Lexington, Kentucky, January 30, 2026
Demeetra AgBio, a genome engineering company based in Lexington, has acquired Hera BioLabs, expanding its portfolio with the Super piggyBac transposase platform. This acquisition enhances Demeetra’s licensing capabilities and positions it as a leader in gene-editing technologies. With improved licensing pathways, the company aims to support innovation in medical research and biotechnology, ensuring wider access to advanced gene-editing solutions. The move underscores Lexington’s growing prominence in the biotech sector.
Lexington, Kentucky – Demeetra AgBio, a genome engineering company specializing in advanced gene-editing technologies, has taken a significant step forward in the biotechnology sector by acquiring Hera BioLabs. This strategic acquisition enhances Demeetra’s portfolio, granting them expanded rights to the hyperactive Super piggyBac® transposase platform. This move not only positions Demeetra as a leader in commercial licensing across various fields but also showcases the entrepreneurial spirit present in Lexington’s growing biotech scene.
Demeetra’s acquisition of Hera BioLabs signals a pivotal moment in Lexington’s economy, particularly in the life sciences industry, where innovative solutions are key to driving progress. By consolidating licensing rights to the Super piggyBac platform, Demeetra places itself as the definitive commercial source for advanced gene-editing technologies, eliminating uncertainty around licensing pathways that have historically been a barrier in this sector. Such advancements support not only business growth but also contribute to the broader goal of improving medical research and therapies in the region.
### Benefits of the Super piggyBac Transposase Platform
The Super piggyBac transposase is recognized for its proprietary, non-viral capabilities that facilitate higher integration efficiency and increased transgene copy numbers. This technology enables researchers to perform complex genetic modifications with improved outcomes compared to traditional methods. With the backing of U.S. and international patents, Demeetra is poised to leverage this technology across a variety of applications, from cell and gene therapy research to commercial diagnostics.
One of the major advantages of the Super piggyBac platform is its high integration efficiency. Through enhanced performance characteristics, Demeetra’s technology is positioned as a viable alternative to viral delivery systems, which can present significant challenges in safety and efficacy. The ability to maintain a stable integration profile adds a layer of reliability that researchers and companies aiming for innovation in genetic engineering can depend on.
### Tailored Licensing Opportunities
In a move to ensure maximum accessibility for its clients, Demeetra plans to offer Super piggyBac licenses through various access models. These tailored approaches are designed to cater to specific customer needs, facilitating adoption across different research and commercial applications. This flexibility not only enhances Demeetra’s market positioning but also empowers other companies and institutions within the Lexington area to harness cutting-edge technology for their operations.
The decision to incorporate Hera BioLabs’ in vitro services into Demeetra’s research and development operations is a smart strategy to bolster the development of next-generation CleanCut CHO Platform engineered host cells. By focusing on scalable platform development, Demeetra is further reinforcing its commitment to advancing bioprocessing capabilities while streamlining the operational aspects of their business model.
### The Future of Genetic Engineering in Lexington
Demeetra AgBio’s acquisition allows the company to navigate potential licensing complexities more effectively, paving the way for broader use of transposase-based systems in both regulated and commercial environments. As companies continually seek innovative solutions, Demeetra’s emphasis on regulatory compliance and comprehensive access to cutting-edge technology could set a precedent for future advancements in the region’s biotech landscape.
This acquisition represents not only a leap in technological capabilities but also highlights the strong entrepreneurial drive that characterizes Lexington’s business environment. Such initiatives serve as prime examples of how local companies can push the boundaries of research and development, ultimately contributing to Lexington’s reputation as an emerging hub for life sciences.
In summary, Demeetra AgBio’s strategic acquisition of Hera BioLabs is a significant milestone toward establishing a strong presence in the gene-editing arena. The company is set to transform how genetic modifications are performed, making the technology more accessible and efficient for businesses and researchers alike.
### FAQ
What is the Super piggyBac transposase?
The Super piggyBac transposase is a proprietary, non-viral platform developed through protein engineering and protected by U.S. and international patents and trademarks. It offers higher integration efficiency and increased transgene copy number compared to the wild-type piggyBac, while maintaining its large cargo capacity and favorable integration profile.
How does Demeetra’s acquisition of Hera BioLabs impact the licensing of Super piggyBac?
Following the acquisition, Demeetra now holds expanded rights to the hyperactive Super piggyBac transposase platform and technologies, establishing the company as the definitive commercial source for licensing and access across broad fields of use. This consolidation removes uncertainty around licensing pathways, downstream rights, and freedom-to-operate issues that have historically slowed the adoption of transposase-based systems in regulated and commercial environments.
What applications can benefit from Super piggyBac technology?
Super piggyBac has been validated across multiple mammalian systems, including primary cells relevant to cell and gene therapy research, where its high-efficiency, non-viral integration enables robust and uniform engineered cell populations. These attributes position the platform as a powerful alternative to viral delivery and lower-activity transposase systems.
Key Features of Super piggyBac Technology
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| High Integration Efficiency | Offers higher integration efficiency compared to wild-type piggyBac, enabling more effective gene integration. |
| Increased Transgene Copy Number | Allows for higher transgene copy numbers, which can enhance the expression of desired genes. |
| Large Cargo Capacity | Maintains the ability to carry large genetic payloads, facilitating complex genetic modifications. |
| Favorable Integration Profile | Ensures stable and predictable integration of genetic material, reducing the risk of insertional mutagenesis. |
| Non-Viral Delivery | Provides a non-viral method for gene delivery, reducing potential risks associated with viral vectors. |
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