Cognate completes purchase of advanced therapy CDMO Cobra

Cognate BioServices, a contract development and manufacturing organization specialising in cell and gene therapy, has completed its purchase of Cobra Biologics, a CDMO specialized in providing development and manufacturing services for plasmid DNA and viral vector.

Cognate said the addition of Cobra’s specialized expertise in plasmid DNA, viral vectors, protein and microbiota, from development to fill-finish would ensure it was well positioned to deliver drug development and manufacturing solutions to the international cell and gene immunotherapy and regenerative medicine industry.

“The combined Cognate-Cobra expertise, infrastructure, and geographical footprint immediately position both businesses to address current and future market needs more quickly, effectively, and comprehensively, with our focus of owning and optimizing the complex aspects of the supply chain,” said J. Kelly Ganjei, CEO of Cognate. “In support of this acquisition we have been working to expand our commercial capacity and capabilities to effectively provide a unique, scalable option for drug development and manufacturing to our clients and their patients.”

Cobra Biologics has cGMP facilities in the UK and Sweden. Cognate operates an 80,000+ square foot manufacturing facility located in Memphis and a dedicated development facility in Baltimore.