CatSci has opened a second oligonucleotides laboratory, which it will use “to introduce novel workflows for the rapid production of vast numbers of oligos at a scale optimised for rapid screening”. The company is also transforming its largest laboratory space into a centre of excellence for oligonucleotide development by remodelling it to create efficient working spaces for existing and new capabilities.

EuroAPI has agreed to acquire BianoGMP, a CDMO focused on small-scale, early-stage oligonucleotides, for about €10 million. The deal is expected to close in Q4. Created in 2017 by Professor Tobias Pöhlmann and Dr Rolf Günther, Biano is based in Gera, Germany, with a client base in Europe and Asia.

CordenPharma is entering synthetic oligonucleotide manufacturing via an investment at its CordenPharma Colorado site. This will draw on its solid-phase peptide manufacturing experience and downstream processing capabilities to offer a fully integrated drug substance and drug product offer.

Nippon Shokubai has concluded a licence agreement with its Japanese compatriot and affiliate company, Rena Therapeutics, to make and sell heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO) as a research reagent to industry and academia in all countries where it is covered by patents. Rena has existing licences with Ionis Pharmaceuticals and Takeda Pharmaceutical.

CatSci has made a “significant” investment to support the development of oligonucleotide capability at its site in Cardiff, UK. This follows recent investment in the firm by Keensight Capital to support its strategic growth plans.

WuXi AppTec has announced a plan to build a new R&D and manufacturing site in Singapore at a cost of up to $1.4 billion. It will be created in stages over the next ten years, depending on the company’s business needs.

The company added that the site will serve “a critical role in its global network across Asia, Europe and North America”. It ill include “laboratories and facilities that provide a broad portfolio of R&D and manufacturing services” for the pharmaceutical industry.

Bachem has entered a strategic collaboration under which it will provide the infrastructure and expertise to implement Eli Lilly & Company’s novel manufacturing technology for oligonucleotide APIs. It will also supply R&D and production at its site in Bubendorf, Switzerland, to make GMP-grade material using this technology.