Aldevron
Aldevron is a global CDMO specializing in plasmid DNA, mRNA, recombinant proteins, and CRISPR components for genomic medicine developers, serving 1,000+ therapeutic companies across 1,100+ clinical trials. A wholly-owned Danaher subsidiary, it operates the world's largest cGMP plasmid DNA facility in Fargo, ND.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1998
- HeadquartersFargo, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Aldevron does
Aldevron, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in biologics for genomic medicine. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) and operates what the company describes as the world's largest cGMP plasmid DNA manufacturing facility (265,000 sq ft Breakthrough Campus with 32 production suites), supplemented by sites in Madison, WI (ISO 13485-certified protein manufacturing), Lincoln, NE, and a late-2025 Discovery Center in Waltham, MA. The company serves 1,000+ therapeutic companies across 1,100+ clinical trials and has produced 165,000+ lots since founding.
Its core platform spans custom and catalog products across four primary modalities: (1) plasmid DNA (traditional plasmids and the proprietary Nanoplasmid™ vector system with <500 bp backbone and RNA-OUT antibiotic-free selection); (2) mRNA drug substance and drug product, including LNP encapsulation via Precision Nanosystems, Cytiva, and Acuitas partnerships and sterile fill/finish via Cytiva SA25; (3) recombinant proteins and enzymes (including CRISPR nucleases such as SpyFi Cas9, Eureca-V, and SpCas9); and (4) CRISPR RNP manufacturing and cGMP gRNA (via IDT partnership). Process technologies include the HyperGRO™ fed-batch platform achieving yields up to 3.5 g/L and REVIVER™ engineered host strains for challenging plasmids, with a new Alchemy™ cell-free linear DNA offering launched in 2025.
Aldevron generates revenue through three streams: (1) contract development and manufacturing services (CDMO) with multi-year project-based contracts at research, GMP-Source™, small-scale cGMP (≤500 mg), and full cGMP quality grades; (2) catalog product sales via a direct e-commerce storefront for research-grade plasmids, CRISPR nucleases, viral vector plasmids, cloning backbones, IVT enzymes, and reporters ($150–$1,170+ list prices); and (3) managed storage and stability services (ASDS). The company sells direct to enterprise biopharma clients and distributes cGMP CRISPR nucleases globally through IDT. The go-to-market is primarily enterprise field sales for custom manufacturing, complemented by content marketing, webinars, and a flagship partnership channel with IDT. Regulatory track record includes FDA CBER Pre-License Inspection (NAI 2021), FDA Level 1 Surveillance Inspection (NAI 2024), EU GMP Compliance (June 2024), and ISO 13485:2016 renewal (July 2024).
Aldevron firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Aldevron
- Legal name
- Aldevron, LLC
- Website
- https://aldevron.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1998
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Aldevron is a global CDMO specializing in plasmid DNA, mRNA, recombinant proteins, and CRISPR components for genomic medicine developers, serving 1,000+ therapeutic companies across 1,100+ clinical trials. A wholly-owned Danaher subsidiary, it operates the world's largest cGMP plasmid DNA facility in Fargo, ND.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Aldevron industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO)
- NAICS
- Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing (3254)
- SIC
- Pharmaceutical Preparations (2834)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Gene Therapy (Viral Vector/Plasmid) CDMO (HLAGABAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- mRNA/LNP & Nucleic Acid Therapeutics CDMO (HLAGABAF), Gene Therapy Vector Manufacturing & CDMO Services (HLAAACAJ)
Keywords
Where Aldevron is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fargo
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Aldevron business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Contract Development and Manufacturing Services: Custom manufacturing services for plasmid DNA, mRNA, and proteins across research, GMP-Source, and cGMP quality grades. Revenue is generated through project-based contracts with biopharmaceutical companies for therapeutic development and manufacturing.
- Catalog Product Sales: Standardized catalog products including CRISPR nucleases, viral vector plasmids, cloning backbones, IVT enzymes, and reporters sold through e-commerce platform. Products available at research grade, GMP-Source, and cGMP quality levels.
