Genezen, a gene and cell therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in lentiviral and retroviral vector manufacturing, appointed

 Steven Favaloro President and CEO.

Favaloro brings extensive experience in gene and cell therapy, on both the innovator and CDMO side, from executive positions at Arbor Biotechnologies, Arranta Bio, and Brammer Bio.

Bill Vincent, founder and executive chairman of Genezen, said, “Steve’s track record in the CDMO market – particularly in viral vector and cell and gene therapy companies – speaks for itself and will be extraordinarily valuable in spearheading Genezen’s ambitious growth plan. We know that 2023 will be a pivotal year for the company, and with Steve’s experience and vision, there is tremendous confidence that we will achieve our goal to be a leading choice of CDMO in this sector.”

Favaloro said: “Genezen is at an exciting point in its journey following the recent opening of a world class GMP facility close to Indianapolis. I am excited to lead a talented group of colleagues at Genezen and to partner with customers in delivering the next generation of novel treatments. My background, having spent time in executive leadership positions on both the innovator and CDMO side, gives me a unique perspective – I look forward to partnering in this space to solve our customers’ most complex manufacturing needs.”

Genezen has a decade of experience in viral vector manufacturing and boasts an experienced and innovative team at the helm. In September 2022, the company completed construction on a new, cGMP multi-vector production facility in Fishers, IN.

Majority investor, Ampersand Capital Partners, is supporting investment in further expansion that will see the addition of a future site close to the key customer hub in Boston, MA as well as additional U.S. and international expansion in 2023 and beyond to position the company as a premier partner for gene and cell therapy innovators.

The 75,000-square-foot facility offers a full spectrum of complementary viral vector process development capabilities to support cGMP and commercial readiness, upstream and downstream process improvements, research-grade and preclinical vector production, and analytical assay testing and validation.