Reimagining Viral Vector Production: The Potential Of Intensified Scalable Adherent Cell Culture

By Junwei Sun, Co-founder and Advisor, Dr. Lucia Fernandez, Head of Process Development & Manufacturing, and Matthew Ercolino Principal Scientist, VintaBio

Viral vector production for cell and gene therapies has traditionally relied on suspension culture. However, this approach often faces challenges in scalability, cost, and product quality. In this article, industry experts from VintaBio explore the potential of intensified, scalable adherent cell culture as a viable alternative. They discuss the limitations of suspension culture, such as reduced productivity, increased impurities, and the need for expensive supplements. Adherent cell culture, on the other hand, offers a more physiologically relevant environment for viral vector production, potentially leading to higher titers and reduced downstream processing costs.

While adherent culture has historically been associated with scale-out limitations, recent innovations in fixed bed bioreactors and automation have made it a more appealing option. By leveraging these advancements, VintaBio has achieved significant increases in productivity and reduced the footprint of viral vector manufacturing. Review the importance of considering alternative approaches to viral vector production and the potential benefits of intensified adherent cell culture for improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ultimately accelerating the development of cell and gene therapies.