Acquisitions in Biotech and SynBio stocks are on the horizon again and here is one that we believe may be in the crosshairs!

 Ginkgo Bioworks operates several advanced biotechnology platforms and technologies that would be particularly attractive to an acquiring company. These include:

1. Foundry and Codebase:

   • Automated Foundry: Ginkgo's high-throughput, automated biological foundry integrates robotics, advanced software, and cutting-edge biotechnology to design, build, and test organisms at scale. This foundry enables rapid prototyping and optimization of microorganisms for various applications, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with developing new biological products.
   • Codebase: Ginkgo has built a massive repository of biological knowledge, including genetic sequences, metabolic pathways, and optimized strains. This codebase is continually expanded and leveraged to improve the efficiency and success rate of genetic engineering projects.

2. Cell Programming and Synthetic Biology:

   • Genetic Engineering: Ginkgo specializes in engineering microorganisms (such as bacteria, yeast, and fungi) to produce a wide array of products, including pharmaceuticals, biofuels, chemicals, and food ingredients. Their expertise in gene editing, metabolic engineering, and strain optimization is a core technology.
   • Synthetic Biology Tools: Ginkgo utilizes advanced synthetic biology tools, including CRISPR, gene synthesis, and genome-scale engineering, to design and construct complex genetic circuits and pathways.

3. Biomanufacturing Capabilities:

   • Scale-Up Expertise: Ginkgo's ability to scale up engineered microorganisms from lab-scale to industrial-scale production is a significant asset. Their biomanufacturing capabilities include fermentation technology, downstream processing, and production optimization.
   • Partnerships and Collaboration: Ginkgo has a track record of successful partnerships with companies across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and consumer goods. Their collaborative approach and ability to integrate their technologies with partners’ processes enhance their attractiveness to potential acquirers.

4. Data and Software Infrastructure:

   • Data Analytics and Machine Learning: Ginkgo uses sophisticated data analytics and machine learning algorithms to analyze vast amounts of biological data, identify patterns, and predict successful genetic modifications. This data-driven approach accelerates the discovery and optimization of new biological products.
   • Bioinformatics and Computational Biology: Their software infrastructure supports advanced bioinformatics and computational biology, enabling the design, simulation, and optimization of genetic constructs and metabolic pathways.

5. Platform Applications:

   • Pharmaceuticals and Therapeutics: Ginkgo's platform can be used to develop new therapeutics, including biologics, vaccines, and gene therapies. Their ability to engineer microorganisms for drug production and discovery is particularly valuable.
   • Agriculture and Food: Ginkgo's technologies are applied to create sustainable agricultural products, such as engineered microbes for crop enhancement, pest control, and soil health. Additionally, they develop fermentation-based food ingredients and alternative proteins.
   • Environmental and Industrial Applications: Ginkgo engineers microbes for environmental applications, such as bioremediation and waste treatment, as well as for the production of industrial chemicals and biofuels.

An acquiring company would likely be interested in Ginkgo Bioworks for its comprehensive suite of technologies that enable rapid and cost-effective development of biological solutions, its extensive biological codebase, its robust biomanufacturing capabilities, and its innovative use of data analytics and machine learning in synthetic biology.

In Bio Science, there is a race for better Gene sequencing and genomics technology!

Consolidation in the BioTech realm is a given going forward. Ginkgo Bioworks technology looks attractive to larger companies in the space!

Pfizer is actively using artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to enhance its drug development processes.

Update June 25th

As of June 25, 2024, Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) is experiencing a significant decline in its stock performance! An Ai assessment!

Ginkgo Bioworks has been bolstering its position as a first mover in Synthetic Biology!

 . Here are the companies they’ve acquired and the reasons behind each acquisition:

1. Proof Diagnostics:

   -  Ginkgo Bioworks acquired Proof Diagnostics, a Cambridge-based CRISPR test developer co-founded by Feng Zhang (an early discoverer of Crispr technology) of the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. 
2. Proof Diagnostics has been working on a “future-proof” COVID-19 screener with a rapid tabletop analyzer capable of detecting not only COVID-19 but also the flu, respiratory syncytial virus, and other diseases using gene-editing technology. 
3. Ginkgo was mainly attracted to Proof Diagnostics for its intellectual property and libraries of RNA-programmable, non-Cas enzymes called OMEGAs. These emerging OMEGAs offer potential upgrades over current genomic medicine tools, making them easier to deliver into cells. Ginkgo plans to use these enzymes to support its gene therapy services, providing an alternative approach to gene editing.

