UPV

Viral Vector Production Unit

The Viral Vector Production Unit (UPV) is a vector core specialized in the cloning, production and purification of adenovirus (human and canine) and adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes for public institutions and private companies all over the world.

Viral vectors

Viral vectors are widely used tools for gene transfer and gene expression. Their use is an attractive choice given their high transduction efficiency, and the ease and flexibility to genetically express or inhibit one gene or a combination of genes in specific areas and periods of time, while avoiding compensation phenomena or other drawbacks associated with animal models. Despite the availability of standardized procedures for their application in both in vitro and in vivo, and their low risk level when used in a controlled setting, the production of viral vectors requires the application of specialized techniques, access to expensive equipment and biological safety laboratories.

UPV

UPV is a mixed UAB-VHIR unit (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona-Vall d’Hebrón Institut de Recerca). It has Biological Safety Level 2 and 3 facilities and it is staffed by experienced and highly qualified personnel. Since its opening in 2003 it has been dedicated to the design, development, production and purification of more than 2000 viral vectors for basic research and gene therapy pre-clinical studies for both public and private research laboratories.

National ID numbers to work with Biosafety level 1 OGMs: A/ES/16/I-11 and Biosafety level 2 OGMs: A/ES/14/I-29. Authorized by the Catalan Comission in Biosafety of the Generalitat de Catalunya (Spain).