Technology platform
The technology entails a non-infectious virus-like particle (VLP) sourced from a grapevine virus, distinguishing itself from previously known VLPs. Recent research has uncovered interesting characteristics for bespoke surface alterations. It boasts the ability to readily encapsulate diverse active ingredients, ranging from small proteins, peptides, and small molecules to mRNA, while also facilitating the presentation of proteins on its surface, including cell-targeting proteins.
This customized functionalization heralds a novel category of therapeutic products characterized by enhanced stability, efficacy, and safety for human application.
Development of custom cell-targeting VHH
Serendip possesses specialized knowledge to create custom antibody fragments, known as VHH (Variable Heavy domain of Heavy chain antibodies).
Based on a partner’s specific requirements, Serendip can develop a tailor-made cell-targeting VHH suitable for any use case and incorporate it onto the surface of the VLP.
You can direct any therapeutic peptides or proteins you’ve discovered specifically to the targeted cells. However, figuring out how to penetrate the intracellular compartment remains a challenge. The team at Serendip can assist with this.
Bioproduction
Serendip employs a transient plant-based expression system for drug substance production. The process involves infecting plant leaves with bacteria that carry the genetic information for expressing the recombinant protein (the VLP subunit), enabling the production of functional VLPs in a single step over the course of one week. An additional two to three weeks are then required for the processes of purification, formulation, and quality control of the final drug product.
Quality of the particle
The produced particle boasts remarkable structural integrity, ensuring its complete formation, along with enduring stability across various temperatures and over time. Additionally, the sample demonstrates excellent uniformity regarding the size of the particles which is not the case for other types of particles.
Bioproduction safety
Production is free of human pathogens. By intensifying the active component’s concentration into the particle, the dosage of the product required for patients can be diminished, thereby minimizing the likelihood of impurities injection.
Bioproduction efficiency
Our advantage comes from our unique plant-based expression system, which allows us to manufacture products more quickly and cost-effectively than traditional expression systems. Additionally, the use of plants as natural bioreactors means that scaling up production is as simple as increasing the number of plants used.
