Biologics is split up into two distinct sections of manufacturing: Upstream and Downstream. In this upstream example we start by expanding mammalian cells.
Fun Fact: In the commercial manufacturing process at AbbVie, a backup seed train is used to ensure product supply.
Fun Fact: Inoculation is the term used for the process of transferring cells from one vessel to another (typically a larger vessel) to encourage growth.
After the seed train stage, the cells are inoculated into bioreactors (100L+) which provide even more optimal conditions to promote cell growth! Once we reach this stage, the backup seed train is no longer needed.
Fun Fact: Production Bioreactors are very large, often spanning two floors. At AbbVie, we have production bioreactors that can get as large as 12,000 Liters!
In this stage, the cell and cell fragments are separated from the rest of the smaller particles produced by the cells (which includes the desired protein).
Once Harvest is completed, the remaining solution is filtered until we are left with a high concentration of the target protein with minimal impurities.