AGC leaps into microbial CMO space through Biomeva acquisition
AGC owns a number of companies supplying of flat, automotive and display glass, chemicals, ceramics and other high-tech materials and components, but the acquisition of contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) Biomeva propels the Tokyo-based firm into the global life sciences space.
Spokeswoman Tomoko Komazaki told this publication AGC already has some biomanufacturing capabilities in its network, with fermenters of various size - including one with a volume of 4500L - at its Chiba plant in Japan, but the Biomeva deal will bolster its presence in the industry.
“Biomeva is based in Heidelberg, Germany, a Bio Cluster rich in active biopharmaceutical players, and has been successful in gaining many orders in the pre-clinical through clinical phase,” she said.
“AGC intends to become a CDMO capable of providing seamless service from development through commercial phase in the global market, and the combination of AGC’s experience and location in Japan, and Biomeva’s in Europe will help achieve that.”
The acquisition – financial details of which have not been revealed – adds cGMP production of APIs using microbial fermentation up to 1,500L, along with services including process development, analytical testing and cell banking.
“We believe we will generate a new and strong international microbial CMO, offering the complete services from process development to large scale market supply,” Komazaki told us.
“Biomeva will also be a good location to gain insight into the latest development going on in Europe for mid-term planning.”
