Vector Laboratories, a key manufacturer of reagents and critical components for life sciences tools, diagnostics, and clinical-stage biotherapeutics, has announced its merger with Absolute Biotech, a company known for its antibody-centric brands. 

This strategic move aims to solidify Vector Laboratories' position as a comprehensive supplier of custom-engineered and catalog antibodies, sophisticated bioconjugation linkers, and expertise in bioconjugation.

“Our merger with Absolute Biotech expands our manufacturing and distribution footprint from multiple manufacturing sites in the US to the UK and Europe, in order to better serve our customers across all three market segments,” said Lisa V. Sellers, PhD, CEO of Vector Laboratories.

This merger will enhance Vector Laboratories’ ability to support customers through their drug, diagnostic, and life science tool development processes by reducing development time and internal resource commitments. The expanded capabilities will position the company as a strong partner to biopharma and life sciences companies, particularly those developing biotherapeutics like antibody-drug conjugates.

“The combination with Absolute Biotech will be a tremendous opportunity to better position Vector Laboratories as a strong partner to biopharma and life sciences companies. For pharma and biotech customers developing biotherapeutics, particularly antibody-drug conjugates, it’s important that their suppliers can also provide expert guidance in identifying the appropriate solutions to help them succeed,” said Dr. Sellers.

Dr. Sellers emphasized the importance of local presence for timely technical and sales support and faster product and service delivery. “We also continue to see that customers – especially our life science tools, diagnostic, and pharma customers – value the benefits of a local presence, from timely technical and sales support to faster delivery of products and services,” she added.

Heather Holemon, PhD, CEO of Absolute Biotech, expressed enthusiasm about the merger’s potential. “We’re very proud of the go-to-market synergies that Absolute Biotech brings to the table and are eager to move forward with Vector Laboratories in supporting the researchers who are pushing new antibodies toward the clinic,” said Dr. Holemon. 

Following the merger, Dr. Sellers will transition to CEO of the combined organization, Vector Laboratories, Inc., while Dr. Holemon will take on the role of Chief Strategy Officer, focusing on growth and competitive advantage in a rapidly changing business environment.

Rebranded in 2022, Absolute Biotech serves global customers with antibody reagents, kits, and services, providing annotation, validation, sequencing, engineering, and recombinant manufacturing. The company aims to make engineered recombinant antibodies accessible to all, leveraging its comprehensive antibody offering to advance the availability of highly-defined reagents.