Oxford Biomedica launches next generation lentiviral vector system

Oxford Biomedica has announced the launch of its fourth generation lentiviral vector delivery system: TetraVecta.

The Oxford-based viral vector contract development and manufacturing organisation says its new product includes enhanced safety features and elevates the quality, potency and packaging capacity of lentiviral vectors.

In gene therapy, lentiviral vectors are a method by which genes can be inserted, modified or deleted in organisms using lentiviruses – a family of viruses which infect by inserting DNA into their host cells’ genome. Due to their method of infection, lentiviruses are capable of becoming integrated into the host genome, meaning they can be inherited by the host’s descendants.

Lentiviruses can be modified to insert beneficial genes into cells. Unlike other viruses which can only act on cells undergoing mitosis (i.e. dividing) Lentiviruses can infect cells whether or not they are dividing meaning they are a good candidate for treating conditions in cells which do not divide, such as neurons.

The TetraVecta system significantly enhances the development and manufacture of safer and more effective lentiviral vector-based therapies. This enables cell and gene therapy companies to overcome previous barriers in therapeutic development, due to the size, complexity, or interference of the payload to be delivered.

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This new technology paves the way for genuine plug and play manufacturing and supports Oxford Biomedica's clients in delivering their innovative and life-changing treatments to patients.

There are two different proposed methods for gene therapy using lentiviruses: ex vivo, which sees cells extracted from a patient and cultured, with lentiviruses introduced to the culture to infect them before being infused into the patient, and in vivo, which sees viral vectors containing transgenes injected into the patient.

The features of the TetraVecta system can also be used to accelerate the development and adoption of in vivo gene therapies

Kyriacos Mitrophanous, Chief Scientific Officer of Oxford Biomedica, said: "The launch of The TetraVecta system demonstrates our commitment to investing in innovation in the cell and gene therapy field. This next generation lentiviral vector system empowers our clients to overcome previous-generation vector limitations and develop life-saving treatments.

“By addressing critical industry challenges and streamlining the development process, we are enabling our clients to shape the future of gene therapy. The TetraVecta system has the potential to make a lasting impact on the industry. Our ultimate aim is to constantly provide clients with high quality, cutting-edge technology, supporting their efforts to bring transformative therapies to patients in need."

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