Johnson & Johnson has launched its pivotal global Phase 3 trial for its COVID-19 vaccine candidate: anticipating the first batches of its vaccine will be available for emergency use authorization in early 2021.
Catalent recently announced that it is investing US$130m in an expansion project at its viral vector manufacturing facility located in Harmans, Maryland, with five new manufacturing suites set to respond to a growing customer pipeline and market demand.
Viral vector production capacity has become increasingly constrained in recent years due to increases in the therapies in development, the dosages given and the patient populations targeted. COVID-19 is exacerbating the situation.
Recognizing the industry-wide need to improve adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector manufacturing, Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC) has adopted changes intended to increase yield and purity.
Naturally occurring viral vectors of human liver origin may be more effective than vectors grown in cultured lab conditions for liver gene therapy, according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine this month.
