ABL, Inc., a global contract manufacturing organization (CMO) that advances vaccines and therapies from clinical development to the commercial market, has acquired through its wholly-owned subsidiary, ABL Europe SAS, a 6,500 square meter GMP manufacturing site located in Lyon, France. 
 
ABL Europe provides viral vector GMP contract manufacturing services for oncolytic, vaccine and gene therapy projects in all stages of clinical development through to commercial launch. Maintaining synergy with ABL’s contract development and virus manufacturing operations in Strasbourg and Rockville, the new Lyon site will focus on providing ABL’s clients with increased options and capacities in response to the rapid growth in demand for the production of viral vectors observed in the immuno-oncolytic and gene therapy space. 
 
“Building on the success since our inception, it becomes a key part of our clients’ and ABL’s corporate development objectives to expand our virus biomanufacturing service offering,” said Patrick Mahieux, general manager, ABL Europe. “Benefitting from the history and presence of a strong biotech community in Lyon, ABL accelerates its growth in viral vector CMO business in the home city of the Institut Mérieux.” 
 
Jarlath Keating, president and chief executive officer, ABL, said, “Our recently acquired state-of-the-art biomanufacturing and bioanalytical facility in Lyon will provide additional capacity and flexibility for our global clients, further solidifying ABL’s presence in the rapidly growing viral vector and gene therapy manufacturing market. I am delighted to welcome the new team in Lyon as a valuable addition to the expanding ABL family.” 
 
Formerly operated under Accinov, the team led by operations director Stephanie Colloud have transitioned to ABL with additional recruitment supporting suite and lab alterations, equipment procurement and qualification; with contract services for process transfer, development and GMP manufacturing of viral vectors to commence in Lyon from end of Q4 2018. The site offers 3 x 200 square meter independent GMP suites with grade B and C classification cleanrooms, plus several self-contained laboratory and office areas providing process development and analytical support.