Gene Therapy CDMO Artis BioSolutions Launches with Landmark Bio Acquisition

Artis BioSolutions, a new contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in advanced therapies, has emerged from stealth mode with the acquisition of Landmark Bio. The move positions Artis as a significant player in the rapidly evolving field of cell and gene therapy manufacturing.

Strategic Acquisition to Boost Manufacturing Capabilities

Artis BioSolutions, backed by venture capital firm Oak HC/FT, announced on Wednesday that it has acquired Landmark Bio, a consortium founded in 2021 by academic institutions, hospitals, and biotech companies. Landmark Bio, based in Watertown, Massachusetts, will continue to operate as a distinct entity under the Artis umbrella.

The acquisition brings together Artis' expertise and Landmark's established infrastructure, including a 44,000-square-foot production facility in Watertown. This facility is equipped for the development and manufacturing of cell and gene therapies, genome editing technologies, and the production of viral vectors, mRNA, and lipid nanoparticles.

Ran Zheng, CEO of Landmark Bio, stated that the acquisition would allow the company to "scale up operations and bring breakthrough therapies to more patients."

Addressing Industry Challenges

The launch of Artis BioSolutions comes at a critical time for the genetic medicine sector. Despite the immense promise of cell and gene therapies, the industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, including:

1. Funding shortages: Investment in genetic therapy developers declined in 2024 as investors sought less risky ventures.
2. Manufacturing capacity constraints: The industry has encountered shortages of specialized facilities and manufacturing capacity needed to bring potential therapies to market.
3. Regulatory uncertainties: Recent policy changes and the departure of key FDA officials have added complexity to the regulatory landscape.

Artis BioSolutions aims to address these challenges by offering end-to-end production solutions for advanced therapy developers. The company's stated goals include accelerating project timelines, reducing manufacturing costs, and improving product quality and supply chain efficiency.

Leadership and Industry Impact

Artis BioSolutions is led by CEO Brian Neel and Chief Scientific Officer Mike Houston, both veterans of Maravai Life Sciences. Neel emphasized the company's mission, 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."

The combination of Artis BioSolutions and Landmark Bio is expected to have a significant impact on the biomanufacturing landscape. Andy Smith, partner at Oak HC/FT, highlighted the potential of this union, saying it presents an "opportunity to transform biomanufacturing at scale."

As the cell and gene therapy sector continues to evolve, Artis BioSolutions' entry into the market represents a noteworthy development in addressing the complex manufacturing needs of advanced therapeutics. The company's success could play a crucial role in bringing innovative genetic medicines to patients more efficiently and cost-effectively.