ABEC Unveils Single-Use Bioreactor for Cell Therapy Manufacturing
ABEC, a global leader in engineered solutions for biotechnology manufacturing, has introduced its Advanced Therapy Bioreactor (ATB™), a groundbreaking platform designed to advance the manufacturing of advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). The ATB™ platform addresses significant challenges in cell expansion by offering superior process control and scalability, from laboratory-scale experiments to large-scale commercial production.
Revolutionary Approach to Cell Culture
The ATB™ represents a major leap forward in cell culture technology by mimicking the human circulatory system, a method that ensures a highly efficient and natural cell growth environment. This bioreactor utilizes a patented hollow fiber membrane network, which facilitates localized nutrient delivery and waste removal. This innovative approach ensures that each cell in the culture environment receives optimal conditions, which is especially critical for sensitive cell lines used in advanced therapies.
Unlike traditional bioreactor systems that rely on bubble-based agitation and mechanical mixing, the ATB™ utilizes oscillation-based mixing. This enables diffusion-based nutrient, gas, and waste transfer, creating a more controlled and efficient environment for cell growth. The system is fully automated, closed, and single-use, reducing the risk of contamination and streamlining manufacturing processes.
Seamless Scale-Up for Consistent Results
One of the most remarkable features of the ATB™ is its ability to scale seamlessly. Whether used for small-scale laboratory development or large-scale commercial manufacturing, the ATB™ maintains a consistent ratio of hollow fiber surface area to bioreactor volume. This ensures that the cell culture conditions remain the same throughout all stages of development, from early research to clinical trials and commercial production. The platform has been rigorously tested and proven to support the growth of various cell types, including primary T cells, CD34+ stem cells, and widely-used HEK293 and CHO cell lines.
By offering consistent and scalable results, the ATB™ eliminates the challenges that often arise when transitioning between different stages of cell therapy manufacturing. The bioreactor supports high cell densities and ensures that critical parameters such as cell viability are maintained throughout the culture process.
A Milestone in Bioprocess Innovation
“The introduction of ATB™ marks another milestone in ABEC’s 50-year history of bioprocess innovation,” said Scott Pickering, CEO of ABEC. “Much like our successful recombinant protein manufacturing solutions, the ATB™ is designed to overcome some of the toughest challenges in advanced therapy manufacturing. By providing more control and scalability, ATB™ will reduce our partners’ time to clinic and time to market, enabling faster and more efficient production of life-saving therapies.”
ABEC’s long-standing expertise in the bioprocessing sector ensures that the ATB™ is built on a foundation of quality and reliability. The bioreactor is designed to meet the rigorous demands of ATMP production, offering high performance and ease of integration into existing manufacturing processes. ABEC’s deep experience in the industry also supports the platform’s flexibility, making it adaptable to the specific needs of various cell therapy applications.
About ABEC
Founded in 1974, ABEC is a global leader in providing process engineering solutions and services for the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. With a history of working alongside the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies, ABEC has designed, manufactured, installed, and supported many of today’s most important therapies. ABEC’s commitment to customized, flexible solutions, as well as its deep in-house capabilities, ensures that it is a trusted partner in optimizing manufacturing processes.
ABEC’s solutions reduce the total cost and time to market for biopharmaceutical manufacturers, while also maximizing productivity. The company’s ability to add capacity or upgrade existing facilities further supports the needs of biotech companies that are looking to scale operations efficiently.
The ATB™ is just the latest example of ABEC’s commitment to supporting the growing demands of cell therapy manufacturing. By providing an innovative and efficient platform, ABEC is helping to accelerate the development of life-saving therapies, ensuring that these treatments reach patients faster and with greater consistency.
