MilliporeSigma, the U.S. and Canada life science business of Germany-based Merck KGaA, closed the transaction to acquire Mirus Bio for approximately $600 million (around €550 million). The acquisition is a strategic step toward the company’s ambition to offer solutions for every step of viral vector manufacturing, according to a Merck KGaA official, adding that it also reinforces the company’s commitment to supporting customers in advancing cell and gene therapies from preclinical through commercial production.
The life science business of Merck KGaA in Germany acquired Mirus Bio from Gamma Biosciences, a life sciences platform established by global investment firm KKR.
“Novel modalities like cell and gene therapies offer tremendous potential for bringing new curative treatments to patients,” said Sebastian Arana, head of process solutions, life science business of Merck KGaA. “Mirus Bio’s advanced technology, combined with our bioprocessing expertise and broad portfolio, will enable us to deliver integrated solutions across the viral vector value chain and help meet the growing demand for these life-saving therapies.”
Mirus Bio specializes in the development and commercialization of transfection reagents, such as TransIT-VirusGEN®. These reagents play a critical role in the production of viral vector-based gene therapies. The addition of Mirus Bio’s leading transfection reagents strengthens MilliporeSigma’s upstream portfolio and allows for an integrated viral vector manufacturing offering, noted Arana.
