Esco Aster, a leading independent contract development and manufacturing organization underpinned by its patent Tide Motion bioreactor technology, has signed a technology development agreement with National University of Singapore (NUS) to jointly develop a proprietary single-use bioreactor system for production of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a therapy in bone regeneration.
Under the terms of the agreement, both parties will develop a commercially viable, safe, reliable and cost-effective bioreactor system for single use. This involves the culture of MSCs on NUS’s patented novel apatite microcarriers using Esco VacciXcell bioreactor, which utilizes its patented Tide Motion technology. The bioreactor system will enable the biopharmaceutical industry as well as clinicians, to accelerate lab-to-scale development, reduce clinician translational timelines, and ultimately innovate as an autologous single-use medical device in the commercialisation pathway for human stem cell-based therapies.
“NUS is the ideal partner for us, since they have a particular expertise in developing and synthesizing biodegradable and biocompatible materials for mesenchymal cell therapy technology. We are anxious to move ahead with this research project, in order to provide a commercial product to as many patients as possible, in the near future.”
Xiangliang Lin, Esco Aster's Chief Executive Officer.
Esco has continued expanding their bioreactors based advanced manufacturing solutions and processes, and this partnership furthers the company’s aim to be the first-in-class CDMO to address the industrial needs to grow stem cells in a scalable and optimised processes to meet clinical manufacturing needs of its clients. In this aspect, novel apatite microcarriers developed by NUS is especially relevant. The chemical and physical properties of the microcarriers have been engineered to be optimal for bioreactor culture whilst possessing excellent biocompatibility for bone tissue engineering applications.
This research project is a continuation of Esco Aster’s ongoing growth following the MOU announcement of its “Innovation Centre for Continuous Biomanufacturing” laboratory.
The Centre shall facilitate continued collaboration between Esco Aster and Singapore-based researchers expanding into emerging technologies
as the regenerative cell based industry continues to grow.
Esco Aster Pte Ltd
21 Changi South Street 1
Singapore 486777
T: +65 6542 0833
E: [email protected]
Esco Aster CDMO Laboratory
Blk 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent #07-26
Singapore 139951
About Tide Motion Bioreactors
Tide motion pertains to the oscillation of culture medium into and out of the matrix vessel that intermittently exposes the cells to aeration and nutrition. The upward oscillation exposes the cells to nutrition, while the downward oscillation exposes the cells to aeration and at the same time washes away products and wastes. This gentle oscillation produces no air bubbles and causes very minimal shear stress, which are both detrimental to the cells. View a range of products at http://www.escoaster.com/tide-technology.
About Esco Aster
Esco Aster is a contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) focusing on offering vaccine-, cell- and gene-therapy development and biomanufacturing services using its proprietary TideMotion™ technology, bioprocessing and bioengineering equipment.
Esco Aster aims to be a best-in-class cGMP CDMO, enabling the production of larger quantities of biologics materials needed for preclinical toxicology studies, clinical trials and eventual commercialisation, thus accelerating the transition of novel technologies from laboratory to patients in need. For more information on Esco Aster, please visit www.escoaster.com.
About Novel Apatite Microcarriers
Novel apatite microcarriers developed by NUS, are spherically-shaped, micrometre-sized particles made of a material which is chemically similar to the native bone. Engineered to incorporate features which mimics the microenvironment of the native bone, these microcarriers not only fulfils its role as a bone graft filler material, but also more importantly, simulates the conditions for conducive stem cell survival and proliferation, while facilitating and enhancing their osteogenic potency. In addition, their high surface to volume ratio allows for highly-efficient and cost-effective method for stem-cell expansion. When used in conjunction with a bioreactor, these microbeads could offer a viable alternative to conventional methods of cell culture. Visit . http://www.bioeng.nus.edu.sg.