The latest Business updates from the science industry
by Heather Hobbs
Acquisition Broadens Provision of DLS Capability
Microtrac MRB, a leading provider of particle characterisation technologies and part of the Scientifi c Division of the international Verder Group, has announced the acquisition of the STABINO™ product line from Colloid Metrix.
The STABINO™ has been established as a worldwide standard for the measurement of zeta potential and stability in suspensions and emulsions for many years.
“We are excited to continue this great legacy” said Microtrac MRB CEO Markus Pauli. “By integrating the STABINO™ II as MICROTRAC STABINO™ ZETA, this technology will become another essential part of our Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) Portfolio.”
Margret Boeck, CEO of Colloid Metrix stated, “Microtrac MRB is a great fi t for the STABINO™ product line. We are confi dent that the worldwide Microtrac sales and service organisations in combination with the comprehensive Microtrac product portfolio will ensure top of the line support for users.”
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ilmt.co/PL/KBj3 57265pr@reply-direct.com
Takeover Set to Spur Ocular Therapies to Marketplace
Gyroscope Therapeutics Holdings, a portfolio company of life sciences investment trust Syncona Ltd, has been acquired by Novartis for up to $1.5 billion (£1.1 billion) on a cash and debt free basis, with an upfront payment of $800 million (£604 million) and up to $700 million (£528 million) potentially due upon the achievement of certain customary milestones related to clinical development, regulatory approvals and reimbursement.
Pictured left to right: Dr Daniel Hagmeyer (Product Manager DLS/LD, Microtrac MRB), Markus Pauli (CEO Microtrac MRB), Margret Boeck (CEO Colloid Metrix GmbH), Dr Hanno Wachernig (Co-founder Colloid Metrix GmbH)
Co-founded in 2016, Gyroscope has been building technical and personnel expertise in ocular gene therapies through discovery, research, drug development, a manufacturing platform and surgical
delivery capabilities. With nearly 200 employees, the company is executing on its Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), having generated positive clinical data in its Phase I/II FOCUS trial.
AI Technology to Enhance Workflow Through Automated Analysis
Artifi cial intelligence technology developed by Virtual Control, an AI and machine learning software creator of analysis solutions in lab testing, has been acquired by Agilent Technologies for integration into its industry-leading gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) platforms.
The acquired software, known as ACIES, will help to advance the productivity, effi ciency and accuracy of high-throughput labs the company serves around the world.
The transaction, including the software and other assets associated with ACIES, also saw core members of the ACIES team transferring to Agilent as employees.
Automating the labour-intensive GC/MS data analysis will provide potential benefi ts in laboratory workfl ow patterns, from sampling to reporting. Agilent will integrate the technology into its MassHunter software package for LC/MS and GC/MS instruments.
“Our acquisition of this advanced technology is just one more example of Agilent’s focus on delivering the insights and innovation our customers can use to provide industry-leading solutions,” said Jacob Thaysen, President, Agilent Life Sciences and Applied Markets Group. “We’re extremely pleased to be adding these additional capabilities to our product lineup.”
The technology is expected to benefi t a range of industries and applications including food testing and agriculture, environmental and applied materials and has broad potential for expansion in other large markets.
Jacob Thaysen
This latest acquisition is expected to build on the company’s existing investments and innovations
strategies
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ilmt.co/PL/nZnn 57266pr@reply-direct.com
to advance analytical
laboratory capabilities through better integration of instruments, data and effi ciency of workfl ow.
The transaction is anticipated to result in cash proceeds of £334 million for Syncona’s holding in Gyroscope, representing a £180 million uplift (27p per share) to the previous valuation, a 3.0 multiple on its original cost of £113 million and an internal rate of return (IRR) of 55%5. A potential £255 million achievable through future milestone payments, represents total proceeds of £589 million, (a 5.2 multiple on original cost) along with the possibility of a future royalty payment was not discounted.
Chris
Hollowood, Chief Investment Offi cer of Syncona Investment Management Ltd, said: “In fi ve and a half years, enabled by collaborations with four leading UK universities, we have taken Gyroscope from a concept to a potential treatment for geographic atrophy secondary to AMD, a leading cause of blindness with no approved therapies.
“ Gyroscope is now an international company with world-class management, positive clinical data, proprietary surgical and manufacturing platforms, and a team of nearly 200 people. The structure of the transaction will provide us with ongoing exposure to Gyroscope’s development and the potential for signifi cant additional returns, subject to certain milestones.
“ We look forward to seeing Gyroscope fulfi l its potential during the next phase of its growth with Novartis, who have an extensive track record in gene therapy and ophthalmology and are ideally placed to complete the journey of taking this transformational therapy to patients.”
This transaction marks the third sale of a portfolio company by Syncona over the last three years, strengthening its capital base for further development and investment opportunities.
More information online:
ilmt.co/PL/PYPK 56930pr@reply-direct.com
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