MinterEllison was pleased to have advised NYSE-listed Ginkgo Bioworks (NYSE: DNA) in relation to its entry into a technical development agreement with ASX-listed Microba Life Sciences (ASX:MAP).

The firm also supported Ginkgo on its participation as a cornerstone investor in Microba Life Sciences' IPO.

US-based Ginkgo Bioworks is a life sciences company that works on cell programming to enable the growth of biotechnology across markets.

The development agreement will facilitate Ginkgo and Microba's collaboration on projects that develop live bio-therapeutics for lupus, psoriatic arthritis and other autoimmune liver diseases – all with the goal of improving treatment.

MinterEllison was responsible for all of the Australian law aspects of the transaction, including the development agreement and the documentation relating to Ginkgo's investment in Microba's IPO, in conjunction with Ginkgo's US legal counsel, Foley Hoag.

"We're delighted to support Ginkgo in this transaction to help them work towards their collaboration and great health outcomes for the community," said lead Partner James Hutton.

"The pandemic has continued to put a spotlight on the importance of life sciences and biotech for the wellbeing of the global community. Global partnerships like Ginkgo and Microba's are a great example of how organisations are harnessing this to rapidly develop and improve diagnostics and treatment options," he added.

"This also continues a theme of the growing importance of utilising computer power in life science platform technologies."

Mr Hutton was supported by fellow corporate specialist Esmond Prowse and a cross-disciplinary MinterEllison team comprising of specialists in intellectual property, tax, foreign investment, trade and transaction solutions.