Asahi Kasei Bioprocess and Axolabs partner to accelerate oligonucleotide therapeutics development

Asahi Kasei Bioprocess (AKB), part of the Asahi Kasei Group, and Axolabs have announced a strategic partnership in the burgeoning field of oligonucleotide therapeutics. The partners will collaborate to build a cutting-edge oligonucleotide cGMP manufacturing facility spanning an area of 59,000 square feet (approximately 5,481 square meters) in Berlin. This cooperation aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of oligonucleotide-based therapies to improve quality of life for patients worldwide.

Oligonucleotide therapies offer a targeted approach to modulating gene expression, splicing, and protein production. By selectively manipulating specific molecular processes, these therapies hold the potential to treat a wide range of diseases (e.g., genetic disorders, cancer, and certain viral infections) at the genetic level, providing new treatment options for patients. In recent years, remarkable advancements in nucleic acid chemistry and cell biology have contributed to refining the design and optimisation of oligonucleotide therapies, as well as their delivery mechanisms. Currently, a total of 25 approved oligonucleotide therapeutics have been approved by regulatory authorities worldwide, and numerous others are in pre-clinical and clinical studies with promising prospects for further development.

To meet the escalating demand for oligonucleotide therapeutics, Axolabs, a Contract Research Development & Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) providing drug substances for oligonucleotide-based therapeutics, is establishing a new GMP manufacturing hub in Berlin. By utilising the expertise of Asahi Kasei Bioprocess, specialising in the field of oligosynthesis equipment, and Axolabs, the facility will serve as a pivotal resource to expedite therapeutic breakthroughs in the industry. It is designed to accommodate a wide range of production scales (small to large/commercial) and will benefit from AKB’s robust suite of oligo manufacturing equipment – covering all upstream and downstream manufacturing unit operations from synthesis to concentration – all of which is purpose-built to maximise productivity and provide years of reliable operation.

Operations at the newly built facility are planned to commence in late 2024.