in a similar fashion on a smaller desalting column (GE PD10 column, bed volume 8.6 mL).

Example 4: Radio-Iodination of Anti-CD45 Immunoglobulin BC8 and its Purification in the Presence of Ascorbic Acid and HSA

(79) The labeling and purification were performed essentially as described in Example 3, except that 2% or 4% (w/v) HSA was also added along with 2.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid to the quenched reaction as well as in the elution buffer during the purification process.

Example 5: Formulation of .SUP.131.I-Anti-CD45 Immunoglobulin BC8 to Stabilize it Against Auto-Radiolysis

(80) Aliquots of the purified product were formulated at once for stability test studies under various storage conditions and durations. The storage test conditions included −20° C., 2-8° C., room temperature and a combination thereof. The duration of storage was three days to 15 days, followed by one additional terminal day at room temperature. The −20° C. conditions were intended to stabilize the formulated product against auto-radiolysis. The terminal 24 hr room temperature condition was to test for stability of the product during its administration to human subjects.

(81) The purified .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin product contained 2.5% (w/w) ascorbic acid (as in Example 3) and additionally 2 or 4% (w/v) HSA (as in Example 4). In either case, the product was further formulated by supplementing it with 2 or 4% (w/v) PVP. The PVP was added for its influence in preventing the formation of protein aggregates. In this invention, .sup.125I and .sup.123I are also envisioned for use in radiolabeling Anti-CD45 Immunoglobulin (e.g., BC8).

(82) All of the formulated products were assayed for stability and immunoreactivity following the above mentioned stability test paradigms.

Example 6: Stabilized Formulations of .SUP.131.I-Anti-CD45 Immunoglobulin BC8 for Dosimetry and Therapeutic Applications

(83) The purified product was formulated at once into unit doses for dosimetry and therapeutic applications. Appropriate aliquots (mCi) of the purified .sup.131I-anti-CD45 immunoglobulin were formulated into single doses, each having a 45 mL dose volume. The radioactivity drawn in the aliquots was calculated for the desired calibration time (CT) of three days for the therapeutic dose and seven days for the dosimetry dose. A single lot of purified .sup.131I-BC8 was used to make a combination of single unit dosimetry and therapeutic doses.

(84) To make a dosimetry dose formulation, a 6 to 12 mCi aliquot (for CT of seven days) was formulated to a 50 mL dose volume, by combining it with appropriate amounts of “cold” (i.e., unlabeled) anti-CD45 immunoglobulin (35 mg final amount of the combined labeled and unlabeled antibody fractions in 45 mL dose volume for a 70 kg subject), 2.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid and 2% (w/v) PVP. A 45 mL portion was filled in the dose vial. The remaining 5 mL was filled in a vial designated for QC tests. After formulation, the doses can be stored at −20° C. for up to seven days for use within this time period. For human administration, a dose received at −20° C. could be allowed to stand at room temperature for one to two hours to thaw it. It may then be infused into the patient within the next 22 hours.

(85) The therapeutic dose formulations were made patient-specific both in terms of dose-associated radioactivity and the amount of the anti-CD45 immunoglobulin. The radioactivity dose amount as prescribed by the clinical investigator was formulated by matching it with the calculated amount of total anti-CD45 immunoglobulin (cold anti-CD45 immunoglobulin plus .sup.131I-radiolabeled anti-CD45 immunoglobulin fraction) adjusted for the weight of the patient to deliver 0.5 mg/kg BC8 antibody dose in a 45 mL dose volume. A therapeutic dose formulation was also adjusted to a final 2.5% (w/v) ascorbic acid and 2% (w/v) PVP. Using these parameters, a 50 mL volume of the therapeutic dose was made, of which 45 mL are transferred to a dose vial. The remaining 5 mL of the formulation is placed in a vial designated for QC tests. The formulated dose could be stored at −20° C. for up to three days for administering within this period. A dose received by the clinical site at −20° C. could be allowed to stand at room temperature for one to two hours to thaw it. It may then be infused into the patient within next 22 hours.

Example 7: Analytical Methods for Testing the Stability of .SUP.131.I-Anti-CD45-Immunoglobulin BC8

(86) The radiochemical purity and immune-reactivity of the .sup.131I-labeled BC8 are two important measurable analytical parameters that determine its suitability for clinical use as a dosimetry agent and a therapeutic agent. Various analytical methods employed to establish these requirements are described herein.

(87) (A) Radiochemical Incorporation by Instant Thin-Layer Chromatography (iTLC).

