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Testing of Retroviral Vector-Based Human Gene Therapy Products for Replication Competent Retrovirus During Product Manufacture and Patient Follow-up: Guidance for Industry

FinalCenter for Biologics Evaluation and Research01/28/2020

Description

The potential pathogenicity of replication competent retrovirus (RCR) requires vigilant testing to exclude the presence of RCR in vector-based human gene therapy products (Ref. 1). We, the FDA, are providing you, sponsors of retroviral vector-based human gene therapy products,recommendations regarding the testing for RCR during the manufacture of retroviral vector based gene therapy products, and during follow-up monitoring of patients who have received retroviral vector-based gene therapy products. Recommendations include the identification and amount of material to be tested as well as general testing methods. In addition, recommendations are provided for monitoring patients for evidence of retroviral infection after administration of retroviral vector-based gene therapy products.

Scope & Applicability

Product Classes

3
Retroviral Vector-Based Human Gene Therapy Products

The potential pathogenicity of replication competent retrovirus (RCR) requires vigilant testing to exclude the presence of RCR in retroviral vector-based human gene therapy products.; Subject of the guidance regarding RCR testing; Subject of the guidance regarding RCR testing and patient follow-up.

Retroviral Vector

determine the relative sensitivity of assay methods used for detection of RCR in retroviral vectors.

Ex Vivo Transduced Cells

Material for Testing... 4. Ex Vivo Transduced Cells.

Stakeholders

1
Sponsors

Assist sponsors in the nonclinical evaluation

Regulatory Context

Attributes

4
95% probability of detection

Confidence level for supernatant testing

Total Test Volume

The number of replicates (r), can be determined using the formula, r = Vt / Vs.

Infectious Titer

The standard virus stock and its infectious titer can be used as a positive control.

Multiplicity of infection

Parameter (MOI) used in calculating test volumes for ex vivo modification.

Identified Hazards

Hazards

2
Replication Competent Retrovirus

The potential pathogenicity of replication competent retrovirus (RCR) requires vigilant testing.; Contaminant that may be below the level of detection; The primary safety concern (RCR) being monitored in gene therapy.; validation of assays used to detect the presence of RCR.

Replication Competent Lentivirus

Historically, lentivirus RCR is referred to as replication competent lentivirus (RCL).

Related CFR Sections (3)

Related Warning Letters (1)

  • Clinical Investigator (Sponsor)

    Angela D. Ritter, M.D.

    2024-06-18

See Also (8)

Testing of Retroviral Vector-Based Human Gene Therapy Products for Replication Competent Retrovirus During Product Manufacture and Patient Follow-up: Guidance for Industry | Guideline Explorer | BioRegHub