Vitrology
News
Detection
of Porcine Circovirus Contamination of Biological Samples
by Real-time QPCR.
April
2010
A recent press releases from a major biopharmaceutical
company reported the presence of Porcine circovirus Type-1
(PCV-1) DNA in their product. The drug maker confirmed its
presence in both the cell bank and the virus seed from which
the vaccine is derived, suggesting its presence from the early
stages of vaccine development.
PCV is a single stranded DNA virus that is non-enveloped with
a non-segmented circular genome. The viral capsid is icosahedral
and approximately 17 nm in diameter. It is robust and difficult
to remove or inactivate by physico-chemical means, including
gamma irradiation.
Studies have shown that human cell lines can be infected with
porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1) and porcine circovirus type
2 (PCV2). Infection of PCV1 was observed with HEK 293 and
Hela cells. PCV1 can persist in cell lines without causing
any visible changes, while PCV2-transfected cells can show
a cytopathogenic effect. PCV contamination could possibly
occur from the use of porcine trypsin in a cell lines history.
Since most cell lines have been exposed to this reagent, the
screening of all such cell substrates used for manufacture
of clinical material is recommended.
To assist biotech companies in ensuring the absence of PCV-1
and PCV-2, Vitrology’s team of QPCR experts offer a
highly sensitive, fully validated, cGMP compliant, routine
nucleic acid based test capable of sensitively detecting PCV-1,
PCV-2 and Bovine circovirus in biological samples.
French
Ministry of Research Approves Vitrology Limited as R&D
Subcontractor.
April
2010
Glasgow based Vitrology Limited has been successfully
approved as a subcontractor for research and development projects
by the French Ministry of Research. This approval enables
private companies subject to corporate tax in France to claim
R&D tax credits for work subcontracted to Vitrology Limited.
The approval process required the company
to present a recent development project that demonstrated
their competence as a subcontractor and as innovator.
Vitrology Limited has a number of French companies
amongst its client base and this agreement will support future
business growth.
Mr Philippe Grimm, Marketing Director of Vitrology
Limited commented: "We are pleased to have received this
approval which confirms the innovation energy of Vitrology
in the Bio Safety testing market and allows our clients based
in France to benefit from a tax incentive on any GMP/GLP studies
performed at Vitrology."
Vitrology Limited is a contract research organization
providing research and testing services to the animal health,
pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries for pre-clinical,
clinical and commercial biological drugs and vaccines.
For further information contact Philippe Grimm,
Marketing Director, Vitrology Limited
T: +33 479 61 21 92 – email: philippe.grimm@vitrologybiotech.com
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