#USA #Frederick #Kemp Proteins #NeuImmune #geCHO Technology

Strategic Collaboration in Protein Production

Kemp Proteins, LLC is proactively enhancing its capabilities in cell line development and recombinant protein production through a newly forged strategic partnership with NeuImmune. This collaboration centers on NeuImmune's unique glycoengineered CHO (geCHO) BioDesign platform, which is designed to significantly improve control over protein glycosylation in Kemp's gene-to-protein development workflow.

Understanding Glycosylation and Its Importance

Glycosylation, a process where sugar molecules attach to proteins, plays a crucial role in post-translational modifications. This modification can profoundly impact various aspects of protein functionality—such as potency, activity, stability, and overall safety. Traditional methods of recombinant protein expression usually lead to a mixture of glycoforms influenced by the production cell type, complicating the systematic analysis of how different glycosylation patterns affect protein performance.

NeuImmune's geCHO BioDesign addresses these challenges with a collection of 28 geCHO cell lines derived from a GMP-ready CHO-S parental cell line. These are genome-edited and confirmed to provide a range of N-glycan structures, allowing for the production of proteins with diverse glycoforms that scientists can assess for their activity, stability, and half-life. This variability serves as an essential tool for identifying glycoforms that correlate with specific performance requirements.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Advanced Applications

The geCHO BioDesign platform incorporates GlyCompare, part of NeuImmune’s AI and systems-biology framework. This innovative tool breaks down glycoprofiles into shared glycan substructures, enabling researchers to correlate glycan characteristics with phenotypic responses. Such integration assays glycosylation data with preclinical performance metrics, thus transforming how glycosylation is understood in the broader protein development context.

Dr. Carter Mitchell, the Chief Scientific Officer at Kemp Proteins, emphasizes, "The geCHO platform offers us enhanced oversight over glycosylation and its effects on protein performance, function, and recognition by the immune system. This allows us to integrate glycans into the protein development process rather than merely viewing them as production variables."

This technology is particularly vital for developing complex glycoproteins, including viral antigens and antibodies, where glycosylation substantially dictates the protein's structure and therapeutic effectiveness.

Supporting Public Health and Strengthening Biomanufacturing

The necessity for improved control over intricate protein production goes beyond mere biopharmaceutical developments. It plays a pivotal role in creating biologics that combat high-risk pathogens. NeuImmune collaborates with Kemp Proteins to apply the geCHO platform in research programs targeting infectious diseases, including the development of monoclonal antibodies aimed at combating filoviruses like Ebola and the Sudan virus.

Mike Keefe, CEO of Kemp Proteins, elaborates, "For vaccines and therapeutics, particularly in health security contexts, grasping how a protein is produced—and ensuring a consistent production process—is crucial. Technologies like geCHO ensure we enhance our control over these variables and, consequently, the quality and efficacy of the proteins we produce."

The endeavor has gained support through the Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness Consortium, overseen by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which emphasizes the growing focus on local biomanufacturing capabilities. This initiative aligns with ongoing federal investments for developing countermeasures against biological threats.

About NeuImmune and Kemp Proteins

NeuImmune, Inc. is a pioneering biotechnology firm focused on precision glyco-engineered biologics targeting orphan and infectious diseases. Established by experts from reputable universities, NeuImmune harnesses advanced technologies to generate uniform, human-like glycoforms of therapeutic proteins through its proprietary geCHO BioDesign platform.

Kemp Proteins, based in Frederick, MD, stands as a leader in gene-to-protein solutions, equipping researchers with methodologies to tackle intricate protein development challenges. For over three decades, Kemp has excelled in recombinant protein expression and process optimization, aiding clients in the advancement of diagnostics, therapeutics, and next-generation biologics. With the adoption of geCHO technology, Kemp augments its promise of precision protein development and production solutions.