Moderna to buy OriCiro Genomics in USD $85 million deal

Pharmaceutical company Moderna acquires genomics services company OriCiro Genomics, based in Tokyo, Japan, to boost mRNA therapeutics development and manufacturing portfolio.

In a USD $85 million deal, the acquisition of OriCiro and its technologies will support Moderna’s existing portfolio of mRNA manufacturing capabilities for therapeutics and vaccines. CEO of Moderna Stephane Bancel comments that “With this acquisition, we obtain best-in-class tolls for cell-free synthesis and amplification of plasmid DNA, a key building block in mRNA manufacturing... OriCiro’s technology strategically complements our manufacturing expertise and further accelerates our research and development engine. We look forward to welcoming the Oriciro team to Moderna.” 

Moderna’s current clinical portfolio spans seven modalities including mRNA and lipid nanoparticle formulation. With an integrated manufacturing plant that can allow for clinical and commercial production at scale, Moderna became one of the earliest companies to manufacture the authorised use and approval of a COVID-19 vaccine. OriCiro’s focus on the development and commercialisation of cell-free synthesis and the amplification of plasmid DNAs for use in cell and gene therapies will place Moderna in a position to expedite the research, development, and commercial manufacturing of advanced cell and gene therapeutics. 

President and co-founder of OriCiro Seiji Hirasaki commented on the acquisition: “We are thrilled to join forces with Moderna to realise the full power of OriCiro for the benefit of patients.” 

Source: Moderna to Acquire OriCiro Genomics (modernatx.com)