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. Notably, the assay simplifies the process by eliminating the need for mRNA purification, enabling more efficient and accurate analysis. Normalizing the qPCR cycle thresholds (CT) of the target transcript to the reference transcript allows the 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 the comparison of relative potency and assessment of suitability based on curve parallelism. Catalent has successfully implemented this assay platform to develop a reliable, accurate, and specific bioassay. It stands out for its linear response and reproducibility, making it a valuable tool for evaluating the relative potency of various test substances. Join us to explore how these robust cell-based potency assays can enhance your research and provide critical data on drug product potency.
FDA has effectively paused its Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher pilot and appears to have halted new complete response letter postings, according to reports. HHS says work on the program is ongoing.
A single dose of Zai Lab’s long-acting bispecific ZL-1503 produced at least 90% inhibition of an atopic dermatitis signaling biomarker through Week 12 in healthy volunteers. Its 40- to 50-day half-life supports a target of dosing every 12 weeks.
In the first part of a two-part interview, Paz Vellanki of Precision for Medicine explains what sponsors should bring to early FDA meetings and how manufacturing and assay readiness can delay rare disease trials.
FDA clears the IND for Biolojic Design’s BD200, an AI-designed Trop2/Nectin-4 multibody ADC; Blackstone Life Sciences agrees to provide Pfizer up to $1.5 billion to develop its monthly GLP-1 receptor agonist berobenatide; and enGene Therapeutics plans a year-end BLA for detalimogene voraplasmid in BCG-unresponsive non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.