Memphis, TN and Bothel, WA 8/7/18—Key Biologics, a supplier of human immune cells as raw materials, has merged with Astarte Biologics, a provider of characterized immune cells and reagents. Financial details were not disclosed. Ampersand Capital Partners has made an investment in the new company. “Our partnership with Key represents a highly complementary union of cell collection with downstream processing, characterization, and model and assay development capabilities,” stated Astarte Biologics founder and CEO Dr. Anne Lodge.

Both companies provide cell and blood products. In addition, Astarte Biologics provides research antigens, reagent kits and services for immunology and inflammation applications. The combination creates a supplier of raw materials and downstream products for research, scale-up and therapeutic applications, The combined company plans to open a new facility in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2019.