4basebio and Genezen have expanded a non-exclusive collaboration intended to give cell and gene therapy developers access to synthetic, cell-free DNA for viral vector development and clinical programs.
Under the arrangement, Genezen will offer 4basebio’s hpDNA technology at research-use-only, high-quality and good manufacturing practice grades. The companies said the collaboration is intended to create a more streamlined path for developers seeking to advance viral vector-based therapies toward clinical testing.
4basebio produces DNA through an enzymatic, cell-free manufacturing process. The approach removes bacterial backbone sequences and antibiotic-resistance genes from DNA starting material, distinguishing it from traditional plasmid DNA manufacturing methods.
The companies said 4basebio’s hpDNA template has demonstrated comparable titers to plasmid DNA in adeno-associated virus, or AAV, production. The template required approximately 30% less DNA mass and transfection reagent, potentially reducing material requirements and associated production costs while improving process efficiency and scalability.
The cell-free method may also shorten DNA production timelines compared with conventional plasmid manufacturing, allowing developers to move more rapidly from a genetic sequence to viral vector production and clinical development, the companies said.
4basebio Chief Commercial Officer Christine Wolosin said the agreement pairs the company’s DNA technology with Genezen’s viral vector manufacturing capabilities. She said growing demand for synthetic DNA from drug developers reflects its increasing role as an enabling technology for genetic medicines.
Genezen is a viral vector contract development and manufacturing organization. Susan D’Costa, the company’s chief technical and commercial officer, said therapy developers need manufacturing approaches that address current needs while considering later-stage development.
D’Costa said the companies’ combined technology and manufacturing expertise could help developers establish more efficient and scalable manufacturing strategies from the start of their programs.
The collaboration is non-exclusive, allowing the companies to work with other partners. Neither company disclosed financial terms, specific customer programs, anticipated revenue, development timelines or whether Genezen will manufacture clinical viral vectors using 4basebio’s hpDNA.
The companies said their objective is to provide developers with DNA starting material and manufacturing strategies that can support the advancement of cell and gene therapies toward patients.