Catalent completes acquisition of gene therapy leader

Acquisition of Paragon Bioservices brings specialized expertise in adeno-associated virus and will enhance Catalent’s biologics business and end-to-end integrated biopharmaceutical solutions for customers.

With the addition of Paragon’s specialized expertise in adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, the most commonly used vector to deliver DNA to cells, Catalent is positioned to capitalize on strong industry tailwinds in the potentially $40 billion addressable market for gene therapies. Paragon also brings to Catalent its unique and differentiated scientific, development, and manufacturing capabilities, which will fundamentally enhance Catalent’s biologics business and end-to-end integrated biopharmaceutical solutions for customers.

Paragon recently announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art commercial manufacturing center near the Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) airport, which is equipped with several 500-liter and 2,000-liter single-use bioreactors for clinical through commercial material production. The new large-scale production campus – now combined with a recently leased second building which will be built out for commercial GMP manufacturing – has the potential for more than 425,000 square feet of manufacturing space upon completion.

Paragon has GMP manufacturing projects underway with more than half of the top 40 leading gene therapy developers worldwide. Catalent is committed to continuing the resource dedication for Paragon’s customers and maintaining a flexible and reliable development and manufacturing partnership for its clients. The company currently employs over 380 individuals at its two Baltimore-area sites, all of whom will join the existing Catalent team of over 11,000 employees.