Fujifilm to expand biopharma CMO business with acquisition of Kalon

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies USA (FDBU), a subsidiary of Japanese digital camera and medical equipment conglomerate Fujifilm, has signed an interest purchase agreement, with the owners of biopharmaceutical contract manufacturing organization Kalon Biotherapeutics: the State of Texas, USA.

At the initial closing of this transaction, which is expected to occur within the next few months, FDBU will acquire 49% of the total membership interests in Kalon and will be entitled to appoint a majority of Kalon’s board members. Thereafter, FDBU may increase its interest share up to 100% based on achievement of certain milestones set forth in the agreement. No financial terms were disclosed.

Kalon is a biopharmaceutical CMO with advanced technologies and facilities, founded in 2011, and is a key subcontractor to one of the three Centers For Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing (CIADM) awarded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to develop and manufacture medical countermeasures to protect public health in emergencies, including incidents of bioterrorism or an outbreak of pandemic influenza. The state of Texas, through the Texas Emerging Technology Fund, provided funding critical to the development and support of this center.