VION Biosciences, a life science platform company specializing in specialty reagents for research, diagnostics, and drug discovery, has announced the acquisition of Echelon Biosciences, a Salt Lake City-based supplier known for its critical materials, including lipid-based excipients. This acquisition marks the second investment under VION Biosciences LLC, a roll-up platform in the life science sector led by industry veteran Mark Thornton and supported by Iron Path Capital.
The acquisition of Echelon Biosciences is a strategic move that leverages the growing potential of mRNA technology, particularly in manufacturing therapies at scale. Echelon’s expertise in lipid synthesis and lipid nanoparticle engineering is crucial for advancing mRNA-based therapies, such as vaccines and gene therapies. This addition strengthens VION’s position in drug discovery and pre-clinical research while expanding its capabilities into drug manufacturing. It also enhances customer access to specialized products and technologies.
Building on the strategic foundation laid by the Aldon acquisition in 2023, Echelon will drive growth for VION by integrating into its platform with exceptional product quality, customer relationships, and service. Echelon’s team, experts in lipidomics and other bioactive materials, aligns with VION’s strategy to support niche biopharmaceutical research areas and develop next-generation therapeutics and diagnostics. This acquisition is a step toward VION’s global expansion and leadership in specialty products.
Bert V. Israelsen, former Owner and President of Echelon, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the potential to amplify the impact of their products and technologies under VION’s leadership. Mark Thornton, CEO of VION Biosciences, emphasized that the acquisition enhances their ability to serve customers focused on mRNA and gene-based biotherapeutics, aligning with VION’s growth objectives in biopharma, diagnostics, and clinical research.
Echelon will continue to operate as a subsidiary of VION, maintaining its current customer base while benefiting from VION’s resources. The existing technical and commercial leadership at Echelon will remain, with additional support from VION’s leadership through the end of 2024 and into 2025.
Legal and financial advisory for the acquisition were provided by McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal, Liffman, and Forvis Mazars, respectively.
