Protagen Protein Services, a global analytic CRO and expert in protein science, and BioAnalytix, a US-based advanced analytics and data analysis firm, aligned in April 2019. GeneWerk, with capabilities in vector safety, integration site analysis, and bioinformatics, merged into the group in 2021.
ProtaGene is backed by private equity player, Ampersand Capital Partners.
Mary Bowen, senior director, strategic and digital marketing (BioAnalytix), told BioPharma-Reporter that the CRO’s capabilities are equally focused on the US and European markets.
The organization is targeting multiyear programs with large, leading, public, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and cell and gene therapy companies.
Operating four sites across Europe and North America, the CRO says it has expertise in protein, vector, gene expression, and genetic analytics, and teams focused on CMC development challenges and regulatory strategy opportunities, among other capabilities.
Addressing developmental challenges
When asked about how the combined capabilities will address the challenges faced by biopharma companies and cell and gene therapy developers, Bowen said: “ProtaGene is an external collaborator who can provide ongoing expert analytical support and proper candidate assessments based on high-quality data, which is crucial throughout the various phases of development.”
Annette Deichmann, senior VP, cell and gene therapy at ProtaGene and the cofounder of GeneWerk, said its experience in gene analytics – especially integration site analysis, vector purity, vector copy numbers, and bioinformatics analysis for preclinical development and clinical trials – will support many innovators in taking breakthrough therapies to the clinic.