US-based startup Gamma Biosciences, a life sciences platform established by global investment firm KKR to address the advanced therapy bioprocessing market, has entered into an agreement with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company, whereby Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, will acquire Gamma operating company Mirus Bio for $600 million in cash.

Mirus Bio is a leading provider of innovative transfection solutions used for the delivery of genetic material into cells. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of RUO and GMP reagents and enhancers based on proprietary, multi-component technology. Its products deliver high-performance and cost-effective transfection for a variety of applications, from research through virus manufacturing at scale to address rapidly growing cell and gene therapy applications in AAV & LV.

Gamma acquired a controlling stake in Mirus Bio in 2021 and has worked closely with the company to support its growth and scale-up, including the launch of flagship products VirusGEN® GMP and RevIT™ AAV Enhancer for large-scale therapeutic adeno-associated virus and lentivirus production.

Dale Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of Mirus Bio, added "With the support of Gamma Biosciences and KKR, we have commercialised our scalable GMP delivery platforms for clinical use and significantly strengthened our position in the cell and gene therapy market. I look forward to this new era with Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, as we continue to expand our GMP portfolio with relevant, cutting-edge tools our customers need to develop affordable, life-saving advanced therapies."

The transaction is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2024, subject to US regulatory approvals, as well as other customary closing conditions.