Vial Adapter Considerations For Cell And Gene Therapy Applications

By Krishnendu Khan, Ph.D., Henry Nguyen, Bridget Moran, Manali Potnis, Ph.D., Vivek Bhatnagar

Cell and gene therapies (CGTs) deliver genetic material to cells using systems like viral vectors or plasmids. These treatments are highly sensitive, demanding sterile and precise transfer methods. Often produced in limited, costly batches (e.g., using AAV, lentivirus, LNPs with plasmids, or RNA), minimizing product loss during extraction from vials is crucial for cost-effectiveness and ensuring patients receive the maximum effective dose. Vial adapters (VAs) facilitate this transfer by securely connecting the vial to the administration device, helping maintain sterility, ensure dosing accuracy, and preserve the therapy's integrity. This article outlines key factors for choosing VAs for CGT and presents a case study using West Swabable Vial Adapters™ to extract lentiviruses from a Daikyo Crystal Zenith^® (CZ) vial.