Vigene Biosciences, Inc. (Vigene), a leading biotechnology company for viral vector production and development, announced today that the company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Omnia Biologics, Inc. (Omnia), including Omnia's cGMP facility and equipment. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The assets acquired by Vigene from Omnia will include a 7,000 square-foot laboratory space, including three cGMP manufacturing suites and one process development laboratory for viral vector production, including AAV, lentivirus and adenovirus. Vigene will also acquire Omnia's cGMP quality system and personnel qualified for manufacturing clinical grade viral vectors.
"We are pleased to have taken this step to expand our cGMP capacity and capability," stated Dr. Zairen Sun, Vigene's CEO. "We believe that the cGMP capability and capacity complement the current strong position of Vigene in the viral vector research reagent market. We plan to take full advantage of our new cGMP facilities by exploring and developing new partnerships with biotech and pharmaceutical companies to further their gene and cell therapy pipeline development."
"Vigene is the perfect company to acquire Omnia," stated Dr. Dale VanderPutten, President and CEO of Omnia. "We feel strongly that this transaction will catapult Vigene into a leading position in cGMP vector production. The fact that Vigene's existing facilities are in close proximity to Omnia's cGMP facility will be conducive to the integration of the Omnia assets and personnel into the Vigene business."
Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A. served as legal advisor to Vigene in the transaction.
About Vigene Biosciences
Vigene Biosciences, Inc is a leader in viral vector based gene delivery for both life science research, gene therapy and cell therapy purposes. Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, Vigene offers AAV, lentivirus and adenovirus based products and custom services. Both research grade and cGMP grade AAV, lentiviral and adenoviral vectors are available. Please visit www.vigenebio.com
About Omnia Biologics
Omnia Biologics, Inc offers cGMP production and process development services for gene therapeutics through commercial recombinant proteins. Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, the company has both non-cGMP and cGMP facilities for process development through Phase I/II manufacture. Please visit www.omniabiologics.com
