US CDMO Brammer Bio to be acquired by Thermo Fisher

Thermo Fisher acquisition of Brammer Bio : Thermo Fisher Scientific, a global life sciences company, has agreed to buy US-based viral vector contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) Brammer Bio for $1.7 billion in an all-cash transaction.

Thermo Fisher acquisition of Brammer Bio

Brammer Bio, which is owned by Ampersand Capital Partners, is focused on the clinical and commercial supply of vectors that are used in vivo gene therapy as well as ex vivo gene-modified cell therapy.

The US CDMO, which employs around 600 people, offers process, analytical development and regulatory support to major pharma and biotech companies for the development of breakthrough medicines to patients by exploiting the potential of gene therapies and gene-modified cell therapies.

Commenting on Thermo Fisher acquisition of Brammer Bio, Mark Bamforth and Dr. Richard Snyder – the co-founders of Brammer Bio, said: “We are proud to be pioneers in process development and manufacturing of viral vectors. 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.”

Brammer Bio was created in March 2016 through the merger between Florida Biologix and Brammer Biopharmaceuticals.

Post-acquisition, the US CDMO will become a part of Thermo Fisher’s pharma services business.

Marc N. Casper – President and CEO of Thermo Fisher Scientific, commenting on Thermo Fisher acquisition of Brammer Bio, 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 acquisition of Brammer Bio is likely to be wrapped up in the second quarter of 2019, subject to meeting of customary closing conditions and receipt of regulatory approvals.