Aqueous two phase extraction augmented precipitation process for purification of therapeutic proteins

Abstract

The invention relates to an aqueous two phase extraction (ATPE) augmented precipitation process, which may be used to recover and also partially purify therapeutic proteins, including monoclonal antibodies from a crude multi-component mixture. The process involves the formation of a forward extraction PEG-Phosphate ATPE system in which the target product is preferentially partitioned to the polymer rich phase. A second ATPE back extraction system is then formed by introducing the polymer rich phase from the forward extraction to a new phosphate salt rich phase, causing the product to precipitate at the interface between the two phases. This precipitate is then recovered and resolubilised in a suitable buffer and may be passed on for further purification.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.