BioProcess Insider brings the biotechnology news as it breaks. For the on-demand BPI Theater at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization’s 2021 convention, founding editor Dan Stanton interviewed leading biopharmaceutical executives in early June 2021. Highlighting the rapid proliferation of cell and gene therapies (CGTs), Hummerson described how his company seeks to support downstream processing for emerging therapies. Hummerson reflected that when he joined the biopharmaceutical industry in 2006, developers of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) expressed great need for innovative purification solutions. The…

Shawn Shafer, PhD, genome editing platform lead, Aldevron Shafer spoke about manufacturing ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) for clinical applications. CRISPR RNP consists of a guide RNA (sgRNA) complex with the CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9). The Cas9 protein is complexed with the guide RNA as it associates with the genomic DNA. Once the guide RNA is aligned with the complementary genomic DNA sequence, the catalytic nucleus domains cleave the genomic DNA, creating a double-stranded break…

Julien Meissonnier, vice president and chief scientific officer, Catalent Meissonnier shared information about the expanded role of contract development and manufacturing organizations (CDMOs) in cell and gene therapies (CGTs). Catalent entered the gene therapy space in 2019 through acquisition of Paragon BioServices, adding expertise in adenoassociated viruses (AAVs) and viral vector manufacturing. Cell therapy capabilities were acquired early in 2020 through acquisition of MaSTherCell, with the goal of providing end-to-end integrated solutions to CGT customers. In addition to expertise in…

Steve Pincus, PhD, head of science and innovation, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) is a contract development manufacturing organization (CDMO) with four sites in the United Kingdom, Denmark, and the United States (Research Triangle Park, NC, and College Station, TX). The sites in Denmark, the United Kingdom, and North Carolina specialize in proteins and monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) with capabilities up to 20,000 L. The Texas site works primarily on virus-based therapies and was founded by Texas A&M University…

Karen Magers, head of regulatory affairs, cell and gene technologies; and Rajesh Thangapazham, head of regulatory strategy, cell and gene technologies, Lonza Pharma and Biotech Magers began with an overview of the complex regulations and guidance applicable to makers of cell and gene therapies. A slide illustrated the development timeline of such therapies and their associated regulations and guidance documents. That framework continues to evolve through revision of documents and guidelines as more information is gained about the technologies and…

Kevin Beck, senior manager, Miltenyi Biotec Beck’s presentation highlighted developments within Miltenyi subsidiary Lentigen Technology, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that specializes in lentivirus (LV)-vectored cell therapy products. Lentigen’s original facility in Gaithersburg, MD, occupies 40,000 ft2 and features two ISO 7–compliant cleanrooms for lentivirus vector platform production, both of which comply with EU and US good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidelines. The company manufactures 80 lots/year but plans to boost manufacturing by launching a similarly equipped site in…

Justin Carbungco, associate director, small-scale commercial manufacturing, Samsung Biologics Carbungco began with what he described as a lingering question: Which is better, single use or stainless steel? He focused on cost comparisons for stainless-steel and single-use systems, including some factors for companies considering clinical and contract manufacturing. Implementation of single-use systems is estimated to grow to ~US$33 billion by 2027. The year-end growth rate as of 2020 will be about 10.85%. For biopharmaceutical manufacturers, most single-use systems are implemented at…