GeneFab LLC, a contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO), reported a transaction with Senti Biosciences Inc., in which GeneFab would sublease Senti Bio’s cGMP facility, a portion of which is subject to certain conditions. GeneFab would also acquire Senti Bio’s chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) capabilities for approximately $38 million. As part of the transaction, departing Senti Bio co-founder and chief technology officer, Philip Lee, will become CEO of GeneFab.

GeneFab has an extensive technology platform and know-how spanning early-stage product design, technical development and GMP production. The company will operate from a 92,000 sq.-ft. state-of-the-art cGMP manufacturing facility in Alameda, CA that includes 42,000 sq. ft. dedicated to the manufacturing of innovative Phase 1/2 clinical trial materials. The facility has additional capacity to support complex cell and gene therapy manufacturing, including allogeneic and autologous cell therapy, viral vector, and cell banking.

The Alameda-based facility was initiated by Senti Bio in 2021 as a customized clinical and commercial-scale cell therapy manufacturing solution; the buildout was completed earlier this year. With Celadon Partners’ backing, GeneFab will acquire the facility (via a sublease) and will employ approximately 50 employees, including experts in cell therapy, CMC, and synthetic biology. GeneFab will be supporting the clinical manufacturing of Senti Bio’s off-the-shelf chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cell (CAR-NK) pipeline through a service contract.

“The formation of GeneFab is an exciting step forward to accelerate the design, development and manufacturing of innovative genetic medicines,” said Lee. “Our unique capabilities enable us to provide specialized synthetic biology and manufacturing expertise to a wide range of cell and gene therapy companies. As an extension of our customers' teams, we believe that our advanced capabilities and expertise will enable the translation of scientific innovation into tangible treatments, and help our customers bring life-changing therapies to patients in need.”

Donald Tang, managing partner at Celadon Partners said, “Celadon Partners has been an active investor in supply chain transformation, and I am very excited about the opportunity to support GeneFab to lead the future of biomanufacturing. Next generation cell and gene therapies are poised to deliver 'miracle medicines.' GeneFab accelerates that objective and enables its clients to focus capital on delivering future milestones, while outsourcing the complex design and manufacturing processes to a highly specialized and engaged service provider."