Aldevron

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).

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

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

• Biologics contract manufacturing
• Plasmid DNA manufacturing
• MRNA drug substance production
• Cell and gene therapy CDMO
• CRISPR nucleases production

Headquarters

HQ city

Fargo

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core 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

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and strategic.

• MinariscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2026Renewed 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.
• CytivaflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 March 2026Collaboration 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)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 September 2023Global 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)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2022Collaboration 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 NanosystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership 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 TherapeuticscoreTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration 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)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership 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

Broad 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

• Xx.com/aldevron
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCIfEqRpx3IiPnmxUMPc4BUw
• Facebookfacebook.com/aldevron
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/151339

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aldevron