Symeres, a global drug discovery Contract Research Organization (CRO) and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), has acquired Exemplify BioPharma, a U.S.-based CRO that provides integrated drug development services in Process & Analytical Chemistry and Formulation Development to pharmaceutical and biotech partners.
 
Keensight Capital, a private equity manager dedicated to pan-European Growth Buyout investments and the majority shareholder in Symeres, has worked together with the management teams of both companies to facilitate this business combination.

About Exemplify

Exemplify BioPharma, based in Cranbury, New Jersey, is a provider of high-quality integrated end-to-end small molecule Chemistry Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) services to pharmaceutical and biotech partners. The company offers functional expertise and consultancy services in Process Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, and Formulation Development for a successful transition of programs from late-stage lead optimization through candidate selection to first-in-human.
 
Exemplify employs 20 people, of which the majority are Ph.D-level scientists. The company will remain under the current management of co-founders: Yadan Chen, chief executive officer, and Dr. Paul O’Shea, chief scientific officer.
 
This acquisition further strengthens Symeres’ strategic foothold in the U.S., where the company already generates about 50% of its revenues. Exemplify operates from its new state-of-the-art 18,600 sq. ft. facility in New Jersey. Its functional expertise in Process & Analytical Chemistry and Formulation Development represents a highly synergistic combination with Symeres capabilities and service offering.
 
Exemplify BioPharma is Symeres’ second acquisition in the US this year, following the acquisition of Organix Inc., an organic chemistry services provider based in the Boston area specialized in lipids addressing the mRNA therapeutics and vaccines market.
 
Yadan Chen, CEO of Exemplify BioPharma, stated: “Symeres is a trusted partner that shares our values and business philosophy of strong customer focus. Exemplify BioPharma’s recent move to our new and larger state-of-the-art facility, and the combination with a global business like Symeres, will allow us to better serve our clients under one roof. We look forward to accelerating our growth together.”
 
Dr. Eelco Ebbers, co-founder and CEO of Symeres, commented: “We are pleased to welcome Exemplify BioPharma into the group. Exemplify has an excellent track record of supporting the development needs of North American biotech companies through their experience and outstanding laboratory-based science.”
 
Amit Karna, Partner at Keensight Capital, added: “The addition of Exemplify BioPharma in New Jersey marks another milestone in Symeres’ strategy to build a truly transatlantic business, serving the biopharma industry globally. The scientific and cultural fit of Exemplify BioPharma within the group is excellent. Keensight Capital is delighted to support Symeres in this exciting acquisition.”
 
Saola Healthcare Partners acted as strategic and financial advisor, Goodwin Procter LLP as legal advisor, and Alvarez & Marsal as financial due diligence advisor to Symeres.