Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has introduced Gibco Bacto CD Supreme FPM Plus and Gibco Bacto CD Supreme Feed (2X), two chemically defined formulations designed to streamline plasmid DNA and recombinant protein production in Escherichia coli. The launch comes as demand for plasmid DNA rises to support gene therapy and mRNA vaccine development.

The new media and feed system aim to improve productivity, scalability, and consistency for biomanufacturers and contract development and manufacturing organizations. Thermo Fisher said the formulations simplify E. coli bioprocessing workflows and reduce regulatory complexity.

“The Gibco Bacto CD Supreme platform represents a major advancement in microbial bioprocessing technology,” said Sara Henneman, vice president and general manager of Thermo Fisher’s Cell Culture and Cell Therapy business. “Unlike traditional E. coli media that rely on complex components, the new CD Supreme formulations use a chemically-defined design that removes raw material variability, enabling more predictable fermentation and simpler regulatory documentation.”

The FPM Plus medium supports high-density E. coli cultures in batch and fed-batch processes and works across multiple strains, including Thi-1 mutants and auxotrophic variants. When paired with the Feed (2X), Thermo Fisher said customers can achieve up to 120% higher plasmid DNA yields compared with terrific broth and other lab-prepared feeds.

“Built on decades of Gibco media innovation and quality heritage, the Bacto CD Supreme platform extends our proven expertise in mammalian systems into microbial bioprocessing,” said Andy Campbell, senior director of research and development at Thermo Fisher. “These solutions reduce development complexity so teams can focus on delivering therapies to patients quickly.”