Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings Inc Stock Price, News & Analysis

Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) announced the acquisition of Circularis, a biotechnology firm specializing in circular RNA and promoter screening technologies. This acquisition aims to enhance Ginkgo's capabilities in cell and gene therapy, particularly in RNA therapeutics, by leveraging Circularis's platform for high-throughput screening of gene expression regulatory elements. The move is expected to strengthen Ginkgo’s offerings across various biopharmaceutical applications, including collaborations with industry leaders like Biogen and Moderna.

Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) has announced the acquisition of Altar, a French biotechnology firm specializing in adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). This strategic tuck-in acquisition aims to enhance Ginkgo's capabilities by integrating Altar's automated ALE instruments into its Foundry, supporting a range of industries including food, biofuels, and healthcare. Ginkgo's partnership with Altar has been fruitful, and the integration is expected to improve strain engineering for various applications, addressing challenges in creating optimized microorganisms under industrial conditions.

The White House has announced the appointment of Renee Wegrzyn, PhD, as the first Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). Currently serving as Vice President for Business Development at Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA), Dr. Wegrzyn aims to propel transformative health breakthroughs. Her background includes significant contributions to biosecurity and synthetic biology. Established in March 2022, ARPA-H is designed to tackle challenging health issues through innovative research.

Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) announced the appointment of Behzad Mahdavi as Senior Vice President of Biopharma Manufacturing and Life Sciences Tools. Dr. Mahdavi brings over 20 years of experience in biopharmaceuticals and cell therapies, previously serving as VP at Catalent Pharma Solutions. His role will focus on expanding Ginkgo's market presence in bio-reagents and gene therapies. Ginkgo aims to leverage its expertise in custom organism design and enzyme discovery to enhance biopharma innovation, backed by collaborations with industry leaders.

Ayana Bio has appointed Frank Jaksch as CEO, a veteran in the health and wellness industry, particularly known for founding ChromaDex, which develops the NAD product Tru Niagen (Nasdaq: CDXC). Launched in September 2021, Ayana Bio utilizes innovative plant cell technology to produce sustainable bioactives for consumer products, aiming to address challenges in ingredient supply chains exacerbated by climate change and geopolitical issues. The company, supported by Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA), is positioned to revolutionize sourcing through standardized cultivation methods.

Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) has acquired epidemiological data assets from Baktus, Inc. This transaction will enhance Ginkgo's biosecurity platform and expand its epidemic tracking and modeling services. The acquisition includes proprietary datasets and analytic tools aimed at improving public health responses to epidemics. Baktus will continue independent operations while contributing ongoing epidemiological projects and expertise to Ginkgo's Concentric initiative, further advancing biosecurity infrastructure.

Ginkgo Bioworks reported impressive Q2 2022 results, with total revenue of $145 million, signifying a 231% increase year-over-year. The company added 13 new Cell Programs, an 86% growth compared to Q2 2021. Foundry revenue reached $44 million, up 105% year-over-year, while Biosecurity revenue amounted to $100 million. Ginkgo's cash balance stands at approximately $1.4 billion, enabling future growth opportunities, including the acquisitions of Zymergen and Bayer’s West Sacramento operations. The company revised its 2022 total revenue guidance to $425–$440 million.

Synlogic, Inc. (Nasdaq: SYBX) announced the development of SYNB2081, a new Synthetic Biotic drug candidate for treating gout, in collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA). This marks the second drug candidate to enter clinical development through their partnership, following SYNB1353 for homocystinuria. Gout, characterized by high uric acid levels, currently lacks effective treatments. SYNB2081 aims to address this need. The collaboration highlights the innovation potential of synthetic biology in developing therapeutics for various diseases.