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Gene Therapy: Behind the Scenes

Unlocking the Promise of Gene Therapy

Pfizer is working to unleash the next wave of treatment innovation for patients living with rare genetic diseases. Over the past several years, we’ve made investments in innovative gene therapy technology and facilities, enabling us to guide a gene therapy medicine through its entire life cycle, from design and development to potential global commercial distribution, so that we can commercially supply each treatment at the time of product launch.

Honing a Complex Manufacturing Process

Manufacturing gene therapies is a delicate and intentional process. Pfizer follows four main steps to produce each dose of a gene therapy: preparing raw materials, encapsulating the desired gene, purifying the viral vector, and then packaging the treatment for clinical or commercial use.

Navigating Unique Elements of Gene Therapy Manufacturing Through Collective Expertise

Manufacturing gene therapies is challenging and resource-intensive, with certain steps that are distinct from other types of medicines, vaccines, and treatments being investigated. This includes transfection, a process that uses HEK cells—a type of kidney cell—and single-use technologies to accelerate production.

Colleagues: The Heart of our Manufacturing Capabilities

Our motivated team of scientists, paired with our advanced facilities, are part of an expanding manufacturing footprint that is building the capacity to meet the expected global demand for multiple products. Their expertise and dedication, combined with our end-to-end capabilities and manufacturing capacity, will help us bring potentially transformational gene therapies to the patients who need them.