Ofichem has agreed to acquire Kinentia Biosciences, a New York-based drug substance contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), in a move that will give the Dutch pharmaceutical services group its first operational foothold in the United States.

 

The transaction, which remains subject to CFIUS approval and other customary closing conditions, marks the next stage in Ofichem’s expansion of its Drug Substance business and strengthens its ability to support pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers from early-stage development through to commercial manufacturing.

 

Founded in 2007 and based in Rensselaer, New York, Kinentia works with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies on early-stage development, preclinical programmes and clinical development activities.

 

The acquisition will add Kinentia’s US biotechnology customer base and early-development expertise to Ofichem’s established capabilities in process development, GMP manufacturing and commercial supply in Europe.

 

Once the deal closes, Kinentia customers will gain access to Ofichem’s broader Drug Substance network, including process scale-up, regulatory support and GMP manufacturing at Ofichem’s FDA-inspected facility in Ter Apel, the Netherlands.

 

The combined network will span New York, Ter Apel and Uppsala, Sweden, with each location offering different scientific and manufacturing capabilities. The model is designed to give customers greater flexibility over where development and manufacturing activities are carried out as programmes advance.

 

That flexibility comes as pharmaceutical companies increasingly reassess supply-chain resilience, onshoring and regional manufacturing strategies.

 

Weite Oldenziel, CEO of the Ofichem Group, said: “The acquisition of Kinentia represents an important milestone in Ofichem’s continued development. It strengthens our presence in the United States and complements our established European development and manufacturing capabilities. We are building one organisation with one knowledge base, able to support customers from the first development decisions through to commercial supply.”

 

The deal will also broaden Ofichem’s scientific capabilities, adding expertise in polysaccharides, small peptides and complex new chemical entities. These areas complement its existing work in small molecules, highly potent compounds requiring OEB 3-5 controls, oligonucleotides and targeted protein degradation technologies, including proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs).

 

Alessia Cogotti, Managing Director of Ofichem's Drug Substance Business Unit, said: "Kinentia brings highly complementary capabilities and experience to our Drug Substance business and strengthens our position in the United States. Its expertise in early-stage development, complex chemistry and complementary modalities broadens our scientific offering, while Ofichem’s existing GMP and commercial manufacturing capabilities allow us to support programmes as they progress towards commercialisation.

 

"Keeping scientific and process knowledge within one accountable organisation provides greater continuity as programmes develop, reducing the risks associated with handovers between independent providers and creating a more connected path from early development through to commercial manufacturing.”

 

The US expansion could also provide Ofichem with a platform for its longer-term plans in controlled substances. Subject to the necessary licences and approvals, the company intends to explore establishing US capabilities in the area, building on its experience with highly regulated products.

 

For Kinentia, the acquisition provides a route to broader development and manufacturing capabilities while retaining its specialist focus.

 

Dave Fairfax, President and CEO of Kinentia, said: “For our team and our customers, the fit with Ofichem is strong. We share a commitment to quality, scientific expertise and long-term customer relationships. Joining the group gives Kinentia access to a wider scientific network and a route into commercial manufacturing, while preserving the specialist approach that has shaped our business since 2007.”

 

The acquisition adds to Ofichem’s recent expansion of its European development and manufacturing network and its strategy of using targeted investments to build specialist capabilities in key pharmaceutical markets.