BILLINGHAM, UK and MORRISVILLE, NC, USA I October 24, 2012 I Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has announced it has entered into a strategic alliance with Piramal Healthcare UK Ltd, whereby the two parties will offer the seamless contract development and manufacture of antibody drug conjugates (ADCs), a growing niche in the development of biopharmaceuticals.

The deal will allow customers to benefit from the experience and assets of both organisations, while simplifying the supply chain and vendor management relationships, leading to shorter time to clinic.

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is one of the world’s leading providers of contract development and manufacturing services for biopharmaceuticals, whilst Piramal is a world leader in antibody drug conjugation. The combined experience covers work on more than 150 biopharmaceuticals and over 300 batches of ADCs spanning over more than 30 different NCEs, including the world’s only FDA-approved ADC.

For Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, this is part of an ongoing programme to expand its offering in mammalian-based biopharmaceuticals. The company recently announced an expansion of its cGMP manufacturing facilities at both its RTP, USA and Billingham, UK sites.

Stephen Taylor, Commercial Vice President of Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies said "This strategic alliance with Piramal is an important step for us in bringing a new, high-technology offering to the market place. Our customers will benefit from high quality, consistent material, rapid service and shorter logistical chains, saving time on the critical path of drug development. Piramal is a recognised world-leader in this area and we are delighted to be partnering with them".

Aidan Walker, President Formulations Services, Piramal said "We are delighted to combine with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to offer a seamless service to customers for the production of antibody conjugates. Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has a long track-record in delivering successful biologics programmes, and this alliance will combine strengths from both companies for the benefit of our customers, and ultimately patients".

About Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies UK Limited is an industry leading biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization. Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies has extensive experience in the development and manufacturing of recombinant proteins, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, among other large molecules expressed in a wide array of microbial, mammalian, and insect systems. The company offers a comprehensive list of services from cell line development, including its proprietary pAVEwayT system to process development, analytical development, clinical and commercial manufacturing. Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies is also located in Research Triangle Park, NC, USA as FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies U.S.A., Inc. Both sites have been FDA-approved for the production of commercial biopharmaceutical products

About FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings continuous innovation and leading-edge products to a broad spectrum of industries, including electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products, based on a vast portfolio of digital, optical, fine chemical and thin film coating technologies. The company was among the top 17 companies around the world granted U.S. patents in 2011, and in the year ended March 31, 2012, had global revenues of $27.8 billion*. Fujifilm is committed to environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit www.fujifilmholdings.com.
* At an exchange rate of 79 yen to the dollar.

About Piramal Enterprises Ltd.

Piramal Enterprises is one of India’s largest diversified companies, with a presence in pharmaceutical, financial services and information management sectors. Piramal Enterprises had consolidated revenues of $494 million in FY2012. In the pharmaceutical space, PEL is one of leading custom manufacturing player globally, has presence in the global critical care segment with a portfolio of inhalation and injectible anesthetics and its OTC business is ranked no. 7 in India. PEL is also engaged in drug discovery & research and has strong pipeline of development products. In the financial services space, PEL has a real estate focused PE fund – Indiareit and a NBFC that is focused on lending to real estate and education sector. Recently, PEL has also entered the global information management industry through acquisition of a US based company – Decision Resources Group.

About the Piramal Group

The Piramal Group, led by Ajay G. Piramal is one of India’s foremost business conglomerates. Driven by the core values of Knowledge Action Care, the Piramal Group has interests in a myriad of industries that encompass healthcare, drug discovery & research, information management, diagnostics, glass, real estate and financial services. The Piramal Group steadfastly pursues inclusive growth while adhering to ethical and value driven practices. The Group’s turnover exceeded $750 million in FY2012.

SOURCE: Piramal