LenioBio, a cell-free protein production specialist, and Touchlight, an enzymatic DNA producer, have entered into a supply agreement which aims to leverage Torchlight’s dbDNA to expedite vaccine development and manufacture with LenioBio’s ALiCE technology.
LenioBio’s CEPI-funded project will exhibit the capacity of its plant-based cell-free ALiCE (almost living cell-free expression) technology.
ALiCE
The solution aims to accelerate vaccine development, and aligns with LenioBio’s 100 Days mission, which endeavours to produce vaccines within 100 days of a pathogenic threat emerging.
ALiCE has developed a proven track record in producing vaccine-relevant proteins within 48 hours, but ensuring there is a fast and reliable DNA supply has posed significant challenges in the past.
In this context, Touchlight’s dbDNA promises a rapid and scalable cell-free alternative to traditional bacterial manufacturing methods.
dbDNA
dbDNA is a minimal, linear, double stranded, covalently closed DNA vector in the shape of a ‘doggybone’ produced using enzymatic manufacturing methods.
The enzymatic solution eliminates the need for bacterial fermentation, which means the DNA production process is significantly quicker and easily scalable.
“We’re looking forward to exploring the synergy between our technologies with Touchlight, allowing us to achieve unprecedented speed in scaled protein production,” said LenioBio CEO, Andre Goerke. “Having surveyed the DNA manufacturing landscape, it’s clear to us that cell-free DNA amplification will make the goal of producing vaccines in 100 days significantly more achievable, and dbDNA is perfect to support this mission.”