Colossal Biosciences (see Pulse 2.0 profile here), known for its work in de-extinction and biodiversity restoration, has acquired Viagen Pets and Equine, a Texas-based company recognized globally for its animal cloning and genetic preservation services. Viagen will continue operating under its existing leadership as a wholly owned subsidiary of Colossal. The acquisition advances Colossal’s platform for conservation, endangered species recovery, and genetic preservation.
This is Colossal’s first acquisition following the development of two companies since its launch in 2021. Viagen was founded in 2002 in Austin, Texas, and has evolved from a livestock and genetic preservation organization into a leading provider of reproduction and cloning services for pets, equine, livestock, and endangered species. The company has expanded through strategic partnerships and exclusive licensing arrangements, including access to technology developed at the Roslin Institute of Edinburgh, known for cloning Dolly the sheep.
Viagen will continue to be led by President Blake Russell and will expand its work to support additional threatened species across more countries. Viagen has successfully cloned 15 species, including those involved in globally significant conservation projects, such as the black-footed ferret and Przewalski’s horse. The company is also currently supporting the gestation of the Grevy’s zebra. Viagen has achieved success rates in multiple species that surpass commonly published cloning averages and has preserved genetic material from over 40 species, including 22 that are threatened or endangered.
The company has also advanced cryopreservation techniques that enable biological materials to be preserved at extremely low temperatures for long-term use. Using these methods, Viagen successfully cloned two critically endangered Przewalski’s horses from cells preserved initially in 1980. These developments position Viagen as a vital contributor to conservation programs that aim to enhance genetic diversity and protect endangered populations.
In addition to cloning, Viagen expanded into advanced reproductive technologies for equine breeding in 2022, including Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection. This capability, combined with Viagen’s expertise in Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer and a licensed Sexed Semen Technology offering in the United States and Canada, has enabled the company to further its role in equine genetic science.
Viagen’s team of 25 employees will remain based in Texas while integrating with Colossal’s broader technological and scientific platform.
KEY QUOTES:
“Colossal is thrilled to welcome Viagen, the world’s leading cloning company, into our portfolio. No other company comes close to what Viagen has achieved. Their unmatched expertise and cloning technology stack have become the world’s standard and their application of these critical and proprietary technologies to endangered species conservation makes them an invaluable partner in advancing our global de-extinction and species preservation mission.”
Ben Lamm, Founder and CEO of Colossal
“Joining forces with Colossal — the only de-extinction company and leader in biotechnology — gives Viagen the scale, resources, and shared vision to expand what we can do. Together, we can accelerate breakthroughs in genetic preservation, animal health, and endangered species recovery through biobanking and cloning at a scale that simply wasn’t possible on our own.”
Blake Russell, President of Viagen
“At Colossal we believe cryopreservation and cloning are essential tools to preserve, revive and restore biodiversity. Viagen’s proprietary technology will fuel Colossal’s de-extinction efforts and allow us to restore more endangered species populations as well as preserve their genetic diversity in Colossal’s Bio Vaults.”
Matt James, Chief Animal Officer and Executive Director of the Colossal Foundation
“Partnering with Colossal Biosciences presents an extraordinary opportunity to apply our advanced cryopreservation and cloning techniques to the ambitious goals of de-extinction and species restoration. Colossal’s innovative approach aligns with our mission to preserve genetic diversity and support conservation efforts globally. We are excited to see how this collaboration can advance science globally.”
Dr. Shawn Walker, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of Viagen
