Serum-based media concerns in viral vector manufacturing 

The viral vector manufacturing industry is largely dependent on adherent cells and serum-based media. Serum provides constituents essential for cell growth and viral particle stability, but it increases the risk of contamination, lot-to-lot variation and ethical concerns.

Serum-free media can mitigate most of these issues, but development and optimization campaigns are required to overcome the advantages provided by serum.

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of serum-containing and serum-free media, and how to overcome the challenges associated with serum use in viral vector manufacturing.