Acquisition will include both Diosynth and MSD Biologics operations.
Photographic and imaging company Fujifilm is further pursuing its drive to become a comprehensive healthcare company through the acquisition of the Merck/MSD BioManufacturing Network, which provides contract manufacturing and development services for the biopharma industry. Offering process development and cGMP contract manufacturing services for recombinant proteins, vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies, the Merck/MSD BioManufacturing Network comprises MSD Biologics (formerly Avecia Biologics) in the U.K., and Diosynth Biotechnology, based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed, but under terms of the deal Fujifilm will acquire all of the equity interests in both Diosynth and MSD Biologics, including manufacturing business support operations and workforce.
“Fujifilm continues to build upon its ongoing commitment to delivering pharmaceutical business,” comments Shigetaka Komori, the Japanese firm’s president and CEO. “This acquisition provides an important addition to our pharmaceutical business with diverse capabilities and technical expertise in the production of protein therapeutics.”
Merck acquired Diosynth as part of its merger with Schering Plough in 2009. The Avecia acquisition was completed in 2010, and the firm was renamed MSD Biologics. Merck subsequently combined the two CMOs into the Merck/MSD BioManufacturing Network.
