Rentschler Biopharma Unveils Lentiviral Vector Manufacturing Toolbox

Rentschler Biopharma SE, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for biopharmaceuticals, is introducing a new expanded service offering at its dedicated advanced therapies site in Stevenage, UK.¹ The enhancement introduces a new lentiviral vector manufacturing (LVV) toolbox, as a supplement to the CDMO’s current adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector services. The added services provide a plethora of solutions within the advanced therapy market.

LVVs are continuing to grow in popularity, due to their positive clinical results. More specifically, gene transfer using LVVs has been applicable for the treatment of various genetic diseases, including beta-thalassemia. There have also been instances where LVVs have been able to alter T-cells by introducing genes to generate immunity against cancer.²

“Our 50-year legacy as a leading biopharmaceutical CDMO has been defined by our vision of advancing medicine to save lives, together,” said Christiane Bardroff, Rentschler Biopharma’s COO. “We made a strategic investment in the cell and gene therapy sector, starting with adeno-associated viral vector services, so we could offer our development and manufacturing expertise and sector experience to support innovators in this fast-developing space. We are now pleased to build on our success and augment this offering with lentiviral vectors. Our company remains dedicated to evolving our portfolio to enhance the health and quality of life for seriously ill patients around the world.”

According to the company, Rentschler Biopharma’s advanced therapies plant provides clients with an opportunity to accelerate their viral vector programs at every stage; it offers AAV and LVV toolboxes that are license-free.

“The new lentiviral vector manufacturing toolbox highlights our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions that enable our clients to advance their viral vector programs from pre-clinical and clinical development to market,” commented Robert Panting, general manager, ATMP. “By integrating lentiviral vector process development and manufacturing to our services, we are better serving the market by meeting the growing needs of the evolving and vibrant global advanced therapies sector.”

In other Rentschler Biopharma news, earlier this summer, the CDMO revealed that its new advanced production line in Milford, MA is now fully operational.3 According to the company, the product line represents the largest investment in its 150-year existence. Known as the Rentschler Biopharma Manufacturing Center, the facility reportedly doubles the company's global current Good Manufacturing Practice capacity and includes both 22,000 square feet of cleanroom space and four new 2,000-liter single-use bioreactors.

“ … The completion of our new, state-of-the-art production line is an important milestone for our company and emphasizes Rentschler Biopharma’s strong capabilities in the US. Our clients are our partners, and we are working with them to empower tomorrow’s therapies today. Indeed, in 2023, Rentschler Biopharma was proud to contribute to nearly 25% of the biopharmaceuticals approved by the US FDA. I would like to thank our teams on both sides of the Atlantic who worked tirelessly together to get this important facility online,” said Benedikt von Braunmühl, CEO, Rentschler Biopharma.

References

1. Rentschler Biopharma Introduces New Lentiviral Vector Manufacturing Toolbox for Advanced Therapies. Rentschler Biopharma. September 3, 2024. Accessed September 6, 2024. https://www.rentschler-biopharma.com/en-us/news-events/press-releases/rentschler-biopharma-introduces-new-lentiviral-vector-manufacturing-toolbox-for-advanced-therapies/

2. Ghosh, S., Brown, A.M., Jenkins, C. and Campbell, K., 2020. Viral vector systems for gene therapy: a comprehensive literature review of progress and biosafety challenges. Applied Biosafety, 25(1), pp.7-18.

3. Tracy D. Rentschler Biopharma SE’s New Advanced Production Line Now Fully Operational. Pharmaceutical Commerce. July 11, 2024. Accessed September 6, 2024. https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/rentschler-biopharma-se-new-advanced-production-line-fully-operational