Ginkgo Bioworks announced that it has licensed ProteoNic’s proprietary 2G UNic® vector technology for use in a BARDA‑supported consortium aimed at accelerating monoclonal‑antibody production for filovirus infections such as Ebola and Sudan virus. The consortium, funded through BARDA’s Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Preparedness (BioMaP) program, is valued at up to $22.2 million and brings together Ginkgo, Advanced BioScience Laboratories, Isolere Bio, NeuImmune, and ProteoNic to develop a rapid, scalable, and cost‑effective mAb manufacturing platform.
The 2G UNic® technology is designed to maximize expression and productivity in mammalian systems, enabling faster and cheaper antibody production. By integrating this platform into its own automation and data‑generation capabilities, Ginkgo can deliver a production pipeline that is both more efficient and more adaptable to emerging threats. The partnership also positions Ginkgo as a key player in the U.S. biodefense ecosystem, aligning with BARDA’s goal of strengthening domestic countermeasure manufacturing.
Ginkgo’s recent financial results provide context for the significance of the contract. In Q3 2025, the company reported revenue of $38.84 million, down 4.3% from $40.78 million in the prior quarter and 56% from $89.05 million a year earlier. Net loss widened to $80.76 million, and basic loss per share was $1.45 versus $1.24 in the prior year. The company’s full‑year 2025 revenue guidance of $167–$187 million remains unchanged, reflecting a cautious outlook amid declining top‑line growth. The BARDA contract therefore represents a meaningful near‑term revenue stream that can help offset the broader revenue decline and support ongoing investments in automation and AI.
Management highlighted the strategic importance of the deal. Jennifer Wipf, General Manager of Ginkgo’s Discovery & Manufacturing Solutions unit, said, “Rapidly scalable and cost‑effective manufacturing of mAbs is crucial to our national biosecurity and public health preparedness.” CEO Jason Kelly added, “Our platform is proving to be a critical engine for AI in biology, with growing demand for our automation and data‑generation capabilities.” These comments underscore Ginkgo’s focus on leveraging its technology to meet both commercial and government needs while navigating a challenging financial environment.
The BARDA contract is a positive development for Ginkgo’s biodefense portfolio, but the company’s overall financial health remains under pressure. Revenue has fallen sharply year‑over‑year, and net losses have expanded, indicating that the company is still working to achieve profitability. The new contract provides a tailwind that may help stabilize cash flow and validate Ginkgo’s manufacturing capabilities, but it does not fully offset the headwinds of declining revenue and ongoing losses. Investors will likely view the deal as a strategic win that strengthens Ginkgo’s position in a critical market, while also recognizing the need for continued progress toward sustainable profitability.
The partnership also signals a broader trend of public‑private collaboration in biodefense manufacturing. By combining BARDA’s funding with Ginkgo’s automation expertise and ProteoNic’s high‑yield vector, the consortium aims to reduce the time and cost required to bring filovirus countermeasures to market. If successful, the model could be replicated for other high‑risk pathogens, creating additional revenue opportunities for Ginkgo and its partners.
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