PerkinElmer acquisition of Horizon Discovery Group: A strategic move to enhance genomic and cell engineering capabilities

PerkinElmer, a leading US-based provider of life sciences and diagnostics solutions, has announced its acquisition of Horizon Discovery Group, a UK-based company specializing in cell engineering and gene modulation. The deal, valued at approximately $383 million, will significantly enhance PerkinElmer’s portfolio in the rapidly evolving field of automated life sciences discovery. This acquisition, expected to close by Q1 2021, marks a crucial step for PerkinElmer as it aims to provide cutting-edge tools for researchers tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges in genomics and cell engineering.

Expanding PerkinElmer’s Capabilities in Gene Editing and Cell Engineering

The acquisition of Horizon Discovery Group is expected to bolster PerkinElmer’s offerings in gene editing and gene modulation, areas that are becoming increasingly important in molecular research, drug discovery, and precision medicine. Horizon Discovery is renowned for its advanced CRISPR and RNAi reagents, cell models, and gene editing technologies, which are essential for understanding gene functions, identifying genetic disease drivers, and facilitating the delivery of biotherapeutics. These capabilities will now be integrated into PerkinElmer’s robust suite of applied genomics and discovery solutions, which already includes high-content screening (HCS), immunoassay platforms, in vivo imaging, robotic liquid handling technologies, and sequencing library preparation kits.

By combining Horizon’s innovative gene editing tools with PerkinElmer’s cutting-edge discovery solutions, the two companies aim to accelerate the pace of scientific discovery. Researchers will be able to leverage automated workflows, gain more control over data quality, and make faster, more informed decisions throughout the drug development process. This integration of phenotypic and genotypic approaches will provide researchers with a more comprehensive toolkit for drug discovery and the development of precision medicine.

Strengthening Partnerships with Academic and Pharma Scientists

The acquisition also strengthens PerkinElmer’s ability to collaborate with academic institutions and pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies. Horizon’s expertise in cell engineering will allow PerkinElmer to offer state-of-the-art tools for developing customized cell lines and relevant biological models. This, in turn, will enable more targeted research and the rapid advancement of therapeutic candidates. As pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions continue to focus on precision medicine, the ability to generate and manipulate customized cell lines is crucial for advancing new treatments.

PerkinElmer’s President and CEO, Prahlad Singh, emphasized the significance of the acquisition, highlighting that one of the key drivers of molecular research is the ability to manipulate genes to explore their functions and uncover actionable insights. He stated, “We’re excited to team up with Horizon to not only add CRISPR and RNAi capabilities into our existing portfolio, but also to leverage our combined life sciences screening and applied genomics solutions to help propel the next phase of cell and gene research for precision medicine.”

Horizon Discovery Group: A Key Player in Cell Engineering

Horizon Discovery Group has built a reputation as a leader in gene editing and cell engineering, providing researchers with tools that facilitate a deeper understanding of genetic function and disease mechanisms. The company’s offerings include CRISPR and RNAi reagents, as well as cell models that help scientists manipulate genes and evaluate their effects on biological processes. Horizon’s expertise also extends to base editing solutions, which allow for more precise changes to DNA than traditional gene editing methods.

The company’s global presence, with nearly 400 employees across the US, UK, and Japan, and its strong financial performance, including a revenue of $75.5 million in 2019, further solidifies its position as a valuable asset for PerkinElmer. By acquiring Horizon, PerkinElmer gains access to a wealth of knowledge and resources that will significantly enhance its research and development capabilities in cell engineering.

What This Acquisition Means for the Future of Life Sciences Research

The integration of Horizon Discovery’s cell engineering and gene editing solutions with PerkinElmer’s advanced discovery platforms will have far-reaching implications for the life sciences sector. With an increasing demand for more personalized treatments, the ability to manipulate genes with precision and speed will be crucial in advancing the next generation of therapeutics. By combining forces, PerkinElmer and Horizon Discovery are positioning themselves to lead the way in precision medicine, helping researchers identify new clinical trial candidates faster and more accurately.

As PerkinElmer continues to expand its genomic and life sciences solutions, the acquisition of Horizon Discovery is a clear indication of the company’s commitment to advancing the field of cell and gene research. The deal will not only enhance PerkinElmer’s product portfolio but also foster deeper collaborations with academic and pharmaceutical partners, ultimately accelerating the development of new treatments that could transform the future of healthcare.