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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