In the world of bioprocessing, where traditional methods have reigned for decades, a disruptive force has emerged, set to transform the landscape of bioprocessing.  This year, we’re seeing the dawn of an exciting innovation: the launch of next generation bioprocessing devices with AstreAdept® technology. Promising to redefine the realms of cell and gene therapy, this fit-for-purpose chromatography solution is generating excitement amongst the industry. In this blog post, we delve into the minds behind this ground-breaking technology, speaking to key players from the Astrea Bioseparations team who are driving its development and commercialization.

A New Era for Bioprocessing

Bioprocessing is the cornerstone of many therapeutic advancements, particularly in the field of cell and gene therapy. Over the years, this domain has witnessed significant progress, yet challenges still remain. AstreAdept® has been introduced as the answer to these challenges, offering more efficient, streamlined, and cost-effective solutions.

According to Marc Hummersone, Senior R&D Director, this technology boasts an impressive architecture, featuring a vast open pore network and an expansive surface area. These unique characteristics enable the application of chemistries that facilitate the purification of biological feed streams in ways previously unattainable. AstreAdept® compresses processes and opens doors to purifying larger modalities more effectively than ever before.

Addressing the Market’s Needs

Henry Pratt, Account Manager, reveals that the official launch of next-generation cell and gene therapy purification solution is imminent, set for September 2023. With the introduction of the new, fast protein liquid chromatography devices, labs will soon be equipped to purify cell and gene therapy modalities. This advancement holds the potential to transform the industry, optimizing processes, potentially reducing both time and costs.

Henry points out the critical challenges being addressed, “The bioprocessing industry is divided between viral vectors and synthetic encapsulation methods for drug delivery. While synthetic methods are effective, they lack specificity. Viral vectors offer targeting precision but face purification challenges.” Our next generation bioprocessing devices bridge this gap by providing a solution that enables targeted delivery, of purified biotherapeutic with high efficiency, potentially leading to safer and more effective therapies.

Feedback from Early Adopters

Ian Scanlon, Subject Matter Expert, reveals that early adopters of AstreAdept® technology have experienced transformational changes. With the existing LentiHERO® spin column, users have optimized their processes quickly and achieved outcomes that would have taken significantly longer using conventional methods, this translates to faster throughput and more meaningful operations. The new radial liquid chromatography devices will predict performance up to manufacturing scale, enabling accurate cost projections for scalable operations. This advancement is particularly promising for purifying challenging substances like lentiviral vectors, exosomes, and large nucleic acid sequences.

Unique Chemistry

Zainab Shahtaj, Research Engineer, elaborates on the uniqueness of AstreAdept® technology. Unlike traditional chromatography resins, which rely on diffusion and can be slow, AstreAdept® leverages nanofibers, convective flow and innovative chemistries. This combination increases accessible binding sites and accelerates the process, unburdened by diffusion limitations. The scalability of these products, ranging from small to large devices, ensures their applicability across research, clinical, and manufacturing processes.

A Look into the Future

For Emma Burman, Research Scientist, the future of AstreAdept® holds exciting potential. Her upcoming EngD studies will focus on developing a purification process for exosomes using this revolutionary technology. Current methods for exosome purification are limited, and AstreAdept® offers a solution that not only concentrates exosomes but also purifies them in a single step. This advancement could pave the way for improved exosome therapeutics, addressing a critical gap in the field.

In Conclusion

With an innovative team of disruptors at the helm, the industry can anticipate faster processes, greater efficiency, and expanded possibilities for therapeutic development. The September launch of launch of our next-generation cell and gene therapy purification solutions, incorporating AstreAdept®, signals a new era in bioprocessing, one where disruptive innovation propels us forward, bringing us closer to accessible and impactful therapies for patients worldwide. The future of bioprocessing is here, and it’s called AstreAdept®.