(88) Silica-impregnated iTLC strips of dimension 10.5×1.0 cm (Gelman Sciences Inc., Ann Arbor, Mich.; or Varian ITLC-SG; SG10001) were employed for this test. Each strip was marked with pencil lines at 1.5, 6.0 and 6.5 cm from one edge. The strip was spotted on the 1.5-cm line with about 25-50 μCi of the .sup.131I-BC8 preparation (generally, 1-5 μL). The strip was then set in a 15-mL plastic centrifuge tube containing about 2 mL of normal saline (or PBS buffer, or sodium acetate buffer) to serve as the mobile phase. The iTLC strip was developed until the mobile saline phase had reached the top of the strip. The strip was taken out of the tube and cut at the 6.0- and 6.5-cm lines. The activities of the top, middle and bottom sections were measured in a dose calibrator. The radiochemical incorporation of .sup.131I to the immunoglobulin protein was calculated as the activity of the bottom section divided by the total activity in all three sections. The acceptance criterion was RCP ≥90%. Significant (≥5%) activity in the middle section would be indicative of streaking and require a re-test.

(89) $\mathrm{Radiochemical}\mathrm{incorporation}\left(\%\right)=\frac{\left(\mathrm{Bottom}\mathrm{counts}\right)}{\left(\mathrm{Bottom}+\mathrm{Middle}+\mathrm{Top}\mathrm{count}\right)}$

(90) For the purified .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin preparations, this method showed 98-100% of the radioiodine in the immunoglobulin with an almost immeasurable amount of radioactivity in the top half of the iTLC strip. The free .sup.131I, if present, is carried to the top of the strip by the mobile phase. This test, therefore, routinely established that during the purification of the .sup.131I-anti-CD45 immunoglobulin by desalting chromatography immediately following the radio-iodination reaction, the free iodine was effectively removed from the labeled product.

(91) (B) Radiochemical Purity Test (RCP) by Size Exclusive Chromatography-High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (SEC-HPLC).

(92) The HPLC-SEC assay was performed using a YMC-pack-Diol 200 column, using a 50 mM phosphate, 150 mM NaCl mobile phase at pH 7.2 and a flow rate of 0.5 mL/min. The column was first rinsed with 10 mM phosphate, pH 7.0 for at least 60 minutes. It was then equilibrated with the mobile phase for another 60 minutes before injection of the sample. Samples were run for 45 minutes, with blanks (water) injected between each sample to ensure there was no overlap of peaks from one sample to the next. A reference standard was also tested to compare the main peak elution time.

(93) The SEC using this column allows for the separation of the .sup.131I-anti CD45 immunoglobulin protein into the product (monomeric) and aggregated fractions, in addition to the free unconjugated radio-iodine and other smaller protein degradation fragments. The radiochemical purity of .sup.131I-anti-CD45 immunoglobulin using HPLC-SEC is obtained using an in-line flow gamma radioactivity detector. A typical profile and integration results are shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

(94) The data for a typical run were obtained as the % radioactivity associated with the .sup.131I-anti CD45-immunoglobulin product (monomer), the high molecular weight species or aggregated protein, and the free-.sup.131I. For the purified .sup.131I-anti CD45-immunoglobulin preparations, this method consistently showed (a) >95% monomer peak corresponding to the desired labeled product; (b) <5% aggregates; and (c) <5% of low molecular-weight impurities, including the free .sup.131I. A comparison of these three critical quality attributes among various formulations and stability conditions was made to understand the effectiveness of a formulation and its stability over a period of time and temperature conditions.

(95) (C) Immunoreactivity Assays.

(96) In these assays, Raji, Ramos, or CytoTrol (Beckman Coulter) cells expressing cell surface CD45 antigen were used to determine specific binding of .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin to CD45 antigen-positive cells. The CytoTrol cells were lyophilized human lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood that exhibit CD45 surface antigen and were preferred due to their commercial availability (Beckman Coulter) and consistency.

