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Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services and Gene Tools Collaboration: A Game Changer in PMO Therapeutics

On October 21, 2025, Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services, a prominent player in biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing, and Gene Tools, LLC, announced their strategic partnership aimed at expanding access to phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMOs). PMOs stand out as a revolutionary class of oligonucleotide therapeutics that hold the potential to tackle various genetic conditions, including Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

The Need for Specialized Manufacturing

The need for an effective manufacturing strategy is imperative, especially for PMOs which are structurally unique and require specialized production capabilities. Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma has established itself as an expert in PMO production through its innovative AJIPHASE® liquid-phase technology, which facilitates large-scale production adhering to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles. Nonetheless, the initial research phases often require smaller and diverse batches of PMOs, a demand that Gene Tools excels in fulfilling through its small-scale solid-phase PMO synthesis.

A Joint Commitment to Efficiency

Under the new agreement, Gene Tools will focus on the pre-purified synthesis of PMOs, while Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma will handle the subsequent purification and quality control processes. This collaboration allows clients to transition seamlessly from early-stage research to toxicology studies and GLP development, a clear pathway toward clinical applications.

Yasuyuki Otake, Corporate Executive at Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services, emphasized the company's commitment to accelerating the development of advanced oligonucleotide therapies to enhance patient outcomes: "Through this collaboration with Gene Tools, we are expanding access to high-quality PMOs at the earliest stages of research. Together, we can help researchers expedite the process of transforming innovative scientific discoveries into clinical solutions."

James Summerton, Chief Scientist at Gene Tools, echoed this sentiment, stating, "By merging Gene Tools' expertise in early-stage PMO synthesis with Aji Bio-Pharma's advanced purification and large-scale manufacturing skills, we provide our customers the continuity and confidence required for successful clinical development."

Non-Exclusive Collaboration for Broader Impact

This partnership is designed to be non-exclusive and aims to increase the number of early-stage PMO projects, ensuring that promising therapeutic candidates can transition smoothly into clinical stages. This collaboration significantly enhances Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma’s strategy to provide comprehensive support throughout the lifecycle of oligonucleotide therapeutics, from initial discovery to first-in-human GMP manufacturing.

Overview of the Companies

Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services

Ajinomoto Bio-Pharma Services operates as a fully integrated contract development and manufacturing organization with facilities located in Belgium, the U.S., Japan, and India. The company specializes in a wide array of services across gene therapy, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and both large and small molecule manufacturing. Its capabilities include developing high potency APIs (HPAPI), continuous flow manufacturing, oligonucleotide synthesis, biocatalysis, and more. Their dedication to quality and client satisfaction remains a central priority.

Gene Tools LLC

Established in 1997, Gene Tools has been at the forefront of designing and manufacturing customizable PMOs for research purposes. Being the first company to commercially provide PMOs, they continue to address the evolving needs of researchers. With a robust support system consisting of Ph.D. research scientists, rapid synthesis turnaround, and extensive customization capabilities, Gene Tools is committed to innovating therapeutic development.

Together, these two organizations stand poised to make significant strides in genetic medicine and therapeutic interventions, paving the way for future advancements in treating genetic disorders.