4. Patch Biosciences: - Ginkgo acquired Patch Biosciences, a New York-based AI platform developer focused on computer-designed cargos for genetic medicines. By integrating Patch’s capabilities, libraries, and datasets, Ginkgo aims to enhance its existing genetic medicine toolkit. 

   The machine-learning models and downstream assays from Patch Biosciences will contribute to Ginkgo’s offerings.

5. Reverie Labs:

    - Ginkgo also acquired Reverie Labs, an AI-powered drug discovery company. Reverie Labs specializes in developing biology-focused foundation models and small molecule design. Four members of Reverie’s AI team, including Chief Technology Officer Ankit Gupta, have joined Ginkgo. 

   This acquisition will accelerate Ginkgo’s work in drug discovery and strengthen its expertise in biological engineering approaches.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that Ginkgo Bioworks made its largest acquisition to date by acquiring it's competitor, Zymergen, which is expected to significantly enhance Ginkgo’s platform by integrating strong automation and software capabilities. 

These acquisitions demonstrate Ginkgo’s commitment to advancing synthetic biology and expanding its capabilities in molecular medicine and AI-driven research. 

 Ginkgo Bioworks is an American biotech company founded in 2008 by five scientists from MIT, led by Jason Kelly. 

Their specialty lies in using genetic engineering to produce bacteria with industrial applications for other biotech companies. 

Essentially, they create custom-designed microorganisms that can be used in various fields, from agriculture to pharmaceuticals.

By doing so, they help other companies skip the costly initial stages of designing synthetic biology products. 

Their cell programming platform enables the growth of biotechnology across diverse markets, including food, fragrance, and pharmaceuticals

Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings (NYSE: DNA) is owned by 57.35% institutional shareholders, 13.56% by insiders, and 29.08% retail investors.

Article:

3 Reasons Why Cathie Wood Is Buying Ginkgo Bioworks Stock Hand Over Fist | The Motley Fool

KEY POINTS from this article:

• 
  
• 1.   The biofoundry's platform is scaling up, "big time" and customers are flocking.
• 2.
•        

  Powerful collaborators are signing up

  It's working with Merck, Moderna, Eli Lilly, and many others in biopharma and agriculture.

• 3  Ginkgo's valuation is attractive, and trading as a penny stock at all time lows!

Disclosure: we own stock in Ginkgo Bioworks ($DNA) and are accumulating!

Analysts high on Ginkgo and it's platform.

StockScan estimates an average price of $6.06 for Ginkgo Bioworks in 2025, with predictions ranging from a low of $4.78 to a high of $7.34​ (Stock Screener, Chart, and Price) This indicates a potential rise of approximately 980.45% from the last recorded price. While Ginkgo faces challenges, its long-term opportunities in #CellProgramming and #Biosecurity could drive significant growth. Keep in mind that investing involves risks, and it’s essential to conduct thorough research before making any investment decisions

I asked ChatGPT, What a merger between Twist Biosciences and Ginkgo Bioworks might do for the growth of Synthetic Biology!

"The rapid and complete resolution of aggressive MSS colorectal cancer tumors observed in this study is unprecedented in the field" says the author Dr. Kasi

The Human body is highly "Adaptive" in fighting desease, and these two companies are developing technology right now to help that system fight Cancer!

 Let’s compare Adaptive BioTechnologies and Agenus Inc. in terms of how they utilize the adaptive immune system to combat cancer:

1. Adaptive BioTechnologies:

   • Immunosequencing: Adaptive BioTechnologies provides an end-to-end immunosequencing solution called Immunosequencing. 
   • 
     
   • This solution helps researchers discover the breadth and depth of the adaptive immune system. Here are some key features:
     • Quantitative Abundance Data: 
     • Immunosequencing uses a multiplex PCR-based assay that enables sequencing directly from genomic DNA. Unlike RNA-based assays, it provides precise and quantitative abundance data on cell populations.
     • 
       
     • Synthetic Immune Templates: 
     • Rigorously designed synthetic immune templates act as in-line controls, ensuring accurate, quantitative, and unbiased results.
     • 
       
