The process will be based upon Genencor’s technology for large scale manufacture of monoclonal antibodies in fungal systems which can, theoretically, be used to mass produce a number of newly identified vaccine or therapeutic candidates.
The goal is to be able to manufacture 10 million doses of vaccine within 2 months of identifying the biological agent.
“We’re pleased to be selected to work on this high priority project,” said Michael Arbige, Genencor’s senior vice president, Technology. “Our expertise in protein engineering and expression systems enables us to produce monoclonal antibodies on a large scale that overcomes many of the problems with traditional cell cultures. We look forward to working with DARPA to make this important goal a reality.”