Genzyme process

Summary

This video highlights how Genzyme utilizes biotechnology to create therapeutic proteins to treat diseases caused by malfunctioning or missing proteins in the body. By modifying mammalian cells with human DNA, these cells produce specific proteins that are harvested and purified through a complex process, including cell growth in bioreactors and strict quality control. These proteins are then used in targeted treatments to address serious diseases. The video emphasizes Genzyme's dedication to ensuring safe, effective therapies for patients worldwide, through continuous innovation and rigorous standards in protein production.

Takeaways

• 😀 Our body consists of billions of cells that rely on proteins to carry out vital functions such as processing nutrients and defending against infection.
• 😀 Diseases can arise from malfunctioning or missing proteins in the body.
• 😀 Advances in biotechnology allow for the use of living cells to produce therapeutic proteins to treat diseases.
• 😀 Genzyme uses proven techniques to modify mammalian cells with human DNA, enabling them to produce therapeutic proteins.
• 😀 The proteins produced by these cells can serve as targeted treatments or replace missing or malfunctioning proteins in the body.
• 😀 Modified cells are carefully frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored in a 'cell bank' for future use.
• 😀 The production of therapeutic proteins is a complex, closely monitored process that can take several weeks or even months.
• 😀 Cells from the cell bank are thawed and mixed with a nutrient solution called growth medium, which allows them to grow and reproduce.
• 😀 The cell population grows from millions to billions, eventually being transferred to larger bioreactors for continued multiplication and protein production.
• 😀 Purified proteins undergo strict quality control to ensure safety and effectiveness, meeting demanding standards for patient treatment.
• 😀 After processing, the purified protein is carefully packaged in sterile vials, undergoes final quality control, and is sent to treat patients worldwide.

Q & A

What is the role of proteins in the human body?

Proteins are essential for a variety of functions in the body, including processing nutrients, eliminating toxins, regulating physiological reactions, and defending against infections.

How can biotechnology help in treating diseases caused by malfunctioning or missing proteins?

Biotechnology can use living cells to produce proteins that treat diseases caused by malfunctioning or missing proteins, offering targeted treatments or replacing the missing proteins.

What is the process of modifying mammalian cells for therapeutic protein production?

Mammalian cells are modified by equipping them with human DNA, enabling them to produce specific therapeutic proteins to treat diseases.

What is a cell bank, and how is it used in protein production?

A cell bank is a collection of modified cells stored in liquid nitrogen for future use in therapeutic protein production.

How long does the production of therapeutic proteins typically take?

The production of therapeutic proteins is a complex process that can take several weeks or even months, as compared to the few days required for manufacturing chemical drugs.

What is the growth medium, and what role does it play in the cell growth process?

The growth medium is a specially prepared nutrient solution that feeds the cells, allowing them to grow and reproduce while producing small amounts of therapeutic proteins.

How are the cells transferred to bioreactors during the production process?

Once the cells reach a certain population, they are transferred to bioreactors, which provide space for further growth. This process is repeated in larger bioreactors until the desired cell count is achieved.

What happens to the cells once they are placed in the final production bioreactor?

In the main production bioreactor, the cells are fed additional nutrients to continue growing and producing therapeutic proteins, with regular harvesting to retrieve the proteins.

How is the therapeutic protein purified during production?

The therapeutic protein is purified by passing the harvest solution through special filters to remove unwanted compounds, followed by strict quality control to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the product.

How are the final therapeutic protein products prepared for distribution?

The purified proteins are filled into vials in a sterile environment, undergo a freeze-dry process if necessary, and undergo final quality control before being packed and shipped to patients.