Bayer, Ginkgo Bioworks Close Deal to Create Biologicals Powerhouse

Bayer and Boston-based Ginkgo Bioworks announced they have closed a multi-year strategic partnership to develop biological solutions that address nitrogen optimization, carbon sequestration, and next-gen crop protection.

The transaction includes the divestment of Bayer’s West Sacramento Biologics Research & Development site and its internal discovery and lead optimization platform. And now that the deal is closed, the new biologics business, which is part of Bayer’s Crop Science Division, will be able to engage the open innovation ecosystem, building upon its leadership position.

The deal also calls for Joyn Bio, the joint venture created by Bayer and Ginkgo Bioworks in 2017, to be integrated into Ginkgo Bioworks to enable the continued advancement of Joyn Bio’s nitrogen fixation platform, which Bayer retains the rights to commercialize.

Ginkgo stated that it aims to develop and advance agricultural microbial solutions across crops and geographies that address diverse market seeds, and will work independently with different partners in the discovery of these microbial-derived products.

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