Multiplexed quantitative proteomics approaches to characterize residual host cell protein impurities in biopharmaceutical processing

Many drugs, such as those made of antibodies, are produced using cells from bacteria and other organisms. Companies such as BioVectra use this approach to produce antibody drugs efficiently and cost-effectively. At the end of the production process, residue such as protein from the “host” cells (called host cell proteins, or HCPs) must be removed from the antibody. Although methods are currently available to test for HCPs, they do not fully identify all those present. Furthermore, how drug production processes effect what HCPs are present is not known. Here, interns will undertake a project using new methods to determine the amount and types of specific HCPs in left behind in antibody drugs produced in bacteria. These methods will also be used to compare different ways of producing antibody drugs that may limit HCPs. In the end, the application of this approach will allow BioVectra to produce the safest and most efficacious drugs possible for public use.

Faculty Supervisor:

J. Patrick Murphy

Student:

Beau Blackmore

Partner:

BioVectra Inc

Discipline:

Biology

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Prince Edward Island