A new partnership between VelaLabs, a provider of analytical services to the global biopharmaceutical industry, and Evercyte, producer of standardised cell systems, has set out to commercialise immortalised target cells for the characterisation of biosimilars.
The partnership combines Vela’s long-standing expertise in the characterisation of biosimilars with Evercyte’s know-how to immortalise relevant primary target cells to provide product-tailored bioassays.
A VEGF-responsive cell line (HUVEC) has already been established for potency testing of bevacizumab (Avastin) biosimilars.
VelaLabs co-founder and COO Dr Andreas Nechansky said that In terms of regulatory compliance, stable cell lines are much more reliable than primary cells.
"We are pleased to bring bioassays based on this distinct advantage to our customers in the global biopharmaceutical industry," Nechansky said.
"Making immortalised cell lines available for GMP testing complements the broad analytical method portfolio we have developed to serve the needs of manufacturers of biopharmaceuticals and biosimilars worldwide."
Evercyte Co-founder and CSO Dr Johannes Grillari added that the need of product relevant cell lines that can be standardised is ever increasing in view of restrictions on the use of laboratory animals, as well as the increased demand for analysing the biological activity of biosimilars and biopharmaceuticals.
"Our cooperation aims to introduce Evercyte’s cell lines into the GMP environment and to establish novel, relevant cell lines, including innovative reporter cell lines, for specific biopharmaceuticals, again for use under GMP conditions," Grillari said.
