Gene Therapy CDMO Artis BioSolutions Launches with Landmark Bio Acquisition

Artis BioSolutions, a new player in the cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) space, has officially emerged from stealth mode with the acquisition of Landmark Bio. The launch marks a significant development in the rapidly evolving advanced therapeutics sector, as the industry grapples with complex production processes and growing demand.

Strategic Acquisition Bolsters End-to-End Capabilities

San Diego-based Artis BioSolutions announced its entry into the market on Wednesday, unveiling the acquisition of Landmark Bio, a personalized medicine company with a focus on cell and gene therapies. While financial terms were not disclosed, the deal provides Artis with immediate access to Landmark's 44,000-square-foot production facility in Watertown, Massachusetts.

The acquisition strategically positions Artis as an end-to-end production partner for developers in the advanced therapy space. Landmark's capabilities encompass development and manufacturing of cell and gene therapies, genome editing, fill-finish operations, and production of viral vectors, mRNA, and lipid nanoparticles.

Artis CEO Brian Neel emphasized the industry's current state, stating, "Advanced therapies will continue to be a driving force of innovation in the biopharma ecosystem, and we believe the industry is at an inflection point in advancing and developing the critical processes and the manufacturing of these therapies."

Addressing Industry Challenges and Opportunities

The launch of Artis BioSolutions comes at a crucial time for the cell and gene therapy sector, which continues to face production hurdles despite rapid growth. By integrating Landmark's expertise and facilities, Artis aims to tackle multiple modalities, potentially reducing project timelines, lowering manufacturing costs, and improving product quality and supply chain efficiency.

Landmark Bio, founded in 2021 by a consortium including Harvard University, MIT, Cytiva, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and Alexandria Real Estate Equities, will continue to operate as a distinct entity under the Artis banner. This arrangement preserves Landmark's existing partnerships, including a multi-year manufacturing agreement with Galapagos for the production of clinical trial batches of CAR-T cell therapies targeting blood cancers.

Technological Advancements Driving Industry Progress

As the cell and gene therapy landscape evolves, investments in new production technologies continue to gain traction. In a related development, technology platform startup Cellares recently received an Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) designation from the FDA for its automated cell therapy manufacturing platform, the Cell Shuttle.

This designation, part of an FDA initiative finalized in December, aims to incentivize the adoption of innovative or repurposed technologies that could streamline development timelines, enhance production processes, and ensure consistent supplies of critical drugs.