iBio has entered into a Master Services Agreement (MSA) with Lung Biotechnology to produce recombinant human collagen (rhCollagen)-based bioink for 3D bioprinted organ transplants. iBio will collaborate with the United Therapeutics subsidiary to scale-up production of rhCollagen in tobacco plants using iBio’s FastPharming System.
Under the MSA, the initial work to be performed by iBio involves the development of a scalable purification process for rhCollagen tailored to the biofabrication of lung scaffolds that United Therapeutics licensed from CollPlant Biotechnologies, as well as cGMP supply of the material for clinical trials. Anticipating the need for commercial quantities of rhCollagen-based bioinks, iBio envisions additional projects focused upon process optimisation and capacity expansion, the latter of which will employ iBio’s Factory Solutions capabilities.
“We’re pleased to have been selected by United Therapeutics to help in the mission to fundamentally change access to vital organ transplants for patients,” said Tom Isett, a member of iBio’s Board of Directors. “The FastPharming System is ideally suited to the production of bioinks, maturogens, and other biologics for use in 3D bioprinting, so iBio will remain committed to delivering its safety, quality, performance and cost advantages to pioneers like United Therapeutics in the transformational, cutting-edge biofabrication industry.”
Robert B Kay, iBio’s Chairman and CEO said: “Recent scientific breakthroughs in the emerging field of 3D bioprinting have captured headlines worldwide. The decision by United Therapeutics to work with iBio for the production of rhCollagen bioinks in our FastPharming System provides yet another opportunity to demonstrate the strength of our platform, which has already been proven in the manufacture of monoclonal antibodies, growth factors, fusion proteins, virus-like particles, and other biologics.”
