Merck presents more efficient biochromatography resin

Eshmuno S, a new-generation chromatography resin for biopharmaceutical applications is being unveiled at the Biological Production Forum in Duesseldorf from June 24 - 26, 2009.

The new cation exchanger Eshmuno S was developed by Merck for purification of monoclonal antibodies (mABs). James Easson, Marketing Manager at Merck, said: "New possibilities are now available to those seeking to increase efficiency and reduce costs in biomolecule purification processes."

The developer claims Eshmuno S sets standards with respect to binding capacity for antibodies. Optimised tentacle adsorption means its binding capacity is increased to about 150% compared with other surface-grafted cation exchangers. In addition, a hydrophilic polyvinyl ether base matrix specifically designed by Merck for chromatography allows higher flow rates - thus speeding up biopharmaceutical processes. Both factors - tentacle adsorption and base matrix - increase productivity by up to 500% compared to other soft-gel ion exchangers, says Merck.

The use of Eshmuno S instead of a protein A-based capture step can reduce purification costs by up to 30%. The biochromatography resin can be safely packed in scale biochromatography columns by simple flow packing, axial compression or using water. This reduces both costs and development times for the biopharmaceutical industry.

Suitable for Eshmuno S, Merck offers a portfolio of column sanitisation chemicals under the brand name EMPROVE bio. These comply with current regulatory requirements.

Technical data on Eshmun S can be accessed at www.merck4pharma.com/biopharma.