STERILE AND PYROGEN-FREE COLUMNS COUPLED TO PROTEIN FOR BINDING AND REMOVAL OF SUBSTANCES FROM BLOOD

A method is provided for producing a sterile and pyrogen-free column containing coupled protein for use in removing a predetermined substance from the blood of a human subject. The method abrogates sterilization of the finished protein-containing product by providing sterile and pyrogen-free raw materials at each production step. The method provides a pathogen-free, purified solution of protein which binds to a predetermined substance in human blood such as LDL or immunoglobulin. Typically, the protein is anti-human LDL immunoglobulin or anti-human Ig immunoglobulin. The method also provides a sterile and pyrogen-free column matrix material such as an agarose which is chemically activated, either using CNBr and triethylamine or using 1,1'-carbonyldiimidazole. The sterile and pyrogen-free, activated matrix material and the pathogen-free, purified protein solution are combined under aseptic conditions to effect the coupling of the protein to the matrix material, and the protein-coupled matrix material is filled under aseptic conditions into a sterile and pyrogen-free housing to produce a sterile and pyrogen-free column.