Pharma manufacturing news in brief
pharmafile | December 21, 2012 | News story | Manufacturing and Production | Amarin, BASF, Bioden Idec, Eisai, Lonza, Patheon, Sartorious Stedim Biotech, banner pharmacaps
BASF extends offer for ProNova, Patheon closes Banner Pharmacaps deal, plus updates from Amarin, Biogen Idec/Eisai and Lonza.
BASF has extended its offer period for Norway’s ProNova BioPharma until 18 January, having receiving tenders for around two-thirds of the omega 3 fatty acid specialist’s shares by the first deadline of 19 December. Under the terms of the deal BASF needs to secure 90% or more of ProNova’s outstanding share capital in order for the transaction to go ahead. BASF has been expanding in the fast-growing fatty acid ingredient sector of late, snapping up Equateq of the UK earlier this year.
Amarin Corp is seeking approval in the US to add Korean company ChemPort Inc as another licensed manufacturer of the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Vascepa (icosapent ethyl), its omega-3 fatty-acid-based cardiovascular health product. The aim is to “expand our global supply chain to support expected Vascepa demand, diversify our supply base and ensure cost-efficient supply,” said Amarin’s chief executive Joseph Zakrzewski.
Patheon has completed its previously-announced $255 million acquisition of gelatin capsule specialist Banner Pharmacaps, the second-largest softgel manufacturer after Capsugel with manufacturing and research facilities in the US, Canada, Mexico and the Netherlands. As part of finalising the acquisition, Patheon has also completed a previously-announced $660 million refinancing deal, which includes a $575m term loan facility and an $85 million revolving credit facility.
Biogen Idec has taken a 10-year lease on part of an Eisai manufacturing facility at Research Triangle Park in the US and will use the plant to produce oral solid dose medicines on behalf of both companies. As part of the alliance agreement, Eisai will carry out packaging and vial-filling services for Biogen Idec. The latter also has an option to acquire the Eisai facility outright at a later date. Around 50 Eisai employees will transfer to Biogen Idec in early 2013.
Lonza has signed a long-term supply and distribution agreement with Sartorius Stedim Biotech in the area of cell culture media. Under the terms of the deal SSB will take over sales and marketing of Lonza media and buffers used in the manufacture of protein-based therapeutics and vaccines, which represented a €20 million business last year. Meanwhile the Swiss firm will carry out development, manufacture and logistics operations for the product lines. The two companies will collaborate on the development of future products.
Phil Taylor
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