Bionova Scientific Expands into Plasmid DNA Services for Cell and Gene Therapy Developers

1. New Business Line: Bionova Scientific, a U.S. biologics CDMO and subsidiary of Asahi Kasei Group, is launching a new business line to provide services around plasmid DNA (pDNA) for cell and gene therapy developers.
2. Texas Facility: A dedicated facility for pDNA development and production will be established in The Woodlands, Texas, with process development services scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025 and GMP manufacturing in the first half of 2026.
3. Market Growth: The global plasmid manufacturing market is expected to grow at double-digit rates over the next several years due to the rapid growth of new modalities such as cell and gene therapies.
4. Unmet Need: Bionova is addressing the "persistent unmet need" for high-quality, reliable pDNA supply among developers of new cell and gene therapies.
5. Parent Company: Asahi Kasei Group is expanding its pharma business through strategic acquisitions and investments, including the recent offer to acquire Calliditas Therapeutics.