BILLINGHAM, UK, and RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, USA : 1st April 2011. Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has been announced as the new name for the former Merck BioManufacturing Network (known as MSD BioManufacturing Network outside United States and Canada) following completion of its acquisition today by FUJIFILM Corporation of Japan.
As previously announced, the acquisition comprises the facilities located in Billingham, UK (MSD Biologics (UK) Ltd, formerly Avecia Biologics) and Research Triangle Park, NC, USA (Diosynth RTP LLC).
Yuzo Toda, General Manager of Pharmaceutical Products Division, FUJIFILM Corporation said “We are delighted to complete the addition of this business to Fujifilm’s growing portfolio of healthcare and lifescience businesses. We intend that Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies will lead the global Biologics CMO industry through continuous innovation of technologies, service delivery and quality, contributing to the enhancement of the quality of life of people worldwide. Key to this is the very talented and experienced workforce at both Billingham and RTP, backed by world leading technologies and first class manufacturing assets.”
Stephen Spearman, PhD, MBA, President, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, RTP, USA said “This move to Fujifilm is very exciting for us. Working even more closely with our colleagues in Billingham, UK, will help create clear focus on our third party contract development and manufacturing services for the biopharmaceutical industry and provide us with a strong platform for growth”.
Steve Bagshaw, Managing Director, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, Billingham UK, said “This transition of ownership to Fujifilm, and closer collaboration with our US colleagues in North Carolina will truly position us as a world leading contract biologics development and manufacturing business. We look forward to working with both existing and new customers to help bring their drug developments to market”. About Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies offers industry-leading cGMP contract manufacturing services for recombinant proteins, vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. With over 800 employees operating from two sites in Billingham, UK and Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, U.S.A., the company has a long track record in enabling customers to improve the cost-effectiveness and profitability of new therapies by providing fast-track progress into and through their clinical development program, validation and commercialization. This is backed by strong technical expertise and first-class manufacturing facilities. For more information visit www.biomanufacturingnetwork.com.
About FUJIFILM Corporation
FUJIFILM Corporation is one of the major operating companies of FUJIFILM Holdings. Since its founding in 1934, the company has built up a wealth of advanced technologies in the field of photo imaging, and in line with its efforts to become a comprehensive healthcare company, Fujifilm is now applying these technologies to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases in the Medical and Life Science fields. Fujifilm is also expanding growth in the highly functional materials business, including flat panel display materials, and in the graphic systems and optical devices businesses.
Fujifilm’ s corporate philosophy is: We will use leading-edge, proprietary technologies to provide top-quality products and services that contribute to the advancement of culture, science, technology and industry, as well as improved health and environmental protection in society. Our overarching aim is to help enhance the quality of life of people worldwide. Through its corporate philosophy, Fujifilm demonstrates its commitment to making a significant contribution to society. For more information, please visit http://www.fujifilm.com.
For further information contact:
Bridget Hall
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
bridget.hall@avecia.com
+44 (0)1642 367320 (office)
+44 (0) 7796 938929 (mobile)
Jenny Kohm
Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies
jennifer.kohm@diosynth-rtp.com
+1 (919) 337 4248
+1 (919) 413 9614
