An expression system for stable expression of a gene of interest is described, the expression system comprising: a first vector having an Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1) nucleotide sequence encoding a truncated EBNA1 protein, a promoter and a polyadenylation signal for the EBNA1 nucleotide sequence and an oriP nucleotide sequence; and, a second vector having a gene of interest, a promoter and a polyadenylation signal for the gene of interest and an oriP nucleotide sequence.