Catalent and Paragon Bioservices, a viral vector development and manufacturing partner for gene therapies, have entered into a definitive agreement under which Catalent will acquire Paragon for $1.2 billion.
 
“Paragon’s unparalleled expertise in the rapidly growing market of gene therapy manufacturing will be a transformative addition to our business that we believe will accelerate our long-term growth. Paragon brings to Catalent a complementary capability that will fundamentally enhance our biologics business and our end-to-end integrated biopharmaceutical solutions for customers,” said John Chiminski, chief executive officer, Catalent. “We look forward to working with Paragon’s incredibly talented team and world-class customers to complete the significant ongoing investments into expanded state-of-the-art facilities and deliver revolutionary, lifesaving treatments to patients.”
 
Paragon’s differentiated scientific, development and manufacturing capabilities have positioned it to capitalize on strong industry tailwinds in the potentially $40 billion addressable market for gene therapy. Paragon brings specialized expertise in adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, the most commonly used delivery system for gene therapy, as well as unique capabilities in GMP plasmids and lentivirus vectors.
 
For over 25 years, Paragon has partnered with some of the world’s best biotech and pharma companies to develop and manufacture products based on transformative technologies, including AAV and other gene therapies, next-generation vaccines, oncology immunotherapies (oncolytic viruses and CAR-T cell therapies), therapeutic proteins, and other complex biologics.
 
Pete Buzy, president and chief executive officer, Paragon, said, “Our existing investors, NewSpring Health Capital and Camden Partners, were extremely supportive in getting us to where we are today. We are excited to join forces with the leading drug development and manufacturing partner in our industry. This transaction will enable us to achieve our next stage of development and expand our capabilities and platform for the benefit of our customers and their patients.”