Recipharm has announced the acquisition of Arranta Bio, an advanced therapy CDMO, and Vibalogics, a virotherapy CDMO and a portfolio company of Ampersand Capital Partners.

The acquisition of Arranta Bio forms a cornerstone of Recipharm’s strategy to provide innovative drug developers in the biologics market with scientifically differentiated contract development and manufacturing services for ATMPs and builds on the capabilities acquired through the recently announced GenIbet transaction and the acquisition of Vibalogics.

Establishes a robust US presence

Arranta Bio has established a microbiome platform with fermentation and purification expertise for naturally-derived and engineered bacteria consortia, complemented by services in analytics, proprietary media and cryopreservative formulations. In addition, Arranta Bio is progressing the supply of end-to-end mRNA capabilities across drug substance and drug product under one roof, providing its customers with substantial time savings in product manufacturing and a hedge against supply chain challenges.

The acquisition of Arranta establishes a robust US presence for Recipharm.  It provides the company with a further platform from which to build its capabilities in new biologics modalities, leveraging Arranta’s expertise in advanced therapies to bring a high degree of diversification across multiple technologies and modalities, it states.

The Arranta acquisition is expected to be completed around the end of March 2022,.

Capabilities in new biologics modalities

Vibalogics holds a leading position in the manufacture of oncolytic viruses, viral vaccines and gene therapies, offering process and analytical development, manufacturing, testing and fill-finish services, states Recipharm.

Vibalogics is responding to the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry demand for specialized CDMO capabilities for the manufacture of live viruses and viral vectors including Herpes Viruses, Pox Viruses, Adenoviruses, and other viral classes for cancer and other applications. The company has seen rapid growth of its global customer base comprised of Big Pharma, mid-sized biotechs and start-ups requiring its unusual process expertise, capabilities and capacity for virus production. Continued investment, including its recent expansion in Germany and the US, has positioned Vibalogics to support the full product lifecycle of its clients, including commercial supply.

The deal will provide Recipharm with capabilities in new biologics modalities, leveraging Vibalogics’ expertise in oncolytic viruses, viral vaccines, and viral vector gene therapies to bring a high degree of diversification across multiple technologies and modalities, it states.

Photo of Marc Funk: Lonza. Right photo: Recipharm