Bio-Rad Laboratories Vericheck ddPCR Replication Competent Lentivirus and Replication Competent AAV Kits

Bio-Rad Laboratories has launched its Vericheck ddPCR Replication Competent Lentivirus Kit and Vericheck ddPCR Replication Competent AAV Kit. The kits rapidly enable the absolute quantification of replication competent lentivirus (RCL) and replication competent adeno-associated virus (RCAAV), supporting the production of cell and gene therapies.

Replication competent viruses (RCVs) can infect cells and replicate to produce additional virions. RCVs can be generated through recombination events between the transfer plasmid and either the production plasmids or the packaging cell line’s genome. Fundamental to the safety of emerging cell and gene therapies, RCV testing of samples must be performed throughout the production process.

The ddPCR kits for detection of RCL and RCAAV provide a validated solution for specific and sensitive detection and quantification of viral replication genes, potentially indicating an RCV. The tests are designed for Bio-Rad’s QX Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) platforms, with a simple workflow including automated data analysis and flexible sample throughput. The kits are said to reduce turnaround time compared to traditional cell culture-based methods for RCV testing, achieving results in as little as 8 h.