Rentschler Biopharma introduces new lentiviral vector manufacturing toolbox for advanced therapies

• Expanded service offering client ready at company’s site in Stevenage, UK

• Offering includes process development and cGMP manufacturing services, as well as complementary in-house analytical and regulatory support for lentiviral vectors

Rentschler Biopharma SE, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) for biopharmaceuticals, including advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), today announced the launch of an expanded service offering at its dedicated advanced therapies site in Stevenage, UK. This enhancement introduces a new lentiviral vector manufacturing (LVV) toolbox, complementing the company’s existing adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector services. The expanded capabilities offer a comprehensive suite of solutions in the advanced therapy landscape.

With increased research, as well as positive clinical results across a wide range of therapeutic applications, LVVs are becoming increasingly prominent in the advanced therapy space. Gene transfer using LVVs has been applied to treat several genetic diseases, such as beta-thalassemia. Lentiviral vectors have also been used to modify T-cells by introducing genes to generate immunity against cancer.[1] Rentschler Biopharma is now well positioned to serve the demand of therapeutic developers who utilize LVVs for gene modulation, including cell therapies, with the addition of lentiviral vector manufacturing to its portfolio.

Christiane Bardroff, Chief Operating Officer at Rentschler Biopharma, commented: “Our 50-year legacy as a leading biopharmaceutical CDMO has been defined by our vision of advancing medicine to save lives, together. 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.”

Rentschler Biopharma’s advanced therapies facility offers customized solutions designed to help clients accelerate their viral vector programs at every stage – featuring novel toolboxes for AAVs and LVVs that are license-free. Clients also benefit from Rentschler Biopharma’s royalty-free, proprietary HEK293 cell line, which offers additional time and cost savings for advanced therapy projects. Having contributed to nearly 25% of FDA-approved biopharmaceuticals in 2023, Rentschler Biopharma is a reliable partner for clients, poised to continue enhancing this impressive track record.

Robert Panting, General Manager, ATMP, added: “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. 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.”

[1]    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.