Harnessing mRNA as a Readout to Develop Robust BioPotency Assays
Transcriptional activity within a cell can be used to evaluate cell response to a ligand or promoter activity within a transgene or plasmid within a cell. Catalent has developed a relative potency bioassay using real-time quantitative reverse transcription (RT-qPCR) in a duplex format to assess relative transcription activity in cells treated with ligands or transgenic vectors. The assay utilizes two fluorescent dyes with minimally overlapping emission spectra that allow real-time monitoring of the gene expression of both target and normalizer genes. The assay does not require purification of the mRNA produced by the cells once lysis has occurred. Normalizing the qPCR cycle thresholds (CT) of the target transcript to the reference transcript allows response curve to be generated and compared to a reference standard. The generation of a four-parameter fit curve analysis from raw qPCR cycle threshold data allows for comparison of relative potency and assessment of suitability based on curve parallelism. The assay platform has been used by Catalent to qualify a repeatable, accurate, linear, and specific bioassay for assessing relative potency.
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Biophysical and Aggregate Characterization for the Development of Biologics
June 10th 2025This eBook explores how advanced particle analysis technologies are revolutionizing biologic drug development. It highlights the importance of accurately identifying and characterizing subvisible particles to ensure drug safety, stability, and regulatory compliance. Techniques like Backgrounded Membrane Imaging (BMI) and Fluorescence Membrane Microscopy (FMM) are often used for their capabilities in detecting protein aggregates and degraded excipients such as polysorbates. Case studies and experimental results demonstrate how these tools provide high-throughput, low-volume analysis that enhances decision-making in formulation screening and manufacturing.
The Role of On-Demand Manufacturing and Derisking in Accelerating Early Clinical Trial Success
June 4th 2025Small pharmaceutical companies are constantly seeking innovative solutions to streamline early clinical trials. Adaptive clinical trials offer important benefits to sponsors and patients, both from a commercial and ethical standpoint. These trials offer flexibility and efficiency, especially in the early stages, where trial protocols can be adjusted based on interim data, such as introducing new doses or modifying participant sample size. However, adjusting manufacturing demand during an adaptive trial can be complicated, and strict regulatory requirements present significant challenges. On-demand manufacturing provides a robust solution, allowing for real-time supply and demand adjustments and improved trial flexibility. This paper explores how on-demand manufacturing meets the operational needs of adaptive trials and aligns with regulatory expectations.
Top 10 Cleanroom Problems That Can Be Prevented via Preventative Maintenance (May 2025)
May 16th 2025Cleanrooms require strict environmental control to maintain sterility, prevent contamination, and ensure seamless operations. Without a proactive preventative maintenance (PM) program, various issues can arise, leading to costly downtime, contamination risks, and operational inefficiencies. Below are ten common cleanroom problems that can be effectively mitigated through proper PM practices.
Optimizing cGMP Facility Design Space with a Hybrid Approach (May 2025)
May 16th 2025In this webcast, we review industry drivers and risks for capital construction, with a focus on cleanroom infrastructure, and discuss the goals of using a hybrid approach while demonstrating its application and benefits using real-world examples.
