Bionova Scientific Licenses ATUM’s Proprietary Transposon-Based Gene Delivery Technology to Accelerate & De-Risk Cell Line Development
Fremont, California, Düsseldorf – May 7, 2025 – Bionova Scientific, an Asahi Kasei boutique commercial-scale biologics contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), today announced it has licensed ATUM’s proprietary Leap-In Transposase® transposon-based gene delivery and its miCHO™ cell line development technologies.
ATUM’s Leap-In Transposase technology can achieve high levels of gene integration, resulting in a large number of cells with the desired gene insertion, precise integration as a single copy into the host cell’s genome, and integration into multiple locations within the genome, reducing the risk of gene silencing or other adverse effects. When used in a cell line development program, Leap-In Transposase technology delivers productive, stable, and robust cell lines, including at the stable pool stage.
Bionova possesses extensive expertise across the biologics lifecycle. By combining Bionova’s cell line development toolbox with ATUM’s Leap-In Transposase®, innovators will have access to highly productive stable pools and clones. Coupled with Bionova’s track record of finding solutions for complex technical challenges and exceeding expectations, customers can anticipate increased facility output and stable production that will facilitate further innovations in the field. These capabilities are particularly important to clients at the later stages of discovery, and can help them quickly proceed through cell line development with robust chemistry, manufacturing and controls (CMC).
“Momentum is often lost between the discovery and development phases of monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutic proteins, creating major challenges for emerging companies while introducing financial, technical, and regulatory risks,” said Douglas Mogensen, Vice President, Business Development at Bionova Scientific. “By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like ATUM’s transposon-based gene delivery platform and cell line technologies, Bionova is able to make standardized manufacturing platforms more accessible to its clients, minimizing risks and sustaining progress through what is commonly known as ‘the valley of death’ for programs transitioning from discovery to development.”
About Asahi Kasei
The Asahi Kasei Group contributes to life and living for people around the world. Since its founding in 1922 with ammonia and cellulose fiber businesses, Asahi Kasei has consistently grown through the proactive transformation of its business portfolio to meet the evolving needs of every age. With more than 49,000 employees worldwide, the company contributes to a sustainable society by providing solutions to the world’s challenges through its three business sectors of Material, Homes, and Health Care. Its Material sector, comprised of Environmental Solutions, Mobility & Industrial, and Life Innovation, includes a wide array of products from battery separators and biodegradable textiles to engineering plastics and sound solutions. For more information, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/.
Asahi Kasei is also dedicated to sustainability initiatives and is contributing to reaching a carbon-neutral society by 2050. To learn more, visit https://www.asahi-kasei.com/sustainability/.
About Nobian Industrial Chemicals B.V.
Nobian, a European leader in the production of salt, essential chemicals and storage caverns, operates modern sites in the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark. We supply high-purity salt, chlor-alkali, chloromethanes, and hydrogen, for everyday and energy transition products. With over 100 years of experience and 1,600 dedicated employees, we focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Nobian is owned by Carlyle Group and GIC. Learn more at www.nobian.com.
About Furuya Metal Co., Ltd.
Furuya Metal, established in 1968, is a manufacturer that processes platinum group metals (PGMs) into industrial products. Among various PGMs, we especially engage in the business of iridium and ruthenium over 40 years and boast a high global market share. Our competency in the procurement of raw materials, high purity refining technology, advanced fabricating techniques, recycling technology and its large capacity have contributed to technological development of many customers. As demand for iridium and ruthenium is expanding in various industries and yet their output is quite limited, Furuya Metal have worked on recycling of these metals for the stable supply. We are contributing to the development of society by supplying them to various industries.
About Mastermelt Ltd.
Established in 1985, Mastermelt is a world leader in recycling of precious metals. With over 25 years of experience in recovering critical precious metals from the chlor-alkali industry, our sites in the UK, Germany, Singapore, and the US, and highly specialised facilities specifically for recovery of precious metals from electrodes, Mastermelt is in a unique position to provide value added services globally to the industry. Our commitment to continual improvement and advanced process technology ensures we not only optimise recovery of precious metals for our customers but provide a secure sustainable platform for the future within the broader circular economy.
Europe Contact:
Asahi Kasei Europe GmbH
Sebastian Schmidt
sebastian.schmidt@asahi-kasei.eu
North America Contact:
Asahi Kasei America Inc.
Christian OKeefe
christian.okeefe@ak-america.com