Global CDMO Recipharm has today announced the acquisition of GenIbet, a Portuguese company specialising in the manufacture of biological clinical trial material and novel modalities such as viral vectors, RNA and microbiome.
The acquisition forms part of the company’s strategy to grow in the biologics market, focusing on drug substance manufacturing of novel ATMPs.
GenIbet currently works with customer projects in the preclinical and Phase I stages and has a track record of developing novel production processes, the company says. Through its relationship with not-for-profit research organisation Ibet, the CDMO is reportedly able to offer scientific expertise and solutions where no established production route exists.
The deal will provide Recipharm with a platform from which to build its capabilities in biologics modalities, leveraging the Portuguese company’s expertise in viral vectors and vaccines.
Marc Funk, CEO at Recipharm, said: “We’re delighted to welcome GenIbet and its talented team of experts. GenIbet is a leading player in its field so we’re proud to bring it under the Recipharm umbrella and tap into its broad offering in novel modalities and incredible scientific expertise.
“This acquisition is an important step for us in growing our biologics business. We look forward to working closely with the GenIbet team, building links across the wider Recipharm organisation to make this business a huge success.”
GenIbet was founded as a spin-out of Ibet - Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica - in 2016 and currently has around 70 employees. Its facility is located in Lisbon, just 11 km from Recipharm's facility in Lisbon.
Raquel Fortunato, CEO at GenIbet, added: “We’ve enjoyed a great deal of success at GenIbet, and now is a fantastic time to be joining with Recipharm to share our expertise and broad service offer.
“I’m thrilled that GenIbet will play an important role in Recipharm’s biologics-focused future. Combining our experience and expertise with Recipharm’s capabilities and market reach, will make a significant difference for customers on an international scale.”
