Biotech Investment News: Bayer’s Major Biotech Deals (2015–2025)

Strategic Review: Building a Cell and Gene Therapy Pipeline with BlueRock and AskBio

Over the past decade, Bayer has transitioned from conventional pharmaceuticals into emerging modalities like gene editing, cell therapies, and regenerative medicine. It has made key acquisitions like BlueRock Therapeutics and AskBio to support long-term pipeline development.

Major Deals and Partnerships

• 2016: CRISPR Therapeutics (gene editing collaboration)
• 2016: BlueRock Therapeutics (joint venture for iPSC therapies)
• 2019: BlueRock Therapeutics (fully acquired for $1B)
• 2020: AskBio (gene therapy, acquired for $4B)
• 2021: Atara Biotherapeutics (T-cell immunotherapy for oncology and MS)
• 2022: Mammoth Biosciences (CRISPR-based tech collaboration)
• 2023: Cellino Biotech (automated iPSC manufacturing)
• 2024: Metagenomi (advanced genome editing platform)
• 2025: Charter Medical (supporting cell therapy manufacturing)

Strategic Significance

Through its investments in BlueRock and AskBio, Bayer is shaping a diversified and innovation-driven cell and gene therapy pipeline. It’s building infrastructure for automated manufacturing and regenerative neurology applications.

My Insight

Among global pharma players, Bayer has demonstrated exceptional foresight by structurally committing to CGT development. BlueRock and AskBio could anchor Bayer’s future therapeutic breakthroughs.

References

• AskBio Acquisition (2020)
• BlueRock Acquisition (2019)