On-Demand Webinar

Production and Purification of Virus-like Particles

Duration: 1 Hour
Speaker: Alex Xenopoulos, Principal Research Scientist, Merck

Abstract: Virus-like particles (VLPs) represent an appealing model for vaccine development, as they resemble native viruses but are not infectious. FDA has already approved VLP vaccines against hepatitis B and human papilloma virus, while clinical studies on others are in progress. VLPs can be produced in various cell culture systems and production is frequently done using baculovirus-infected insect cells systems. These systems can result in good production yields but purification requires particular attention. The key impurity that needs to be removed is the baculovirus itself, with a size not dissimilar from the VLP product. Furthermore, VLPs are particularly sensitive and require gentle production, harvesting and purification techniques.

In this webinar we will describe how hepatitis C VLP vaccine candidates were successfully produced and purified. Disposable bioreactors were used with good results to allow flexibility in process development and manufacturing. Multiple clarification options were explored, focusing on depth filtration, an attractive option with low capital investment. Concentration using ultrafiltration membranes was optimized and final purification was done using anion exchange chromatography resins. Extensive chromatographic optimization was done and can be used to guide the selection of the particular approach for purification.

Join us to learn more about process development and the choices made to improve yield and purification factor for this important class of vaccine candidates.

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