Potency testing for cellular and gene therapies

Cellular and gene therapy products have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of a wide range of diseases and disorders, from cancer to genetic disorders. However, as with any new technology, there are risks and challenges associated with the development and manufacturing of these products. One of the most important of these is ensuring that the product is both safe and effective.

One key aspect of ensuring safety and efficacy is potency testing. Potency testing is the process of measuring the biological activity of a cellular or gene therapy product, and it is a critical component of product development and quality control.

Without testing for potency, there is a risk that the therapy may not be effective in treating the targeted disease or condition. This can lead to wasted resources, increased healthcare costs, and most importantly, patient harm. Additionally, the testing of potency is required by regulatory authorities such as the FDA to ensure that new therapies meet certain standards for safety and efficacy before they can be approved for clinical use.

There are several reasons why potency testing is so important:

First and foremost, potency testing is essential for ensuring that the product is effective. If a cellular or gene therapy product does not have the desired biological activity, it is unlikely to have the desired therapeutic effect. Potency testing can help to ensure that the product is biologically active and can perform its intended function.

Second, potency testing is important for ensuring the safety of the product. If a product is too potent, it can cause harm to the patient. If it is not potent enough, it may not be effective. Potency testing can help to ensure that the product is within the appropriate range of biological activity and is safe for use.

Third, potency testing is a critical part of quality control. Potency testing can help to ensure that each batch of product is consistent in terms of biological activity, which is important for ensuring that patients receive a consistent level of care. This is particularly important in the case of gene therapy products, where small variations in potency can have significant effects on patient outcomes.

Finally, potency testing is important for regulatory compliance. Regulatory agencies such as the FDA require manufacturers of cellular and gene therapy products to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of their products through appropriate testing, including potency testing. Failure to meet these requirements can result in delays in product approval or even rejection of the product.

In 2011, the FDA issued the final guidance on potency tests for cell and gene therapy (CGT) products. For IND and BLA submissions, sponsors are required to provide in vitro or in vivo data demonstrating the potency of the drug product. Given the diverse range of action mechanisms for CGT products, potency tests must be performed on a case-by-case basis. The FDA encourages sponsors to work with FDA reviewers and use a step-wise approach to implement potency tests throughout clinical trials. A comprehensive understanding of the active drug product’s mechanism of action is essential for designing a robust potency test. Sponsors must also have expertise in applying cell biology, molecular biology, and other bioanalytical tools to conduct complex potency tests. Lastly, potency assays must be validated according to FDA and ICH guidelines for GMP product release, even for autologous therapeutic cells.

At Avance Biosciences™, we specialize in developing and validating complex biological assays, as well as testing samples under GMP regulation. Our talented scientific team has extensive experience working with sponsors to develop or transfer potency assays, and qualify or validate them to support clinical applications. By combining our clients’ in-depth understanding of their cell and gene therapy therapeutic mechanisms with our unparalleled scientific knowledge of various biological analytical methods, we are well-equipped to advance your therapeutic drug development in a timely and efficient manner. Trust us to provide reliable and accurate potency testing services that meet the highest standards of quality and regulatory compliance.

In conclusion, potency testing is an essential component of the development and manufacturing of cellular and gene therapy products. It is critical for ensuring that the product is safe, effective, and consistent, and it is necessary for regulatory compliance. Contact the cell and gene therapy experts at Avance to learn more about the potency assay services we can provide to ensure your cell or gene therapy products are safe, effective, and compliant.