- Storage and Stability Services: Aldevron Storage Distribution Services (ASDS) providing secure storage and stability testing for client materials including research-grade, GMP-Source, and GMP biological materials.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Other | Multi-year contract | cGMP Manufacturing Services for clinical and commercial applications |
| Other | Multi-year contract | Small-Scale cGMP (≤500mg) |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | GMP-Source Grade |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Research Grade Products |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
Aldevron product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Aldevron is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) that produces plasmid DNA, mRNA, recombinant proteins, and CRISPR components for genomic medicine developers. The company offers custom manufacturing services across research, GMP-Source, and cGMP quality grades, along with standardized catalog products sold through an online storefront. Its offerings span gene therapy, cell therapy, gene editing, and mRNA vaccine/therapeutic applications, supporting clients from discovery through clinical and commercial stages.
Product overview
Aldevron is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in biologics manufacturing for genomic medicine. The company's product portfolio centers on a unified platform spanning plasmid DNA (traditional and Nanoplasmid™), mRNA (drug substance and drug product with LNP encapsulation), proteins, and CRISPR components. Aldevron offers products and services across the development continuum: catalog products for research use (CRISPR nucleases, IVT enzymes, viral vector plasmids, cloning backbones, reporters), custom manufacturing services at multiple quality grades (Research, GMP-Source™, Small-Scale cGMP, Traditional cGMP), and end-to-end solutions including cGMP gRNA, CRISPR RNP complex manufacturing, and storage/distribution services. The company's facilities include Breakthrough Campus (cGMP plasmid, mRNA, protein), Advance Campus (research-grade manufacturing), Innovate Campus Madison (protein manufacturing, ISO 13485), and the Discovery Center Waltham (cell-free DNA, gene editing, mRNA analytics). Quality offerings progress from research grade through cGMP to support clients from discovery through clinical to commercialization.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Alchemy™: Alchemy™ cell-free DNA technology - a cutting-edge service for manufacturing linear DNA.
- REVIVER™
- HyperGRO™
- GMP-Source™
- Nanoplasmid™
Products and services
- Plasmid DNA Manufacturing Custom manufacturing of plasmid DNA for research, preclinical, clinical, and commercial applications. Available in research grade, GMP-Source (cost-effective cGMP manufacturing features), small-scale cGMP (≤500mg for early-phase trials), and traditional cGMP grades (>500mg to commercial scale). Supports traditional plasmids and Nanoplasmid vectors.
- Nanoplasmid DNA Next-generation plasmid vector system with <500 bp backbone and antibiotic-free selection (RNA-OUT). Offers high transgene expression, increased edited cell yields, improved safety profile, and enhanced manufacturing yields compared to traditional plasmids. Suitable for AAV, lentivirus, non-viral gene therapy, DNA vaccines, CRISPR gene editing, transposons, and mRNA vector protection.
- mRNA Drug Substance and Drug Product Manufacturing Complete mRNA manufacturing from sequence through final drug product. Includes drug substance manufacturing (cGMP batches released), LNP encapsulation via Cytiva and Acuitas partnership, and sterile fill/finish using Cytiva SA25 Aseptic Filling Workcell. Full analytics including sequence confirmation, particle sizing, encapsulation efficiency, and potency assays.
- Custom Protein/Enzyme Manufacturing Custom recombinant protein manufacturing from construct design through analytical testing. Services include host cell optimization, expression screening, process development, and contract production. Available for research, molecular diagnostic, and cGMP therapeutic applications. Madison, WI facility is ISO 13485 certified.
- CRISPR Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) Manufacturing Full RNP service solution combining Aldevron cGMP-grade CRISPR/Cas proteins with client-provided guide RNAs. Includes optimal complexing conditions, comprehensive characterization (free Cas9, free gRNA, RNP activity assays), and complete regulatory documentation for IND filing. Supports ex vivo and in vivo gene editing programs from discovery to clinic.
- cGMP gRNA Manufacturing and Sequencing cGMP guide RNA manufacturing services with robust analytical controls for preclinical and clinical trials. Partnership with IDT for oligonucleotide synthesis expertise. Includes engineering run and cGMP service levels with ISO 8 cleanroom certification, plus gRNA sequencing services for sequence-level identity verification and contaminant detection.
