The acquisition, said Bionova, represents a strategic complementary addition to Asahi Kasei Medical’s bioprocess business, which is renowned for Planova virus removal filters, Motiv inline buffer formulation systems, ViruSure viral safety testing services and Bionique mycoplasma safety testing services.

“After an in-depth evaluation of Bionova and other biologics CDMOs, we are extremely impressed with Bionova’s scientific strength, their best-in-class facility and their passionate team that is both highly technically capable and extremely attentive to customer needs. They are the ideal organization to serve as the foundation for our entry into the biopharmaceutical CDMO services business,” said Ken Shinomiya, director, Asahi Kasei Medical and head of the bioprocess business.

For Bionova’s CEO Darren Head, the deal is an “important step in our evolution as a company and provides access to new resources that will enable us to continue to add to our capacity and capabilities.”

Bionova brings a staff of more than 100 employees located in the heart of the San Francisco Bay biotech cluster, where the firm operates a GMP biologics manufacturing facility within its headquarters, which also houses process development and analytical laboratories.

In June 2019, US private equity company Great Point Partners announced a $22 million investment in Bionova, allowing the CDMO to finish building its Fremont GMP facility.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist