FloDesign, Cognate Announce Collaboration

FloDesign Sonics and Cognate BioServices announced a technology development collaboration agreement to advance the accessibility of life saving therapeutics. 

This collaboration will advance the development of life saving therapeutics by improving manufacturing efficiencies using FloDesign Sonics' Acoustic Cell Processing (ACP) platform.

ACP is a gentle and efficient approach to cell handling and cell selection for common applications including Acoustic Concentrate and Wash (ACW).  The system is designed as a closed, automated and modular platform utilizing a single-use cartridge tailored for each application.  FloDesign Sonics' acoustic technology is configurable for additional operations across cell and gene therapy including Acoustic Affinity Cell Selection (AACS).  Technology development as part of this collaboration will be based on the application of FloDesign Sonics' technology in conventional processes and will also be customized to meet Cognate BioServices' specific client needs.     

"Working with an organization like Cognate is exciting because it provides access to the customers who are currently tech transferring into clinical manufacturing and living with the real-world challenges this brings.  We believe the long-term value of acoustics is in its unique ability to close, automate, and simplify multiple process steps while maintaining a flexible platform that will work with a broad spectrum of processes.  Cognate's expertise combined with our technology can accelerate the development of the platform to solve the manufacturing challenges we face as more and more of these amazing therapies become commercial." said Chris Leidel, chief strategy officer, FloDesign Sonics.
   
Under this collaboration, Cognate will offer process development, training and tech transfer of processes incorporating FloDesign Sonics' platform.  FloDesign Sonics' experts in acoustics will provide application know-how and work as a partner to develop custom solutions bespoke for clients with unique processing challenges on an as needed basis.

"As we are working with a diverse base of clients on process development and manufacturing we focus intently on delivering the highest level of repeatable, quantitative, and qualitative isolation of certain cell populations. To balance these three requirements is often a challenge and we are excited to be working with FDS on addressing some of the critical pain points in the industry together.  We are confident that together we will be able to bring this technology forward in a robust manufacturing process in the near future." said J. Kelly Ganjei, chief executive officer and chairman, Cognate BioServices.