SK bioscience, a Seongnam, South Korea-based vaccines and biologics company, has completed its acquisition of a 60% stake in IDT Biologika, a Dessau-Rosslau, Germany-based CDMO of viral vaccines, cell- and gene-therapy products, other biologics, and aseptic fill–finish and sterile injectable products, for approximately KRW 339 billion ($244 million). The companies announced the deal closure last month (October 2, 2024).  

IDT Biologika’s main site is in Dessau-Rosslau, Germany. It also has a second European facility in Magdeburg, Germany, which provides additional process development laboratory capacity that supports the Dessau-Rosslau site in cell-culture technologies, fermentation, virus production, and process analytics. It also has a site in Rockville, Maryland. Overall, it has approximately 1,800 employees. 

Earlier this year (March 2024), SK bioscience broke ground on an expansion of its vaccine manufacturing plant, L HOUSE, located in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. The addition of approximately 4,200 square meters of new space will serve as a production base for its pneumococcal conjugate vaccine candidate, GBP410, jointly developed by SK bioscience and Sanofi, which is co-investing in the expansion. 

Following the acquisition, both companies established a plan for a post-merger integration process, lasting approximately 100 days post acquisition close (as reported on October 2, 2024). During this process, the companies intend to build a foundation for the growth of IDT Biologika by carrying out a series of projects, first seeking to maximize the utilization rate of IDT Biologika’s manufacturing facilities and new capacities for drug substances and drug products.  

SK bioscience says it wants to create the framework to expand existing contracts, but also to win further projects for clinical trials and late-stage cell- and gene-therapy (CGT) projects. SK bioscience says it will also invest in high-growth businesses such as pre-filled syringes, recombinant vaccines, and CGT, which encompasses oncolytic virus, adeno-associated virus, and lentivirus. Additionally, the company will transfer its technology and production to IDT Biologika for its main products such as flu, shingles, chickenpox, and typhoid vaccines. 

Source: IDT Biologika