GENEWARE® is KBP’s Proprietary Technology Used to Express Genes and the Proteins They Encode.
GENEWARE® transient, plant viral-vector-based gene expression utilizes a modified Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), or similar RNA viral replicon, carrying its normal housekeeping genes plus an introduced new RNA promoter and structural gene to encode a selected protein of commercial interest. The dual subgenomic promoter system used by KBP is designed for the coordinated expression of a wide range of soluble (free) protein products with high efficiency.
The basic principle of GENEWARE® is use of a safe vector modified from the TMV to place any gene (or a large number of genes) within a tobacco plant. The plant then manufactures the gene’s protein product. The target protein is then efficiently collected and purified in KBP’s pilot and commercial bioprocessing facilities. Kilogram amounts of a wide array of complex proteins can be produced rapidly with low capital investment relative to conventional biotechnology manufacturing operations. The flash animation provides an illustration of the mechanics of various types of GENEWARE® vectors.
GENEWARE® is typically used with a specially developed variety of the tobacco plant. This quick-growing plant provides a high-yield ‘factory’ for bulk manufacturing of many human, animal and plant proteins.
In addition to its own GENEWARE® technology KBP has experience with a wide variety of both transient and stable transgenic plant based gene expression technologies. With completion anticipated in spring of 2009 KBP recently announced plans to develop and install laboratory and facilities to enable large scale production of products derived from gene expression systems requiring vacuum infiltration of plants. These new facilities are expected to be completed and operational by spring 2009.