Analytics for Biotechnology

In a joint action, the PhD students will target the aims by developing the required individual methods focusing on three defined typical TPs as models, namely Filgrastim (F), Erythropoietin (EPO) and the biosimilar anti-TNF antibody Adalimumab (TNF-AB). Additional TPs (e.g. Etanercept, Bevacizumab) may be integrated in col-laboration with the industrial partners. These proteins constitute different levels of complexity and challenge for the analytical methods developed: F is a relatively small protein (18.8. kDa) with no glycosylations. EPO has a size of 30 kDa and carries N- and O-glycosylations that are critical for its function, while TNF-AB is a large protein (ca. 150 kDa) containing two N-glycans per molecule. All TPs are produced by partners of the consortium and therefore available in different batches and purities, which allows testing the developed analysis and purification methods. All A4B students will receive a basic education in production, analysis, purification and marketing of TP, guar-anteed by mandatory training schools. Through their individual research projects, the students will develop additional in depth expertise in one of the specific areas covered by the consortium. This training will be supplemented by training workshops on different methods used by the consortium partners, which will be offered as part of the project and of which the students will select the ones most suited to their training needs. The A4B project will thus generate urgently needed new methods for an improved TP manufacturing, while at the same time ensuring that well qualified young researchers are available for this rapidly growing area of the pharmaceutical industry.