In a major development, GeneFab, a newly established organization specializing in contract research, development, and manufacturing for cell and gene therapies, has finalized an agreement to sublease Senti Biosciences’ cutting-edge production facility. The deal also encompasses the acquisition of Senti Biosciences’ manufacturing equipment for a sum of up to $38 million.
Launched this year with substantial support from Celadon Partners, GeneFab is set to operate from Senti Bio’s expansive 92,000-square-foot facility situated in Alameda, California. This state-of-the-art site boasts an impressive 42,000 square feet dedicated to the production of materials for Phase I and Phase II clinical trials, as highlighted in a recent company announcement. The facility is also equipped to facilitate the manufacturing of advanced cell and gene therapies.
Significantly, GeneFab’s leadership will be led by none other than Philip Lee, the co-founder and chief technology officer of Senti Bio. Lee is poised to transition from his role at Senti Bio to assume the position of Chief Executive Officer at GeneFab, marking a strategic shift for both companies.
Operating with a skilled workforce of approximately 50 professionals specializing in cell therapy, manufacturing, and synthetic biology, the facility will not only serve as a hub for GeneFab’s operations but will also provide support for Senti Bio’s pipeline of chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cell therapies.
Renowned as a former recipient of the prestigious Fierce 15 award, Senti Bio has earned acclaim for its pioneering use of “gene circuits.” This innovative approach involves genetic manipulation that can be fine-tuned to adapt to the severity of various diseases while mitigating potential side effects.
This strategic collaboration between GeneFab and Senti Biosciences not only demonstrates the dynamism of the cell and gene therapy sector but also holds the promise of accelerating advancements in cutting-edge therapies that hold potential to transform the landscape of medical treatment.
