Asimov Enters into Agreement with BARDA's BioMaP Consortium to Advance Production of Medical Countermeasures Against Ebola and Deadly Viruses

Asimov to leverage its CHO Edge system to amplify the production of monoclonal antibodies

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BOSTON, MA, August 12, 2025 – Asimov, the synthetic biology company advancing the design and manufacture of therapeutics, has been selected by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA)'s Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness Consortium (BioMaP-Consortium), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), to lead a project focused on "Manufacturing Optimization for Filovirus Human Monoclonal Antibodies." This initiative aims to enhance the manufacturing development of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) cocktail targeting filovirus disease caused by Ebola virus (EBOV) or Sudan virus (SUDV). As part of the initiative, Asimov will receive a project award valued up to $8.49M over three years.

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EBOV and SUDV are considered high-consequence pathogens for humans and are associated with mortality rates as high as 90 percent. In recognition of the danger to public health posed by filovirus infections, EBOV and SUDV have been identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as material threats to national health security.

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"Asimov is proud to partner with BARDA in this critical effort to advance the development of filovirus therapeutics," said Dr. Alec Nielsen, co-founder and CEO of Asimov. "Our CHO Edge system and synthetic biology platform are uniquely positioned to optimize the manufacturing process for this important mAb cocktail, ultimately enabling greater availability of these potentially life-saving treatments."   

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To support the aims of this project, Asimov will leverage its demonstrated capability in developing GMP-ready cell lines for antibodies (both monoclonal and bispecific) and fusion proteins. Asimov’s CHO Edge system integrates advanced genetic tools and data-driven models to achieve high titers in cell line development. This system uses a GS knock-out CHO host, a hyperactive transposase, a library of characterized genetic elements, and Kernel, Asimov's computer-aided genetic design software. Asimov will use machine learning and AI strategies to optimize cell line development and manufacturing processes, delivering on its commitment to innovation in biomanufacturing.  

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This project has been funded in whole or in part with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR); Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), under Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) number #75A50123D00003.

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About Asimov
Asimov’s mission is to advance humanity’s ability to design living systems, enabling biotechnologies with outsized societal benefit. The company is developing a synthetic biology platform – from cells to software – to design and manufacture next-generation therapeutics, including biologics and cell/gene therapies through a combination of products, services, and collaborations. 

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Founded by bioengineers from MIT and Boston University and headquartered in Boston, the company has raised over $200 million from top institutional investors including Andreessen Horowitz, CPP Investments, Horizons Ventures, and Fidelity Management & Research Company. For more information, visit www.asimov.com. 

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About BARDA

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) works with its industry partners to develop vaccines, drugs, therapies, and diagnostic tools for public health medical emergencies.   

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