CHO Edge Expression System
Integrating genetic tools and data-driven models to routinely achieve titers of 6–10 g/L across modalities
Expression can vary significantly between different molecules using the same vector. Asimov’s CHO Edge System incorporates a GS knock-out CHO host, a hyperactive transposase, a library of >1000 characterized genetic elements and advanced computational tools, enabling exploration of vector design space.
System performance
Exploring vector design space
Selection stringency, heavy-chain/light-chain ratio, signal peptide pairings, and codon optimization all uniquely influence the expression of different molecules. Figure: Stable pool titers for four different molecules from six vector designs; the optimal vector design is unique to the molecule.
High titers across modalities
Routinely achieve 6-10 g/L clones across biologic modalities using the CHO Edge System. Figure: Top 12 clones for four different molecules analyzed in a 14 day Ambr® 15 platform process.
Highly stable clones
Transposase-mediated integration drives >80% titer stability over 75 generations. Figure: Average relative titer of 5-7 clones per molecule across 4 different molecules.
How to work with us
We provide tools for you to develop a cell line
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
We develop a cell line for you
Using our platform, we will design a custom cell line specifically for your needs and ship it to you.
We provide tools for you to develop a cell line
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You design DNA
You use our software to design and optimize genetic constructs using best-in-class parts and models.
We build DNA
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You transfect cells
You transfect and generate stable cell lines and use our software for data analysis.
You request producer cells
You request a producer cell line for a biologic or gene therapy.
We do cell line development
We do cell line development and process development at our site.
We share progress
We share progress and data with you using our software.
We ship you producer cell banks
We ship you clonal cell banks and transfer the process to your site.
We provide tools for you to develop a cell line
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
We develop a cell line for you
Using our platform, we will design a custom cell line specifically for your needs and ship it to you.
We provide tools for you to develop a cell line
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You design DNA
You use our software to design and optimize genetic constructs using best-in-class parts and models.
We build DNA
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You transfect cells
You transfect and generate stable cell lines and use our software for data analysis.
You request producer cells
You request a producer cell line for a biologic or gene therapy.
We do cell line development
We do cell line development and process development at our site.
We share progress
We share progress and data with you using our software.
We ship you producer cell banks
We ship you clonal cell banks and transfer theprocess to your site.
We develop a cell line for you
Using our platform, we will design a custom cell line specifically for your needs and ship it to you.
We provide tools for you to develop a cell line
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You design DNA
You use our software to design and optimize genetic constructs using best-in-class parts and models.
We build DNA
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You transfect cells
You transfect and generate stable cell lines and use our software for data analysis.
You request producer cells
You request a producer cell line for a biologic or gene therapy.
We do cell line development
We do cell line development and process development at our site.
We share progress
We share progress and data with you using our software.
We ship you producer cell banks
We ship you clonal cell banks and transfer the process to your site.
Two ways to work with us
We transfer the CHO Edge System to your lab
We ship you CHO cells and grant software access
Vials of GMP-banked CHO cells with regulatory documentation are shipped to you, and your team is onboarded into our vector design software.
You design DNA
Using our parts and computational models, you design a set of expression vectors. We're here to help if needed.
We ship your DNA
We construct, prepare, sequence, QC, and ship plasmid DNA direct to your facility.
You perform cell line development
You transfect and generate stable cell lines, with technical support from our team.
We perform CLD services in our lab
You request a stable CHO cell line
Your cell line development campaign begins with you providing us with an amino acid sequence.
We perform cell line and upstream
process development with CHO Edge
CLD and PD is all done at our site using state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading timelines.
We keep you up to date at every stage
We’ll collaborate and share the latest data, to ensure project success.
We ship you clonal, stable cell lines
Vials of research cell banks are shipped to your lab, the process is transferred to your site, and documentation for your regulatory filing supplied.
We provide tools for you to develop a cell line
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
We develop a cell line for you
Using our platform, we will design a custom cell line specifically for your needs and ship it to you.
We provide tools for you to develop a cell line
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You design DNA
You use our software to design and optimize genetic constructs using best-in-class parts and models.
We build DNA
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You transfect cells
You transfect and generate stable cell lines and use our software for data analysis.
You request producer cells
You request a producer cell line for a biologic or gene therapy.
We do cell line development
We do cell line development and process development at our site.
We share progress
We share progress and data with you using our software.
We ship you producer cell banks
We ship you clonal cell banks and transfer the process to your site.
We transfer the CHO Edge System to your lab
We develop a cell line for you
Using our platform, we will design a custom cell line specifically for your needs and ship it to you.
We ship you host cells and grant software access
Vials of GMP-banked host cells with regulatory documentation are shipped to you, and your team onboarded into our CAD software.
You design DNA
Using our parts and computational models, you design and optimize expression vectors.
We ship your DNA
We construct, prepare, sequence, QC, and ship plasmid DNA direct to your facility.
You perform cell line development
You transfect and generate stable cell lines, with technical support from our team.
You request producer cells
You request a producer cell line for a biologic or gene therapy.
We do cell line development
We do cell line development and process development at our site.
We share progress
We share progress and data with you using our software.
We ship you producer cell banks
We ship you clonal cell banks and transfer theprocess to your site.
We perform cell line development services in our lab
We provide tools for you to develop a cell line
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You design DNA
You use our software to design and optimize genetic constructs using best-in-class parts and models.
We build DNA
We will ship the software, cells, and genes you need to design your cell line in-house.
