CMC Biologics combines with AGC Bioscience and Biomeva.
CMC Biologics was founded in Denmark in 2001 and grew rapidly, establishing itself as a leading contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) specializing in the production of monoclonal antibodies, coagulation factors and other therapeutic proteins. In December 2016, the company announced that all of its shares were being acquired by AGC Asahi Glass (AGC), a Japanese-based manufacturer of glass, chemicals and high-tech materials. CMC became a “central part of AGC's pharmaceutical services business,” according to David Kauffmann, Chairman of CMC Biologics.
The two companies recently took a further step, combining CMC Biologics and Asahi Glass Company (AGC) Bioscience with Biomeva GmbH to form AGC Biologics.
The new entity will be a global CDMO with facilities in Seattle, WA and Berkeley, CA in the US; Copenhagen, Denmark; Heidelberg, Germany; Chiba, Japan; and Yokohama, Japan that offers microbial and mammalian manufacturing services for early- to late-phase projects of all sizes.
AGC Biologics will be headed by Gustavo Mahler as President CEO. Mahler has been President and CEO of CMC Biologics since 2015, and during his tenure CMC achieved double-digit growth. “I’m thrilled at this opportunity to continue to lead this great organization,” said Mahler. “With our proven track record, I believe that we will clearly pave the way to a successful future, providing our clients solutions to their greatest development and manufacturing challenges, and enabling the delivery of breakthrough treatments to patients across the globe.”
Currently, 850 employees work for AGC Biologics worldwide, bringing expertise not only in clinical and commercial manufacturing, but analytical techniques and regulatory compliance. Its integrated service offering includes cell line development, bioprocess development, formulation, analytical testing, antibody drug development and conjugation, cell banking and storage, and protein expression, its proprietary CHEF1® Expression System for mammalian production.
“The emergence of AGC Biologics as a global CDMO powerhouse further accentuates the strong commitment of our organization to ensure we meet the demands of this fast-growing market, while providing our clients with unparalleled innovative solutions,” said Mr. Hideyuki Kurata, Chairman & General Manager of AGC Lifescience General Division, AGC Chemicals, AGC Asahi Glass Company. “I’m incredibly pleased Dr. Mahler will continue to lead AGC Biologics. Under his leadership, I’m confident that we will achieve our goal of becoming the industry’s leading CDMO.”