VectorBuilder, a specialist in vector design, optimisation and GMP manufacturing, has formed strategic partnership with Univercells Technologies, a provider of novel biomanufacturing technologies for flexible and scalable viral vector production. VectorBuilder’s manufacturing centre in Guangzhou, China, will work with Univercells to develop and optimise platform processes for custom viral vectors for cell and gene therapies, as well as vaccine applications.
Rapid advances in cell and gene therapy in recent years, as well as the interest in recombinant viral vaccines brought on by COVID-19, has significantly increased demand for custom viral vectors, especially GMP-grade, the companies say. This partnership is aimed to develop a portfolio of optimised viral vector manufacturing protocols to help maximise customers’ performance and commercial success.
“We are extremely pleased to be partnering with Univercells Technologies to co-develop optimised, scalable and customisable solutions for fast and affordable production of viral vectors. This partnership is an important step in VectorBuilder’s ambition to become a global leader in high performance, commercial-scale biomanufacturing,” said Dr Jason Ye, VP of Biomanufacturing at VectorBuilder.
“We are very excited to partner with VectorBuilder, a global pioneer in custom viral vector manufacturing,” said Mathias Garny, CEO of Univercells Technologies. “Our combined expertise and knowhow will help us to maximise the benefits of our manufacturing technologies, offering unparalleled solutions for integrated, continuous manufacture to our customers.”
Univercells’ scale-X carbo bioreactors and the NevoLine Upstream platform are featured in VectorBuilder’s GMP process development facility in Guangzhou, China for optimising vector manufacturing at commercial scale.