Sartorius Stedim Biotech entered into a partnership with McMaster University to improve manufacturing processes of antibody and virus-based treatments for diseases such as COVID-19, cancer, and genetic disorders.
Using a multi-column chromatography system provided by Sartorius, the McMaster team plans to improve a process for the purification of therapeutic viruses that is more effective and cheaper than those currently available. This will pave the way for new and more affordable treatments to reach patients with a variety of needs, according to John Preston, PhD, associate dean, research, innovation, and external relations in the faculty of engineering.
“Teaming up with Sartorius Stedim Biotech is an exciting opportunity for McMaster Engineering. This research will push the envelope in leading advanced, cutting-edge research in biomanufacturing,” says Preston. “Establishing industry-friendly, collaborative environments is critical in solving real-world problems.”
“This partnership with McMaster University will lead to impactful research that will make important treatments available at a greater scale. We see this as a way to expand our research development and bring SDG-aligned [Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations] pharmaceuticals to Canadian and global markets,” says Brandon Corbett, PhD, research scientist at Sartorius Stedim Biotech.
As part of the partnership, initially slated to run for four years, Sartorius Stedim Biotech will provide student training opportunities at their research and development facilities in North America and Europe.
