Form Bio and Ginkgo Bioworks collaborate to revolutionize AAV gene therapy development
This collaboration integrates Ginkgo’s licensable assets and manufacturing capabilities with Form Bio’s cutting-edge AI-driven solutions for gene therapy optimization.
The partnership offers a comprehensive solution for gene therapy developers, streamlining product optimization and accelerating the journey from lab to clinic while conserving resources. By combining Form Bio's in silico solutions with Ginkgo's AAV products and services, developers can significantly reduce both the time and costs associated with therapeutic development.
Kent Wakeford, co-founder and co-CEO of Form Bio, is optimistic about the potential impact of AI in expediting preclinical development, he said: “We are now seeing that AI can reduce preclinical development time by over 30 percent, offering the potential to get life-saving treatments to patients faster and at lower costs.” Wakeford emphasized the comprehensive nature of the partnership, noting that clients will have access to a fully integrated solution for accelerated AAV therapeutic development.
Ginkgo Bioworks' CEO, Jason Kelly, underscored the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Form Bio is a pioneer in applying AI and innovative in silico techniques to AAV development, transforming how gene therapies are developed.” He highlighted the value this collaboration brings to customers seeking to leverage advances in generative AI in a cohesive manner.
Demand for streamlined development solutions
While the current collaboration focuses on gene therapy, both Form Bio a computational life sciences solutions provider, and Ginkgo Bioworks, a leader in cell programming and biosecurity platforms, possess broad capabilities across nucleic acids, delivery platforms, and therapeutic modalities. With over 2,000 gene therapies currently in development, according to ASGCT and Citeline’s Gene, Cell, + RNA Therapy Landscape Report for Q4 2023, the demand for streamlined development solutions is evident. However, significant challenges remain in designing products that meet safety, efficacy, and manufacturability standards required for clinical success.
The partnership between Form Bio and Ginkgo Bioworks represents a significant step forward in addressing these challenges, offering hope for the expedited delivery of innovative gene therapies to patients worldwide.
Form Bio offers software and AI solutions tailored for cell and gene therapy leaders, integrating data, technology, and expertise to accelerate drug development timelines from discovery to clinic.
Comprehensive services to address challenges across pharma
The Form Bio solutions provide rapid in silico characterization, prediction, simulation, and optimization of therapeutics, resulting in higher yields, enhanced safety, and shorter, more cost-effective development cycles.
With a team boasting cross-disciplinary expertise in software engineering, biology, bioinformatics, and data science, Form Bio says it collaborates closely with clients to address their most pressing challenges and strategic opportunities.
Ginkgo Bioworks says it stands as the premier horizontal platform for cell programming, offering comprehensive services to address challenges across various sectors, including food and agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and industrial and specialty chemicals.
Its biosecurity and public health unit, Concentric by Ginkgo, is actively developing a global infrastructure for biosecurity, empowering governments, communities, and public health leaders to prevent, detect, and respond effectively to a wide range of biological threats.
