LGC also announced a major investment at its Biosearch subsidiary in Petaluma, California, USA to expand its GMP oligonucleotide manufacturing capacity to provide TNA synthesis to the 1kg scale in support of early stage clinical trials.
The acquisition and investment in GMP capacity position LGC as a world leading solutions provider for TNAs and strengthen its existing analytical and bioanalytical drug development service offering. Customers will benefit from integrated analytical and manufacturing solutions spanning lead discovery through to the clinic and beyond.
Dr David Griffiths, Managing Director of LGC’s LMS division, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Axolabs to LGC. With more than 16 years’ experience in the therapeutic nucleic acid market Axolabs enjoys a strong reputation for scientific excellence, quality and reliability – attributes that match LGC’s. Axolabs’ in-depth know-how in the TNA drug development field complements LGC’s capabilities in GMP oligo manufacture, CMC analytical and bioanalytical services and we look forward to working together with the Axolabs team and its customers.”
Dr Hans-Peter Vornlocher, Managing Director Research of Axolabs, said: “It is clear that LGC shares our passion for delivering the highest quality science and service for our customers. This transition of ownership allows us to continue to invest in our team and facilities at Kulmbach. Combining Axolabs’ pre-clinical expertise and LGC’s GMP manufacturing capabilities allows us to support our clients further along the drug development pathway. Moreover, the access to LGC’s leading science and international reach enables us offer a broader set of solutions for our customers.”
Based in Kulmbach, Southern Germany, Axolabs employs 60 people and delivers integrated research solutions for TNAs, covering in-silico design, synthesis, analytics, bioanalytics, biology, pharmacology and consulting services. Axolabs’ expertise spans a wide range of TNA modalities including antisense oligos, siRNAs, immunostimulatory oligos, aptamers, microRNAs and microRNA mimics, synthetic mRNAs and guide RNAs for CRISPR applications. Axolabs’ management team will remain with the business following the transaction.