- VectorBuilder has developed and published details of its new miniVec plasmid system, engineered to improve safety, functionality, and scalability in genetic medicine manufacturing.
- The miniVec platform eliminates antibiotic-resistance genes from plasmid backbones, addressing regulatory and biosafety challenges while enhancing yield and reducing production costs.
VectorBuilder, a global provider of gene delivery technologies and CDMO services, has announced the publication of its miniVec plasmid system, designed to enable safer, more efficient, and more scalable development of genetic medicines. Details of the new platform are published on BioRxiv.
Plasmids are essential tools in the production of genetic medicines, including viral and non-viral vectors for gene and cell therapies and mRNA vaccines. Conventional plasmids typically include antibiotic-resistance genes to support proliferation in bacterial host cells, which can raise regulatory concerns and reduce manufacturing yields. VectorBuilder’s miniVec system removes these genes, resulting in a plasmid backbone that improves biosafety, functionality, and manufacturing economics.
“miniVec represents a foundational shift in plasmid design. It establishes a higher baseline for safety, manufacturability, and functionality. From day one, it was designed with the clinic in mind, ensuring that therapy developers and researchers can work with a backbone that aligns with regulatory expectations while enabling budget-friendly manufacturing and superior performance.”
Dr. Bruce Lahn, Chief Scientist at VectorBuilder
The miniVec backbone supports high plasmid copy numbers without antibiotics or chemical additives, improving fermentation efficiency and reducing toxicity. It has demonstrated enhanced performance across multiple applications, including virus packaging, CRISPR-based genome editing, and DNA vaccination, with no detectable immunogenicity.
Beyond its use in advanced therapies, VectorBuilder expects the miniVec platform to be relevant in food production, veterinary medicine, and synthetic biology, where antibiotic-free plasmids can improve safety and compliance.
