Azenta, Inc. (Nasdaq: AZTA) announced on May 13, 2025, a strategic partnership between its GENEWIZ division and Form Bio, an artificial intelligence life sciences technology company, to accelerate adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy development through an integrated sequencing and data analysis solution.
The collaboration combines GENEWIZ's industry-leading next-generation sequencing services with Form Bio's AI- and machine learning-powered analysis pipelines to provide gene therapy developers with comprehensive insights into AAV capsid contents. This integration aims to enhance safety, efficacy, and manufacturability of gene therapy vectors while reducing development time and costs.
Under the partnership, GENEWIZ will provide synthesis and packaging of transgene expression cassettes along with high-quality, long-read sequencing services specifically optimized for AAV gene therapy applications. Form Bio will complement these capabilities with its Long-read AAV Analysis (LAAVA) software, which performs comprehensive AAV Genome Integrity Characterization to identify opportunities for enhancing vector integrity and safety.
Streamlining Gene Therapy Development
The integration of these technologies creates a streamlined workflow that connects sequencing, vector design, and development processes. By embedding genome integrity analysis directly into sequencing workflows, the partnership addresses critical bottlenecks in gene therapy development.
"Our collaboration with Form Bio marks a major step forward in simplifying AAV gene therapy workflows," said Ginger Zhou, President at GENEWIZ. "By combining our sequencing expertise with their cutting-edge analysis, we are enabling researchers to make more informed decisions and break through traditional hurdles found in gene therapy development."
Andrew Busey, Co-Founder and CEO at Form Bio, emphasized the value of integrating analysis earlier in the development process: "Partnering with GENEWIZ allows us to embed our genome integrity insights directly into sequencing workflows. By integrating analysis earlier in the process, we're helping gene therapy developers accelerate timelines, enhance vector safety, and improve the likelihood for clinical success."
Addressing Challenges in AAV Vector Development
AAV vectors have emerged as leading delivery vehicles for gene therapies due to their safety profile and ability to target specific tissues. However, ensuring vector integrity and optimizing vector design remain significant challenges in the field.
The partnership addresses these challenges by providing developers with detailed characterization of AAV genomes, enabling them to identify and resolve issues related to vector integrity, transgene expression, and manufacturing consistency. This data-driven approach has the potential to significantly reduce the time and resources required to advance candidates from discovery to clinical testing.
Industry Impact and Launch Plans
The collaboration represents a significant advancement in the application of AI and computational tools to gene therapy development. By integrating cutting-edge sequencing technologies with sophisticated analysis pipelines, the partnership offers a comprehensive solution that could accelerate the development of safer and more effective gene therapies.
The partnership will officially launch at the 27th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Gene & Cell Therapy (ASGCT) in May 2025. Both companies will exhibit at the conference (booth numbers 1711 and 1143) and present a poster titled "The Long and Short of It: Comparing Next Generation Sequencing Methods for Quality Control in AAV Development" on May 15, from 5:30-7:00 pm EST (poster #1612).
Company Backgrounds
Form Bio delivers AI and computational solutions to accelerate therapeutic development in cell and gene therapy. The company's proprietary FORMsightAI platform enables rapid in silico genome integrity characterization and optimization of nucleic acid-based therapies. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Form Bio integrates AI-powered design with expertise in molecular biology, bioinformatics, software engineering, and data science.
Azenta, Inc. is a leading provider of life sciences solutions worldwide, enabling organizations to bring therapies to market faster. Through its GENEWIZ division, the company offers multiomics and synthetic solutions services. Azenta provides cold-chain sample management solutions and services across drug development, clinical research, and advanced cell therapies through brands including GENEWIZ, FluidX, Ziath, 4titude, Limfinity, Freezer Pro, and Barkey. The company is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
