- Merck KGa MilliporeSigma has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Mirus Bio for $600 million.
- Mirus Bio specializes in the development and commercialization of transfection reagents, crucial for the production of viral vector-based gene therapies.
- The deal is expected to close in Q3 of 2024, subject to regulatory clearance and other customary closing conditions.
MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada Life Science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, has announced its plans to acquire Mirus Bio, a life science company based in Madison, Wisconsin, USA. The deal, valued at $600 million, is part of MilliporeSigma’s strategic move to enhance its capabilities in the production of viral vector-based gene therapies.
Mirus Bio, a part of Gamma Biosciences, is renowned for its development and commercialization of transfection reagents, such as TransIT-VirusGEN. These reagents play a pivotal role in the production of viral vector-based gene therapies, a field that has seen significant growth and success over the past decade.
Matthias Heinzel, Member of the Executive Board and CEO Life Science, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, commented on the acquisition, stating, “Viral vector-based cell and gene therapies have demonstrated their potential with more than 20 approvals over the last 10 years and will continue to advance, with a projected growth of 30 percent until 2028. 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.”
Dale Gordon, CEO of Mirus Bio, also expressed his optimism about the acquisition. He said, “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.”
MilliporeSigma’s Process Solutions business portfolio includes cell lines, cell culture media, processing chemicals and buffers, enzymes, as well as systems, filters, hardware and consumables to support every step of the viral vector manufacturing processes. Its expertise and portfolio cover a variety of viral vector types, including adeno-associated virus, lentivirus, and adenovirus. Additionally, MilliporeSigma’s Life Science Services business offers both contract testing services and a suite of comprehensive CDMO services for viral vector manufacturing.
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