Bionova Scientific Launches State-of-the-Art Plasmid DNA Facility in The Woodlands

At Advanced Therapies Week 2025, Bionova Scientific unveiled its new plasmid DNA manufacturing facility in The Woodlands, Texas, designed to provide high-titer, single-use plasmid production for gene therapy developers. In conversation with AT-TV host Ben McLeod, Bionova Scientific CSO Jesse McCool shares the company’s strategic move from protein biologics into advanced therapies manufacturing.

Bionova Scientific’s new 10,000-square-foot facility offers TurnKey plasmid DNA services, including process development, analytical development, warehousing, QC, and manufacturing on-site. The company is currently producing research-use-only (RUO) plasmids, with GMP-grade capacity coming online by late spring 2025. A larger 70,000-square-foot commercial facility is also under construction to support future demand and scalability.

Beyond plasmids, Bionova Scientific plans to expand into viral vector manufacturing, beginning with a partnership on a next-generation five-plasmid lentiviral vector system. This technology is designed to improve vector infectivity and reduce costs for CAR-T and other gene therapies. The cleanroom design of Bionova’s facilities supports multimodal manufacturing, allowing flexibility as the company broadens its service offerings.

Jesse McCool emphasizes the importance of agility, responsiveness, and manufacturing innovation, particularly as the industry prepares for increased demand driven by potential breakthroughs in solid tumor CAR-T therapies. While innovations like producer cell lines may reduce plasmid reliance over time, Jesse McCool notes that plasmids will remain a critical component of gene therapy manufacturing for the foreseeable future.

Bionova Scientific’s approach also benefits from its established quality system rooted in the company’s Fremont, California headquarters, ensuring consistency and compliance across sites.