Matica Biotech launches open-access CDMO platform, signs first client

Matica Biotechnology, the U.S. subsidiary of CHA Biotech, said Tuesday that it has launched the Matica Open Access Platform, a new manufacturing service model for cell and gene therapy developers, and signed Cirsium Biosciences as its first client.

The agreement expands a partnership established in 2025, when the companies entered into a contract for the development and manufacturing of adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors.

Matica Biotechnology's cell and gene therapy manufacturing facility in College Station, Texas. (Courtesy of Matica Biotechnology)

Under the expanded collaboration, Cirsium Biosciences' plant-based AAV production technology will be combined with Matica Biotech's downstream purification and analytical development capabilities. The companies said the partnership is intended to help reduce manufacturing costs and simplify production processes for gene therapies.

Matica said the new platform is designed to offer clients greater access to manufacturing and process-development data while avoiding certain milestone and royalty obligations commonly associated with traditional CDMO arrangements.

“The Matica Open Access Platform offers an alternative to traditional CDMO models through a more collaborative approach,” said Paul Kim, CEO of Matica Biotech.

Daniel Gibbs, CEO of Cirsium Biosciences, said the company selected the platform to support its manufacturing strategy for gene therapy development.

Matica Biotech plans to promote the platform at the 2026 BIO International Convention, which opens next week in San Diego.

Matica Biotech was established by CHA Biotech to expand into the U.S. cell and gene therapy contract development and manufacturing market. The company operates a manufacturing facility in College Station, Texas.