Novasep Named Bioprocessing Winner at the CPhI Pharma Awards

The winner of the 2016 CPhI Pharma Awards bioprocessing category went to Novasep for its next-generation biochromatography equipment for protein purification in batch and continuous modes-known as BioSC Lab.

While continuous processes (perfusion) and high-titer feed (fed-batch) are more developed in upstream processing, downstream processing is becoming the bottleneck of biopharmaceutical processes, characterized by large volumes of buffer, high-priced media, long process times, and limiting targeted protein degradation.

Batch chromatography is a conventional and traditional purification technique used in downstream processing. But as the biopharmaceutical industry gradually moves away from batch operations, there is increasing focus on continuous chromatography, which has been proven to improve process economics together with process control and understanding. 

Novasep has introduced its own continuous chromatography equipment, BioSC Lab, which is a low-pressure continuous chromatography solution for the purification of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), blood fractions, and other biologics. This laboratory equipment allows the development of processes that can be scaled up to industrial scale.

BioSC Lab provides flexibility in operation, from one column up to six columns. This chromatography equipment can be run in different chromatography processes-whether batch, parallel batch, or continuous chromatography. The system can be used to screen for the optimal choice of columns, media, and running parameters to purify selected proteins.

The key benefits of BioSC Lab include increased productivity and operational cost savings of up to 75% for the same yield. According to Novasep, the benefits of its technology are direct consequences of the key features such as small column volumes and, therefore, reduced resin volume, lower buffer volumes, faster processing, and reduced footprint.