Recent technological advances in cell line and bioprocess development have driven significant improvements in product titers and enabled scientists to accelerate product development timelines (1). Despite those successes, many limitations in developing cell lines for biotherapeutics remain. One example in fed-batch cultures is an apparent paradox: when cell growth is inhibited by high osmolarity after multiple additions of concentrated nutrients intended to enhance cell growth and protein production. Generation of novel host cells to overcome specific bottlenecks found…
2010
Global Marketplace
Small-Scale Fluid Control Product: Flipper 6650 solenoid valve Applications: Analytical fluid dosing Features: With a pitch of only 4.5 mm, the Flipper 6650 solenoid valve comes in 2/2- and 3/2-way versions that offer performance comparable to 10-mm and 16-mm valves. The media-separated valve is compact and fast-switching, optimized especially for reproducible and precise dosing of aggressive fluids. Because of its compact size, the valve requires smaller internal volume in the connecting plates, thus increasing efficiency of…
Cell Line Development and Engineering Novel Approaches to Improve Speed of Development, Stability, Manufacturability, Quality, and Fundamental Understanding
I BC’s sixth annual Cell Line Development and Engineering conference will deliver 37 presentations in a three-day, single-track format for the most valuable and intensive learning experience you can attend. This program has earned its reputation by attracting thought leaders in industry and academia to collectively examine and provide solutions to the industry’s most daunting challenges. For 2010, we developed an agenda that will help you achieve your ultimate goal of improving quality and understanding of your cell lines while…
Making a Positive Urban Impact
The nonprofit Center of Research Technology and Entrepreneurial Exchange (CORTEX) was formed to facilitate development of two redevelopment areas in St. Louis, MO. Last month, I explained their vision and introduced the participants, along with highlighting an example development on the campus of St. Louis University. This month, I conclude with several more examples. Center For Emerging Technologies The Center for Emerging Technologies in St. Louis is ranked a top-10 business incubation facilities in the United States. In under nine…
The Growing Role of Biobanking in Today’s Medical Environment
For decades, biomaterials such as tissues, blood, and serum derived from clinical testing have played a critical role in drug development and academic research. The recent focus on molecular-based therapies, genomics, and biomarker discovery in today’s medical research have dramatically transformed the way biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations collect, transport, and store their biospecimens. As the pharmaceutical industry shifts toward a more personalized approach to medicine, the need for high-quality, well-maintained biospecimens is at the forefront of medical research.…
Managing the Product Pipeline
In 2007, the biopharmaceutical market represented ~$71 billion: 10% of the entire pharmaceutical market. Therapeutic proteins and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) account for 98% of all biotherapeutics in development, the rest being blood proteins and enzymes — all the products of recombinant DNA technology. Before the recession hit full on, growth of this market was estimated by some at ~15%. (Now it’s hard to predict at all.) Making biotech drugs consumes huge amounts of time and money, but they…
Delivering Affordable Biologics from Gene to Vial
In launching this new series of articles under the theme of delivering affordable biologics, from gene to vial, we intend to examine some of the challenges the bioprocess industry faces. We will discuss the implications of key cost challenges facing the industry, develop an understanding of the economics underlying development and manufacturing, and explore options for driving out cost. We wish to encourage dialogue and debate, so in addition to the articles we will also use webcast interviews…
The Business of Biotechnology
All companies — large and small, biotech included — have felt the pinch of the current (or recent, depending on your point of view) recession. From huge multinational companies to virtual start-ups, all are taking a good hard look at the way they do business. And as it does every year, the 2010 BIO International Convention will offer something for every company and every situation. Business-oriented sessions range from hard-earned experience to provocative new ideas. On the BioProcess…
Growing the Future
The 2010 BIO International Convention isn’t just about biotechnology-derived drugs and vaccines. The biotechnology industry as a whole seeks to address current global needs in other areas as well in light of diminishing resources and other environmental concerns. Biofuels development is entering its second wave. Agricultural researchers are finding ways to improve global access to both food and energy. And health-care policy is taking ethics and environmental sustainability into account while looking for new models that can help…
Rethinking Efficiency
Public and private healthcare providers are under increasing pressure with the demand for better quality drugs and cheaper healthcare on the rise. However, rising costs and time scales for bringing new drugs to market suggest that challenging times are ahead for many pharmaceutical companies. Current trends in US healthcare indicate that almost half of the hospitals across the country have seen a >20% drop in income. With an additional drop in financial donations, many hospital staff budgets are being cut,…