PE to boost Vibalogics’ viral vector capabilities

Private equity firm Ampersand Capital Partners has bought CDMO Vibalogics and intends to expand its capabilities to service the demand for gene therapy services.

The price of the German contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) has not been disclosed, but Ampersand’s acquisition will help widen Vibalogics’ global reach on the back of increased demand for viral vector and gene therapy services.

“Vibalogics can now strengthen and expand the position in both of its home markets, the USA and Europe, as well as strategically expand towards Asia,” Vibalogics CEO Stefan Beyer told Bioprocess Insider.

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“This will allow the company to serve a fast-growing customer base, while increasing the investment in process development and manufacturing by adding and enhancing capabilities to the site in Cuxhaven, Germany – but in a closer proximity of the current customers.”

He added the investment “solidifies the company’s foundation enabling Vibalogics to further exceed customer expectations by allowing them to develop innovative virotherapy approaches that improve the treatment of patients suffering from cancer and numerous diseases caused by genetic disorders.”

The CDMO has recently completed a $1.35 million expansion at its site in Cuxhaven, adding a new manufacturing line consisting of a 50 L and 200 L single-use bioreactor and a Siemens process control system.

Vibrant vector market

Ampersand’s acquisition comes as demand in viral vector manufacturing capabilities skyrockets, thanks in part to regulatory approvals, and amid an active M&A environment. Thermo Fisher has recently acquired Brammer Bio for $1.7 billion, while Catalent has just closed its $1.2 billion acquisition of Paragon Bioservices.

“The virotherapy market, including oncolytic viruses and viral vectors, is expected to grow at a double-digit annual rate,” Beyer told us.

“Vibalogics is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the growth opportunity to realize their ambitious objectives. Market growth can be deduced from the many clinical studies being under development. For example, there are more than 180 clinical trials ongoing only in the oncolytic virus space.”