Commercializing Novel Elution Methods For Virus and Viral Vector Purification

BIA Separations, a bio-chromatography development and manufacturing company, has announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with the University of Zagreb to commercialize a novel elution method that aids in preserving the integrity, infectivity and potency of viruses during immunoaffinity purification. The University of Zagreb will provide BIA Separations with access to proprietary technology, while BIA Separations will market the technology to biopharma, biotech and life science industries globally. As part of the agreement, research teams from both organizations will collaborate to develop follow-on technologies to support the purification of viruses and viral vectors for research and clinical use. 

One of the key disadvantages of the immunoaffinity chromatography is partial degradation of viral particles as a result of low pH conditions required for the elution. The technology is designed to overcome this by using a concentrated solution of specifically selected amino acids and their salts, maintaining a neutral pH (6.0–8.0) which results in the highly effective elution from immunoaffinity chromatographic support of intact and functional viruses for gene therapy application.

BIA Separations will commercialize the technology through sales of the Company’s core separations products and services, or as individual license agreements.

Professor Miljenko Šimpraga, Vice-rector for Innovation, Technology Transfer and Communication at the University of Zagreb added: “The University of Zagreb is pleased to see solutions developed by our researchers contributing to improvements in medical biotechnology, and being brought closer to users through our work with innovation-oriented industry partners such as BIA Separations. As a research university, this is an important achievement which is fully aligned with our aim to create a positive impact on society.”