Development Of A Novel Sf9 Rhabdovirus-Negative Cell Line (Sf-RVN®) And Companion Chemically Defined Medium

By Sandy McNorton, Sr. Scientist Process Solutions Upstream R&D Media Development

A novel rhabdovirus, known as Sf-rhabdovirus, was discovered to be a common and persistent contaminant of Sf9 cell lines. Sf-rhabdovirus is rod-shaped and contains single-stranded RNA. While its exact host range is not fully defined, it is believed that Sf-rhabdovirus is unlikely to be harmful for humans as it cannot replicate in mammalian cells. Despite this finding, the presence of this adventitious agent in a process used to manufacture biologics for human use must be addressed. Removal of the virus can be achieved through use of appropriate downstream applications and its clearance must be confirmed by validated assays.

This whitepaper describes the development of a novel Sf9 Rhabdovirus-negative cell line, named Sf-RVN®, with companion chemically defined medium, the EXCELL^® CD Insect Cell Medium. Combined, these two products form the Sf-RVN^® Platform and offer a Sf-Rhabdovirus free alternative for the BICS production of biologics.