     • High-Throughput Sequencing: 
     • By sequencing the CDR3 variable chain of T- and B-cell receptors, Immunosequencing captures the depth and breadth of the immune repertoire, allowing insights into disease dynamics and treatment response.
     • 
       
   • Collaborations: 
   • Adaptive BioTechnologies collaborates with companies like AstraZeneca to map the immune response to cancer antigens, potentially informing the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics.
   • 
     
   • Recent Highlights from Q1 2024
     

        -- Revenue for the first quarter of 2024 was $41.9 million. The MRD business, 
           which contributed 78% of revenue, grew 52% versus the first quarter of 
           2023. 
      
        -- clonoSEQ test volume in the first quarter of 2024 grew 41% to 17,040 
           tests delivered versus the first quarter of 2023. 
      
        -- Recognized $4.5 million within MRD revenue upon the achievement of 
           regulatory milestones from biopharmaceutical clinical studies. 
      
        -- The FDA's Oncologic Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC) voted unanimously in 
           favor of the use of MRD as a primary endpoint to support the accelerated 
           approval of new therapies for patients with multiple myeloma. 
      
        -- Following a strategic review, MRD and Immune Medicine will operate under 
           Adaptive with dedicated resources, separate segment reporting and 
           disciplined capital allocation. 
      
        -- Initiated antibody discovery campaign in Immune Medicine for multiple 
           sclerosis and type 1 diabetes to discover, make and test select 
           antibodies to generate preclinical data during 2024. 

2. Agenus Inc.:

   • Botensilimab: Agenus has developed a next-generation CTLA-4 antibody called Botensilimab. Here’s how it works:
     • Cold Tumors: 
     • Botensilimab extends the curative benefits of immunotherapy (I-O) to cold tumors that do not respond to approved immunotherapies.
     • Hot Tumors:
     •  It also expands clinical benefit in hot tumors (e.g., melanoma), where CTLA-4 is approved but shows clinical benefit in only a third of patients.
     • Improved Tolerability: 
     • Botensilimab aims to reduce or eliminate side effects that cause treatment discontinuation.
     • 
       
   • Pipeline: 
   • Agenus discovers, manufactures, and develops immuno-oncology therapeutics, including checkpoint modulators (CPMs), patient-specific anti-cancer vaccines, and adjuvants for use with various vaccines.
   • 
     
   • Recent Trials: 
   • Agenus initiated global Phase 2 trials for botensilimab in advanced MSS colorectal cancer and advanced melanoma, activating both innate and adaptive immune responses. 
   • Additionally, the combination of botensilimab and balstilimab showed unprecedented activity in microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer.

   • "The rapid and complete resolution of aggressive MSS colorectal cancer tumors observed in this study is unprecedented in the field" says the author Dr. Kasi

In summary, both companies leverage the adaptive immune system through innovative approaches to combat cancer, with Adaptive BioTechnologies focusing on immunosequencing and Agenus developing next-generation antibodies like botensilimab. 

Keep in mind that their specific strategies may vary based on their respective pipelines and collaborations.

These two small cap companies can be found on the Nasdaq under the symbols

$ADPT - $AGEN

From the "American College of Surgeons" report!

Agenus Inc. (formerly known as Agenus Therapeutics) is not claiming to be close to a cure for any form of cancer, but they are making significant strides in developing innovative cancer therapies.

Ginkgo Bioworks is building out their BioManufacturing Foundry platform which mimics the building of semiconductor foundries of yester year!

 78.63% of #GinkgoBioworks ( $DNA) stock is owned by #Institutional #investors.

Here are some of the major institutional shareholders:

ARK Investment Management LLC owns a significant number of shares in Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DNA). As of the most recent filings, they held 182,192,185 shares during the 3rd quarter of 2023. 

Additionally, in the 4th quarter, their holdings increased to 198,606,619 shares

Equitec Proprietary Markets LLC: Holds 672,488 shares (0.5% of the portfolio). Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Holdings Inc.: Holds 55,865,048 shares (2.595% of the portfolio).

