Batavia Biosciences Unveils Novel Method to Boost Polio Vaccine Production

• Batavia Biosciences has developed a new upstream bioprocessing method using its HIP-Vax® platform to enhance polio vaccine production.

• The process, supported by the Gates Foundation, reduces biosafety risks and manufacturing footprint while improving efficiency.

Batavia Biosciences, a CDMO specialising in vaccine development, has announced a novel upstream bioprocessing platform aimed at improving polio vaccine production. The innovation, detailed in the journal Vaccine, incorporates fixed-bed bioreactor technology and tangential flow filtration to increase efficiency, lower biosafety risks, and minimise facility footprint.

The HIP-Vax platform was designed to address key challenges in polio vaccine manufacturing, including the need for biosafety level 3 (BSL-3) labs and handling of three different virus strains. These factors often limit scalability and affordability, hindering equitable access to vaccines, especially in lower-income regions.

This new approach utilises scale-X bioreactor technology from Univercells Technologies to cultivate Sabin poliovirus strains in a contained microfacility. According to the company, the result is a more cost-effective and flexible process that supports both endemic disease control and pandemic preparedness.

“By facilitating a sufficient supply of polio vaccines, we provide the essential tools needed to eradicate polio and make life-saving vaccines accessible to all, regardless of geography or economic status,” said Ahd Hamidi, Strategic Partnership Director at Batavia Biosciences.

Funded by the Gates Foundation, the project also demonstrates the potential of the HIP-Vax® platform for broader vaccine development, including inactivated vaccines for future global health emergencies. Through continued research and partnerships, Batavia aims to expand its contract manufacturing impact on global vaccine accessibility.