PackGene to Present Advances in Scalable AAV Manufacturing, Analytical Innovation, and Novel Capsid Engineering at ASGCT 2026

Six presentations highlight advances in cell line development, novel AAV capsid engineering, upstream and downstream process optimization, and quality control—reinforcing PackGene’s mission to make gene therapy affordable

HOUSTON, May [XX], 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PackGene Biotech, Inc. announced today six presentations at the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 29th Annual Meeting in Boston, May 11–15, highlighting the company’s continued innovation in AAV vector development, manufacturing platform, and analytical characterization.

As gene therapies advance toward commercialization, persistent challenges – residual DNA impurities, empty/full capsid variability, manufacturing consistency and novel capsids – remain key barriers to broader patient access. PackGene’s ASGCT 2026 program addresses these bottlenecks with two oral presentations on scalable cell line development and upstream strategies to improve vector purity, alongside four posters spanning novel capsid engineering for improved tissue targeting and safety, rapid quality testing methods, and advanced analytical tools for AAV characterization.

“At PackGene, our mission is to make gene therapy affordable,” said Xin Swanson, Ph.D., Chief Strategy Officer at PackGene. “This year’s presentations reflect the depth and breadth of PackGene’s commitment to improving AAV safety and manufacturability – from novel capsid variants with enhanced tissue specificity to platform process innovations that reduce residual DNA impurities and improve product quality. We look forward to sharing our progress with the wider CGT community at the annual meeting in Boston.”

Presentation Highlights

Oral Presentations:

Title: Advancing AAV manufacturing through process optimization and intensification
Presenter: Ran Li, Associate Director, Process & Analytic Development
Time: May 13^th, 09:00 AM
Location: MCEC Room 258ABC (Level 2)

This presentation discusses upstream process intensification with high cell density transfection, as well as improved downstream column purification process for full capsid enrichment.

Title: Implementation of Upstream Mitigation Strategies to Minimize Residual Plasmid Backbone and Host Cell DNA Encapsidation in rAAV Vectors
Presenter: Amos Gutnick, Associate Director, Product Development
Time: May 14^th, 09:00 AM
Location: MCEC Room 258ABC (Level 2)

Building on PackGene’s recent publication, this work demonstrates innovative upstream strategies—including Cre/LoxP-mediated recombination and caspase inhibitor supplementation —to reduce residual plasmid backbone and host cell DNA, while maintaining vector yield.

Poster Presentations:

Title: Decoupling Efficacy from Toxicity: Engineering Spatial Control in AAV-Mediated Gene Therapy to Mitigate Hepatotoxicity (#2414)
Time: May 14^th, 5-6:30 PM
Location: MCEC Exhibit and Poster Hall (Halls B2-C, Exhibit Level)

This poster builds on PackGene’s publication, presenting a spatial control strategy combining engineered capsids, tissue-specific promoters, and microRNA regulation to reduce liver off-target expression and improve the therapeutic window.

Title: A Fast Extraction-Free RT-qPCR Assay Utilizing Dual DNA/RNA Targeting for Rapid Mycoplasma Detection in CGT Products (#3215)
Time: May 14^th, 5-6:30 PM
Location: MCEC Exhibit and Poster Hall (Halls B2-C, Exhibit Level)

This poster presents a streamlined RT-qPCR method that targets both DNA and RNA markers without a separate extraction step, enabling faster and more reliable mycoplasma screening during CGT manufacturing.

Title: Establishment of Serotype-Specific rcAAV Reference Samples to Enhance Testing Sensitivity and Specificity for AAV Manufacturing (# 3216)
Time: May 14^th, 5-6:30 PM
Location: MCEC Exhibit and Poster Hall (Halls B2-C, Exhibit Level)

This poster describes the development of serotype-matched rcAAV reference standards to improve the sensitivity and specificity of replication-competent AAV testing across manufacturing campaigns.

Title: Qualifying Mass Photometry Performance for AAV Empty/Full Ratio Measurement Using Native Reference Standards (# 1217)
Time: May 12^th, 5-6:30 PM
Location: MCEC Exhibit and Poster Hall (Halls B2-C, Exhibit Level)

This poster evaluates mass photometry as a rapid, label-free method for measuring AAV empty/full capsid ratios, using native reference standards to qualify instrument performance and support robust analytical workflows.

Poster presentation abstracts are publicly accessible through the ASGCT website. PackGene will exhibit at booth 1531. For meeting requests or more information, please contact info@packgene.com.

About PackGene
PackGene is a world-leading Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) vector CRO and CDMO company, providing economical, reliable, and scalable plasmid DNA and AAV viral vector production for early-stage drug discovery, preclinical development, and clinical trials for Cell and Gene Therapy (CGT). The proprietary π-Alpha 293 AAV High-Yield Platform uses uniquely designed RC plasmid in the transient transfection system to increase AAV production by three to eight times in various AAV serotypes. By combining both in-process upstream and downstream QbD optimizations, the total AAV yield can be increased up to ten times. PackGene’s services are based on major technology platforms including the π-Alpha 293 cell AAV high-yield platform and π-Omega plasmid high-yield platform, with comprehensive analytical development and quality control capabilities. For more information, please visit https://www.packgene.com/.

Contacts:
PackGene Biotech Inc., Corporate, Jin Qiu, Director, Market Development or Amos Gutnick, Associate Director, Product Development, at info@packgene.com, https://www.packgene.com/

For media, Susan Thomas, Principal Endpoint Communications, susan@endpointcommunications.net, 1-619-540-9195

SOURCE PackGene