Contract Services

We provide advantages through services based on a proven technology platform and a highly skilled team with outstanding expertise in Pichia pastoris protein expression

VTU service packages

1. Feasibility study-small screening

2. Development of industrial production strains - extended screening

3. Validation of screening results (1L-fermentations)

4. Process development and optimization

5. Small-scale production of non-GMP product samples (5L-fermentations)

6. Scale-up and GMP manufacturing by Boehringer Ingelheim

1. Feasibility study-small screening

VTU´s expertise is the fast-track development of protein expression strains, addressing the labor-and cost-intensive processes of generating and identifying protein production strains.

In a feasibility study we will assess the expressibility of your recombinant protein in the fastest and most efficient way.
Starting from a synthetically optimized gene sequence cloning, transformation and screening will be performed within 3-4 weeks giving you a reliable answer for a fast go or no-go decision for the realization of your project.
If the production of recombinant protein is ensured, we provide the development of industrial production strains based on VTU´s extended screening. Additionally, we offer validation and small-scale production of protein samples for initial characterization. 


2. Development of industrial production strains - extended screening

VTU´s outstanding Pichia pastoris expression platform allows for the generation and screening of multiple thousands clones within few weeks.
Once the production of your recombinant protein is ensured in a feasibility study, an extended screening based on re-cloning and transformation with a higher number of genetic elements will be performed for optimized fine-tuning of gene expression and enhanced protein production. Applying this high-throughput procedure, significantly higher production levels can be achieved in comparison to a feasibility study.


3. Validation of screening results (1L-fermentations)

In order to confirm the effective productivity and suitability for up-scale, the most promising candidates are subsequently taken from 96-deep well plates into fermentation in a set of 1L-bioreactors. Based on VTU´s leading expertise in Pichia pastoris cultivation, further exploitation of this host is achieved through robust and highly proven cultivation procedures adjusted to the different metabolic requirements of each clone. 
This allows VTU Technology to rapidly identify production strains with highest product yields and quality.

4. Process development and optimization

In order to provide rapid development of optimized processes for the cultivation of VTU´s industrial protein production strains, VTU Technology offers straightforward process development and optimization. This capability is essential for the elucidation of key process parameters (considering potential scale-up constraints) and for achieving process productivity, quality and robustness levels that will support commercial production of recombinant proteins.
VTU Technology provides this straightforward service from gene to small scale development and optimization to shorten development timelines, establish process knowledge through process data acquisition, and ensure optimal process performance.


5. Small-scale production of non-GMP product samples (5L-fermentations)

VTU Technology offers rapid process development and the production of initial samples for further characterization of your recombinant protein. This service enables VTU´s customers to accelerate early stage microbial biopharmaceutical development.

6. Scale-up and GMP manufacturing by Boehringer Ingelheim

VTU Technology and Boehringer Ingelheim entered into a global Technology and Marketing collaboration agreement to provide our customers a broader range of contract services. The integrated concept offers VTU customers access to Boehringer Ingelheim's clinical and commercial manufacturing technology. Compatible technology platforms at VTU Technology and Boehringer Ingelheim allow for a flexible approach and will facilitate smooth technology transfer throughout the development phases. All types of services from gene to final drug production will be delivered within this One-Stop-Shop concept.