Moderna Inc, the biotech pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, said it has struck a deal to buy Japan-based OriCiro Genomics for US$85 million to boost its manufacturing capabilities.
"With this acquisition, we obtain best-in-class tools for cell-free synthesis and amplification of plasmid DNA, a key building block in mRNA manufacturing," said Stéphane Bancel, the CEO of Moderna, in a statement.
"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 mRNA technology has been used in developing COVID-19 vaccines.
READ: Moderna agrees 10-year vaccine manufacturing deal with UK
Nasir Kato Bashiruddin, the CEO of OriCiro, told investors: "Moderna has demonstrated remarkable speed and ability to impact lives through their innovative platform and mRNA therapeutics. I am confident that our technology and talent will be a highly strategic fit with Moderna."
Moderna's mRNA platform builds on continuous advances in basic and applied mRNA science, delivery technology and manufacturing, and has led to the development of therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases, immuno-oncology, rare diseases, cardiovascular diseases and auto-immune diseases.
Moderna shares added 1% in New York to stand at US$180.78 each.
Contact the author at giles@proactiveinvestors.com