(Note: M. Potter who served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chair of the board of Sumitomo Pharma America, and as the Chief Executive Officer of Sumitovant Biopharma, the parent company of five biotechnology companies, was added to the board of Ginkgo BioWorks on April 29th) Salem Investment Counselors Inc.: Holds 4,758,585 shares (0.221% of the portfolio). Vanguard Group Inc.: Holds 132,780,095 shares (6.169% of the portfolio). Lingotto Investment Management LLP: Holds 8,511,301 shares (0.402% of the portfolio). Additionally, during the previous two years, a total of 228 institutional investors and hedge funds held shares of Ginkgo Bioworks.

Some of the most heavily invested institutions include Baillie Gifford & Co., ARK Investment Management LLC, and Nikko Asset Management Americas Inc.. Institutional investors play a significant role in Ginkgo Bioworks’ ownership structure, with a mix of large investment firms and hedge funds holding substantial stakes in the company

Founded in 2008 by five #Scientists from #MIT, Ginkgo Bioworks is headquartered in #Boston. Their mission is to use #Biology to grow better products across diverse markets. They have developed a cell programming platform that enables the growth of biotechnology. Ginkgo’s platform allows for programming cells and designing organisms that behave in pre-defined ways. They work with various industries, from food to fragrance to pharmaceuticals. - - - - - - -

#Ginkgo collaborates with various organizations and companies like:

Pfizer

Pfizer has entered into a multi-target RNA discovery collaboration with Ginkgo Bioworks, cell engineering.

 In this partnership, Pfizer will leverage Ginkgo’s proprietary RNA technology to advance the discovery and development of novel RNA molecules across priority research areas. 

The collaboration is valued at a total of $331 million across three distinct programs, and Ginkgo Bioworks is entitled to potential downstream value in the form of royalties on sales

Ginkgo also collaborates with these partners:

#Motif #FoodWorks: Changing the future of #food. #Bayer: Designing #probiotics for plants. #Allonnia: Enabling bioremediation solutions. #Aldevron: Supporting the #Vaccine #SupplyChain. #Cronos Group: Unlocking potential in #Cannabinoids. #Synlogic: Engineering living #Medicines. #Moderna: Optimizing vaccine processes. #IARPA: Protecting valuable technology. #Robertet: Producing cultured ingredients. And more

Keep in mind the companies that collaborate with Ginkgo Bioworks to advance synthetic biology:

1. OneOne Biosciences

   , a French biotech startup, is developing a comprehensive suite of agricultural microbial solutions. They have partnered with Ginkgo Bioworks to leverage their robust ag biologicals infrastructure, biotechnological expertise, and Strain Optimization Services. The collaboration aims to accelerate OneOne’s research and product development in agricultural microbial solutions, including a novel solution for production and delivery of ag microbials through the OneOne Multiplier™1.

2. Synlogic: collaborates with Ginkgo Bioworks to develop a pipeline of novel “living” medicines based on engineered probiotics. They utilize Ginkgo’s cell programming platform to create innovative treatments.

3. Biogen:

    and Ginkgo Bioworks have announced a gene therapy collaboration. Their goal is to redefine the industry standard for manufacturing recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based vectors3.

4. Pfizer: Ginkgo Bioworks has a collaboration with Pfizer to advance the discovery and development of novel RNA molecules across priority research areas using Ginkgo’s proprietary RNA technology4.

Ginkgo has also acquired competitors like Zymergen etc, and have a serious "first mover" advantage in the field as they continue to build a "moat" around their business that few if any, will be able to copykey points:

1. Sustainability: Ginkgo’s platform enables leading pharmaceutical, food, and agriculture companies to develop more sustainable solutions. As the world increasingly looks to synthetic biology for emissions reduction and supply chain resilience, Ginkgo’s role becomes more critical.

2. Biosecurity:

   Ginkgo’s biosecurity business unit, Concentric, is working on building infrastructure to monitor biological threats. They collaborate with organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to enhance pathogen monitoring and develop tools to prevent misuse of engineered biology.

3. Employee Ownership and Care: Ginkgo is committed to thoughtful deployment of its platform. They’ve established a Caring Committee to assess potential impacts of their activities and integrate a Cost, Caring, and Risk Assessment (CCRA) process

4. How to invest in Robots and Robotics going forward, through the back door method!

5. "The rapid and complete resolution of aggressive MSS colorectal cancer tumors observed in this study is unprecedented in the field" says the author Dr. Kasi