Hamburg- AmpTec, manufacturer of customized therapeutic mRNA products, today announced it has signed an agreement focused on process development of a novel large scale mRNA purification technology using Thermo Fisher Scientific‘s POROS Oligo (dT) Affinity Resins. Therapeutic mRNAs are becoming increasingly important as a promising option for rapid development of vaccines against infectious disease such as COVID-19.

In light of the pandemic and widespread infections, large quantities of mRNA-based therapies are in high demand. In order to meet these needs globally, AmpTec is intensively examining possible options for large-scale mRNA purification. Reverse phase HPLC is the current standard procedure, but scalability of the method is limited. Additionally, reverse phase uses flammable and toxic organic solvents, which are not preferred.

Thermo Fisher’s POROS plaVorm offers a rapid and highly scalable mRNA purification technology. The POROS Oligo (dT)25 resin helps enable simple purification using salt and water, does not require hazardous reagents, and allows for purification of very large mRNA batches (into the kilogram range). POROS bulk chromatography resins are used throughout the industry, offering high-performance, high-throughput process-scale bioseparations.

Comparative trial mRNA purifications led by AmpTec using POROS Oligo (dT)25 resin demonstrated highly reproducible results with greater than 95 percent recovery using different mRNA sequences and lengths.

Dr. Peter Scheinert, CEO at AmpTec says: “We are very pleased with our relationship with Thermo Fisher and about this exciting opportunity to participate in the development of this new resin for mRNA purification. This promising technology will allow us to meet the increasing demands of mRNAs from our customers.”