Global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), Recipharm, has acquired GenIbet, a Portuguese CDMO, specializing in the manufacture of biological clinical trial material and novel modalities such as viral vectors, RNA and microbiome.

The acquisition forms part of Recipharm’s strategy to grow in the biologics market, with a particular focus on drug substance manufacturing of novel ATMPs.

GenIbet currently works with customer projects in the preclinical and Phase 1 stages and has a track record of developing novel production processes. Through its relationship with not-for-profit research organization Ibet, the CDMO offers deep scientific expertise and novel solutions where no established production route exists.

The deal will provide Recipharm with a platform from which to build its capabilities in new biologics modalities, leveraging GenIbet’s expertise in viral vectors and vaccines.

“We’re delighted to welcome GenIbet and its talented team of experts,” said Marc Funk, CEO, Recipharm. “GenIbet is a leading player in its field so we’re proud to bring it under the Recipharm umbrella and tap into its broad offering in novel modalities and incredible scientific expertise. This acquisition is an important step for us in growing our biologics business. We look forward to working closely with the GenIbet team, building links across the wider Recipharm organization to make this business a huge success.”

GenIbet was founded as a spin-off of Ibet (Instituto de Biologia Experimental e Tecnológica) in 2016 and currently has around 70 employees. Its Portuguese facility is located in Lisbon, just 11 km from Recipharm’s facility in Lisbon.

Raquel Fortunato, CEO, GenIbet, said, “We’ve enjoyed a great deal of success at GenIbet, and now is a fantastic time to be joining with Recipharm to share our expertise and broad service offer. I’m thrilled that GenIbet will play an important role in Recipharm’s biologics-focused future. Combining our experience and expertise with Recipharm’s capabilities and market reach, will make a significant difference for customers on an international scale.”