Existing G-CSF products are marketed as Filgrastim (E.coli derived), and Lenograstim (CHO derived). This license follows success in an earlier collaboration (the feasibility study program), in which BAC discovered and developed the anti-G-CSF ligand in close collaboration with Octapharma.
This custom-designed affinity chromatography media enables Octapharma to rapidly setup a production process for this recombinant protein as it decreases valuable time needed for down stream process development. More traditional methods used include a range of conventional chromatography steps resulting in a lower recovery of the overall process compared to using affinity chromatography.
G-CSF is a hormone which stimulates bone marrow to produce white blood cells and stem cells, and has therapeutic uses in oncology and haematology. Octapharma will produce G-CSF for use primarily within the field of oncology, for example after chemotherapy and/or bone marrow transplantation.
Dr Laurens Sierkstra, CEO of BAC said: “The team here at BAC are delighted to have delivered a second custom-made CaptureSelect affinity ligand for Octapharma. This further success confirms the reliability of the CaptureSelect platform to consistently produce highly specific affinity ligands for the purification of any protein.”