Avecia expands cell expression with XOMA technology
Avecia today announced further expansion of the gene Expression tool-kit of its biotechnology contract manufacturing business with the licensing of the patented technology of XOMA Ltd. (Nasdaq:XOMA) for protein-based bio-pharmaceuticals production.
Avecia will use XOMA’s bacterial cell expression system to help reduce manufacturing costs, increase product yields and improve process control in the production of bio-pharmaceuticals at its biologics operation in Billingham, UK.
Cell expression technology is a key process for making recombinant protein pharmaceuticals. The agreement with XOMA adds to Avecia’s ability to cover the widest range of microbial systems in helping customers to identify and develop the right microbial expression technology for new protein therapeutics.
The newly-licensed XOMA technology includes the araB promoter system that allows efficient expression control of the desired product and XOMA’s patented pelB secretion system, which can improve yields and reduce recovery and purification costs. The system also includes a genetically engineered E.coli host-cell line that efficiently complements the araB promoter and pelB secretion technologies.
“We now have one of the best and most flexible technology platforms for process development and cGMP contract manufacturing of microbial-derived protein therapeutics", said Avecia Biotechnology R&D Manager Dr. Mark Carver. “XOMA’s licensed technology is a key addition to Avecia’s portfolio, complementing our own developments in cell expression technology”.
He concluded: "Avecia is committed to expanding its already strong technology and know-how base in E.coli and yeast-derived biologics manufacturing. Continuing in-house development and licensing both have key roles in our focus on innovative protein manufacturing technology”.
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