Partnership to Support AavantiBio’s Gene Therapy Platform with Plasmid Supply
Collaboration to Include Material for Proof-of-Concept and GLP Toxicology Studies for Future Programs
Aldevron will Supply Plasmids to AavantiBio’s Planned Vector Core and CDMO Partners

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & FARGO, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)—Aavanti Bio, a gene therapy company focused on transforming the lives of patients with rare genetic diseases, and Aldevron, a global leader in the custom development and manufacture of plasmid DNA, proteins and mRNA for the biotech industry, today announced a long-term strategic partnership for the supply of plasmid DNA that will enable AavantiBio to advance its platform of innovative gene transfer therapies.

Aldevron will provide plasmids for AavantiBio’s future gene therapy programs, including the company’s neuromuscular and CNS pipeline programs. In addition, Aldevron will provide AavantiBio with plasmid supply materials for Proof-of-Concept studies (POC) to be produced within AavantiBio’s planned vector core facility, which is expected to open later this year and will supply pre-clinical and analytical material for future pipeline products. The partnership with Aldevron further enhances AavantiBio’s strategic capabilities as the company looks to develop novel gene therapies for patients with rare genetic diseases.

"This collaboration is an important milestone in AavantiBio’s evolution as we seek to advance our pipeline of gene therapy candidates which have the potential to become next-generation, life-changing genetic medicines,” said Bo Cumbo, President and Chief Executive Officer of AavantiBio. “Partnering with Aldevron, the premier plasmid DNA manufacturer in the world, and leveraging their proven manufacturing expertise, will support AavantiBio’s pre-clinical and clinical development efforts and supports our strategic plans to bring high impact, transformational therapies to patients with rare genetic diseases.”

Aldevron will develop and optimize the plasmid DNA in its pre-clinical research grade facility, moving through to its GMP-Source® and GMP manufacturing facility in Fargo, North Dakota.

“Aldevron is proud to support AavantiBio with the development and supply of their plasmid DNA needs as part of their efforts to transform the lives of patients facing a rare disease,” said Kevin Ballinger, CEO of Aldevron. “Since 1998, we have been providing our clients with the highest quality biologics and industry expertise they need to help give hope to millions. We look forward to working together through this long-term, strategic partnership.”

About AavantiBio, Inc.

AavantiBio is a gene therapy company backed by a premier syndicate of life sciences investors including Perceptive Advisors, Bain Capital Life Sciences, and RA Capital Management, who led the company’s recent $107 million Series A financing. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, AavantiBio’s platform is focused on advancing innovative gene therapies in areas of high unmet medical need, including a lead program in Friedreich’s Ataxia, a rare inherited genetic disease that causes cardiac and central nervous system dysfunction. The company benefits from strategic partnerships with the University of Florida’s renowned Powell Gene Therapy Center and the MDA Care Center at UF Health where AavantiBio’s co-founders and renowned gene therapy researchers Barry Byrne, M.D., Ph.D. and Manuela Corti, P.T., Ph.D. maintain their research and clinical practices. Learn more at www.aavantibio.com.

Located 6 miles north of the tiny town of Geneseo, North Dakota, (population 20), right in the middle of farm country, is the “Dakota Micro Manufacturing Facility” on the farm of Dave and Charissa Rubey. Now I have visited a number of “manufacturing facilities” located on farms before, but I have never visited a farm manufacturing facility that, in the words of Administrator Jovita Carranza, the head of the U.S. Small Business Administration, Dakota Micro is “a world class operation manufacturing high quality camera systems from Cayuga, North Dakota”. These sentiments by Ms. Carranza were shared when Charissa was selected as SBA’s 2020 Small Business Person of the Year for North Dakota stating “A great success story from rural North Dakota!”

Dakota Micro, Inc. Is the exclusive manufacturer of AgCam, EnduraCam, InnoPro, RazerCam, and OverView rear view and surveillance camera lines. The AgCam, EnduraCam, InnoPro cameras and all associated adapters and cables are manufactured at their facility in Southeastern North Dakota. Dakota Micro also provides custom manufacturing to a wide variety of industries including, agriculture, construction, forestry, public works, and aggregate.   

Dakota Micro has a highly trained and efficient staff capable of a wide variety of electronics manufacturing including soldering, assembly, and testing. It has a documented manufacturing reliability of 99.5% and specializes in rugged design and manufacturing. This company has evolved from a camera and accessories manufacturer, for business to include custom cable manufacturing and electronics assembly.
 
Dakota Micro is the “brainchild” of Charissa and her husband Dave, both pictured to the left. In fact, Dakota Micro Manufacturing is located on the Rubey Farmstead which Dave took over approximately 27 years ago from his father who passed away. The business was actually started shortly after they took over the farm due to an injury suffered by Dave. This injury was to his neck, so he needed a way to be able to “see” what his farm machinery was doing in order to operate efficiently so he and Charissa invented the camera system that they manufacture and market today to fulfill that need. I would encourage people to watch the following video to learn more about how the company was started and where it is at today, it is a true Horatio Alger Story!
 
A person can contact Dakota Micro by phone: 701-538-4403; or by mail, 8659 1481/2, Ave. SE, Cayuga, ND, 58103; or by email, [email protected]. But no matter what, view the you tube video cited above or go to their website www.dakotamicro.com and enjoy the story of a true North Dakota Couple that took “lemons” and made “lemonade” not only for themselves but for North Dakota.

WASHINGTON, June 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) (the "Company") announced today that Danaher has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Aldevron, for a cash purchase price of approximately $9.6 billion. Danaher expects to finance the acquisition using cash on hand and/or proceeds from the issuance of commercial paper.

Founded in 1998 by Michael Chambers and John Ballantyne, Aldevron is headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota and employs approximately 600 people. Aldevron manufactures high-quality plasmid DNA, mRNA, and proteins, serving biotechnology and pharmaceutical customers across research, clinical and commercial applications. Aldevron will operate as a standalone operating company and brand within Danaher's Life Sciences segment.

Rainer M. Blair, Danaher President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are thrilled to have Aldevron join Danaher's Life Sciences segment. For nearly 25 years, Aldevron has made tremendous contributions to the advancement of cell, gene and other novel therapies and vaccines. This acquisition will expand our capabilities into the important field of genomic medicine and help us support our customers and their critical mission to bring more life-saving therapies and vaccines to market faster."

Michael Chambers, Aldevron Founder and Executive Chairman, added, "Joining Danaher will help us expand our global reach and harness the power of the Danaher Business System to continue supporting our customers with best-in-class products and services. I'm incredibly excited for Aldevron to take this pivotal next step with Danaher and look forward to the tremendous impact we can make together in the expanding area of genomic medicine." 

The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including receipt of applicable regulatory approvals.

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