ABEC Launches Breakthrough Single-Use Bioreactor Technology for Cell Therapy
ABEC, a global leader in engineered solutions and services for biotech manufacturing, has unveiled its Advanced Therapy Bioreactor (ATB™), a groundbreaking platform designed to revolutionize cell expansion for Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs). This innovative technology addresses the limitations of current systems by providing enhanced process control, scalability, and efficiency, allowing for seamless transitions from bench-scale research to full-scale commercial manufacturing.
The ATB™ is a game-changer in the realm of cell culture, with a design that closely mimics the human circulatory system. This novel bioreactor uses proprietary hollow fiber membrane networks that ensure the precise delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products to the cells. Unlike conventional systems that depend on mechanical agitation and bubbles to mix gases and nutrients, the ATB™ utilizes oscillation-based mixing combined with diffusion for nutrient and waste transfer. This advanced method helps maintain optimal conditions for sensitive cell lines, promoting cell growth and viability while reducing the risk of damage that traditional methods often cause.
A major advantage of the ATB™ is its single-use, fully automated operation. The system eliminates the need for costly and time-consuming cleaning processes that are common in reusable systems. This closed-loop design not only enhances sterility but also improves consistency and reduces the risk of contamination. The system is designed to handle bioreactor and process flow paths that are single-use, which provides further operational simplicity and efficiency.
Scalability is a critical aspect of the ATB™. The platform has been engineered to maintain a constant ratio between the hollow fiber surface area and the bioreactor volume, even as the scale increases from 0.2 liters to 10 liters. This ensures that optimal conditions for cell culture are maintained throughout every stage, from early-stage development to clinical trials and full-scale commercial production. The ATB™ provides an efficient way to scale cell culture processes without compromising the consistency or quality of cell growth across different phases of manufacturing.
In extensive testing, the ATB™ has shown remarkable success with a variety of cell lines. It has demonstrated high cell densities and viabilities for primary T-cells, CD34+ stem cells, as well as widely-used cell lines like HEK293 and CHO cells. These results underscore the bioreactor’s potential to handle the diverse and demanding needs of ATMP manufacturing, where cell quality and yield are paramount.
Scott Pickering, CEO of ABEC, remarked, “The introduction of the ATB™ represents a significant milestone in ABEC’s 50-year history of bioprocess innovation. Just as our solutions for recombinant protein manufacturing have addressed critical industry challenges, the ATB™ is poised to tackle some of the most pressing obstacles in advanced therapy manufacturing. It will accelerate the time to clinic and market for our partners, driving efficiencies and enhancing the overall production process.”
The ATB™ is designed to address several key challenges faced by manufacturers of advanced therapies. These include the need for high-quality, scalable, and cost-effective cell culture solutions that can meet the stringent requirements of clinical and commercial-scale production. The bioreactor’s advanced capabilities allow it to support a range of cell types, making it highly versatile for various applications in the ATMP field. Its ease of use, combined with the ability to maintain high levels of cell viability and productivity, makes it an attractive option for both early-stage research and large-scale commercial operations.
About ABEC:
ABEC, founded in 1974, is a leader in delivering engineered process solutions and services to the biotech industry. The company has built a reputation for providing high-quality, custom-engineered solutions to a diverse range of pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide. ABEC’s expertise in bioprocess design, manufacturing, installation, and servicing has helped bring many of today’s leading therapies to market. The company’s innovative solutions focus on reducing costs, improving productivity, and accelerating time to market for their clients.
ABEC’s unique value proposition lies in its extensive experience, flexible approach, and full in-house capabilities. Whether helping companies add capacity or optimize existing facilities, ABEC’s turnkey solutions are designed to deliver maximum efficiency and productivity. With the introduction of the ATB™ and its focus on advanced therapy manufacturing, ABEC continues to lead the way in bioprocess innovation.
