MilliporeSigma has launched a gene-editing technology, Centinel, to modify Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell lines to be resistant to minute virus of mice (MMV), a common contamination threat that remains despite the shift to chemically defined, animal component-free manufacturing processes. CHO cells are commonly used in the manufacture of biologics.

MilliporeSigma’s Centinel technology targets genes which play a role in MVM susceptibility. Viral contaminations, such as MVM, can have consequences for biopharmaceutical manufacturers. Under the Centinel program, MilliporeSigma can modify customers’ CHO cell lines to provide viral resistance to MVM. A patent application has been submitted for the technology used in the gene-editing approach to viral resistance.

Source: Millipore Sigma