A Novel Approach To Improving Adeno-Associated Virus Titers Using The Sf-RVN® Platform

By Sandy McNorton and Thibaut Deschamps, Senior R&D Scientists, MilliporeSigma

The production of adeno-associated viral vectors (AAVs) is fundamental to gene therapy, yet limitations in productivity, economic feasibility, and manufacturing complexity impede large-scale GMP production. To overcome these hurdles and meet the escalating demand for higher AAV titers, MilliporeSigma assessed the efficacy of its Cellvento® ModiFeed Prime feed as a supplement to augment AAV production in Sf-9 cell lines.

In Sf9-derived Sf-RVN® cells infected with baculovirus, supplementation with Cellvento® ModiFeed Prime feed and L-glutamine resulted in substantial increases in AAV titer. Additionally, the supplement positively impacted AAV quality, yielding a higher ratio of full to empty capsids compared to non-supplemented controls. While the magnitude of these improvements is contingent on the specific cell line and viral serotype, the observed benefits across several AAV and virus-like particle production platforms suggest a broad utility for this complex supplement.

Given the increasing clinical need for AAV-based therapeutics, optimizing production workflows is paramount. Strategies involving the application of current technologies, the development of customized production platforms, and the implementation of optimized media formulations are essential for enhancing AAV titers and overall productivity.