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Merck Offers Rhabdovirus-Free Insect Platform for Viral Vaccines and Gene Therapy Development

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Exclusively licensed, rhabdovirus-free platform enables more productive bioprocessing

16 Oct 2018
Holly McHugh
Administrator / Office Personnel

Product news

Merck is collaborating with GlycoBac LLC to offer a Sf-9 insect cell line. GlycoBac’s development of a proven rhabdovirus-negative (RVN) cell line enables Merck to offer the first Sf-9 platform combining a rhabdovirus-free insect cell line with a corresponding, chemically defined cell culture medium. This will be the first non-mammalian cell line in Merck’s cell culture portfolio, allowing customers worldwide access to a safer, high-performing vehicle for recombinant protein expression, virus-like particle vaccines andadeno associated virus based gene therapy production.

The insect cell line will provide time and cost savings in analytics and validation, and speed development by circumventing process steps normally required to prove elimination of rhabdovirus. In addition, Merck’s chemically defined hydrolysate-free medium addresses consistency concerns while also reducing overall variability in growth and productivity.

Merck’s insect cell line extends the company’s upstream offerings for viral vaccine and gene therapy applications, complementing Merck’s well-known mammalian CHOZN® platform. Collectively, Merck’s upstream and downstream solutions now constitute a robust portfolio for mAb, vaccine and virus production.

The Merck Sf-RVN platform will be available from a cGMP cell bank to purchase in 2019.

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Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, GermanyCompany website

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Cell / Tissue CultureCell culture or tissue culture is used to study the biology of cells or tissues and to isolate cellular products in an environment which can be manipulated and well defined. Accurately control your culture environment with bioreactors or culture incubators, bind your cells to a surface or together with an extracellular matrix. Distinguish cell types with differential media or proliferate cells with certain characteristics using selective media. Enrich your media with supplements such as growth factors, sera and vitamins. Find the best cell and tissue culture products, kits and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Bioprocessing / FermentationBioprocessing is the use of biological materials to perform commercial, scientific or medical research processes. Biological materials used include cells, enzymes and organisms. Usually bioprocessing requires a batch or continuous bioreactor such as a fermentor or cell culture system. The advantages of using a reactor include high productivity, easy configuration, adjustable values and automation.Vaccine DevelopmentVaccine development focuses on creating immunizations to protect against infectious diseases. The process involves identifying antigens, developing and testing vaccine efficacy, and ensuring safety through preclinical testing and multiple clinical trial phases. Scientists use various approaches, including weakened or inactivated viruses, protein subunits, or mRNA. Advanced platforms and rapid diagnostic tools aid in vaccine research and testing. Explore vaccine development solutions in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, read reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers. Gene TherapyGene therapy is a technique that modifies or replaces genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent diseases. This approach holds potential for curing genetic disorders, cancers, and certain viral infections. Advances in gene editing technologies like CRISPR are driving the growth of gene therapy. Explore gene therapy tools and technologies in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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Merck Offers Rhabdovirus-Free Insect Platform for Viral Vaccines and Gene Therapy Development