Vector Development: From Concept to Reality
• State of the art facilities
• Expert staff
• Rapid construction
• Precision, single-base construction using GENSA technology
Vector development is the initial and rate limiting factor in biologics development
Without it, nothing happens; and with it, what happens is entirely dependent upon the planning and skill of the expert scientists and engineers in charge. Vectors must reflect practical as well as IP considerations. In many cases, NTC scientists start with time tested NTC vector systems that require only minor modifications, while in others, they use de novo-created parts that snap together like Legos, using NTC’s Gene Self-Assembly (GENSAtm) technology for seamless, ordered genetic surgery. In vitro or in vivo testing provides proof of concept and serves as the basis for final improvements, if any. [Case study: NTC’s pDNAVACCUltra DNA vaccination platform.]
Ref: Williams et al., 2009, Plasmid DNA vaccine vector design: Impact on efficacy, safety and upstream production
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Process Development: Designing the Most Effective Methods of Production
BioProcess development represents the natural co-evolution of engineering and science, designed to produce complex biological molecules/entities, and purify them, typically in a two stage process: upstream (production in living cell factories); and downstream (purification). Vectors and strains work together in the process, resulting in efficient, high-yield production and a highly purified product. Recombinant therapeutic proteins, vaccines, gene therapeutics, and monoclonal antibodies are some of the results. [Case study: NTC’s HyperGRO process for plasmid DNA fermentation.]
Ref: Carnes et al., 2009 Plasmid DNA production combining antibiotic-free selection, inducible high yield fermentation, and novel autolytic purification,
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Product Development: New Age Therapeutics Designed to Fit
Biopharmaceutical products are rationally designed drugs, specialized with precision to meet important biochemical and biophysical criteria and target specificity. Bioproducts represent the sum total of efforts in concept, design, and execution. NTC scientists provide a success-driven roadmap for product development, aimed at later stage successes in the clinic and marketplace. [Case study: NTC’s fluorescent proteins for flow cytometry labeling.]
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