Moderna to acquire Oriciro Genomics

OriCiro's synthetic biology and enzyme technologies will support Moderna's expanding portfolio of therapeutics and vaccines

Moderna, a biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, and OriCiro Genomics K.K., a pioneer in cell-free DNA synthesis and amplification technologies, today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement through which Moderna will acquire OriCiro for $85 million.

"With this acquisition, we obtain best-in-class tools for cell-free synthesis and amplification of plasmid DNA, a key building block in mRNA manufacturing," said Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of Moderna. "OriCiro's technology strategically complements our manufacturing expertise and further accelerates our research and development engine. We look forward to welcoming the OriCiro team to Moderna."

"Moderna has demonstrated remarkable speed and ability to impact lives through their innovative platform and mRNA therapeutics. I am confident that our technology and talent will be a highly strategic fit with Moderna," said Nasir Kato Bashiruddin, Chief Executive Officer of OriCiro.

"We are thrilled to join forces with Moderna to realize the full power of OriCiro for the benefit of patients," added Seiji Hirasaki, President and Co-founder of OriCiro.