Lonza, Benitec partner to develop AAV manufacturing process for ddRNAi therapeutics

Under the deal, Lonza will develop a scalable manufacturing process for Benitec’s ddRNAi-based and Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-delivered products specified for therapeutic use in humans.

Lonza will use its expertise to facilitate the development of a cost-effective, scalable and robust suspension culture-based manufacturing platform, which will allow the production of sufficient material to meet the potential demand for treating diseases such as hepatitis C.

Benitec Biopharma manufacturing vice president Dr Claudia Kloth said: "As our lead ddRNAi-based hepatitis C therapy TT-034 continues to advance in clinical studies, Lonza is an ideal partner for us to optimize our large-scale production process based on its solid expertise and track record in process development and production of AAV-based gene therapeutics."

Lonza’s pharma and biotech segment’ emerging technologies head Dr Andreas Weiler said: "This agreement with Benitec continues the development of our robust and large-scale AAV platform for the production of AAV-based viral gene therapies.

Benitec Biopharma has developed a patented gene silencing technology delivered through gene therapy known as ddRNAi, which holds potential to produce one-shot cures for a range of diseases.

The firm is involved in developing ddRNAi-based therapeutics for chronic and life-threatening human conditions, including hepatitis C and B, drug resistant lung cancer and wet age-related macular degeneration.

In addition, the firm has licensed ddRNAi to other biopharmaceutical firms for applications, including HIV/AIDS, Huntington’s disease, chronic neuropathic pain and retinitis pigmentosa.

With around 40 major manufacturing and R&D facilities, Lonza is claimed to be one of the leading suppliers to the pharmaceutical, biotech and specialty ingredients markets.