Downstream Process Development

WuXi Biologic’s Downstream Process Development (DSPD) team applies state-of-the-art technology in purification process development, process scale-up, process characterization, and technology transfer to cGMP production. DSDP has extensive experience developing purification schemes for a wide-variety of biologics including: monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, Fc-fusion proteins, antibody drug conjugates, recombinant proteins and antibody fragments.

Product Types Purified by DSPD

Product Types Purified by DSPD

Team
- The DSPD team comprises over 140 talented, highly-trained scientists, with greater than 85% holding advanced degrees. In 2020, we have over 50 function leads (FLs) managing more than 100 CMC projects.

Lab
- DSPD has more than 1,000 m² (11,000 ft²) of lab space dedicated to bench-scale process development and access to an additional 800 m² (8,600 ft²) in the non-GMP pilot plant. Both areas are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for processing protein therapeutics.

Platforms
Services
Typical Equipment
Commitment

Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Downstream Process Platform

- For a typical monoclonal antibody process development program, the DSPD team implements a well-established platform process, including harvest clarification, Protein A affinity chromatography, solvent/detergent and/or low pH virus inactivation, one or two ion-exchange chromatography, viral filtration, and ultrafiltration/diafiltration steps. We typically deliver a reliable and scalable downstream process in an 8-12-week timeline.

Non-mAb Downstream Process Platform

- The DSPD team is capable of developing cGMP purification process for a wide-range of biologics and vaccine products and a customized purification process can be developed to meet our customers’ needs. An array of chromatographic resins, including affinity, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, hydroxyapatite, mix-mode etc., can be screened. These non-mAb downstream process development activities can be completed within a 12-24-week timeline.

High Throughput Process Development Platform

Platforms

Continuous Processing Platform

- WuXi Biologics DSDP team of experts can establish new purification schemes or convert batch processes to a continuous process. We can work with our Upstream Cell Culture Process Development team to integrate downstream continuous process operations as part of our WuXiUP^TM technology platform (Learn more about our WuXiUP^TM Technology Platform Services Click here).

Coutinuous Capture Process Development Platform

Continuous Processing Platform

Reduction Risk Evaluation Platform

three risk evaluation

To the support our client’s fully-integrated biologics development programs, we offer customized stand-alone services to either develop entire purification schemes or single unit step operations or processes. The scope of our services include:

Purification Support:

- Purification services to support clone selection and cell culture development
- Drug substance generation to support analytical and formulation development activities

Early Phase Downstream Process Development:

- Bench-scale process development
- Process scale-up in non-GMP pilot plant
- Technology transfer for GMP production
- Viral clearance studies

Late Phase Downstream Process Optimization:

- Process optimization
- Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- Scale-down model qualification for process characterization
- Process characterization
- Late phase viral clearance study

Typical Equipment/Instruments Available in the WuXi Biologics DSPD labs

Typical Equipment

Typical Equipment -1

Examples of AKTA Chromatography Systems Available in DSPD Labs

We work closely with our customers to define product specifications, and conduct downstream development in parallel with upstream, analytical and formulation development activities to ensure an integrated process development program. We offer industry leading timelines development timelines and partner with our client’s to establish appropriate milestones and work diligently to meet expectations. We have successfully developed and transferred into cGMP manufacture more than 120 downstream processes for our global clients.

Project W Purification Activities

Downstream Process Development Projects

During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, we worked together with our worldwide clients on over 10 different downstream processes for neutralizing antibody and vaccines targeted to COVID-19. DSPD played a critical role along other teams in WuXi Biologics on these crucial therapeutics and vaccines to get the products to IND filing in 3-6 months from the time we received the DNA sequences. Our expertise and extensive experience enabled the delivery of robust processes within one month without compromising quality or product safety. DSPD’s commitment to rapid and high quality services enable WuXi Biologics’ global clients to make our world a better place.