Bio-Rad expands process-scale chromatography range with 45 cm ID prepacked column
Bio-Rad Laboratories has enhanced its downstream bioprocessing capabilities with larger-diameter prepacked chromatography columns. The expansion builds upon their existing Foresight Pro range, offering increased scalability options for the purification of biotherapeutics including monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, and vaccines.
The new columns are manufactured in ISO Class 7 cleanroom conditions, ensuring GMP-ready status for immediate deployment in regulated manufacturing environments. Each column is packed with a single production lot of CHT Ceramic Hydroxyapatite Media, maintaining batch consistency and simplified validation requirements.
Technical specifications and functionality
The 45 cm inner diameter column represents a significant expansion from Bio-Rad’s existing portfolio, which previously topped out at 33 cm ID. The columns can be packed with three variants of the company’s proprietary CHT Media: Type I, Type II, or XT. The ceramic hydroxyapatite medium, composed of Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆OH₂, facilitates biomolecule separation through dual mechanisms: metal affinity interactions via calcium atoms and cation exchange via phosphate groups.
Speaking about the development, Diab Elmashni, Director of Process Chromatography Business at Bio-Rad Laboratories, said: “These columns are unique in the market, as they are packed with a single lot of Bio-Rad’s CHT Media – other suppliers may combine different batches of our resins when packing columns.”
Manufacturing considerations
The expansion to 45 cm ID addresses increasing manufacturing demands in the biopharmaceutical sector, particularly as processes scale up from clinical to commercial production. The columns are designed for straightforward integration into existing downstream processing trains, maintaining operational consistency across different manufacturing scales.
Commercial implications
The launch strengthens Bio-Rad’s position in the bioprocessing market, building upon their established presence in life science research and clinical diagnostics. The company, which reported revenues of $2.7 billion in 2023, continues to expand its bioprocessing portfolio in response to industry demands for scalable purification solutions.
This product launch indicates Bio-Rad’s commitment to supporting the biopharmaceutical industry’s growing need for larger-scale purification solutions. The standardised design across the Foresight Pro range facilitates seamless scale-up strategies, from process development through to commercial manufacturing.
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/4akNjbH
Digital issue: Please click here for more information
