Abcam Purchases ASC’s Gene Editing Platform and Oncology Product Portfolio

Abcam has purchased Applied StemCell’s (ASC’s) gene editing platform and oncology product portfolio, adding comprehensive cell editing capabilities and engine to support expansion of existing “off-the-shelf” cell lines, it was revealed in a Jan. 30, 2020 press release.

The asset purchase includes a portfolio of cell lines and the AccuRef reference materials product line. It is the intention of Abcam to expand upon the ASC platform so that it becomes the company’s discovery engine for the development of novel edited cell lines. 

“This transaction expands and cements Abcam’s position in the edited cell line market, bringing in one of the most widely deployed and technically successful cell engineering platforms into Abcam,” said Cheri Walker, senior vice-president of corporate development at Abcam, in the press release. “The cell line market is in the early stages of development as a research tool, where the ready provision of more choice, with the right gene targets in the right cell lines, will allow the market to rapidly expand.”

“Following our strategic decision to focus on stem cell and derivative service and products for both research and therapeutic applications, we are pleased to be transitioning our oncology focused services and products to the global team at Abcam,” added Ruby Tsai, co-founder and CSO of ASC, in the press release. “As recognized industry leaders in the provision of biologic reagents and tools, Abcam is ideally placed to provide expert support to our global user-base.”

Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Source: Abcam