BD Biosciences Introduces Chemically Defined Cell Culture Media Supplement that Increases Biopharmaceutical Protein Production

BALTIMORE, June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- BD Biosciences, a segment of BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company), announced today the availability of BD Recharge™, a chemically defined (CD) cell culture media supplement for biopharmaceutical manufacturing that offers productivity comparable to yeast-based peptones.

"Chemically defined supplements are a significant advance for biopharmaceutical cell culture," said Robert Hallenbeck, Vice President, BD Biosciences – Advanced Bioprocessing.  "BD Recharge provides performance comparable to undefined products, but with greater consistency, which means less risk and lower production costs for biopharmaceutical manufacturers."

The new BD Recharge cell culture media supplement, which was developed using CHO (Chinese hamster ovary) cell lines, eliminates unnecessary constituents to maximize cell viability and protein production.

Peptones are either animal-derived or animal-free supplements that are added to cell culture media to boost protein expression. Although peptones are highly effective, biopharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly seeking CD alternatives to eliminate the variability and increased regulatory risk inherent in undefined materials.

BD Recharge is the first in a line of next-generation CD, animal-free supplements for the manufacture of biopharmaceuticals. BD Recharge is produced in the Company's fully dedicated animal-free/antibiotic-free (AF2™) facility, which sets a new standard for safety and quality for cell culture media. Products manufactured at the AF2 facility are controlled to the tertiary level — all ingredients, ingredient components and ingredient subcomponents used in the new facility are not of animal origin — significantly reducing the risks that can be associated with mixed-use facilities.

About BD

BD is a leading global medical technology company that develops, manufactures and sells medical devices, instrument systems and reagents. The Company is dedicated to improving people's health throughout the world. BD is focused on improving drug delivery, enhancing the quality and speed of diagnosing infectious diseases and cancers, and advancing research, discovery and production of new drugs and vaccines. BD's capabilities are instrumental in combating many of the world's most pressing diseases. Founded in 1897 and headquartered in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, BD employs approximately 29,000 associates in more than 50 countries throughout the world. The Company serves healthcare institutions, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, the pharmaceutical industry and the general public. For more information, please visit www.bd.com.

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SOURCE BD