Bayer HealthCare AG has entered into a worldwide, non-exclusive license agreement with Millipore to use its UCOE (Ubiquitous Chromatin Opening Element) technology to manufacture its biologic drugs. The license will enable Bayer to manufacture recombinant proteins in mammalian cells more efficiently by generating higher protein yields in its upstream bioprocessing operations. Financial terms were not disclosed.
   
Bayer HealthCare, based in Leverkusen, Germany, includes Animal Health, Consumer Care, Diabetes Care and Pharmaceuticals divisions. The company plans to expand the use of the UCOE technology from small-scale use in R&D to large scale manufacturing in an effort to reduce the high cost of manufacturing recombinant protein-based drugs.
   
Manufacturing biologic drugs such as recombinant proteins often begins with growing mammalian cells in a bioreactor. These cells then produce the proteins that form the basis of biologic drugs. According to Millipore, its UCOE technology helps biopharma companies to effectively identify which cells will be most effective in producing proteins during large-scale manufacturing. By more effectively isolating stable and highly productive cell lines, biopharma manufacturers can improve the yield and consistency of their processes.  
   
"We have built successful relationship with Bayer over a number of years, and we are excited about their commitment to the UCOE technology," said Andrew Bulpin, Ph.D., vice president of Millipore's Upstream Bioprocessing business unit. "This license is another example of how we can help pharmaceutical and biotech companies efficiently manufacture biologic drugs for both commercial use and for use in clinical development."