Cell Line Characterization

Origin - The origin and history of the cell line, cellular morphology and growth characteristics.

Identity – a required test to confirm the species of the origin and one of the following methods performed on a Master Cell Bank (MCB) and End-of-Production Cells (EOPC)/ Cells at Limit (CAL).

Genetic Stability – the assessment of the cell line to be performed using cells from Master Cell Bank (MCB) to compare cells from the End-of-Production Cells (EOPC)/ Cells at Limit (CAL).

Purity – proves the absence of contaminating cells, microbial contaminations, and contaminations by adventitious agents.

The Cell Line Characterization at RCC is designed to meet all relevant regulatory requirements of the major global markets, such as WHO TRS 978 Annexure-III, Characterization and Qualification of Cell Substrates and Other Biological Materials Used in the Production of Viral Vaccines for Infectious Disease Indications (FDA) and ICH Q5 series (specifically Q5A, Q5B, and Q5D).

RCC developed the following capabilities to support drug development needs

• Cell Lines
• Working Cell Banks (WCB)
• Master Cell Banks (MCB)
• End-of-Production Cells (EOPC)

Oncogenecity & Tumorogenicity Testing

Tumorogenicity is defined as the property of a cell to form tumours when inoculated into an immunosuppressed animal model. Products (for example live viral vaccines, stem cell and gene therapy products) manufactured in tumour-derived cell lines and cell substrates have a greater potential for Oncogenecity and Tumorogenicity due to the presence of potential contaminating oncogenes and teratogenic substances.

Tumorogenicity testing is required by FDA, WHO and EU guidelines. Generally, test cells and tumour cells as positive control are administered subcutaneously into immunosuppressed nude mice. The number of animals developing tumours are compared against the positive control reference cell line. Cell lines demonstrated to be tumorigenic may require additional characterization via Oncogenecity studies.

Oncogenecity testing is required whenever test cell lines are tumorigenic in an immunosuppressed animal model. This study will check if lysate of test cells or extracted DNA of the test cell can form tumours in the nude mice system.

If any of your study requirements are not listed, please contact us.

Tumorigenic and Oncogenic testing for cell lines includes:

• In vivo model for tumorogenicity testing (nude mouse)
• In vivo model for oncogenic testing ( < 3days old) nude mice, newborn hamsters and newborn rats

Adventitious Test

• Adult Swiss Albino Mice - Intracerebral/Intraperitoneal route
• Suckling Swiss Albino Mice - Intracerebral/Intraperitoneal route
• Guinea Pig - Intracerebral/Intraperitoneal route
• Rabbit - Intradermal route/ Subcutaneous route