BioLife Solutions collaboration will optimize biopreservation and closed-system manufacturing for cell therapy and viral vector delivery

Written by Alice Soteriou

BioLife Solutions (WA, USA) has announced an extended collaboration with Seattle Children’s Therapeutics (WA, USA) to optimize biopreservation and closed-system manufacturing via the integration of Sexton’s AF-500™ cell processing tools. This closed-system cell therapy manufacturing will be used at VectorWorks, Seattle Children’s Therapeutics’ new lentiviral vector manufacturing facility, with the aim of treating pediatric diseases including pediatric cancer.

“This expanded collaboration is an exciting step for Seattle Children’s Therapeutics as we work towards developing closed-system processes for cell therapy manufacturing,” commented Matt Selley, Director of GMP Manufacturing at Seattle Children’s. “Lentiviral vector manufacturing is a critical component of the cell production process.”

Open systems of manufacturing are often associated with risk of contamination and user error. Therefore, it is vital that as cell therapy manufacture moves towards closed-system processing, viral vectors are manufactured and packaged in suitable containers for integration into these closed systems.

This industrial collaboration will combine Sexton’s cell processing techniques with Seattle Children’s viral vector manufacturing expertise with the aim to initiate high throughput fill-finish vector intermediates. Vectors will be filled into Sexton’s cryogenic storage vials CellSeal and CellSeal Connect™, which will allow the retrieval of viral vectors without the need to operate higher grade manufacturing suites for vector delivery.

“The development of these closed connection processes in small volume aliquots has the potential to streamline this element of cell therapy manufacturing,” commented Sean Werner, Chief Technology Officer, Cell Processing at BioLife Solutions. “Developing tools to meet the unique needs of this emerging industry is the best way to bring these life changing therapies to patients.”