Charles River Laboratories to acquire gene therapy CDMO Vigene Biosciences

Charles River Laboratories International has signed an all-cash deal worth $292.5 million to acquire Vigene Biosciences, a US-based gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that offers viral vector-based gene delivery solutions.

Vigene Biosciences also stands to earn up to $57.5 million in contingent additional payments based on its future performance.

The acquisition is expected to grow the gene therapy CDMO capabilities of Charles River Laboratories for viral vectors and also plasmid DNA. Vigene Biosciences is also said to complement the existing non-clinical development and manufacturing portfolio of the company.

Charles River Laboratories to acquire gene therapy CDMO Vigene Biosciences. Photo courtesy of Mahmoud Ahmed from Pixabay.

James C. Foster – Chairman, President, and CEO of Charles River Laboratories said: “The addition of Vigene Biosciences’ extensive gene therapy expertise will enable us to expand our comprehensive cell and gene therapy portfolio to span each of the major CDMO platforms – cell therapy, viral vector, and plasmid DNA production. In these emerging, high-growth, value-added segments, we intend to continue to differentiate ourselves by bringing our high-science, customizable approach to support the complex needs of cell and gene therapy developers and innovators worldwide.

“Our goal is to become our clients’ scientific partner of choice for advanced drug modalities from discovery and non-clinical development to CGMP manufacturing.”

The deal, which is subject to regulatory requirements and customary closing conditions, is expected to close in early Q3 2021.