MilliporeSigma Intensifies Upstream Processing with New BioContinuum Seed Train Platform Offering

On June 27, 2022, MilliporeSigma, the US and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, announced the launch of the BioContinuum Seed Train Platform, which enables biomanufacturers to use seed train intensification in upstream bioprocessing. The company launched the product at the European Society for Animal Cell Technology meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal on June 26–June 29, 2022.

The platform contains proprietary products for N-1 perfusion and high cell density cryopreservation (HCDC), including the off-the-shelf medium, Cellvento 4CHO-X Expansion Medium, which is specifically designed for seed train expansion and N-1 perfusion; the Cellicon Perfusion Solution for enhanced cell retention; and closed processing-ready Mobius HCDC R&D single-use assemblies for high cell density cryopreservation.

The BioContinuum Seed Train Platform is an integrated platform that addresses the need for an efficient, consistent seed train that supports increased cell densities for intensification of the N production process. The platform specifically enables increased monoclonal antibody productivity, reduces facility footprint and utilization, and aims to accelerate manufacturing timelines. The platform offers a full closed intensification process, which significantly reduces the risk of contamination.