You transfect cells
You transfect and generate stable cell lines and use our software for data analysis.
You request a stable cell line
Your cell line development campaign begins with you providing us with an amino acid sequence.
We perform cell line and upstream process development
CLD and PD is all done at our site using state-of-the-art equipment and industry-leading timelines.
We collaborate and keep you up to date
At every stage, we’ll collaborate and share the latest data, to ensure project success.
We ship you clonal, stable cell lines
Vials of clonal cell banks are shipped to your lab, and the process is transferred to your site, as well as documentation for your regulatory filing.
Learn more about the CHO Edge System
System Licensing
By licensing Asimov’s CHO Edge System you’ll gain access to our suite of technologies for commercial grade cell line development in your lab.
Expand the boxes below to learn more.
Host cell lines
GS knock-out
For production of antibodies, multispecifics and other protein modalities.
GS FUT8 double knock-out
For production of 100% afucosylated antibodies, resulting in a 10x increase in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC).
Genetic parts library and hyperactive transposase
We have developed a growing library of >1000 characterized genetic parts for use with our proprietary CHO host cell line and hyperactive transposase. These parts span different cell functions, including promoters, untranslated regions, epigenetic insulators, signal peptides, polyadenylation signals, inducible systems, genome editors, and more. The breadth of behaviors we have quantitatively characterized enables precise control over biologic expression.
Computer-aided vector design with Kernel
The large number of potential genetic parts and possible vector arrangements make manual vector design impractical. Asimov’s computer-aided design (CAD) software, Kernel, uses in silico modeling of biophysical phenomena arising from an expression vector, such as transcription, translation, and regulation, to streamline vector design and optimization.
FAQs
How many copies of the antibody-expressing plasmid end up in the cell line when using a transposase?
We would typically expect between 20 and 60 copies of the antibody-expressing plasmid to be integrated into the genome by the hyperactive transposase.
How stable are the cell lines generated using CHO Edge?
CHO Edge uses a transposase-based system. We have observed the CHO Edge transposase-mediated integration drives >80% titer stability over 75 generations.
Chat with a team member about licensing the
CHO Edge System
Cell line development services
Our experienced team uses the CHO Edge System and state-of-the-art equipment to perform CLD & upstream process development.
Reduce the risk of a low titer cell line
- With our CHO Edge System, titers are typically 6-10 g/L or higher for both IgG monoclonal antibodies and more complex bispecific architectures.
4 g/L or it's free
- We guarantee high titer cell lines for monoclonal antibodies. If the RCB generated for a mAb is under 4 g/L, the CLD campaign and all commercial use rights are free.
Benefit from our experience
- Our team is comprised of scientists with combined decades of experience developing cell lines for a wide range of molecules, and helping bring products to market in pharma.
How it works
We use our proprietary software, Kernel, for codon optimization, vector design and biophysical simulation to make a panel of expression vectors.
You request a cell line development campaign for a specific biologic and provide us with an amino acid sequence
CLD Start
GS-KO CHO host transfected
Vectors are used to make a panel of stable pools which are assessed for quality and titer performance.
1 month
Stable pool generated
The lead pool is cloned out with monoclonality verification via pre and post deposition imaging using the Cytena F-sightTM and Solentim Cell Metric®.
2 months
Clones characterized and banked
24-48 clones are progressed for fed batch analysis at Ambr® 15 scale
3 months
Bioreactor Ambr® 15 run
Additional process development using Ambr® 250 and bench top bioreactors is also available
Stability studies and additional analytical characterization can be performed at your request.
4 months
Research cell bank release
What you get
Top 5 clones
- Producing your protein therapeutic of interest
>80% titer stability
- Clones maintain stability across 60 generations
CMC-compliant documentation
- Plus a platform process to culture cells at your facility
FAQs
Why would glutamine synthetase expression affect antibody expression?
Glutamine synthetase (GS) functions as the selection marker for the integration of the transgene into the Asimov CHO GS knockout cell line. Attenuation of GS expression pushes the cells to integrate a higher number of transgene copies to survive the selection. Asimov has worked on developing different levels of GS attenuation in its designs to support the expression of a diverse range of biologics.
How do you select a signal peptide?
Asimov has generated and characterized a set of signal peptides that consistently performed across modalities. We have developed proprietary tools to predict the cleavage efficiency of a given signal peptide for a given molecule.
How does your titer guarantee work?
Our titer guarantee applies to cell line development campaigns run by Asimov for monoclonal antibodies. In the situation where the lead clones show a productivity under 4 g/L through a 14-day fed-batch in Ambr® 15, the cell line development campaign and all commercial use rights are free.
How do you balance heavy and light chains?
Heavy and light chain balancing is achieved through vector design using our proprietary computer-aided design software Kernel. We have a library of thousands of genetic parts that have been characterized in our CHO GS knockout cell line, and using Kernel we can select the parts that would result in balanced chain ratios.
Does Asimov’s approach vary between mono- and multi-specific architectures?
Vector design will take into account the architecture and the number of chains of the molecule. For complex architectures, we may expand the number of designs to assess the impact of changes in chain ratios on heterodimer percentage and to support optimal protein folding.
Do you optimize codons for translation?
Yes. Asimov has developed its own proprietary codon optimization algorithm. For every new molecule, we run the amino acid sequence through our codon optimizer as part of our CHO Edge process to maximize the likelihood of high performance in our CHO host cell lines.