Asimov unveils comprehensive AAV gene therapy development platform
New system aims to streamline design and production processes
Asimov, a synthetic biology company based in Boston, Massachusetts, has announced the launch of its AAV Edge System, a suite of tools designed to enhance the development of adeno-associated viral (AAV) gene therapies. The system offers an integrated approach to address challenges in safety, efficacy, manufacturability, and cost that have hindered progress in the field.
Addressing fragmentation in gene therapy development
The AAV Edge System combines artificial intelligence (AI)-driven design tools with optimised production methods, aiming to provide a more cohesive development pathway for gene therapies. This approach seeks to overcome the current fragmentation in the industry, where disparate technologies are often spread across multiple service providers.
Key components of the platform
The system comprises two main modules:
1. Payload design: This includes AI-designed, animal-validated tissue-specific promoters, DNA sequence optimisation capabilities, and tools to silence the gene of interest during production. These features are accessible through Asimov’s Kernel software for computer-aided genetic design.
2. Production system: The initial release focuses on a transient transfection-based AAV manufacturing system. This incorporates a clonal, suspension-adapted, GMP-banked HEK293 host cell line and an optimised two-plasmid system compatible with various capsid serotypes.
Notably, the company reports that their model-guided process development has achieved unconcentrated titres of up to 10^12 viral genomes per millilitre (vg/mL) in bioreactor performance.
Asimov indicates that this release is the first in a planned series for the AAV Edge platform, suggesting ongoing development and expansion of the system’s capabilities.
Alec Nielsen, co-founder and CEO of Asimov, commented on the launch: “Our team has been on a roll – AAV Edge is our third launch in cell and gene therapy this year. The cost and safety of gene therapies is top of mind for many in the field, and we’re driven to help our partners on both design and production to enable more of these powerful medicines to reach patients.”
For more information, visit: www.asimov.com/aav-edge-system
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