Sigma-Aldrich launches new protein quality supplement

Sigma-Aldrich's custom manufacturing services business unit SAFC Commercial has launched new protein quality supplement that is able to increase N-linked glycosylation.

The new product, EX-CELL Glycosylation Adjust, is specifically designed as a supplement for biological drug production, including biosimilars. It allows users to easily achieve N-linked glycosylation by increasing galactose site occupancy on the oligosaccharide.

It could be of particular use to biosimilar manufacturers, since regulators demand these drugs match the originator protein reference profile. Convenient titration of EX-CELL Glycosylation Adjust into the bioreactor makes it easy to adjust products to match specific reference profiles.

This represents the first off-the-shelf protein quality supplement that can achieve functionally relevant shifts in N-linked glycosylation quickly and efficiently.

Deborah Stutz, director of biopharmaceutical marketing at Sigma-Aldrich, said: "Customers are impressed with their results, particularly as supplementation has shown no adverse effect on either productivity or cell growth."

Sigma-Aldrich will soon be acquired by Merck KGaA, following the agreement of a $17 billion (10.63 billion pounds) takeover deal last month.