SAFC Biosciences launches LONGTMR3IGF-I as a critical raw material for industrial cell culture

SAFC Biosciences, a member of the Sigma-Aldrich Group (NASDAQ: SIAL), has announced the launch of the cell culture growth factor LONG R3IGF-I as an effective, consistent alternative to insulin. This growth factor binds to type I IGF receptors to stimulate cell growth in serum-free media. Unlike insulin, which is largely supplied as a therapeutic, LONG R3IGF-I (LONGTMR3), manufactured by GroPep Limited (Adelaide, Australia), is designed exclusively for use in cell culture.

Under a joint agreement with GroPep, which commenced in 2000, SAFC Biosciences (then JRH Biosciences) obtained exclusive marketing and distribution rights for LONG R3 when used for industrial cell culture applications. As a result of the collaboration, strong technical data has been generated to support the use of this material in biopharmaceutical drug manufacturing. In addition, LONG R3 is currently used in several FDA/EMEA approved biopharmaceutical products.

Due to recent developments in the market, the need for a secure supply of a critical raw material has also been identified. Not only does LONG R3 meet this necessity, as it is manufactured exclusively for cell culture, it also addresses the market need for animal component-free additives, meeting cGMP standards. By supplying enough LONG R3 to supplement at least 80 million liters of serum-free media and supporting its use with adaptation protocols, SAFC Biosciences and GroPep are demonstrating a commitment to providing a secure supply of a critical raw material for biopharmaceutical cell culture, combining responsiveness and expertise in the industrial cell culture market.

“The launch of the growth factor LONG R3 marks a major breakthrough in the commercial production of a number of key recombinant biopharmaceutical proteins,” said Rod Kelley, President of SAFC Biosciences. “We are pleased to offer a supplement for serum-free media, designed specifically for industrial cell culture use, which will ease concerns of supply chain managers worldwide as well as alleviate regulatory pressures due to its animalcomponent-free status. This is essential for the success of the growing pipelines of today’s biopharmaceutical companies.”

Bob Finder, CEO and Managing Director of GroPep, added, “We have been very pleased with our collaboration with SAFC Biosciences and the motivation of both groups of technical and marketing teams. Today, industrial cell culture customers have access to a secure supply of a potent alternative to insulin, LONG R3, which further strengthens the market position of GroPep and SAFC Biosciences.”