MaxCyte, Inc., (Nasdaq: MXCT; LSE: MXCT), a leading,
cell-engineering focused company providing solutions to advance the
discovery, development and commercialization of next-generation
cell therapeutics announced today the acquisition of SeQure Dx, a
market leader of on-target and off-target editing assessment
services for cell and gene therapies.
This strategic acquisition strengthens MaxCyte’s ability to
serve ex vivo and in vivo cell and gene therapy (CGT) developers
with an innovative suite of tools and services spanning early
R&D through clinical development and commercialization. By
integrating SeQure Dx into MaxCyte, Maxcyte will expand its service
offerings and leverage its commercial and field application
scientist teams to work with developers earlier in their research
processes. SeQure Dx is revenue generating and expected to be
accretive to MaxCyte’s revenue growth.
As the cell and gene therapy field continues to evolve, safety
is increasingly paramount for regulatory success. SeQure Dx
specializes in assays that deliver precise editing confirmation and
risk assessment for off-target effects, applicable across a wide
range of viral and non-viral gene editing modalities. This
expertise positions MaxCyte to support both ex vivo and in vivo
cell and gene therapy developers in the process development stage
through standardization of the cell engineering workflow.
“This acquisition underscores MaxCyte’s commitment to providing
CGT developers with cutting-edge tools to address complex cell
engineering challenges,” said Maher Masoud, CEO of MaxCyte.
“Integrating SeQure Dx into MaxCyte’s portfolio will allow us to
leverage our scientific support and complementary offerings to
drive advancements in the safety and precision of cell therapies.
At MaxCyte, we see tremendous opportunity to transform cell and
gene engineering with world-class tools and solutions and will
continue to make organic and inorganic growth investments to
position the Company as an end-to-end cell and gene engineering
solutions provider.”
SeQure Dx, headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, was
co-founded by Dr. Keith Joung, who at the time was chair in
pathology at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and professor at
Harvard Medical School. The company emerged from stealth mode in
late 2022 with the only comprehensive portfolio of evaluation
assays for off-target risk validation and candidate optimization in
the development of cell and gene therapies. Following the
acquisition, SeQure Dx will continue to drive innovation in assay
development for cell and gene therapy safety assessment.
“I am thrilled that SeQure Dx is joining forces with MaxCyte,”
said Keith Joung, Co-Founder of SeQure Dx. “Defining and reducing
potential off-target effects is an essential component for the
advancement of safe and effective gene editing, from program
discovery to eventual patient treatment. The shared vision of these
two companies will enable them to provide the CGT community with
access to SeQure Dx’s comprehensive, state-of-the-art assays and
data solutions.
Additional Transaction Details
The following information is being provided in
accordance with the disclosure requirements of the AIM rules. Under
the terms of the agreement, Maxcyte paid a total initial
consideration of $4.5 million at closing in cash for the entire
issued share capital of SeQure DX on a cash free, debt free
basis using Maxcyte’s existing cash resources. An additional
amount, that will not exceed $2.5 million, may be paid in
contingent consideration if the company exceeds certain revenue
targets. In 2024 (based on available unaudited results from
January 1 through November 30), SeQure DX incurred revenue of
approximately $1.7 million and a loss of approximately $6.5 million
and has net assets of $0.7 million as of closing.
MaxCyte notes that SeQure transitioned their
primary business activities from an assay development and licensing
organization to a contract service provider in March of 2024. As a
result, MaxCyte expects SeQure's revenue and losses to
substantially improve with a full year of service revenue activity,
capture of cost synergies, integration into MaxCyte’s commercial
infrastructure and other improvements to operational
efficiencies.
About MaxCyte
At MaxCyte, we pursue cell engineering excellence to maximize
the potential of cells to improve patients’ lives. We have spent
more than 25 years honing our expertise by building best-in-class
platforms, perfecting the art of the transfection workflow, and
venturing beyond today’s processes to innovate tomorrow’s
solutions. Our ExPERT™ platform, which is based on our Flow
Electroporation® technology, has been designed to support the
rapidly expanding cell therapy market and can be utilized across
the continuum of the high-growth cell therapy sector, from
discovery and development through commercialization of
next-generation, cell-based medicines. The ExPERT family of
products includes: four instruments, the ATx™, STx™, GTx™ and VLx
™; a portfolio of proprietary related processing assemblies or
disposables; and software protocols, all supported by a robust
worldwide intellectual property portfolio. By providing our
partners with the right technology platform, as well as scientific,
technical and regulatory support, we aim to guide them on their
journey to transform human health. Learn more
at maxcyte.com and follow us
on X and LinkedIn.
About SeQure Dx
SeQure Dx is a leader in gene editing safety analytics,
dedicated to advancing cell and gene therapies from discovery to
patient. With a robust portfolio of assays, including the
innovative ONE-seq and GUIDE-seq platforms, SeQure Dx provides
comprehensive off-target risk assessment solutions for gene
editing, spanning from early discovery through IND submission. By
addressing critical safety and efficacy challenges, SeQure Dx
empowers its partners to develop safe, transformative therapies.
Our mission is to ensure these life-changing technologies reach all
patients who can benefit. For more information, please visit
https://maxcyte.com/sequre-dx.
MaxCyte Contacts:
US IR AdviserGilmartin GroupDavid Deuchler, CFA+1
415-937-5400ir@maxcyte.com
US Media RelationsSpectrum ScienceJordan Vines+1
540-629-3137jvines@spectrumscience.com
Nominated Adviser and Joint Corporate BrokerPanmure LiberumEmma
Earl / Freddy CrossleyCorporate BrokingRupert Dearden+44 (0)20 7886
2500
UK IR AdviserICR HealthcareMary-Jane ElliottChris Welsh+44
(0)203 709 5700maxcyte@icrhealthcare.com
Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains
“forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe
harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995. These statements include, but are not limited to, our
expectations regarding our integration of the SeQure Dx business
and employees with our business. All statements other than
statements of historical facts contained in this press release,
including statements regarding our future results of operations or
financial condition, business strategy and plans and objectives of
management for future operations, are forward-looking statements.
These statements are inherently uncertain, and investors are
cautioned not to unduly rely on these statements.
Risks and uncertainties related to our business are described in
greater detail in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 12, 2024, as well as in
discussions of potential risks, uncertainties, and other important
factors in the other filings that we make with the Securities and
Exchange Commission from time to time, including in our Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended September 30, 2024, filed with the SEC on
November 6, 2024. These documents are available through the
Investor Menu, Financials section, under “SEC Filings” on the
Investors page of our website at http://investors.maxcyte.com.
Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on
our current beliefs and opinions on the relevant subject based on
information available to us as of the date of such press release,
and you should not rely on forward-looking statements as
predictions of future events. We undertake no obligation to update
any forward-looking statements made in this press release to
reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press
release or to reflect new information or the occurrence of
unanticipated events, except as required by law.
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