Catalent, Inc. has entered an agreement to acquire MaSTherCell Global, Inc., a technology-focused cell and gene therapy CDMO, for $315 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments. MaSTherCell offers a unique portfolio of capabilities and technologies that include the development and manufacture of autologous and allogeneic cell therapies, as well as a variety of related analytical services. Its experience includes therapies based on chimeric antibody receptor-engineered T cells (CAR-T), T cell receptors (TCR), tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), and mesenchymal stem cells (MSC).

“MaSTherCell extends our leadership position in the biotech industry, complements our leading gene therapy offering, and allows us to deliver comprehensive development, manufacturing, analytical, fill-finish, and clinical supply solutions for innovators across the large molecule space,” said John Chiminski, Catalent’s chair and chief executive officer. Both autologous and allogeneic cell therapies provide important new treatment options, with a rising number expected to gain regulatory approval over the coming years. Catalent is well-positioned to combine MaSTherCell’s expert teams and capabilities with our extensive resources and experience in scaling new platforms, and to help MaSTherCell build-out its development and commercial manufacturing capabilities.”

MaSTherCell was founded in 2011 and has a 25,000 square-foot facility in Gosselies, Belgium providing clinical services. Construction is currently underway on a dedicated 60,000 square-foot adjacent commercial-scale production and fill-finish facility, which is scheduled to open in the fall of 2021 and will add more than 250 new jobs. The company’s 32,000 square-foot U.S. facility in Houston, TX, upon completion of validation activities, will focus on development-scale projects and will employ a team of more than 50 experts by the end of the year.

Darren Head, MaSTherCell’s chief executive officer, said, “MaSTherCell has built comprehensive capabilities to address the complexities of cell therapy production. Like Catalent, our experience has taught us the importance of technology selection, advanced know-how, and quality and regulatory expertise for successful cell therapy programs that are aimed at producing life-altering treatments. We are excited to join the industry-leading team at Catalent and work together to scale-up our business. This combination will strengthen our service offering to our customers and, in the end, benefit patients who need innovative life-saving therapies. Catalent’s backing will position MaSTherCell for growth and enhance Catalent’s existing presence in Belgium.”

The transaction, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to close in 3Q20. MaSTherCell’s 240 employees, including its leadership team, will become part of the Catalent Biologics business.