Cell therapy weekly: higher resolution viral vector analytics
This week: Matica Biotechnology (TX, USA) developed a high-resolution method for AAV8 capsid analysis in gene therapy, Kincell Bio (FL, USA) appointed Stewart McNaull as Chief Commercial Officer to drive growth and Ensoma (MA, USA) launched in vivo hematopoietic stem cell engineering programs targeting genetic, immune and cancer-related diseases.
The news highlights:
- Higher resolution viral vector analytics
- New Chief Commercial Officer for Kincell Bio
- In vivo HSC engineering for genetic, immune and oncological diseases
Higher resolution viral vector analytics
Matica Biotechnology has developed a high-resolution ion-exchange chromatography method to analyze the ratio of empty to full AAV8 capsids. This innovation addresses a key challenge in cell and gene therapy manufacturing: the FDA considers empty capsids impurities, which can reduce drug accuracy and effectiveness.
Matica Bio’s advanced ion-exchange chromatography method uses high-performance liquid chromatography and aligns with International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The method achieves a resolution of 10, which Matica says significantly surpasses the industry average.
New Chief Commercial Officer for Kincell Bio
Contract development and manufacturing organization Kincell Bio has appointed Sewart McNaull as Chief Commercial Officer. Stuart brings 25 years of experience, having held key commercial leadership roles at Wheeler Bio (OK, USA), Resilience (CA, USA), KBI Biopharma (NC, USA), Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (NC, USA) and Bayer (Leverkusen, Germany).
Kincell says that Stewart will be instrumental in the company’s growth and strengthening their dedication to supporting cell therapy innovators and patients.
“Stewart’s extensive background in both commercial leadership and technical operations makes him an invaluable addition to our team,” said Bruce Thompson, CEO of Kincell Bio. “As we continue to expand our capabilities and enhance our service offerings, Stewart’s insights and industry relationships will be instrumental in fostering partnerships that drive success for our clients and improve outcomes for patients.”
In vivo HSC engineering for genetic, immune and oncological diseases
Ensoma, a genomic medicine company developing curative treatments by leveraging in vivo hematopoietic stem cell engineering, has introduced its three lead programs focusing on chronic granulomatous disease, sickle cell disease and solid tumors.
Ensoma’s in vivo platform is built around virus-like particles that efficiently target hematopoietic stem cells and avoid the liver, allowing for precise gene modifications.
Robert Peters, Chief Scientific Officer of Ensoma, stated: “Our [virus-like particles] enable the delivery of large, complex cargo, creating the unprecedented ability to engineer multi-lineage immune responses in vivo. Beyond initiating our first clinical program in [X-linked chronic granulomatous disease] and demonstrating the safety and efficacy of our platform, our focus for 2025 is to progress two development candidates while continuing to innovate our technology. We are also actively exploring partnerships that can further expand the potential of our groundbreaking platform. Together, we aim to transform the landscape of genomic medicine and improve outcomes for patients suffering from these challenging conditions.”
