At Proventus Bio, we apply state-of-the-art molecular tools to create new cell- based platforms for vaccine and biotherapeutic manufacturing. The Proventus bio technology platform centers around two technologies: RNA interference (RNAi) and chromosomal gene editing. RNAi is a flexible molecular platform that is used by Proventus Bio scientists to probe the contribution that each gene in the host genome makes to a given virus’ replication. Host gene modulation events that increase virus (or biotherapeutic) production can then be permanently engineered into a wide range of cell types using a range of chromosome engineering technologies including CRISPR/Cas9, TALENs, and Zinc Finger Nucleases.
RNA Interference technology is used to screen the entire genome to identify gene modulation events that affect viral replication
Hits identified in the primary screen are tested using cell lines and viral strains employed in vaccine manufacturing
Gene editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR) are used to create stable cell lines capable of increased vaccine production
The Proventus Bio workflow has been successfully applied to increase production of several pathogens including poliovirus, EV-71, influenza, and rotavirus. The resulting stably engineered cell lines radically transform bioproduction by decreasing manufacturing costs, increasing capacity, and reducing overall manufacturing footprints.
Cell lines that produce greater amounts of virus expand the manufacturer’s capacity.
By providing greater amounts of virus antigen per liter, Proventus Bio’s cell lines decrease the cost associated with producing each dose of vaccine.
By increasing the amount of virus antigen produced in each manufacturing run, Proventus Bio’s engineered cell lines reduce the time required to reach production goals.
Engineered cell lines can reduce the biomanufacturing footprint for any given vaccine, making resources available for new products.
Proventus Bio was founded in 2015 by Ralph Tripp, and Stephen Bell. The core workflow was developed from research carried out in the Tripp Lab at the University of Georgia, Athens. Since its inception, the Company has focused on expanding the original proof-of-principle work through internal and partner-based programs in the areas of human and animal vaccine manufacturing and biotherapeutic (monoclonal antibody) production.
Proventus Bio forms strategic alliances with companies in the biomanufacturing space, providing partners with new high performance platforms for manufacturing facilities. For further information about Proventus Bio, please contact us.
Chief Executive Officer
Stephen Bell is a co-founder of Proventus Bio. Stephen has an extensive background in vaccine manufacturing as well as extensive business experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Stephen received his doctorate in immunology from the University of South Wales Medical School and an MBA from the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw.
Lead Scientific Consultant
Ralph Tripp is a professor at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine and a Georgia Research Alliance Eminent Scholar. Ralph received his Ph.D. from Oregon State University and was a former member of the CDC before coming to the University of Georgia.