In October 2020, it was announced that Bayer had acquired AskoBio to broaden the larger firm's innovation base in cell and gene therapy. Formerly dba as VectorRX Inc, Asklêpios BioPharmaceutical Inc., (and adba AskBio) Asklepios BioPharmaceutical, Inc. (AskBio) had been founded to take advantage of the deep gene therapy resources in the Research Triangle Park area. With global headquarters in Research Triangle Park, NC and a stroing European presence with staff and facilities headquarters in Edinburgh, UK, the company has generated hundreds of proprietary third-generation AAV capsids and promoters, several of which have entered clinical testing. With focus on gene therapy clinical development and delivery of novel protein and cellular based therapies through design of proprietary Biological Nano Particles (BNP) the firm has achieved a portfolio of intellectual property in gene therapy for multiple disease and an advanced manufacturing process, AskBio has established and formed industry alliances for multiple spin out companies and continues to pursue new gene therapy technologies and treatments.isth a strong program of out-licensing and building on a previous business, Portfolio companies including NanoCor Therapeutics: partnered with Medtronic to develop treatments for heart failure; Chatham Therapeutics was sold to Baxter to develop hemophilia treatments; and Bamboo Therapeutics was sold to Pfizer to develop cures for rare neuromuscular diseases and muscular dystrophy. In the 18 months prior to its own acqusirion, Asklepios had embarked o n an acqusition strategy of its own acquiring three other small firms withrelated soeciality and capabilities to its own.
