Catalent Pharma Solutions has signed an agreement with PATH, an international nonprofit organization supporting global health innovation, to advance a project funded by its Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI).

Catalent Biologics will use its GPEx cell line technology, coupled with an ambr workstation, which mimics the characteristics of classical bioreactors at micro scale, to develop, optimize the process for expression, and manufacture antibodies under cGMP conditions at its Madison, WI facility.
 
PATH’s MVI is working to accelerate the development of malaria vaccines and through strategic partnerships, maintains a portfolio of candidates, both preclinical and early clinical, and at least one advanced clinical project.
 
Catalent’s GPEx technology creates stable, high-yielding mammalian cell lines and the technology spans early feasibility studies, to clinical manufacturing, through to commercial scale production. To date, seven GPEx-based antibody and protein products are approved and marketed, and 34 therapeutic candidates are currently in development.

“Catalent has significant experience partnering with companies for the successful development of antibodies for innovative applications,” said Mike Riley, Vice President & General Manager of Catalent Biologics. “PATH is a leader in the field, working with partners to pioneer vaccine development approaches that could ultimately contribute to malaria elimination efforts. We are excited to be able to apply our technology and expertise to advance this important program.”