Cognate BioServices, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specialized in cell and cell-mediated gene therapy products, and Cobra Biologics, a CDMO specialized in providing manufacturing services for plasmid DNA and viral vector, have entered into a definitive agreement in which Cognate will acquire all of the outstanding share capital of Cobra.
 
The transaction creates an industry-leading enhanced services provider delivering drug development and manufacturing solutions to the global cell and gene immunotherapy and regenerative medicine industries. Together, Cognate and Cobra will be well positioned to leverage their decades of industry knowledge and experience, provide an integrated supply chain for their clients, and expand their global capability to provide better and more scalable solutions to support the ever-changing needs of their clients.
 
“This acquisition is central to Cognate’s strategy to build on its existing offerings and create an enterprise platform for life cycle management of cell and gene therapy products, accelerating the availability of new technologies to patients that need them most,” said J. Kelly Ganjei, chief executive officer, Cognate. “Cobra is a well-established leader in the development and manufacture of a variety of DNA and viral vectors that our current and prospective clients urgently need. With an impressive performance history and reputation in supporting cell and gene therapy product developers navigating through development and manufacturing challenges and capacity needs, the combined Cognate-Cobra expertise, infrastructure, and geographical footprint immediately positions both businesses to better respond to current and future market needs more quickly, effectively, and comprehensively.”
 
Peter Coleman, chief executive officer, Cobra Biologics, said, “Cobra Biologics has built its reputation in providing high quality process development, manufacturing and fill/finish services for plasmid DNA, viral vector, and proteins. Joining forces with Cognate is exciting, positioning the combined Cognate-Cobra as a leading service provider across the advanced therapy supply chain. The acquisition by Cognate will strengthen Cobra’s capability and capacity, broadening our service offering for both new and existing customers.”