Cell culture markets get lift from BSE fears
stringent regulations from the US FDA and Department of
Agriculture, restricting the importation and usage of foetal bovine
serum
The market for cell culture products is getting a lift from stringent regulations from the US Food and Drug Administration and Department of Agriculture, restricting the importation and usage of foetal bovine serum.
FBS has long been used as a key ingredient for cell culture media, but supply has shunk as a result of a reduction in beef consumption in the USA in favour of poultry, as well as fears over potential contamination with material tainted with bovine spongiform encephalopathy, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan. Prices have sky-rocketed and, as a result, companies involved in cell culture are seeking alternatives.
The invention of a broad-utility specialised media that can support growth of a wide range of cell lines, on a consistent basis, is still pending, according to the report.
"To increase profitability, particularly in the manufacturing of therapeutic products such as pharmaceuticals, gene therapy products, and tissue/wound repair products, companies should streamline research efforts and resources to develop specialised media," said the study's author, F&S' Kelly Westfall.
The cell culture industry generated revenues of $615.9 million (€534m) in 2002, according to F&S, and the market is expected to grow more than 50 per cent to reach a level $930.6 million in 2009.
Westfall notes that to increase productivity, companies involved in the development and manufacture of biological medications, such as monoclonal antibodies, should switch to speciality or serum-free formats from FBS. "Cell culture reagent manufacturers must educate end users through specific programs and impart techniques designed to enhance the transition to serum alternatives," said Westfall.