- CRISPR Nucleases (SpyFi Cas9, Eureca-V, SpCas9) High-fidelity and wild-type CRISPR nucleases available in-stock at research grade and cGMP. SpyFi Cas9 Nuclease offers greater editing efficiency and reduced off-target effects. Eureca-V Nuclease is a Class 2 Type V nuclease based on MAD7 protein. SpCas9 Nuclease is wild-type for standard applications. All cGMP products include Drug Master File (DMF) on file with FDA.
- In vitro Transcription (IVT) & Capping Enzymes Enzymes manufactured to support RNA synthesis from research through clinical trials and commercialization. Includes Codex HiCap RNA Polymerase for advancing RNA medicine. Supports mRNA vaccine and therapeutic development workflows.
- Viral Vector Plasmids (AAV & Lentiviral) Viral expression and helper plasmids that generate high-titer viral vectors for research and clinical production. Includes AAV serotype-specific plasmids (AAV2, AAV5, AAV6) and lentiviral packaging plasmids. License and royalty free options available.
- REVIVER Host Strains and HyperGRO Manufacturing Platform Engineered E. coli host strains for stable high-yield production of polyA, ITR, and large palindrome-containing traditional plasmids. HyperGRO is an advanced fed-batch nutrient-limited process achieving yields up to 3.5 g/L. Both technologies optimize plasmid manufacturing performance and reduce costs.
- Aldevron Storage Distribution Services (ASDS) Secure, monitored storage facility for research-grade, GMP-Source, and GMP biological materials. Temperature options from -80°C to ambient. Includes stability testing services with full QC assay panel tailored to client timelines and budgets.
- Alchemy Cell-free DNA Technology Cutting-edge cell-free linear DNA technology service launched to address advanced gene therapy and DNA vaccine manufacturing needs.
Quantifiable outcome
- Delivered world's first mRNA-based personalized CRISPR therapy in 6 months - 3x faster than standard timelines
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Aldevron
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Aldevron technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Aldevron partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and strategic.
- MinariscoreRenewed lentiviral plasmid licensing agreement combining Aldevron's cGMP manufacturing expertise with Oxgene's advanced plasmid engineering capabilities to provide scalable plasmid solutions for cell and gene therapy developers. Partnership designed to help developers simplify supply chains, reduce manufacturing risk, and accelerate development timelines from discovery through clinical application.
- CytivaflagshipCollaboration with San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET) - the first Danaher Beacon in the European Union - to advance next-generation genomic medicine platforms. Initiative combines SR-TIGET's scientific expertise with Cytiva's manufacturing capabilities and Aldevron's plasmid expertise, focusing on lentiviral vector production and homology-directed repair-based gene editing in hematopoietic stem cells.
- Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT)coreGlobal distribution agreement where IDT stocks and sells Aldevron cGMP-manufactured CRISPR nucleases including SpyFi Cas9, Eureca-V, and SpCas9 nucleases to provide researchers with accelerated path to clinic. Combines IDT's expertise in CRISPR chemistry and oligo production with Aldevron's expertise in cGMP CRISPR nuclease and RNP manufacturing. Also includes collaboration on cGMP gRNA manufacturing as part of Danaher family.
- Innovative Genomics Institute (IGI)strategicCollaboration with Dr. Jennifer Doudna's IGI team for custom ultra-low endotoxin nuclease manufacturing to support injection-based delivery of CRISPR-Cas9 RNPs for central nervous system disorders research. Aldevron manufactured a custom nuclease meeting demanding specifications for the research program.
- Precision NanosystemscorePartnership for LNP encapsulation technology to provide critical components for mRNA therapies. Aldevron collaborates with Precision Nanosystems to add scalability of LNP encapsulation from research grade to GMP for mRNA drug product manufacturing.
- Acuitas TherapeuticscoreCollaboration for LNP delivery technology to support mRNA therapeutic development. Acuitas provides lipid nanoparticle technology for encapsulation of mRNA therapeutics manufactured at Aldevron facilities.
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)flagshipPartnership with CHOP to manufacture the world's first mRNA-based personalized CRISPR therapy for an infant with urea cycle disorder. Aldevron and IDT delivered the therapy in just six months - three times faster than standard timelines, demonstrating the power of integrated manufacturing and collaboration.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Aldevron competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Lonza: Global large-molecule and cell-and-gene-therapy CDMO with substantially broader scale and modality coverage than Aldevron. Overlaps in plasmid, viral vector, mRNA, and cell therapy manufacturing, serving similar biopharma customers but as part of a much wider portfolio.
