Cognate BioServices Acquires Cobra Biologics to Strengthen Leadership in Cell and Gene Immunotherapy and Regenerative Medicine

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media reports that on November 5, 2019, Cognate BioServices, a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in cell and cell-mediated gene therapy products, and Cobra Biologics, a leading CDMO providing specialized plasmid DNA and viral vector manufacturing services, announced that they had signed a definitive agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Cognate will acquire all outstanding shares of Cobra. The financing for this acquisition was led by EW Healthcare Partners, an existing investor in Cognate.

This transaction creates an industry-leading enhanced service provider, offering drug development and manufacturing solutions to the global cell and gene immunotherapy and regenerative medicine sectors. By combining their strengths, Cognate and Cobra Biologics will be able to fully leverage their decades of industry knowledge and experience to provide customers with an integrated supply chain and expand their global market presence, delivering better, more scalable solutions to support evolving customer needs.

J. Kelly Ganjei, CEO of Cognate, stated, “This acquisition is strategically vital for Cognate as we strive to build an enterprise platform for the lifecycle management of cell and gene therapy products, leveraging our existing portfolio to accelerate the delivery of novel technologies to patients in greatest need. Cobra Biologics is a recognized leader in the development and manufacturing of diverse DNA and viral vectors that are urgently required by our current and prospective clients. With a strong track record and reputation for helping cell and gene therapy developers address development and manufacturing challenges as well as capacity demands, the combined expertise, infrastructure, and market presence of Cognate and Cobra Biologics will enable us to respond more rapidly, effectively, and comprehensively to current and future market needs.”

Evis Hursever, Managing Director at EW Healthcare Partners, stated, “EW Healthcare Partners is delighted to have the opportunity to support the Cognate team in driving corporate growth and transforming into a leading provider in the cell and gene therapy sector. We look forward to continuing our support for the company and its exceptional management team as they seize future growth opportunities and execute their ambitious expansion plans.”

Peter Coleman, CEO of Cobra Biologics, stated, “Cobra Biologics has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality process development, manufacturing, fill, and finish services for plasmid DNA, viral vectors, and proteins. The partnership with Cognate is exciting, as the combined entity will emerge as a leading service provider across the entire advanced therapy supply chain. This acquisition by Cognate will enhance Cobra’s capabilities, enabling us to offer a broader range of services to both new and existing clients.”

This transaction further supports Cognate’s mission to address unmet consumer healthcare needs, with a focus on meeting the growing demand for rapid access to advanced manufacturing capabilities integrated into commercial-scale production environments.

The company will continue to receive support from its existing investors. EW Healthcare Partners and Medivate Partners participated in this round of financing for the acquisition of Cobra, while BlackRock and sovereign wealth funds will also continue to collaborate with the company.

It is reported that the transaction is subject to relevant approvals under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

(Compiled by Xiong Hui)