NEW: CGT Industry's First Aseptic Micro-Connector For Cryogenic Applications

CPC expands its innovative MicroCNX^® line

Roseville, Minn. – A new aseptic micro-connector from CPC (Colder Products Company) is the first to fit directly into the freeze cassettes used in cell and gene therapy (CGT) processing. The MicroCNX^® ULT Series can be frozen to -190°C and are compatible with the tubing types most commonly used in developing advanced therapies including polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

“To support cell health, shelf life, and transportation needs, many cell therapy processes are dropping into -150ºC or lower temperature ranges,” said Troy Ostreng, senior product manager for CPC’s biopharmaceutical business. “This new ultra-low temperature aseptic connector is compact enough to fit into a freeze cassette and can be frozen with vaporized liquid nitrogen. The MicroCNX ULT connector conveniently supports sterility throughout the development process.”

MicroCNX ULT connectors are designed to provide a simple, efficient method of sterile connection of tubing used for small-format cell therapy and gene therapy assemblies. They also help reduce the amount of product hold-up or product loss by eliminating the need to add extra tubing into the process.

The MicroCNX ULT series termination and flow path are made from polyphenylsulfone (PPSU), a high-performance polymer that is chemically compatible with harsh chemicals used in cryopreservation processes like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

This new series builds on CPC’s pioneering work in creating biopharma’s smallest connector, the 1/8” MicroCNX^® Series Connectors, which are the only alternative to tube welding for creating closed sterile connections at small volumes. Like earlier MicroCNX products, the MicroCNX ULT series features a 1/8" flow path, with options for 1/8", 3/32" or 1/16" hose barb terminations to support the use of a wide variety of tubing sizes and materials, such as PVC, silicone and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

In June, CPC also introduced MicroCNX^® Luers. Manufacturers that routinely connect with luers appreciate the flexibility this new product offers in creating sterile connections outside of a biosafety cabinet.

“As a leader in aseptic connection technologies, our goal is to scale with our customers, helping them easily create sterile connections from the benchtop to commercialization,” said Ostreng.

In addition to offering the industry’s smallest aseptic connectors with the MicroCNX series, CPC also produces the largest aseptic connectors—the AseptiQuik^® W Series. Applications for the AseptiQuik W connectors include large-volume (up to 5,000 liters) fluid transfer and filtration processes (e.g., media, buffer and cell culture processes).

“CPC already has the broadest aseptic connector portfolio. MicroCNX ULT connectors are just one more example of how we continue to innovate to meet the evolving needs of cell therapy, gene therapy, and biopharma manufacturers across the globe,” Ostreng said.

For more information about the performance and versatility of the MicroCNX series connectors or any of the other innovative connection solutions CPC offers, visit cpcworldwide.com/micro.

About CPC Biopharma

CPC (Colder Products Company) is the leader in single-use connection technology, offering a wide variety of connectors for biopharmaceutical manufacturing. The company’s innovative, flexible products enable users to easily combine multiple components and systems including process containers, tubing manifolds, transfer lines, bioreactors and other bioprocess equipment. Robust single-use connectors maintain media sterility and integrity while improving production yields, decreasing time to market and reducing costs. The company’s well-known AseptiQuik^® connectors provide quick and easy sterile connections even in non-sterile environments. Learn more at cpcworldwide.com/bio. Connect with confidence with CPC, an operating company within Dover Corporation.

CPC, Colder Products, Colder Products Company, AseptiQuik, MicroCNX and Dover are registered trademarks with the U.S. Patent & Trademark office.