Ingrid Ramm improves the stability of therapeutic proteins

Hi Ingrid, can you describe what your research has focused on and what the results mean?
“My research project focuses on improving the stability of therapeutic proteins in liquid formulations. I have mainly investigated how different exepients affect the chemical stability of the protein GA-Z (Affibody). The results show that glycerol, fructose, sucrose, and melezitose reduce the deamide and isomerization of GA-Z by inducing a stabilization of the α-helix structures and the folded state of GA-Z. Polysorbate 80 does not affect the stability or structure of GA-Z. DDM changes the structure of GA-Z, which leads to an altered chemical stability. The structural change probably stems from DDM interacting with GA-Z. The results contribute to an increased understanding of how protein drugs can be stabilized against chemical degradation.”

Which parts of your dissertation work are you most proud of?
“I am most proud of the NMR analyses that have shown how the excitants affect the structure of GA-Z at the atomic level. It was a demanding job to map the different peaks of GA-Z in the NRM spectrum. But the results of the survey gave me the opportunity to make exciting analyses.”

How have you and your project benefited from being part of NextBioForm?
“Thanks to NextBioForm, I have come into contact with experts who have given me suggestions on the design of my research studies and helped me to interpret and understand results. For example, it has been crucial for my NMR studies. NextBioForm's center meetings have also given me the opportunity to discuss my project as a whole, in a comprehensive way with several experts from different fields at the same time.

What has your experience been like doing a PhD within the framework of NextBioForm?
“Being a PhD student within the NextBioForm consortium has been fun and rewarding. I have learned a lot from listening to presentations by both other doctoral students and senior researchers from both industry and universities. It has also been motivating that my research is part of a larger purpose.”

What benefits have you and your research gained from collaborating closely with companies during your doctoral studies?
“In addition to the expert help that companies have given me, it has also been valuable to get feedback from various industry partners on how my research contributes to the development of future protein drugs.”