Technologies to Enable Continuous Production of rAAV from Sf9 Baculovirus Culture

ABOUT

Our research team is dedicated to advancing viral vector production, particularly focusing on recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), a critical component of gene and cell therapies. With nearly 200 rAAV-based therapies in global clinical trials, there is a significant demand for efficient production methods. Our research aims to develop new, intensified processes to meet this demand. A central focus of our work is continuous manufacturing, which offers advantages such as improved product quality, reduced manufacturing footprint, and enhanced efficiency by reducing process turnaround time. However, developing continuous manufacturing for rAAV production faces several challenges, including the lack of a commercial platform and suitable analytical tools for process monitoring and control. To address these challenges, our team is developing technologies for the continuous production of rAAV from Sf9/baculovirus culture. Our multidisciplinary team brings together expertise in Sf9/baculovirus culture, continuous processing, process modeling, and analytical technologies. We aim to create a comprehensive platform for the continuous upstream manufacturing of rAAV in Sf9, which will be scalable and efficient, ultimately meeting the increasing demand for viral vectors in gene therapy while ensuring high product quality.

FUNDING

• FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation & Research  

PublicatiONS

MIT INVESTIGATORS

Prof. Richard Braatz
(Chemical Engineering)

Prof. Anthony J. Sinskey
(Biology)

Prof. Scott Manalis
(Biological Engineering & Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research)

Dr. Stacy L. Springs (Center for Biomedical Innovation)