Large-scale production and purification of VLP-based vaccines

Virus-like particles (VLPs) hold tremendous potential as vaccine candidates. These innovative biopharmaceuticals present the remarkable advantages of closely mimicking the three-dimensional nature of an actual virus while lacking the virus genome packaged inside its capsid. As a result, an equally efficient but safer prophylaxis is anticipated as compared to inactivated or live attenuated viral vaccines. With the advent of successful cases of approved VLP-based vaccines, pharmaceutical companies are indeed redirecting their resources to the development of such products. This paper reviews the current choices and trends of large-scale production and purification of VLP-based vaccines generated through the baculovirus expression vector system using insect cells.

Relevant strategies implemented to overcome the challenges of large-scale production (USP) and purification (DSP) of VLP-vaccines using the BEVS/IC. These strategies, often used as rationale for other expression systems, are essential to achieve a competitive and effective VLP manufacturing process.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► One VLP-based vaccine produced in BEVS/IC is in the market and many others are in pre-clinical and clinical stages.
► Added complexity of single and/or multi-protein VLPs poses important bioprocessing challenges.
► Novel modeling tools provide insights to accelerate up- and downstream process development.
► A comprehensive list of analyticals is critical for a streamlined development of a lead VLP-based vaccine.