The Tale of Two Companies: One Viral Vector Partner for Every Stage of Gene Therapy Development

Gene therapies can correct diseases at their genetic core, but their success hinges on viral vector manufacturing. As gene therapy technology becomes more advanced, producing viral vectors becomes more challenging, requiring a manufacturing partner that is not only versed in viral vector production but also agile enough to adapt to the shifting tides of innovation.

A closer look at the experiences of two companies — NysnoBio, a client of UF Innovate | Accelerate, and bluebird bio — offers insight into what sponsors at different stages of the development and manufacturing cycle need in a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) partner.

Ascend Acquires Beacon Gene Therapy Manufacturing Site

Ascend Advanced Therapies, a gene therapy development partner, has purchased Beacon Therapeutics’ contract, manufacturing, and controls team—along with the company’s site, previously owned by UF Innovate | Accelerate graduate AGTC, located in Alachua, FL—a town considered to be a “biotech hub” in the state. The acquisition introduces a good manufacturing practice (GMP) plant into the fold, along with process and analytical development capabilities.

Satlantis Appoints Aitor Moriñigo Muñoz as First CEO of U.S. Subsidiary, Satlantis LLC

Satlantis, a technology company specializing in high-resolution Earth observation payloads for microsatellites, is pleased to announce the appointment of Aitor Moriñigo Muñoz as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of their American subsidiary, Satlantis LLC, a UF startup and resident client at UF Innovate | Accelerate. Morinigo Munoz brings industry experience and expertise to this pivotal role.

UpLift Accelerates into Higher Ed with Acquisition of TAO Connect

UpLift, a technology-driven behavioral health company delivering in-network therapy and psychiatry, announced that it has acquired UF Innovate | Accelerate graduate company TAO Connect, a therapy-assisted mental health solution with digital tools and resources designed for higher education institutions. The company was founded on technology created by UF innovator and TAO Connect CSO Sheryl Benton.

SATLANTIS Launches HORACIO, Its Sixth Mission and Third Full-Solution Satellite for Infrared and Visible Earth Observation

SATLANTIS, a leading global provider of advanced Earth Observation technologies, announced its sixth mission with the launch of the HORACIO satellite on March 4, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-10 mission on a Falcon9 rocket, a ride-share flight along with other satellites to a Sun-Synchronous Orbit 520-590 km above Earth. The launch took place from the Space Force Base in California.

The company headquarters are located in Bilbao, Spain, within the University of the Basque Country Science Park, and SATLANTIS LLC is based within UF Innovate | Accelerate at The Hub.