Ovalbumin Removal In Egg-Based Influenza Vaccine Production

This application note demonstrates the performance of Capto Core 700 chromatography medium (resin) as an alternative for ovalbumin removal in the production of egg-based influenza vaccine. Ovalbumin removal and haemagglutinin (HA) recovery were determined after the Capto Core 700 step in combination with ultrafiltration and diafiltration (UF/DF). The process performance was compared with that of zonal ultracentrifugation (UC), a technique traditionally used for ovalbumin removal in influenza vaccine purification. The results show that an influenza purity that meets the regulatory requirements was achieved with both methods. The two methods were also compared in terms of productivity and equipment cost at different scales. The process economic model demonstrates higher productivity at all scales and a more cost-effective production at process scale for the Capto Core 700 process, when compared with the zonal UC process.Influenza virus causes both seasonal epidemics and occasionally severe worldwide pandemics. Vaccination is an effective prevention strategy for protection of large populations. To meet the annual needs, efficient and cost-effective vaccine production is required. Investing in a domestic influenza vaccine production could further increase the availability and the ability for many countries to meet the urgent needs in a pandemic situation.