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On-line monitoring of downstream purification processes for VSV based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine by a novel technique
  • +10
  • Arik Makovitzki,
  • Avital Jayson,
  • Ziv Oren,
  • Elad Lerer,
  • Yaron Kafri,
  • Eyal Dor,
  • Lilach Cherry,
  • Hanan Tzadok,
  • Lilach Levin,
  • Ophir Hazan,
  • Irit Simon,
  • Arnon Tal,
  • Meni Girshengorn
Arik Makovitzki
Israel Institute for Biological Research

Corresponding Author:arikm@iibr.gov.il

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Avital Jayson
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Ziv Oren
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Elad Lerer
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Yaron Kafri
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Eyal Dor
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Lilach Cherry
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Hanan Tzadok
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Lilach Levin
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Ophir Hazan
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Irit Simon
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Arnon Tal
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Meni Girshengorn
Israel Institute for Biological Research
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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) increases the need for rapid development of efficient vaccines. Among other vaccines in clinical trials, a recombinant VSV-∆G-spike vaccine was developed by the Israel Institute for Biological, Chemical and Environmental sciences (IIBR) and is being evaluated. Development of an efficient downstream purification process (DSP) enables advancing the vaccine to clinical trials. The DSP must eliminate impurities, either process- or product -related, to yield sufficient product with high purity, potency, and quality. To acquire critical information on process restrictions and qualities, incorporation of on-line monitoring is vital. Application of on-line monitoring should significantly impact process yield, product quality and economy of the entire process. Here, we describe an on-line monitoring technique that was applied in the DSP of the VSV-∆G-spike vaccine. The technique is based on determining concentrations of metabolites, nutrients and a host cell protein (HCP) by the automatic chemistry analyzer Cobas Integra 400 Plus. The analysis revealed critical information on process parameters and significantly impacted purification processes. The technique is rapid, easy and efficient. Adaptation of this technique during the purification process improves process yield, product quality and enhances the economy of the entire downstream process of biotechnology and bio pharmaceutical products.