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Ginkgo Bioworks Receives Major Contract from BARDA

BOSTON, Nov. 3, 2025 – Ginkgo Bioworks has been awarded an important contract by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) under the BioMaP-Consortium. This initiative focuses on enhancing the biomanufacturing processes for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) aimed at combating filoviruses, including Ebola and Sudan viruses. The total value of this contract could reach up to $22.2 million, which is dedicated to the development and production of effective mAb treatments.

The project seeks to deliver innovative technologies that will reduce the costs and complexities associated with mAb biomanufacturing, further improving national biosecurity. Ginkgo will spearhead a team composed of several partners, including Advanced BioScience Laboratories (ABL), Isolere Bio by Donaldson, NeuImmune, Inc., and ProteoNic BV. Together, they aim to streamline the processes of producing mAbs that have been shown to protect against deadly filoviruses.

The Importance of Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential against various infectious diseases. As evidenced by previous studies, certain mAbs effectively protect nonhuman primates from the lethal ramifications of filoviruses like Ebola. This collaboration intends to capitalize on existing research and expedite the development of the mAbs cocktail, specifically the 1C3 and 1C11 variants discovered by Emory University.

In a statement, Jennifer Wipf, the General Manager of Ginkgo's Discovery Manufacturing Solutions division, emphasized the importance of rapidly scalable and economical mAb manufacturing for national biosecurity and public health readiness. “We are honored to work with BARDA and our consortium partners to bring these innovations to domestic mAb production, ultimately aiming to safeguard the U.S. population from high-threat pathogens,” Wipf noted.

Collaborative Efforts

Each partner in this initiative brings a unique set of skills and technologies. ABL, known for its extensive experience in the development and manufacturing of biopharmaceutical products, will provide essential production capabilities for this endeavor. Tim Fouts, the Chief Scientific Officer of ABL, expressed optimism about the collaborative nature of the project, stating that their combined efforts could redefine effectiveness against infectious diseases.

Isolere Bio by Donaldson is set to contribute its advancements in biopharmaceutical purification technologies, aiming to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Meanwhile, NeuImmune is poised to leverage its precision glycoengineering platform, while ProteoNic will offer its proprietary vector technologies to enhance protein production yields.

Ginkgo's continuous engagement with the U.S. government in areas of synthetic biology and biomanufacturing innovation demonstrates its commitment to national preparedness. This initiative, backed by federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, highlights Ginkgo’s role as a leader in biotechnological solutions tailored for public health.

Future Implications

As the world continues to grapple with various biological threats, Ginkgo Bioworks' efforts under this contract could significantly impact emergency response capabilities against viral infections. The development of efficient and cost-effective monoclonal antibody production methods is not only vital for immediate public health interventions but also lays the groundwork for future biopharmaceutical advancements.

For further information on this project and to follow Ginkgo Bioworks' progress, visit their website or connect with them on social media platforms. The collaboration under the BioMaP consortium serves as a pivotal advancement in the fight against deadly pathogens and emphasizes the importance of innovative biomanufacturing solutions in safeguarding public health.