Vigene Biosciences Inc.

The company operates as a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), specializing in viral vector-based gene delivery solutions for the life science research, gene therapy, and cell therapy sectors. Its business model is centered on providing both research-grade and current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) grade products and services to a global client base that includes pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, government agencies, and academic institutions. Vigene generates revenue by manufacturing and supplying viral vectors and offering custom development services tailored to the specific needs of its clients.

Vigene's core offerings include the production of several key viral vectors, such as adeno-associated virus (AAV), lentivirus, and adenovirus, which are essential for delivering genetic material into cells. The company also produces high-quality plasmid DNA, a critical starting component for creating viral vectors and for use in gene-modified cell therapies and vaccines. A key achievement for the company was its acquisition by Charles River Laboratories in June 2021 for an initial cash price of $292.5 million, with potential for an additional $57.5 million based on performance. This acquisition integrated Vigene into Charles River's Manufacturing Solutions segment, creating a comprehensive, end-to-end service for cell and gene therapy development, from initial discovery and testing to large-scale manufacturing.