Recipharm completes US biologics acquisitions

Recipharm, a leading global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), today announces the closing of its acquisitions of advanced therapy CDMO Arranta Bio and virotherapy CDMO Vibalogics.

The acquisitions reflect Recipharm’s strategy of building its presence in the Biologics market, with a particular focus on drug substance manufacturing of novel ATMPs (advanced therapy medicinal products). They follow Recipharm’s entry into biologics earlier this year with the acquisition of Portuguese company GenIbet.

The acquisitions also enable Recipharm to establish a robust base in the US, with facilities in Boxborough, MA, and provide a platform from which to build its capabilities in new biologics modalities.

Both CDMOs have established specialisms within the biologics space. Boxborough-based Arranta Bio has emerged as a leader in delivering microbiome therapeutic products and mRNA clinical production capabilities. Vibalogics holds a prominent position in the manufacture of oncolytic viruses, viral vaccines and gene therapies, offering process and analytical development, manufacturing, testing and fill-finish services from facilities in Cuxhaven, Germany as well as Boxborough, MA.

As Arranta Bio moves into the next phase of its growth, it is also being announced that Mark Bamforth will be stepping down as CEO; his role will be taken by David Stevens, currently the company’s President and COO.

Marc Funk, CEO of Recipharm, said: “This acquisition is an important step in growing our Biologics business and developing our US presence. We will be building on the pioneering excellence which lies at the heart of these companies and providing drug developers in the Biologics market with scientifically differentiated CDMO services and expertise for ATMPs.

These deals, together with our recent acquisition of GenIbet, a specialist in the manufacture of biological clinical material, mean that we will be well placed to develop new capabilities in innovative technologies across gene therapy, viral vectors, mRNA/ plasmids, oncolytic virus and microbiome.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mark on his achievements in building the Arranta Bio operation so successfully. I am looking forward to working with both David as he takes over the leadership at Arranta Bio and with Tom Hochuli at Vibalogics as we move into the next exciting phase of our combined growth.

We are thrilled to be closing both acquisitions and look forward to welcoming the Arranta Bio and Vibalogics teams into the Recipharm organisation.”