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Waters Launches XBridge Premier GTx BEH SEC Columns for Gene Therapy Applications News Summary: Reduces the cost of gene therapies by using 3-10x less sample than other methodsi while generating faster results and more drug...

Key Takeaway: Waters Corporation has launched new XBridge Premier GTx BEH SEC columns designed to enhance the analysis and cost-effectiveness of gene therapies, particularly adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. These columns reportedly double the measurement speed of AAV potency and safety, while using significantly less sample compared to conventional methods. The benefits of these columns include streamlined processes for formulation studies, regulatory support, and quality control in gene therapy development. Avid Bioservices has noted the enhanced capabilities of their analytical methods using these new columns.
Price reaction · baseline $276.21 (2023-07-31 close) · hit after-hours · 2 other WAT headline(s) in the window, move may be shared
day 0 close · peak
-0.7%

Market Sentiment Analysis

POSITIVE FACTORS

  • New columns significantly speed up analysis of gene therapies.
  • They reduce sample usage by 3-10 times, lowering costs.
  • Early access by Avid Bioservices demonstrates practical benefits for AAV analysis.

BiopharmaWatch Analysis

From our catalyst data and publicly available data · not financial advice
Cash runway
~19 mo
Low dilution risk
Lead asset
CYTALUX preoperatively
Phase 2 · Esophageal Cancer

Full Press Release Details

MILFORD, Mass. , Aug. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT ) introduced the first in a new line of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) columns aimed at improving the analysis while lowering the cost of gene therapies, specifically adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors. The new Waters™ XBridge™ Premier GTx BEH™ SEC columns doubles the speed of measuring the potency and safety of AAVs. Combining the columns with light scattering technologies from its Wyatt Technology portfolio deepens the level of information acquired from a single experiment and optimizes the manufacturing of these novel gene delivery vehicles.
Waters' new chromatography columns are aimed at improving the analysis while lowering the cost of gene therapies
"We are witnessing a revolution in medicine thanks to gene therapies like AAVs," said Erin Chambers , Vice President, Consumables and Lab Automation, Waters Corporation. "A small quantity of a gene therapy, such as one of the best-selling eye treatments, can retail for more than $400,000 per eye iii . This makes it imperative that process and formulation development tests measure multiple attributes of the drug at once while consuming as little of it as possible. It's why Waters' low adsorption, high-efficiency XBridge Premier GTx BEH SEC columns are such a good choice for process development, formulation studies, regulatory filing support, along with ongoing process monitoring as well as quality control."
Avid Bioservices ( Tustin, California ) received early access to the XBridge Premier GTx columns. "The XBridge Premier GTx BEH SEC columns significantly widened the dynamic range of our SEC platform method for AAV aggregate analysis," says Kilian Witzel , Senior Scientist, Analytical Development Viral Vectors, Avid Bioservices, Inc. "It is now possible to analyze AAV aggregates from small amounts of sample with an HPLC method that is up to five times faster than conventional SEC methods for this application. This will help us expedite study timelines and reduce overall costs."
AAVs are modified viruses made in bioreactors by living cells and are the number one vehicle for carrying therapeutic genes into human cells. Waters scientists have developed a fast and efficient multi-attribute quantification method iv of characterizing AAVs that features the following Waters products:
XBridge Premier GTx BEH SEC columns are now available worldwide from Waters.
Additional Resources
About Waters Corporation ( www.waters.com ) Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT ), a global leader in analytical instruments and software, has pioneered chromatography, mass spectrometry, and thermal analysis innovations serving the life, materials, and food sciences for over 60 years. With approximately 8,000 employees worldwide, Waters operates directly in 35 countries, including 14 manufacturing facilities, and with products available in more than 100 countries.
Waters, XBridge, BEH, Wyatt, DAWN, Optilab, Arc, UPLC, and ACQUITY are trademarks of Waters Corporation.
Janice Foley Senior PR Manager, Corporate Communications Waters Corporation [email protected] Mobile: +1.617.823.5555
i According to beta customer AAV sample analysis and the optimization of lower volume 2.5 µm particle SEC column technology that can produce >3x more concentrated peaks versus an industry standard 7.8 x 300 5 µm particle SEC column.
ii As compared to industry-standard, UV-based HPLC methods employing 5 µm silica particles in stainless steel columns limited to measuring aggregation and titer.
iii Life Sciences Intelligence , May 24, 2023: "The Top 5 Most Expensive FDA-approved Gene Therapies"
iv Method captures the following AAV information: aggregate vs. monomer content, titer, encapsidation ratio, nucleic acid vs. monomer ratio, concentration, absolute molar mass and size, and radii.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the new Waters SEC columns designed for?

The new Waters SEC columns aim to enhance the analysis and reduce costs of gene therapies like AAV vectors.

How do the new columns impact AAV analysis speed?

The XBridge Premier GTx columns double the speed of measuring AAV potency and safety.

What advantage do Avid Bioservices gain from these columns?

Avid Bioservices can analyze AAV aggregates faster and from smaller sample amounts using these columns.

What are AAVs used for?

AAVs are modified viruses that transport therapeutic genes into human cells.

What does Waters Corporation specialize in?

Waters Corporation specializes in analytical instruments and software, including chromatography innovations.

Last updated: Aug 1, 2023