Vibalogics $1.35m expansion feeds ‘booming’ viral vector demand

CDMO Vibalogics has increased its single-use bioreactor and purification capacity at its site in northern Germany on the back of growing demand for oncolytic virus and viral vector production.

The German contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) has added a new manufacturing line consisting of a 50 L and 200 L single-use bioreactors and a Siemens process control system at its site in Cuxhaven.

The expansion represents an investment of €1.2 million ($1.35 million), Vibalogics told Bioprocess Insider, and also includes an Äkta-ready chromatography system for downstream processing and liquid handling equipment to deal with the increased volumes involved in this scale of operation.

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While the firm did not reveal its total capacity for viral vectors, it said its capacity for live virus manufacturing is available for suspension cell, adherent cell and egg-based virus manufacturing.

According to the firm, “the industry is booming” and this expansion will help respond to the high clinical demand for viral vectors. Furthermore, the CDMO says it will look to further expansions going forward.

The news comes following a recent expansion at the site adding an automatic filling line to extend its aseptic fill and finish capability and reinforce its ability to support early phase biologic supply needs for Phase I and II clinical trials.