Viral vectors have a new home and its modular. GE Healthcare has expanded its KUBio modular bioprocessing units to meet the high demand in viral vector-based cell and gene therapies.

At present, there are over 700 cell and gene therapies on trial with 70% of them requiring a ready-made supply of viral vectors. These units which can support a 200-litre scale and are equipped with GermFree’s biosafety level 2 (BSL-2) modular bioprocessing environment were developed to accelerate the development of these next-generation drugs.

GE Healthcare’s collaboration with GermFree in building these modular units has proven to be popular with some of the leading biomanufacturing companies. Pfizer, Lonza, JHL, and BeiGene use these KUBio facilities in their biopharmaceutical manufacturing plants across the world.

The KUBio modular unit portfolio includes the production of monoclonal antibodies, vaccines and now viral vectors too. They are in-line with good manufacturing practices and are designed to fit into repurposed or retrofitted existing spaces, as well as new facilities.