UK-based 4basebio PLC (AIM: 4BB) and Indianapolis-based Genezen, a gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), announced a non-exclusive commercial collaboration integrating 4basebio's cell-free synthetic DNA platform into Genezen's viral vector manufacturing workflow, giving gene therapy developers access to research-use-only, high-quality, and GMP-grade hpDNA across early development through commercial manufacturing. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The collaboration centers on 4basebio's hpDNA platform, which uses an enzymatic, cell-free manufacturing process to produce linear synthetic DNA free of bacterial backbone sequences and antibiotic resistance genes. In adeno-associated virus (AAV) production, 4basebio said the hpDNA template has demonstrated comparable titers to plasmid DNA while requiring approximately 30% less DNA mass and transfection reagent. The cell-free approach can also shorten DNA production timelines relative to traditional plasmid manufacturing.
Under the arrangement, Genezen will offer access to 4basebio's synthetic DNA products as part of its vector manufacturing services. No transfer of platform ownership or drug candidates is involved; the two companies are combining their respective technologies to provide gene therapy developers with an integrated path from DNA starting material through GMP vector production.
In May 2026, the company signed a clinical supply agreement with an undisclosed cancer immunotherapy company to provide GMP-grade opDNA as starting material for a Phase II trial, a deal the company said would generate an approximately seven-figure revenue stream over 12 months. Genezen, meanwhile, has been expanding its manufacturing footprint and partner base: the company partnered with Atsena Therapeutics in January 2026 for commercial-scale AAV manufacturing supporting a pivotal retinal disease program, and in July 2024 acquired uniQure's commercially licensed viral vector facility in Lexington, Massachusetts, adding late-phase and commercial manufacturing capacity. Competing synthetic DNA providers targeting the same upstream supply chain niche include Switzerland-based Anjarium Biosciences and Mediphage Bioceuticals, both of which offer bacterial-sequence-free linear DNA formats for AAV and lentiviral vector production.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article