antibody production-ascites vs culture

[tfc2 at Lehigh.EDU]

In article <34DA11D1.D0 at mail.tju.edu>, mark <mark.haynes at mail.tju.edu> writes:
>tfc2 at Lehigh.EDU wrote:
>
>> I'm interested in your thoughts and opinions on the pros and cons of using
>> ascites vs cell culture for antibody production.  We have used hollow fiber A
B
> > production in the past but there is a move in the company toward ascites.
> I
>> am not comfortable with this change and hope to understand the reasons for th
is
>> decision a little better, with your help.
>
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Theresa
>
>Theresa, HI  I don't know the exact yield comparisons between the two
>techniques, I presume that the ascites approach give higher yields.  The cost
>is certainly related to animal costs.  Are you questioning the technique's
>ability to produce ab or the 'means-to-an-end'?
>
            Well, both really.  I would like to understand the reasons behind
            my company's decision to switch to ascites production from culture
            based on $$ savings,etc.
            I'm finding it difficult to accept that the ascites benefit can
            justify the move away from non-animal production of AB because I
            question the use of animals for production purposes when there is
            a viable non-animal alternative.
            Cell culture served our company well many years
            prior to this change.  Can the cost savings be so staggering that
            it's "worth" using this method?