Bio-Rad Laboratories, a provider of life science research and clinical diagnostics products, announced the launch of the Vericheck ddPCR Replication Competent Lentivirus Kit and the Vericheck ddPCR Replication Competent AAV Kit.
The kits provide rapid, cost-effective solutions for the absolute quantification of replication competent lentivirus (RCL) and replication competent adeno-associated virus (RCAAV), supporting the safe and effective production of cell and gene therapies, the company says.
Replication competent viruses (RCVs) can infect cells and replicate to produce additional virions. RCVs can be generated through recombination events between the transfer plasmid and either the production plasmids or the packaging cell line’s genome. Fundamental to the safety of emerging cell and gene therapies, RCV testing of samples must be performed throughout the production process.
About The Vericheck ddPCR Kits
Bio-Rad’s Vericheck ddPCR kits for the detection of RCL and RCAAV provide a validated solution for highly specific and susceptible detection and quantification of viral replication genes, potentially indicating an RCV. The tests are designed for Bio-Rad’s QX Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) platforms, with a simple workflow including automated data analysis and flexible sample throughput. Compared to traditional cell culture–based methods for RCV testing, the kits significantly reduce cost and turnaround time, achieving results in as little as eight hours, the company says.
Further reading: Bio-Rad Launches New Educational Quality Control Workbook
“As the number of cell and gene therapies entering the market increases, we see a growing emphasis on the need for products to ensure safety and efficacy across production processes. We believe that Droplet Digital PCR solutions can help address this unmet need,” says Carolyn Reifsnyder, senior director of marketing at Bio-Rad. “The introduction of Bio-Rad’s newest Vericheck ddPCR kits for RCL and RCAAV to our growing portfolio reflects our ongoing commitment to providing innovative QC tools to support advances in the cell and gene therapy space.”
Featured image: The Vericheck ddPCR Replication Competent Lentivirus Kit (right) and the Vericheck ddPCR Replication Competent AAV Kit. Photo: Bio-Rad
