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AGC completes large-scale line

AGC’s subsidiary AGC Wakasa Chemicals has held a formal ceremony for the completion of a large-scale, multi-purpose production line at its Kaminaka plant in Japan. Scheduled to begin operations in Q1 204, the new line will add 50% to AGC Wasaka’s capacity for CDMO services for the agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals sector.

Hovione acquires sugars firm

CDMO Hovione has acquired its Portuguese compatriot ExtremoChem, a chemical synthesis start-up focused on bio-inspired synthetic sugars. Terms were not disclosed.

ExtremoChem has developed a library of synthetic analogues of natural molecules found in extremophiles. These are said to have “shown potential in overcoming challenges associated with the stabilisation of biopharmaceuticals during production, purification, formulation and transportation”.

Cambrex exits drug product

CDMO Cambrex has sold its Drug Product business unit to Noramco. Terms were not disclosed. The business comprises product development, clinical and commercial manufacturing and packaging from facilities in Mirabel, Québec, and Whippany, New Jersey.

CEO Thomas Loewald described this as “the result of a strategic decision to focus on core areas of growth and investment”. The company will henceforth prioritise its drug substance and analytical testing businesses, which are based across 13 sites worldwide, including the recently acquired Snapdragon Chemistry and Q1 Scientific.

Olon to expand Indian site

Italian CDMO Olon Group has announced a €10 million, multi-year expansion plan for its production site in Mahad, India. This will increase its chemical synthesis capacity for intermediates and APIs by 45%, particularly for products in high demand where Olon is already the market leader.

Feature article - Oleochemicals: Applications, trends & recent innovations

Aashi Mishra shares some highlights from a recent Research Nester study

Oleochemicals are chemicals that are obtained from fats and oils, both vegetable and animal. They find use across diverse industries and are gaining popularity owing to their eco-friendly and sustainable characteristics.

Oleochemicals have a range of qualities, including being biodegradable, low toxicity levels and being derived from renewable sources. Moreover, they can be customised to exhibit attributes like enhanced lubrication or increased solubility.

Advent completes Suven Pharma deal

Private equity investor Advent International has completed the acquisition of 50.1% stake in Indian CDMO Suven Pharma for $5.95/share, as originally agreed in December 2022. This will shortly trigger an open offer for the remaining 26% not being retained by the founding Jasti family. The move follows approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in August.

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