May 17, 2021 -- Charles River Laboratories has entered into an agreement to acquire Vigene Biosciences, a U.S-based gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), for $292.5 million.
In addition to the initial purchase prices, the transaction also includes contingent additional payments of up to $57.5 million based on future performance. The transaction is expected to close in the beginning of the third quarter of 2021.
The acquisition will enhance Charles River's gene therapy capabilities within the cell and gene therapy CDMO sector, the firm said.
Vigene's expertise in adeno-associated virus (AAV) current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) production as well as for other major viral vectors, including lentivirus, will expand Charles River's CDMO capabilities for viral vectors and plasmid DNA.
Vigene also complements Charles River's existing nonclinical development and manufacturing portfolio. Specifically, Vigene will support Charles River's U.S.-based cell therapy production capabilities and help establish an end-to-end, gene-modified cell therapy solution.