(97) (i) Direct binding assay: An aliquot of the .sup.131I-anti-CD45 immunoglobulin was diluted to 30 ng/mL. A 2-mL micro-centrifuge vial was charged with 100 μL of cells (2.5×10.sup.7 CytoTrol cells) and 150 μL of the diluted .sup.131I-anti-CD45 immunoglobulin (4.5 ng protein). For the measurement of total activity termed “Applied Total”, another vial was charged with only the .sup.131I-BC8 solution (150 The assay was performed in triplicate. The cell-protein mixtures were incubated on a rocker at 37° C. for one hour, and then centrifuged at 2,000 rpm for two minutes. A specific volume of the supernatant from each vial (188 μL) was transferred by pipette to empty micro-centrifuge vials. The activity in each vial of supernatant (as well as in the “Applied Total” vials) was measured with a NaI well counter (Capintec), counting each vial for one minute. The % binding of .sup.131I-BC8 to CytoTrol cells was then calculated as:

(98) $\mathrm{Binding}\left(\%\right)=\frac{\left(\mathrm{Applied}\mathrm{Total}\mathrm{activity}\right)=\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)\left(\mathrm{supernatamt}\mathrm{activity}\right])}{\left(\mathrm{Applied}\mathrm{Total}\mathrm{activity}\right)}$

(99) A >70% specific binding was considered an acceptable level of immunoreactivity for the .sup.131I-radiolabeled product.

(100) (ii) ELISA competition assay: A cell basis ELISA competition assay was also used to measure .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin BC8 binding affinity to CytoTrol cells. In this assay, various concentrations of .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin were made to compete with the binding of a fixed concentration of CD45-FITC antibody to the CytoTrol cells. The CD45-FITC antibody is a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled monoclonal antibody that reacts with all isoforms of human CD45. The increasing concentrations of .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin displaced the CD45-FITC bound to CytoTrol cells. The binding activity was then measured in terms of fluorescence of CD45-FITC bound on CytoTrol cells. The immunoreactivity of .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin was defined as the concentration of .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin at which ≥80% cell binding of CD45-FITC antibody to CytoTrol cells was displaced.

(101) (iii) Flow Cytometry Assay: A Flow Cytometry assay can also be used to evaluate the immunoreactivity of the .sup.131I-anti-CD45-immunoglobulin formulations. The specific binding to the CD45 cell surface antigen (on CytoTrol or Raji Cells) was measured in terms of an arithmetic mean, geometric mean, or median fluorescence intensity (MFI). The MFI should demonstrate radiolabeled anti-CD45-immunoglobulin binding: >50% of the positive control antibody with known binding ability. The positive control antibody in this assay could be the native (unlabeled) anti CD45-immunoglobulin.

Example 8: Stability Studies on a 100 mCi .SUP.131.I-Anti-CD45-Immunoglobulin Formulated with (w/v) 2.5% Ascorbic Acid, 4% HSA and 2% PVP

(102) A 100 mCi aliquot of the initial labeled product containing 2.5% ascorbic acid and 4% HSA (prepared by the methods of Examples 4 and 5) was stored frozen at −20° C. for three days, thawed and assayed according to methods of Example 7. It was then formulated to include 2% PVP and stored at −20° C. for three days, then thawed, assayed and left at ambient temperature for one day. Day 7 assays were also performed for comparisons.

(103) The assay results shown in FIGS. 5A-5D describe a very high stability of the labeled and formulated product and resistance to degradation by two freeze/thaw cycles during the entire stability testing process. The monomeric protein bound activity at all the test points over the entire seven-day period, which include the terminal day 7 at room temperature, were well over 90% with acceptable immunoreactivity of >80%. The aggregates (HMWS) and the Free-I (LMWS) were also well contained; <3% and <4.5% respectively. Considering the half-life of .sup.131I (8.02 days), these 7-day stability results are remarkable for the exemplary excipient-stabilized formulation.

Example 9: Stability Testing of Three Therapeutic Dose Formulations Using (w/v) 2.5% Ascorbic Acid and 2% PVP for Over a 4-Day Period

(104) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Summary of key stability parameters of therapeutic dose formulations studied Formulation excipient iTLC IR (% Cell Binding) SEC-HPLC Labeling Therapeutic AA PVP HSA T = 0-3 day T = day T = 0-3 day T = day T = 0-3 day T = day Batch Formulation % % % T = 0 at −20 C. 4 at RT T = 0 at −20 C. 4 at RT at −20 C. 4 at RT 1,000 895 mCi 2.5 2 — 99.64 98.93 97.99 83.3 79.1 78.8 Prod. 96.47 94.27 92.83 mCi formulation Free 1.25 3.38 5.05 Run-3 Aggr. 2.28 2.35 2.13 3,000 1,182 2.5 2 — 99.60 98.90 98.80 80.9 80.8 75.9 Prod. 96.69 92.83 92.47 mCi mCi - Th-A Free 1.14 3.89 5.59 Run-4 formulation Aggr. 2.18 3.28 1.94 3,000 1,133 2.5 2 2% 99.59 98.30 98.30 83.2 79.9 76.2 Prod. 96.86 93.94 91.21 mCi mCi Th-B: Free 1.07 3.72 6.21 Run-4 formulation Aggr. 2.06 2.34 2.57 AA—acetic acid; PVP—polyvinylpyrrolidone; HSA—human serum albumin

