Merck & Co to acquire Avecia Biologics
Merck &Co is to acquire the biologics business of the Avecia group through is Merck Sharp & Dohme (Holdings) division in the UK.
Merck & Co is to acquire the biologics business of the Avecia group through is Merck Sharp & Dohme (Holdings) division in the UK.
Avecia Biologics is a contract manufacturing organisation with specific expertise in microbial-derived biologics. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
"This transaction follows an initial strategic development and supply relationship with Avecia Biologics and will provide us with an operational facility staffed by an experienced workforce that is highly skilled in a broad portfolio of bioprocess systems," said John McCubbins, senior vice president, Biologics and Therapeutic Protein Operations, Merck Manufacturing Division.
Merck will acquire all of Avecia's process development and scale-up, manufacturing, quality and business support operations located in Billingham, UK.
In addition to honouring all Avecia Biologics contractual commitments, Merck plans to engage in discussions with individual customers relating to their specific ongoing and future biological process development and manufacturing needs after the transaction is closed.
"Over the past ten years, Avecia Biologics has built and established an enviable reputation for bioprocess development and timely delivery of quality biopharmaceutical ingredients for our customers," said Steve Bagshaw, president, Avecia Biologics. "This acquisition recognises these successes and now provides the exciting opportunity to focus on advancing Merck's broad early and mid-stage portfolio of biologic candidates."
The completion of the deal is subject to regulatory approval.
The US-based Oligomedicines Business of the Avecia group is not included in the purchase.
