What Is The GS Discovery® Transient Expression System?

Transient gene expression can offer a fast path to material generation in early biotherapeutic development, but achieving both speed and high titers is a challenge. In this video, Peter O'Callaghan, Senior Director and Head of Expression System Sciences, Licensing, explores Lonza's GS Discovery® transient expression platform and the technologies designed to improve its performance and consistency.

The discussion covers two approaches within the platform: a straightforward chemical transfection process that generates material in roughly 8–10 days, and a novel GS piggyBac®-powered process built to prioritize higher titers. By introducing the transposase enzyme during transfection, the latter extends the production phase to support high expression over approximately 14 days.

O'Callaghan also explains how the platform uses the same host cells, expression vectors, and transposase technology as Lonza's broader GS Gene Expression System®, creating consistency in product quality between transient and stable expression workflows. This supports a more streamlined path from early material generation through stable pool and clonal cell line development.

Watch the full video to learn how GS Discovery® combines ease of use, rapid timelines, high-titer potential, and platform consistency to support biotherapeutic development.