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.

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.

ABOUT DANAHER
Danaher is a global science and technology innovator committed to helping its customers solve complex challenges and improving quality of life around the world. Its family of world class brands has leadership positions in the demanding and attractive health care, environmental and applied end-markets. With more than 20 operating companies, Danaher's globally diverse team of approximately 69,000 associates is united by a common culture and operating system, the Danaher Business System, and its Shared Purpose, Helping Realize Life's Potential. For more information, please visit www.danaher.com.

The first-ever Breakthrough Symposium sponsored by Aldevron brought together more than 200  individuals and organizations that lead the biotechnology community in gene and cell therapy, gene editing and more at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Fargo, North Dakota, on the 6th through the 8th of November, 2018. And there to greet them on the 5th of November from 4 – 6 pm at the Hilton Garden Inn, were Mr. Bruce Gjovig, Chairman of Bioscience Board; Vice Chairman Dr. Kenneth Hellevang; Secretary Nancy Johnson; Board Member Benjamin Forred, Board Member Kristi Jean and Board Member John Ballantyne along with Executive Director Richard Glynn to introduce them to the advantages of expanding or establishing new Bio-businesses in North Dakota.

The Association furnished hors d'oeuvre and beverages to the registered attendees and guests beginning at 4 pm due in a large part to the sponsorship donations of Sanford Health; the NDSU Office of the VP of Research and Creativity; the UND Office of Research and Economic Development; and the Department of Commerce of the State of North Dakota.  Each attendee was greeted by the officers and members of the Board present. It was explained to them what the Association stood for and a discussion ensued about the many opportunities available at the two research universities and through out the State. At 4:30 pm the Association presented a short program emceed by Chairman Gjovig.

Chairman Gjovig welcomed the participants to the Symposium and described the entrepreneurial environment in North Dakota. He conveyed the message of how that environment contributed not only to the success of Aldevron but to the other 520 entrepreneurial ventures that have raised over $130 million in entrepreneur capital, and created more than 5,000 jobs across North Dakota. Then he “passed the baton” to Aldevron CEO Michael Chambers, who also welcomed and thanked the attendees for being there.

Michael then proceeded to describe the upcoming Symposium as well as his entrepreneurial experience in North Dakota. Basically he explained how John Ballantyne and he started in a small lab in Sudro Hall on the campus of North Dakota State University and now had just completed a 70,000 square foot facility for the manufacturing of DNA plasmid’s and other Bio Products. He invited the attendees to tour their new facilities. With that he concluded his remarks and Mr. Gjovig called upon Mr. Ben Forred of Sanford Research to speak on the Sanford experience in North Dakota.

Benjamin Forred is the Project Manager of Translational Research for Sanford Research a part of Sanford Health. Ben’s role is in building and strengthening business relationships between the research scientists and physicians at Sanford Health and external groups in industry and academia. Additionally, he helps facilitate new research relationships between non-profit advocacy organizations, researchers, pharma, and Sanford’s rare disease registry team. He is looking forward to strengthening relationships with the faculty and graduate students of the two research universities as well as other “bio businesses” in North Dakota. Upon conclusion of Benjamin’s address, Chairman Gjovig introduced Dr. Jane Schuh, Vice President of Research and Creative Activities at North Dakota State University,
Dr. Schuh spoke about the facilities and services available at North Dakota State University for research and development. She also spoke off faculty projects on going at the University as well as welcoming any new research projects or collaborations that might come about. According to Dr. Schuh, NDSU is interested in collaborating with any company that has an interest in conducting research in areas of interest to the University. All they have to do is contact her and she would be more than happy to visit with them about their proposed project and see if there are any synergies with any University project or faculty or graduate student project.

Following Dr. Schuh’s presentation, Chairman Gjovig introduced Dr. Eric Murphy, Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dr. Murphy is not only a faculty member of UND but he is also the CEO and CSO of Krampade, a company engaged in producing a formulation containing a form of potassium that is quickly absorbed when it is consumed in order to  prevent the onset of chronic cramping and when cramps do occur, quickly resolves acute cramping. Dr. Murphy has moved his company from Lincoln, Nebraska, to Grand Forks, ND.  He spoke on the facilities available in North Dakota, and the incentives that he has received. It was his opinion that North Dakota had the best business climate available. With that, The Presentation concluded and the “Welcome Reception” went into full swing!

Manning the Associations “booth” were Secretary Nancy Johnson and Chairman Bruce Gjovig. Located on the table were brochures from the State of North Dakota, the Bank of North Dakota, NDSU, UND and Sanford Health. Each attendee that visited the booth, received a “transparent” logo’d bag, containing a writing pad, a pen with BIOND logo, and brochures of their choosing. In return they furnished a card with their name, company name, address, telephone number, e-mail address and website.

All in all it was a highly successful night! The Association made many new contacts that have an interest in expanding or establishing facilities in North Dakota. In addition, one of the most successful entrepreneurial companies in North Dakota was recognized and given the credit they deserved. In fact it was so successful; a request was made that if another Symposium was initiated, that once again the Bioscience Association of North Dakota sponsors the “Welcome Reception”!