In a move to bolster its cell and gene therapy portfolio, Bayer has acquired Asklepios BioPharmaceuticals (AskBio), a company focused on the treatment of neuromuscular and cardiovascular system diseases with gene therapy. The deal, which is worth up to US$4 B, gives Bayer access to AskBio’s gene therapy platform which includes an adeno-associated virus capsid and promoter library, as well as manufacturing capabilities. The deal complements Bayer’s purchase of BlueRock Therapeutics in August 2019.