- Catalent: Large diversified CDMO (now under Novo Holdings) with established capabilities in biologics fill/finish, cell therapy, and plasmid/viral services. Overlaps with Aldevron in mRNA drug product, plasmid, and gene therapy manufacturing serving biopharma customers.
- AGC Biologics: Global CDMO offering mammalian, microbial, and cell/gene therapy services including plasmid DNA and viral vector manufacturing. Overlaps with Aldevron in serving advanced therapy developers with cGMP-grade biologics manufacturing.
- Charles River Laboratories: Major CRO/CDMO with a dedicated Cell and Gene Therapy CDMO segment (including Cobra Biologics and Vigene). Competes with Aldevron across plasmid DNA, viral vector, and cell therapy manufacturing for similar biopharmaceutical customers.
- Samsung Biologics: Large-scale biologics CDMO expanding into cell and gene therapy services. While primarily focused on mammalian biologics, its investments in mRNA and viral vector capabilities position it as an emerging overlapping competitor to Aldevron's CDMO services.
Direct peers
- VGXI: Houston-based CDMO specializing in plasmid DNA manufacturing for gene therapy, cell therapy, and DNA vaccine applications. Competes head-to-head with Aldevron in research-, GMP-Source-, and cGMP-grade plasmid services, including high-quality DNA vaccine and viral vector plasmids.
- Cobra Biologics (Charles River): Specialist plasmid DNA and viral vector CDMO acquired by Charles River Laboratories. Directly competes with Aldevron in cGMP plasmid manufacturing for gene therapy and gene-modified cell therapy developers, with overlapping customer profiles in European and global advanced therapy biotechs.
- Genezen: U.S.-based viral vector and gene therapy CDMO offering lentiviral and AAV production. Competes with Aldevron for gene therapy developers needing integrated plasmid supply and viral vector manufacturing, with overlapping capabilities in early- to mid-stage clinical supply.
Emerging players
- National Resilience: Technology-focused biomanufacturing company offering end-to-end production services across biologics, viral vectors, and nucleic acids. Competes with Aldevron in plasmid and viral vector manufacturing for advanced therapy developers, with a particular emphasis on integrated manufacturing platforms.
Regional players
- Yposkesi: France-based cell and gene therapy CDMO specializing in AAV and lentiviral vector manufacturing for European clients. Comparable to Aldevron in viral vector CDMO services and overlapping gene therapy customer base, though primarily serving EU-based developers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Aldevron social profiles
Digital presenceAldevron compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Aldevron financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Aldevron leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles15 records
Aldevron funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Aldevron M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Aldevron
What does Aldevron do?
Aldevron is a global Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) that produces plasmid DNA, mRNA, recombinant proteins, and CRISPR components for genomic medicine developers. The company offers custom manufacturing services across research, GMP-Source, and cGMP quality grades, along with standardized catalog products sold through an online storefront. Its offerings span gene therapy, cell therapy, gene editing, and mRNA vaccine/therapeutic applications, supporting clients from discovery through clinical and commercial stages.
Is Aldevron a public or private company?
Aldevron is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Aldevron founded?
Aldevron was founded in 1998. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Aldevron based?
Aldevron is headquartered in Fargo, United States, in the North America region.
How does Aldevron make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Contract Development and Manufacturing Services are the primary driver. The others are catalog Product Sales and storage and Stability Services.
Who are Aldevron's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Lonza, Catalent, AGC Biologics, Charles River Laboratories and Samsung Biologics. Direct peers are VGXI, Cobra Biologics (Charles River) and Genezen. National Resilience is listed as an emerging player. Yposkesi is listed as a regional player.
Does Aldevron have an API?
No public API is recorded for Aldevron.
What industry is Aldevron in?
Aldevron's product category is Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing (CDMO). Its primary akta.pro industry code is HLAGABAE, Gene Therapy (Viral Vector/Plasmid) CDMO, with a secondary code of HLAGABAF, mRNA/LNP & Nucleic Acid Therapeutics CDMO. Its NAICS code is 3254 and its SIC code is 2834.