Maravai LifeSciences Expands mRNA and Oligonucleotide Capabilities with Acquisition of Molecular Assemblies’ IP and Assets

Maravai LifeSciences, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRVI), a global supplier of life science reagents and services, announced the acquisition of intellectual property and relevant assets from Molecular Assemblies, Inc. (MAI), a private San Diego-based company specializing in enzymatic DNA synthesis technology. This acquisition is set to enhance Maravai’s TriLink BioTechnologies business by integrating Molecular Assemblies’ proprietary Fully Enzymatic Synthesis™ (FES™) platform.

Molecular Assemblies’ FES technology replicates the natural enzymatic process of DNA synthesis to produce long, high-quality, sequence-specific DNA strands reliably, affordably, and sustainably. The technology holds promise for applications across industrial synthetic biology, precision medicine, nanomachines, and bio-based electronics.

Trey Martin, CEO of Maravai LifeSciences, highlighted the significance of the acquisition, stating, “Molecular Assemblies is the original leader in enzymatic oligo synthesis, with strong foundational IP. Their team has made great strides in designing and developing an enzymatic DNA synthesis platform with exciting technical advantages over traditional chemical synthesis.” He added that Maravai plans to evolve and enhance these workflows to push the limits of oligonucleotide length and purity while lowering costs by vertically integrating nucleoside triphosphates (NTPs) and enzymes from its TriLink and Alphazyme businesses.

Justin Barbosa, General Manager and Vice President of TriLink Discovery, emphasized the operational benefits: “By integrating Molecular Assemblies technology into TriLink’s capabilities, we can further incorporate DNA template manufacturing in our mRNA business. We also plan to expand our custom oligo offerings to support gene assembly, antibody screening, and CRISPR homology-directed repair (HDR) donor workflows.”

Bill Efcavitch, Co-Founder of Molecular Assemblies, expressed confidence in the transition, noting, “We are pleased our customers will continue to be supported by TriLink, a leader in nucleic acid manufacturing with an excellent reputation for high quality and scientific expertise. TriLink is well positioned to advance and expand our technology as they work with innovators who are developing the next generation of nucleic acid-based vaccines and therapeutics.”

Maravai LifeSciences is recognized for providing critical products that enable drug therapies, diagnostics, novel vaccines, and research on human diseases. Its portfolio includes leadership in nucleic acid synthesis and biologics safety testing, serving major biopharmaceutical, vaccine, diagnostics, and cell and gene therapy companies worldwide.

Molecular Assemblies’ FES technology is patented and designed to produce DNA in a manner that mimics natural enzymatic synthesis, offering advantages over traditional chemical methods. This technology is expected to facilitate advances in DNA reading and writing across multiple industries.

The press release includes a cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements under the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. It notes that plans to develop workflows, reduce costs, and expand product offerings are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. Investors are advised to consider the risk factors detailed in Maravai’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.