Elkem, a Norwegian manufacturer of silicon-based advanced materials, has initiated a strategic review of its Silicones division. The review is initiated with a target to streamline Elkem, as well as to enable the allocation of capital to accelerate growth in the Silicon Products and Carbon Solutions divisions.
Johnson & Johnson and Intra-Cellular Therapies recently entered into a definitive agreement under which Johnson & Johnson will acquire all outstanding shares of Intra-Cellular Therapies, a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Grupa Azoty and Orlen have agreed to continue to work on the terms of a potential transaction whereby Orlen – or another entity designated by Orlen – would acquire all or a portion of the shares currently held by Grupa Azoty in Grupa Azoty Polyolefins or otherwise execute the investment.
Major and local pharma companies, CMOs, CDMOs, service and equipment providers gather at the Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Packaging Congress (PHARMAP) to discuss new technologies and ongoing trends, as well as to establish business connections. The Congress takes place in Berlin, Germany, on April, 14-15, 2025.
It is important to examine the current state of bio-based polymers. This includes the rapidly growing production capacity, significant investments currently underway in China, Europe, and the Middle East, and the new political conditions in Europe that are driving demand for biodegradable polymers.
Mexican start-up Polybion produces a cell-based leather alternative named Celium, a versatile material made out of bacteria-grown cellulose, that can be dyed and formed into different textures.
Alcami, a contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), recently announced the resignation of its CEO, Bill Humphries. Alcami’s Board Chair and former CEO Patrick Walsh will serve as Interim CEO, ensuring the continuation of smooth operations.
Barentz, a global specialty ingredients provider, recently announced the acquisition of NCD Ingredients, a specialty, personal, and home care ingredients distributor active in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland (DACH). The acquisition enhances Barentz’s presence in the DACH region, with a particular focus on Germany—the second-largest personal care market in EMEA.
IMCD, a global distribution and formulation partner of specialty chemicals and ingredients, has agreed to acquire the personal care and pharmaceutical business of YCAM, a distributor based in South Korea.
AkzoNobel has proposed a €22 million investment to make its Montataire site a flagship for decorative paint production in France.
CEFIC recently launched its competitiveness study emphasizing the severity of the situation for the EU chemicals industry; over 11 million tons of capacity have already been announced to be closed for 2023-2024, affecting 21 major sites.
Galapagos, a biotechnology company headquartered in Belgium, plans to split into two entities: a newly formed company (name to be announced at a later date) that will focus on building a pipeline of innovative drugs through transformative transactions, and Galapagos, which will continue to develop its cell therapy manufacturing platform in oncology.
Newron Pharmaceuticals, a central nervous system (CNS) focused biopharmaceutical company, and Myung In Pharm, South Korea’s leading CNS pharmaceutical company, today announced that they have entered into a license agreement to develop, manufacture, and commercialize Newron’s schizophrenia treatment evenamide.
In a move to expand its oncology business, GSK is nearing a $1 billion deal to buy a US biotech developing a treatment for rare gastrointestinal tumors.
Ashland recently announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Avoca business to Mane. The transaction is expected to close in the calendar first quarter 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.
Global specialty ingredients solution provider Barentz has appointed Derk Jan Terhorst as group CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2025. He will take over from Terry Hill who served as interim CEO since May 2024.
As part of its long-term plans in the country, US drugmaker Merck & Co., operating as MSD outside of North America, has acquired WuXi Biologics’ site in Dundalk, Ireland, for about $500 million. The deal was announced through Ireland’s Foreign Direct Investment Agency (IDA) and MSD’s Ireland unit.
Gemma Biotherapeutics (GemmaBio), a new therapeutics company founded by gene therapy pioneer Jim Wilson, recently announced the completion of a $34 million seed funding round to accelerate its groundbreaking gene therapy initiatives.
Stockholm, Sweden-headquartered global rare disease company Immedica Pharma has agreed to acquire Marinus Pharmaceuticals, a US commercial-stage pharmaceutical company developing therapies for seizure disorders, for enterprise value of approximately $151 million.
Chinese biopharmaceutical company Innovent Biologics announced a collaboration and exclusive license agreement with Roche to advance the development of IBI3009, a novel DLL3-targeted antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) candidate.
NextChem, part of Italian engineering group Maire Tecnimont, has been awarded new contracts for the proprietary NX STAMI Urea technology of its subsidiary Stamicarbon in Canada.
China’s Hutchmed has agreed to divest its 45% equity interest in Shanghai Hutchison Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (SHPL) for approximately $608 million (4,478 million renminbi) in cash, to China-based private equity firm GP Health Service Capital and Shanghai Pharmaceuticals.
French green chemistry company Carbios announced that it is postponing the construction of its PET bio-recycling plant in Longlaville for six to nine months due to delayed funding pending completion of additional financing under satisfactory conditions. The company aims to complete the financing as soon as possible to meet market needs from 2027. Carbios expects to sign several binding commercial contracts in the first half of 2025.
German family-owned industrial gases producer Messer has started operations at a new plant for the production of green carbon dioxide (CO2) at its Vrdy site in the Czech Republic.
Chlorum Solutions USA, a subsidiary of Brasil-based Chlorum Solutions group, partners with Thyssenkrupp Nucera to develop its first US chlor-alkali plant in Casa Grande, Arizona. The facility addresses the need for decentralized chemical production, enhancing supply chain resilience.
US Merck & Co., operating as MSD outside the US and Canada, and Chinese biopharmaceutical company Hansoh Pharma have entered into an exclusive global license agreement for HS-10535, an investigational preclinical oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 receptor agonists are primarily used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Japan’s Toray Industries plans to install a pilot facility for its all-carbon carbon dioxide (CO2) separation membrane at its plant in Shiga, Japan.
US biopharma AbbVie has signed an agreement to acquire US biotechnology company Nimble Therapeutics, including its lead asset, an investigational oral peptide IL23R inhibitor in preclinical development for the treatment of psoriasis and a pipeline of other novel oral peptide candidates with potential across several autoimmune diseases.
At an investor update at the end of last week, Lonza has announced its "One Lonza" restructuring strategy, which aims to reorganize its CDMO business, simplify its operating model, enhance manufacturing and engineering, and expand its production footprint.
Clariant is expanding its Cangzhou production site to manufacture the multifunctional additive Nylostab S-EED.
Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk plans to invest 8.5 billion Danish kroner (about €1.14 billion) to establish a new production facility in Odense, Denmark.
Italian drugmaker Newron Pharmaceuticals and EA Pharma, a subsidiary of Japan’s Eisai, today have entered into a license agreement to develop, manufacture and commercialize Newron’s evenamide in Japan and other designated Asian territories.
An Attractive and Highly Sought-after Business Location
The life sciences sector, encompassing biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technology, is developing rapidly in Austria.
The Italian Olon Group, a leading international supplier of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), presents the 2023 Corporate Sustainability Report and confirms the sustainability journey toward energy transition, investments in alternative energy sources, social and economic involvement and support for the communities in which it operates
Ineos and its partners Harbour Energy and Nordsøfonden have taken the final investment decision (FID) into the first commercial phase ‘Greensand Future’ with storage operations in a depleted oil field in the Danish North Sea set to begin at the end of 2025/early 2026.
