Loading organizations...
§ Private Profile · Grove City, OH, USA
A hybrid CDMO manufacturing gene therapies, viral vectors, and plasmids for biotech and pharma, focused on rare diseases.
Founded in 2020 by Timothy Miller and Jaysson Eicholtz, Forge Biologics is a hybrid contract development and manufacturing organization based in Grove City, Ohio, that produces viral vectors and advances clinical therapeutics. Operating from a custom-designed 200,000-square-foot facility equipped with 20 cGMP suites and a 200,000-liter capacity, the company provides AAV manufacturing services to nearly 50 biotech and pharmaceutical clients. Prior to its strategic acquisition by Ajinomoto for a valuation of $620 million in November 2023, the enterprise had successfully raised $330 million in initial venture funding. The organization currently employs over 350 personnel to support its dual business model of client services and internal pipeline development for rare genetic diseases like Krabbe. Daily operations are directed by an executive leadership team that includes current CEO John Maslowski, CMO Maria Escolar, and CTO David Dismuke.
Forge Biologics has raised $250.0M across 3 funding rounds.
Forge Biologics has raised $250.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Forge Biologics has raised $250.0M across 3 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $90.0M Series C in September 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 1, 2022 | $90M Series C | Drive Capital, Andrew Schiff | Aisling Capital, General Catalyst, Kickstart Fund, Perceptive Advisors, Jonathan Bush | Announced |
| Apr 1, 2021 | $120M Series B | Matthew Hammond | Perceptive Advisors, Drive Capital, Marshall Wace, Octagon Capital, Surveyor Capital | Announced |
| Jul 1, 2020 | $40M Series A | Perceptive Advisors | — | Announced |
Forge Biologics has raised $250.0M in total across 3 funding rounds.
Forge Biologics's investors include Drive Capital, Andrew Schiff, Aisling Capital, General Catalyst, Kickstart Fund, Perceptive Advisors, Jonathan Bush, Matthew Hammond, Marshall Wace, Octagon Capital, Surveyor Capital.
Forge Biologics is a hybrid gene therapy contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) and clinical-stage therapeutics development company specializing in adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors.[1][5][6] It provides end-to-end services—from molecular development and research-grade production to cGMP manufacturing, analytics, fill-finish, and regulatory support—to help biotech, pharma, and innovators bring gene therapies from concept to patients, supporting over 50 clients across 35+ indications with 500+ batches manufactured.[1][6] With a patient-first approach, Forge operates out of its 200,000+ sq. ft. "Hearth" facility in Columbus, Ohio, featuring 20 cGMP suites and bioreactors up to 5,000L, enabling scalable AAV production for preclinical, clinical, and commercial stages amid explosive growth from 30 to over 200 employees in 18 months.[4][6][7][8]
Forge Biologics was co-founded by Timothy J. Miller, Ph.D., who serves as CEO, President, and Co-Founder, with a focus on gene therapy manufacturing expertise "by developers, for developers."[6][8] The company emerged to address bottlenecks in AAV manufacturing, partnering with scientists, physicians, biotech/pharma firms, and patient groups to accelerate therapies from lab to bedside.[2][5] Key milestones include building the Hearth facility, advancing proprietary technologies like the FUEL™ platform (including Ignition Cells™ and pEMBR™ 2.0), and securing a $90 million Series C financing to expand services and capacity.[1][8] Early traction built through client support across stages, culminating in rapid scaling to meet surging gene therapy demand.[4][8]
Forge rides the explosive growth of gene therapy, particularly AAV-based treatments for rare diseases and beyond, amid a market projected to expand rapidly due to clinical successes and regulatory approvals.[1][8] Timing aligns with capacity shortages in CDMOs, as demand outpaces supply—Forge's specialized facility and tech investments fill this gap, enabling more therapies to advance without delays.[4][6] Market forces like increased biotech funding, partnerships (e.g., with Life Biosciences), and a shift to scalable manufacturing favor Forge, influencing the ecosystem by de-risking development for smaller innovators and accelerating patient access to 35+ indications.[2][7][8]
Forge Biologics is poised to dominate AAV CDMO space through facility expansions, tech enhancements from its recent $90M Series C, and broader service integrations, potentially capturing more market share as gene therapies commercialize.[8] Trends like platform processes, larger bioreactors, and multi-indication support will shape its path, evolving its influence from manufacturing partner to full-journey enabler in a patients-first model.[1][6] As therapies scale, Forge's developer roots position it to drive the next wave of accessible gene therapy breakthroughs, fulfilling its bold mission from concept to reality.[1][8]