News Release
Synplogen Signs MOU with MicroBiopharm Japan for Supply of Plasmid DNA for Gene Therapy Products
KOBE, Japan, December 9, 2022 - Synplogen Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Nada-ku, Kobe; President and CEO:Kazuhiko Yamamoto; hereinafter referred to as "Synplogen"), a biotech startup spun out of Kobe University,and MicroBiopharm Japan Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Atsushi Shiota;
hereinafter referred to as "MBJ") has signed a MOU to discuss a cooperative framework for GMP productsupply of plasmid DNA, important raw materials in the development of manufacturing processes for genetherapy products (viral vectors) to be conducted by Synplogen.
Synplogen provides design, development, and analysis services for high-quality, cost-effective viral vectors
for gene therapy (Gene Therapy Biofoundry Services), utilizing its proprietary ultra-long DNA synthesis
technology. At its Kobe R&D Center, Synplogen can offer a wide range of services to meet customer needs,
including DNA synthesis, plasmid DNA mass preparation, viral vector production, process development,characterization and quality testing, and support for technology transfer to GMP-compliant manufacturing
facilities.
MBJ was spun off from the Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals business unit of Mercian Corporation in 2011,and has been developing services using microbial fermentation technology. In its primary business, CDMO
business, MBJ is leveraging its core technologies of microbial fermentation and microbial conversion
technologies to expand its business domain from small molecule pharmaceuticals to the field ofbiopharmaceuticals such as proteins and plasmid DNA. In particular, as part of its mid- to long-term growthstrategy, MBJ has a policy to engage in the production of plasmid DNA used in the manufacture of genetherapy products, and is currently installing GMP manufacturing facilities at its Kiyosu Plant in Aichi
Prefecture, with operations scheduled to begin in December 2022.
The MOU will enable Synplogen to establish a supply chain for plasmid DNA up to GMP manufacturing,providing customers with seamless services from DNA synthesis to GMP manufacturing, which is necessaryfor the development of gene therapy products such as AAV vectors. We believe that we will be able to makea significant contribution to the commercialization of new gene therapy products.

About Synplogen
Synplogen Co., Ltd. is a synthetic biology startup company founded in 2017 and originated from Kobe
University. Utilizing its proprietary DNA synthesis technologies "OGAB® method" and "Combi-OGABTM
method", the company is capable of synthesizing ultra-long and complex DNA and constructing DNA
libraries with various combinations. We also provide one-stop solutions for the design, development, andanalysis of high-quality, cost-effective viral vectors for gene therapy at our Kobe R&D Center, as abiofoundry specializing in gene therapy.
Head Office:

1-1 Rokkodai-cho Nada-ku, Kobe Japan

Established:

February 2017

Representative:

Kazuhiko Yamamoto, President and CEO

Capital:2,325,68 million yen (including capital reserve)

Business:

Custom DNA synthesis and biofoundry services for gene therapy

URL:

https://www.synplogen.com/

About MicroBiopharm Japan
MicroBiopharm Japan Co., Ltd. specializes in comprehensive microbial technologies and has 80 years ofexperience. The company utilize microorganisms to support its partners in various stages of research,development, and commercial production.
Head Office:1-3-1 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Japan

Established:

July 2011

Representative:

Atsushi Shiota, President and CEO

Capital:10 million yen

Business:

Manufacture of drug substance, food, feed, and agrochemical products using microbial
fermentation and microbial conversion

URL:

https://www.microbiopharm.com/index.html

Contact:
Synplogen Co., Ltd.
Email: info@synplogen.com