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MilliporeSigma, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that functions as the United States and Canada life science business of Merck KGaA, has officially sealed the deal surrounding the $600 million Mirus Bio acquisition, following pending regulatory clearances and other customary closing conditions.1 The company purchased Mirus Bio from Gamma Biosciences, a life sciences platform, and news of the transaction was originally announced by Pharma Commerce this past May.2
This deal signifies that the CDMO plays a role in virtually every step along the viral vector manufacturing process, while also solidifying the company’s stance on progressing cell and gene therapies, beginning at the preclinical stage all the way through commercial production.
“Novel modalities like cell and gene therapies offer tremendous potential for bringing new curative treatments to patients,” noted Sebastian Arana, head of process solutions, life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. “Mirus Bio’s advanced technology—combined with our bioprocessing expertise and broad portfolio—will enable us to deliver integrated solutions across the viral vector value chain and help meet the growing demand for these life-saving therapies.”
“This strategic acquisition is a further building block for accelerating growth in the break-through technologies of the future. As a leader in the production of viral vectors, our goal is to make the significant potential of cell and gene therapy available for patients worldwide,” said Belén Garijo, chair of the executive board and CEO of Merck KGaA, following the initial acquisition annoucement. “As a leading science and technology company, we are well-positioned to support our life science customers across the biopharmaceutical industry to bring new curative treatments to market.”
Mirus Bio executives are also excited at the opportunity to further grow the company’s legacy.
“We have been driving innovation in nucleic acid delivery for two decades,” said Dale Gordon, CEO of Mirus Bio. “MilliporeSigma’s broad portfolio, scale, and global reach, combined with our leading transfection reagents, will help take our business to even greater heights and allow us to serve more customers, and ultimately patients, worldwide.”
Mirus Bio’s specialty revolves around transfection reagents—key components of viral vector-based gene therapy production—specifically their development and commercialization. Its branded TransIT-VirusGEN is an example. It joins the likes of a current MilliporeSigma portfolio that features cell culture media; cell lines; process materials including buffers, chemicals, and enzymes; consumables; filters; hardware; and systems.
The variety of viral vector types that the CDMO works with include adeno-associated virus, adenovirus, and lentivirus.
“Viral vector-based cell and gene therapies have demonstrated their potential with more than 20 approvals over the last 10 years3 and will continue to advance, with a projected growth of 30% until 2028.4 “This acquisition, combined with our comprehensive portfolio, enables us to provide a truly differentiated and integrated offering to meet the growing demand for these life-saving therapies,” said Matthias Heinzel, member of the executive board and CEO of the life science business at Merck KGaA.
References
1. MilliporeSigma Announces Closing of Mirus Bio Acquisition, Bolstering Viral Vector Bioproc. Merck KGaA. August 1, 2024. Accessed August 1, 2024. https://www.emdgroup.com/en/news/mirus-close.html
2. Saraceno N. MilliporeSigma to Purchase Mirus Bio. Pharmaceutical Commerce. May 24, 2024. Accessed August 1, 2024. https://www.pharmaceuticalcommerce.com/view/milliporesigma-to-purchase-mirus-bio
3. Approved Cell and Gene Therapy Products. US Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/cellular-gene-therapy-products/approved-cellular-and-gene-therapy-products
4. EvaluatePharma 2023