New Cytovance partnership simplifies and accelerates drug development

Oklahoma City’s Cytovance Biologics has unveiled a powerful partnership that promises to transform the landscape of drug development. This international collaboration marks a significant step forward in the quest to overcome some of the hurdles faced by scientists in the production of complex molecules needed for lifesaving medicines. 

Why E. coli matters 

E. coli, a type of bacteria, has become a go-to choice for scientists due to its speed, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability for genetic engineering in creating an environment for replicating (expressing) complex molecules. As researchers discover new drug targets, they often encounter challenges in producing these complex molecules effectively, causing the development of promising medicines to fail. This hurdle demands innovative microbial manufacturing solutions.

A perfect partnership 

Cytovance, the largest biotech in Oklahoma and a leading microbial manufacturing service provider headquartered in OKC, has joined forces with Vectron Biosolutions, renowned for its expertise in genetic engineering for industrial protein production. Together, they are set to revolutionize the industry and chart the next path for moving complex microbial molecules to patients. 

At the head of providing innovative solutions for complex customer projects is Cytovance’s Senior Director of Research and Development, Stephanie Wickham, Ph.D.    
 
"This partnership will enable us to provide the next generation of protein expression technologies to our client base and ultimately enable new therapies to reach patients faster and for less cost. Cytovance being at the forefront of biomanufacturing innovation will not only help us continue to invest in our home state's booming biotech scene but will also bring international attention to all that Oklahoma has to offer," said Wickham. 

How this partnership helps 

Under this collaboration, Cytovance will expand its repertoire of available strains. These strains are specifically engineered to handle the complexities of large molecules and accommodate the challenges of long-term production. Leveraging Vectron's advanced technology platforms, Cytovance will offer customers higher yields in E. coli expression, reducing costs and processing time. Vectron’s unique technology platforms simplify the development process while also providing the documentation needed to obtain regulatory approval. 

What it means for drug development 

This partnership simplifies and accelerates drug development efforts. By streamlining the process, it enables new products to move swiftly from the concept phase to commercialization, ultimately reaching the patients who need them. For customers, the transition from gene to product becomes smoother, quicker, and more cost-effective. 

Looking ahead 

This partnership not only marks a significant achievement in the realm of microbial manufacturing but also signals a new era in medicine. The seamless transition from laboratory experiments to real-world applications has the potential to revolutionize healthcare. As Cytovance and Vectron Biosolutions join forces, they pave the way for a future where innovative medicines reach patients faster and more efficiently, bringing hope to those in need.