Moderna to obtain first acquisition for $85 million
Posted: 5 January 2023 | Catherine Eckford (European Pharmaceutical Review) | No comments yet
Moderna has agreed on its first acquisition for $85 million, enabling it access to cell-free DNA synthesis and amplification technologies.
![Moderna to obtain first acquisition for $85 million - cell-free DNA synthesis](https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/moderna-DNA-750x500.jpg)
![Moderna to obtain first acquisition for $85 million - cell-free DNA synthesis](https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview.com/wp-content/uploads/moderna-DNA-750x500.jpg)
Moderna, Inc. is set to acquire OriCiro Genomics K.K. for $85 million, who will provide expertise on cell-free DNA synthesis and amplification technologies.
“With this acquisition, we obtain best-in-class tools for cell-free DNA synthesis and amplification of plasmid DNA, a key building block in mRNA manufacturing,” commented Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna.
Moderna’s mRNA therapeutics strategy
2022 was a pivotal year for Moderna, the company‘s CEO noted in a recent statement. Moderna’s two Omicron-targeting bivalent COVID-19 vaccines have been approved in more than 70 countries. Its platform technology also delivered the world’s first-ever mRNA cancer treatment that showed efficacy in a randomised Phase II study, demonstrating the potential of personalised medicine.
At the end 2022, Moderna, Inc. finalised a strategic partnership to create a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine research, development, and manufacturing facility in the UK. The site, called the Moderna Innovation and Technology Centre (MITC) is designed to provide access to a UK-made supply of COVID-19 vaccines. The facility also offers potential for the development of vaccines for other respiratory illnesses, such as flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The future mRNA therapeutic market
A 2022 market report forecasted that mRNA non-vaccine therapeutics are set to generate $2 billion in sales by 2028. The research found that since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a spike in interest in mRNA therapeutics, due to the success of mRNA vaccines treating the virus.
Related topics
Big Pharma, Biopharmaceuticals, business news, Drug Manufacturing, Gene therapy, Industry Insight, Manufacturing, Mergers & Acquisitions, mRNA, Research & Development (R&D), Technology