Thermo Fisher to acquire viral vector CDMO Brammer Bio for $1.7bn

Global life sciences company Thermo Fisher Scientific has agreed to acquire Massachusetts-based Brammer Bio from Ampersand Capital Partners for about $1.7 billion in cash.

Brammer Bio is a viral vector contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) serving bipharma companies seeking to develop and commercialize gene therapies.

The CDMO was formed in 2016 through the merger between Brammer Biopharmaceuticals and Florida Biologix.

The company manufactures viral vectors, which are carriers that are genetically engineered to deliver the desired gene.

It offers clinical and commercial supply of vectors for in vivo gene therapy and ex vivo gene-modified cell therapy, along with the process and analytical development, and regulatory support, to help large pharma and biotech companies to fast track the delivery of their novel drugs.

Marc N. Casper – President and CEO of Thermo Fisher Scientific, said: “Brammer Bio will be an exciting addition to our pharma services business and will further strengthen Thermo Fisher’s leadership in serving pharma and biotech customers. Gene therapy is an area of increasing focus for our customers and is fast-evolving given its potential to treat a range of genetic disorders.

“The combination of Brammer Bio’s viral vector capabilities with our GMP production expertise and proprietary bioprocessing and cell culture technologies uniquely positions us to partner with our customers to drive the evolution of this incredibly fast-growing market.”

Thermo Fisher to acquire viral vector CDMO Brammer Bio. Photo courtesy of Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Brammer Bio has a workforce of around 600 people at its main locations in Florida and Massachusetts. The company is expected to generate $250 million of revenue this year.

Mark Bamforth – Brammer Bio President and CEO and Dr. Richard Snyder, Brammer Bio chief scientific officer, said: “Brammer Bio has executed more than 100 projects to supply first-in-human gene therapy clinical trials and establish commercial-ready processes, and we’re excited to join Thermo Fisher to take our business to the next level. Our teams share a commitment to helping our customers succeed in delivering cutting-edge therapies to patients in need.”

The transaction is expected to close by the end of Q2 2019, once it meets the customary conditions and regulatory approvals. After the completion of the deal, Brammer Bio will operate under Thermo Fisher’s pharma services businesses within its Laboratory Products and Services Segment.