(105) Aliquots (895, 1,133 and 1,182 mCi) from 1,000 to 3,000 scale labeling runs performed according to the methods of Example 3, or Examples 3 and 4 combined, were formulated with 2% (w/v) PVP. Table 1 details these individual therapeutic dose formulations and stability testing results using a protocol of 3-day storage at −20° C. followed by an additional day at room temperature. The stability-indicating assays were performed according the methods of Example 7. All the test results at the end of day 4 showed >90% monomeric product fraction with a maximum of 6.21% of Free-I and 3.3% aggregates, signifying high stability of the product. The immunoreactivity of >75% at the day 4 time point was also excellent. FIGS. 6A-6C show histograms of the 1,133 mCi therapeutic formation of this set.

Example 10: Stability Testing of Seven Dosimetry Dose Formulations Using (w/v) 2.5% Ascorbic Acid and 2% PVP for Up to an 8-Day Period

(106) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Summary of key stability parameters of dosimetry dose formulations studied Formulation Scale of excipient iTLC IR (% Cell Binding) SEC-HPLC Labeling Dosimetry AA PVP HSA T = 0-7 day T = day T = 0-7 day T = day T = 0-7 day T = day batch Formulation % % % T = 0 at −20 C. 8 at RT T = 0 at −20 C. 8 at RT T = 0 at −20 C. 8 at RT 300 A - 12 mCi 2.5 2 4 99.60 99.98 98.39 85.3 80.1 77.9 Prod. 95.50 95.99  96.2  mCi formulation Free 2.70 1.85 2.11 Aggr. 2.70 2.16 1.69 300 B - 18 mCi 2.5 2 4 99.60 99.78 98.53 85.3 80.4 77.2 Prod. 97.50 95.65  95.61  mCi formulation Free 1.06 2.07 2.28 Aggr. 1.44 2.28 2.11 300 12 mCi 2.5 2 4 96.85 97.26 96.47 77.9 79.9 76.1 Prod. 96.85 97.26  96.47  mCi formulation Free 1.32 1.29 1.99 Aggr. 1.82 1.45 1.54 1,000 A - 11.56 mCi 2.5 2 — 99.75 98.91 98.83 83.8 80.9 77.3 Prod. 96.88 96.39  96.54  mCi formulation (d = (d = (d 3) (d 4) (d 3) (d 4) 3, −20 C.) 4 RT) Free 0.92 1.25 1.81 (d 3) (d 4) Aggr. 2.20 2.36 1.65 (d 3) (d 4) 1,000 B - 11.25 mCi 2.5 2 — 99.75 96.08 na 83.8 78.7 na Prod. 96.88 96.11  Na mCi formulation Free 0.92 1.43 Na Aggr. 2.20 2.47 Na 3,000 Ds-A - 15.03 2.5 2 — 98.97 98.80 98.3 80.4 81.2 80.7 Prod. 96.68 95.38  96.6  mCi mCi (d 3) (d 4) (d 3) (d 4) (d 3) (d 4) formulation Free 1.25 1.58 1.33 (d 3) (d 4) Aggr. 2.08 2.41 2.07 (d 3) (d 4) 3,000 Ds-B - 13.78 2.5 2 — 98.97 97.72 97.12 80.4 78.4 71.5 Prod. 96.68 96.88  96.76  mCi mCi (d 6) (d 7) (d 6) (d 7) formulation Free 1.25 1.85 1.41 (d 6) (d 7) Aggr. 2.08 1.26 1.82 (d 6) (d 7) RT is room temperature. The d 3, d 4, d 6 and d 7 stands for day 3 to day 7

(107) Seven 11 to 18 mCi aliquots from 300 to 3,000 scale labeling runs performed according to the methods of Example 3 or Example 3 and 4 combined were formulated with 2% (w/v) PVP. Table 2 describes these individual dosimetry dose formulations and stability testing results using a protocol of 3- or 7-day storage at −20° C. followed by an additional day at room temperature. The stability-indicating assays were performed according the methods of Example 7. All test results at the end of day 4 or day 8 showed >95% monomeric product fraction with a maximum of 2.8% of Free-I and 2.7% aggregates, signifying high stability of the formulated product. The immunoreactivity of >75% at the day 4 time point and >70% at day 8 time point was also well within acceptable range. FIGS. 7A-7C show histograms of the 13.78 mCi dosimetry dose formation of this set as a representative example.

