Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Technology to be Made More Accessible Through LenioBio and Labscoop Partnership

Editor's note: this story was originally published on BioPharmInternational.com.

A new strategic partnership between LenioBio, a biotech company focused on disruptive protein expression technologies, and Labscoop, a technology company specializing in e-commerce for academic and commercial laboratories, will increase access to cell-free protein synthesis technology. Under an agreement that the companies entered into in June 2024, LenioBio’s line of products and services will be added to Labscoop Marketplace, an e-commerce platform, which will give platform users and the North American market broad access.

LenioBio’s technology includes its Almost Living Cell-Free Expression (ALiCE) platform, which is designed to accelerate protein discovery and development projects (1). The platform utilizes plant cells, which provide robust and rapid protein production through a cell-free reaction, according to a June 19, 2024 company press release. ALiCE enables production of the most complex proteins, including proteins that have proven impossible to express in other systems, the company stated in the press release.

ALiCE has produced diverse proteins, including novel antibody formats, membrane proteins, and other complex targets. Meanwhile, LenioBio’s product line supports applications from micro- to milligram-scale protein production, which facilitates high-throughput screening, target characterization, and rapid design-make-test-analyze cycles.

“The scalability of ALiCE eliminates the need for cell-line development and process optimization, allowing scaled protein production in just days. This … technology is set to revolutionize protein exploration and development across various fields, from fundamental research to biopharmaceutical innovation,” LenioBio stated in the press release.

Cell-free protein synthesis has become a useful technology platform to address the growing demand for simple but effective protein production. Cell-free synthesis has been used for decades in research to enhance understanding of transcription and translation, but scientific and technological advances since then have it possible to establish cost-effective means to synthesize complex proteins from microscale to manufacturing scale (2).

Labscoop, for its part, has connections in the life sciences industry across thousands of organizations in both industry and academia. This network enables ease of ordering, overnight delivery, and US-based customer support, which are expected to enhance access to LenioBio’s technology.

“We are thrilled to partner with Labscoop to bring our ALiCE technology to a wider audience in North America,” said Malene Linderoth, chief commercial officer of LenioBio, in the press release. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to accelerate protein research and biotherapeutic development. By leveraging Labscoop’s extensive marketplace, we can provide researchers and developers with unparalleled access to our innovative protein production solutions, ultimately driving forward scientific advancements.”

“Our alliance with LenioBio is a testament to our shared vision of advancing scientific discovery through innovative solutions and superior service,” Kundan Das, CEO of Labscoop, said in the press release. “By offering LenioBio’s full range of products and services on the Labscoop Marketplace and managing logistics all key North American markets, we are poised to deliver exceptional value and support to a wide range of academic and industrial customers. This partnership underscores our dedication to facilitating seamless access to the most advanced technologies available.”

References

1. LenioBio. Scalable Protein Expression. www.leniobio.com (accessed July 3, 2024).
2. Carlson, E. D.; Gan, R.; Hodgman, C. E.; Jewett, M. C. Cell-Free Protein Synthesis: Applications Come of Age. Biotechnol. Adv. 2012, 30 (5), 1185-1194. DOI: 10.1016/j.biotechadv.2011.09.016

Source: LenioBio