CMO Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDBU) inked a deal to acquire Kalon Biotherapeutics, another CMO with experience and expertise in vaccine manufacturing. At the initial closing, scheduled in the next few months, FDBU will own 49% of Kalon and may increase its interest share up to 100% based on achievement of certain milestones.

Kalon reportedly is key subcontractor to one of the three Centers For Innovation In Advanced Development and Manufacturing selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority to develop and manufacture medical countermeasures to protect public health in emergencies, including incidents of bioterrorism or an outbreak of pandemic influenza.

According to Fujifilm officials, Kalon’s strength is in manufacturing vaccines using mammalian cell culture technology that contains the viruses used to manufacture vaccines inside production suites, thereby enabling safe, stable manufacture of vaccines to be used as public medical countermeasures against threats such as pandemic influenza, Ebola, and Anthrax.

Fujifilm entered the CMO business by acquiring FDBU and Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies UK from Merck in 2011. It has been expanding its businesses through a partnership with Mitsubishi.

Previous articleZogenix Acquires Brabant Pharma in Up to $130M Deal
Next articleKeen “Sniffers” Point to Neurochemical Quarry