Example 11: Stability Studies on a 150 mCi .SUP.131.I-Anti-CD45-Immunoglobulin Formulated with (w/v) 2.5% Ascorbic Acid and 4% HSA as Well as 2.5% Ascorbic Acid, 4% HSA and 2% PVP

(108) A 150 mCi aliquot of the initial labeled product containing 2.5% ascorbic acid and 4% HSA (prepared using the methods of Examples 3 and 4) was stored frozen at −20° C. for 14 days. It was thawed, assayed using methods of Example 7, and further formulated with the inclusion of 2% PVP. This fully formulated product was assayed and again deposited at −20° C. for three additional days. It was finally thawed on day 17 and assayed. This entire stability study included two freeze-thaw cycles, and the combined 17-day stability period is more than two half lives of the .sup.131I isotope.

(109) The results shown in FIGS. 8A-8D underscore the stability of the fully formulated sample for over 17 days (more than double the ˜eight-day half-life of .sup.131I). The monomeric protein-bound activity at all the test points over the entire 17-day period was >90%, with an immunoreactivity of >70%. The aggregate fraction (HMWS) and the Free-I (LMWS) were also well contained at <1% and <6%, respectively. The immunoreactivity of the sample frozen for 14 days was recorded to be >85%. These assay results for long-term storage of the labeled product (total 17 days) indicate good overall stability of the labeled product and its resilience to prolonged freezing for two weeks followed by two thawing cycles.

Example 12: Additional Embodiments of .SUP.131.I-BC8 Formulations

(110) In one embodiment, each .sup.131I-BC8 dosimetric dose contains a volume of 45±1 mL with 31.5-38.5 mg of BC8, composed of 131I-labeled BC8 and unlabeled BC8, in a solution of 50 mM sodium phosphate buffered saline (0.9%) (pH 7.0) containing 25 mg/mL ascorbic acid, and 20 mg/mL PVP. The dosimetric dose contains 10 (or 10-15) mCi of .sup.131I-BC8, and is intended for complete infusion during i.v. administration.

(111) In another embodiment, each .sup.131I-BC8 therapeutic dose contains a volume of 45±1 mL with 6.66-45.0 mg of BC8, composed of .sup.131I-labeled BC8 and unlabeled BC8, in a solution of 50 mM sodium phosphate buffered saline (0.9%) (pH 7.0) containing 25 mg/mL ascorbic acid, and 20 mg/mL PVP. The therapeutic dose contains 200-1,350 mCi of .sup.131I-BC8, depending on patient-specific needs, and is intended for complete infusion during i.v. administration. The therapeutic dose does not exceed a ratio of 30:1 of mCi to mg of antibody.

(112) The therapeutic dose activity level is calculated based on gamma camera images following the dosimetric administration using Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) method and Organ Level Internal Dose Assessment (OLINDA) software to calculate absorbed dose per unit of administered activity to project levels not exceeding 24Gy of activity to any normal organ and 48Gy of activity to the bone marrow.

(113) In one embodiment of these .sup.131I-BC8 formulations (i.e., doses), the formulations are prepared and stored in the form of batches, whereby each batch is ultimately divided into individual doses. So, for example, one batch might contain between 1-2 Ci, 1-3 Ci, 2-3 Ci, 1-4 Ci, 2-4 Ci, 1-5 Ci, 2-5 Ci, 3-5 Ci, 4-5 Ci, 1-10 Ci, 2-10 Ci, 3-10 Ci or 5-10 Ci. In a 3 Ci batch, for example, the molar ratio of .sup.131I to antibody is 0.28, the molar ratio of ascorbate to .sup.131I is 53.83, and the molar ratio of ascorbate to antibody is 415.64. In a 2 Ci batch, for example, the molar ratio of .sup.131I to antibody is 0.18, the molar ratio of ascorbate to .sup.131I is 80.74, and the molar ratio of ascorbate to antibody is 277.09. By way of further example, in a 3 Ci batch, the molar ratio of ascorbate to .sup.131I is below 60, below 55, below 50, below 45, below 40, below 35, below 30, below 25 or below 20; and/or the molar ratio of ascorbate to antibody is below 500, below 450, below 400, below 350, below 300, below 250 or below 200.

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