Aldevron Will Supply Plasmid DNA for Sarepta’s Gene Therapy Programs in Long-term Partnership

Sarepta Therapeutics and Aldevron have entered into a long-term partnership focusing on the supply of DNA molecules, called plasmids, that serve as carriers for different gene therapies, the companies announced.

Under their agreement, Aldevron guarantees to provide the plasmids needed for Sarepta’s ongoing gene therapy programs and any potential programs in the future. Aldevron also offers exclusive manufacturing slots for Sarepta.

Sarepta Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company that focuses on developing and commercializing gene therapies for genetic diseases that affect the muscles and central nervous system.

Genes carry information for producing proteins that perform different functions in the body. Genetic diseases arise when one or more mutations are present at a specific gene, leading to an absent or non-functional protein.

Gene therapies aim to provide a non-mutated copy of the gene, thus treating the disease at its source with the production of a functional protein.

Sarepta has already launched the micro-dystrophin Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene therapy program, and the Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) program, and is developing more than 20 therapies to treat diseases such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth and Pompe disease.

“One of our highest priorities is building a robust supply chain and scalable manufacturing that can accelerate and ensure robust patient access to our pipeline of promising gene therapies on an accelerated timeline,” Doug Ingram, Sarepta’s president and CEO, said in a press release.

“Aldevron, one of the top plasmid DNA manufacturers in the world, is an important partner in fulfilling our strategic objectives. This agreement is anticipated to provide sufficient plasmid supply to support our ambitious development and commercial gene therapy objectives.”

Aldevron is one of the leading producers of custom nucleic acids, proteins, and antibodies. It provides plasmid DNA and gene editing enzymes — the principal components in gene therapies — to biopharmaceutical companies. The company also provides biological supplies for companies that develop products with agricultural and veterinary applications.

“Our greatest satisfaction comes in helping companies whose research is making an impact on the lives of patients and we are proud to partner with Sarepta, a company dedicated to extending and saving lives,” said Michael Chambers, Aldevron’s CEO and co-founder.

“Aldevron has made significant investments in people, processes, and facilities to support the pre-clinical, clinical, and commercial production of new, genetically-based therapies that have significant potential in transforming disease.”