Development and optimisation of downstream processing for next generation biotherapeutics

Global demand for cheaper biotherapeutics drives the need for a reduction in manufacturing costs. Rapid advances in recombinant production technologies are offering new therapeutic possibilities in the treatment of illnesses such as haemophilia, Parkinson’s, and cancer. However, purification of these next generation protein therapeutics is extremely challenging due to the complex macromolecular nature of these structures. New purification processes are needed for these novel products to improve manufacturing efficiencies and economics. This is primarily a result of current chromatographic purification technologies being unable to effectively capture these large bioproducts, such as gene therapy vectors, which are much larger than current therapeutics. This project aims to build on existing collaborations and feasibility data to develop and commercialise an innovative bioprocessing technology to enable the cost effective manufacture of a next generation biotherapeutic.