Recipharm expands its advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs) offering into Virotherapies with the acquisition of Vibalogics

Recipharm, a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), is continuing to build its service offerings in new biologic modalities through the acquisition of Vibalogics, a virotherapy CDMO and a portfolio company of Ampersand Capital Partners. Vibalogics holds a leading position in the manufacture of oncolytic viruses, viral vaccines and gene therapies, offering process and analytical development, manufacturing, testing and fill-finish services.

Vibalogics is responding to the rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry demand for specialized CDMO capabilities for the manufacture of live viruses and viral vectors including Herpes Viruses, Pox Viruses, Adenoviruses, and other viral classes for cancer and other applications. The company has seen rapid growth of its global customer base comprised of Big Pharma, mid-sized biotechs and start-ups requiring its unusual process expertise, capabilities and capacity for virus production. Continued investment, including its recent expansion in Germany and the US, has positioned Vibalogics to support the full product lifecycle of its clients, including commercial supply.

The deal will provide Recipharm with capabilities in new biologics modalities, leveraging Vibalogics’ expertise in oncolytic viruses, viral vaccines, and viral vector gene therapies to bring a high degree of diversification across multiple technologies and modalities. Vibalogics builds on the capabilities acquired through the recently announced GenIbet transaction and the acquisition of Arranta Bio, also announced today.

Marc Funk, Chief Executive Officer at Recipharm, said: “We are excited by the opportunities that are already apparent from working with true pioneers in the area of virotherapy manufacturing. We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues from Vibalogics to Recipharm and are committed to support and even accelerate growth in the years to come and to continue to partner with customers in virus manufacturing solutions. This acquisition strengthens Recipharm’s presence in ATMPs and enables us to get closer to our US customers. We look forward to working with the Vibalogics team, building links across the wider Recipharm organisation to make this business a huge success.”

Tom Hochuli, CEO at Vibalogics, added: “Since 2006 Vibalogics has developed a specialized CDMO business and a leading virotherapy manufacturing platform that has contributed to advancing our customers’ products through development and into global clinical trials, all made possible by our dedicated employees and investors. We are excited to be joining the Recipharm organization and having the opportunity to leverage the breadth and depth of its world leading infrastructure and experience. This furthers our commitment to supporting our customers and the patients who benefit from the exciting developments we are witnessing in the virotherapy field.”

Centerview Partners UK LLP acted as exclusive financial adviser, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as counsel to Recipharm on the transaction. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor and Goodwin Procter LLP served as counsel to Vibalogics.