Optimization of the yields from bacterial expression, and the fermentation and purification of recombinant human growth hormone in order to enable its production and sale

• Grant number: 97/07400-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: January 01, 1998
• End date: June 30, 2001
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry
• Principal Investigator: Paolo Bartolini
• Grantee: Paolo Bartolini
• Company: Hormogen Biotecnologia Importação e Exportação Ltda
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

The research group of the Bioengineering Department of the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research/National Nuclear Energy Comission (Ipen/ CNEN/SP) has been working on the production and characterization of human pituitary hormones in general and of the human growth hormone in particular. Since 1994, this laboratory has had an agreement with the company Hormogen Biotecnologia Imp. Exp. Ltda. Hormogen’s main purpose is the production and sale of hGH obtained through recombinant DNA techniques in transformed bacteria. The product’s high social potential has already been shown, and it is indispensable in the treatment of various forms of dwarfism and recommended in serious conditions of debility. Its use in cases of osteoporosis, bone fractures, burns, and kidney deficiency is being studied and is partly being carried out as are its effect on rejuvenation and on the increase of muscle mass. This hormone, as is the case with practically all pharmaceutical products obtained through genetic engineering techniques, is not yet produced in Brazil. This research is intended to build significant vectors enabling an industrial increase in the bacterial periplasmic secretion of the product, optimizing the fermentation process in the bioreactor, increasing at the same time the biomass and the production of hGH by bacteria, and improvements to the purification stages. (AU)