Cell And Gene Therapy Labs
The cell and gene therapy (C>) labs at the Bridgewater Innovation Center are dedicated to solving the toughest challenges in viral vector manufacturing.
Serving as a viral vector production suite and an innovation hub, the lab focuses on identifying new ways to improve upstream and downstream operations to streamline manufacturing, reduce inefficiencies, accelerate timelines and improve scalability.
With full upstream, downstream, and analytical capabilities, the (C>) labs produce AAV vectors to support the development and evaluation of next-generation reagents, purification techniques, and analytical methods, driving innovation from concept to practice.
Lab capabilities
Optimizing AAV production
The AAV production lab focuses on optimizing upstream processes across multiple serotypes using adherent and suspension cultures. New tools, technologies, and reagents are envisioned and evaluated to improve upstream efficiency.
Improvements in upstream operations establish the foundation for higher viral vector yields, better full-to-empty capsid ratios, and greater overall production efficiency, enabling (C>)
manufacturers to deliver on the promise of these next-generation therapies.
Innovating AAV production reagents
The lab explores new approaches to critical steps in the upstream AAV process, including transfection, cell lysis and endonuclease treatment. New solutions are developed with a goal of increasing upstream efficiency and reducing the burden on subsequent downstream operations.
These solutions help (C>) developers get the most out of their upstream processes, streamline viral vector manufacturing, reduce the risk of process failures, and contribute to meeting regulatory requirements.
Improving AAV purification
The lab also advances downstream purification tools and techniques to efficiently purify AAVs and improve overall process efficiency. Using advanced chromatography resins and methods, purification strategies are designed and refined to achieve higher yields and greater consistency while being scalable to meet commercial needs.
These advances give (C>) manufacturers more reliable downstream solutions that deliver higher purity levels, more consistent viral vector quality and greater confidence when scaling processes.
Advancing AAV Analytical Methods
The (C>) lab develops and optimizes analytical methods crucial for accurately measuring AAV titers and infectivity, which directly impact both the quality and consistency of viral vector products.
Reliable analytics enable (C>) manufacturers to monitor process performance, detect variability, and ensure consistency throughout vector production. This increases the confidence in viral vector quality, supports robust process control, and helps accelerate development timelines while reducing the risk of costly production setbacks.
Optimizing mRNA IVT workflows
The lab works in close collaboration with the Bridgewater Innovation Center’s cell fermentation and downstream processing labs to continuously optimize plasmid design, enhance in-vitro transcription (IVT) workflows for mRNA production, and innovate improvements in J.T.Baker® purification resins.
Supports cross-discipline innovation, rapid new product introduction and scaling of (C>) therapies.
Optimizing AAV Upstream Production
In response to industry needs, Avantor has developed the J.T.Baker® Cell Lysis Solution, a novel regulatory-compliant, biodegradable, ready-to-use cell lysis solution that improves the quality and efficient recovery of AAV particles, and protects AAV particles from shear stress.
