Economics of baculovirus-insect cell production systems

Commercial production of pharmaceutical proteins in baculovirus - insect cell systems is already a reality, and has therefore not been discussed in detail here. Cost-efficacy will depend on the productivity of the protein in culture, the dose, and the quantities required. According to the model described here, cost-effective production of baculoviruses for use in agriculture should also be feasible, assuming the commercial availability of a low-cost medium, together with a baculovirus with high productivity in cell culture, which is effective at a field application rate of 10(12) PIB ha(-1) or lower. All of these criteria appear to be achievable, given fairly modest advances over currently available technology. Given the relatively high fixed costs associated with production of baculoviruses on an agricultural scale in bioreactors however, profitability will depend on the scale of production. A substantial market opportunity (perhaps in the order of 1 million hectares) would be necessary in order to exploit the economies of scale achievable with baculovirus -insect cell production systems.