MaxCyte introduces large scale transfection technology - accelerates cell-based assay development

Apr 21 2008

MaxCyte has announced the introduction of its ITF Inline Transfection System, a validated platform for preparative transfection, based on unique flow electroporation technology.

This system enables rapid and efficient transfection of any kind of cell or cell line with any molecule (plasmids, proteins, protein complexes, drugs, mRNA, siRNA), at scales ranging from micro-liters to liter volumes.

MaxCyte's ITF Inline Transfection System enables transient transfection of cell lines as well as primary cells, and is now available for drug discovery and screening applications. The sterile, closed system provides unparalleled consistency, scalability, and loading efficiency while avoiding the inherent drawbacks of alternative methods.

Many cell based assays and research projects are based on recombinant cell lines. Optimizing such cell lines so they express a desired set of properties and are compatible with a particular screening platform takes considerable time and expense. Because of its ease and speed, transient transfection is increasingly used to replace cloning and recombinant work in a wide range of applications (e.g. ion channel based drug or GPCR screening). The cost-effective MaxCyte ITF Inline Transfection system replaces current preparative transfection technologies which depend on expensive and complicated virus constructs, lipid based transfection agents, or small scale electroporation devices.

The high efficiency and viability of cells processed by the MaxCyte ITF Inline Transfection System make it possible to focus on biologically relevant cell lines, and even primary cells. Inline transfection is also fully scalable. It can be used to transfect 10^5 - 10^7 cells in seconds and up to 10^10 cells in less than 30 minutes. Viability is routinely greater than 90%, with more than 90% cell loading and transfection efficiency for many cell lines. Protocols are available for a wide range of cell lines and primary cells.

The MaxCyte transfection platform was first designed, developed, and commercialized for cell-based therapies and is currently used in human therapeutic applications. This technology is now available for research purposes under a limited label license.

The Company's proprietary, non-viral, ex vivo cell loading technology provides safety, scalability and reproducibility fundamental to commercializing successful cell-based therapies. MaxCyte has demonstrated the value of its versatile technology in partnered therapeutic programs in oncology, pulmonary, metabolic and infectious diseases as well as in development collaborations with leading researchers. Current clinical programs with MaxCyte-engineered cells include: a Phase IIa clinical study for treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and a Phase IIa study using engineered progenitor cells for the treatment of primary Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). MaxCyte has recently partnered with Medinet (JP) to commercialize a cell based therapy to be launched in 2008. In addition, there are advanced preclinical programs in oncology and regenerative medicine with more than 16 commercial and academic partners currently using the MaxCyte technology. The MaxCyte system has an FDA Master File in place at the Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER).

For more information, visit http://www.maxcyte.com/cell-based-screening.shtml