Colossal Biosciences Expands De-Extinction Efforts with Pet Cloning Acquisition

Colossal Biosciences, a de-extinction startup, has acquired ViaGen, a Texas-based company known for its pet cloning services. This marks Colossal's first acquisition as it aims to advance its efforts to revive extinct species like the woolly mammoth.

CEO Ben Lamm emphasizes that the motivation behind the acquisition is ViaGen's expertise in cloning and preserving genetic samples from endangered species, rather than the celebrity clientele that includes Barbra Streisand and Paris Hilton.

ViaGen has previously cloned animals such as the black-footed ferret and Przewalski's horse using technologies licensed from the lab that created Dolly the sheep in 1996. This acquisition aligns with Colossal’s mission to engineer ancient DNA into the genomes of modern relatives, which is crucial for their de-extinction projects.

The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, but Lamm described it as a decently large transaction. Colossal is currently valued at more than ten point three billion dollars, bolstered by significant funding rounds, including two hundred million dollars in January and an additional one hundred twenty million dollars.

Under the agreement, ViaGen will operate as a subsidiary, maintaining its leadership and workforce in Austin. Blake Russell, ViaGen's president, noted that joining Colossal provides an opportunity to expand their work in endangered species recovery.

ViaGen started in 2002 focusing on livestock genetic preservation but gained attention for its pet cloning services, priced at fifty thousand dollars for cats and dogs, and eighty-five thousand dollars for horses.

While cloning pets isn't central to Colossal's business model, Lamm believes it serves a personal purpose for grieving pet owners and can help generate public interest in scientific advancements. The acquisition does not shift Colossal’s focus from its long-term de-extinction goals, which include reviving species like the dodo bird and Tasmanian tiger.

Lamm believes that this partnership broadens the company's capabilities and creates additional opportunities for de-extinction targets, enhancing their overall mission in the field of biotechnology.