The move comes as a part of Fujifilm’s strategy of expanding into drug development given that the demand for supplying biologics is expected to increase by 15% a year.
Fujifilm will now purchase all of the equity interests in two Merck subsidiaries (Diosynth RTP and MSD Biologics) which manufacture supplies used in clinical studies of biological drugs, and together own all assets of the Merck BioManufacturing Network.
The network comprises facilities located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, and Billingham (UK).
Fujifilm president and CEO Shigetaka Komori said the acquisition provides an important addition to the company’s pharmaceutical business by enabling it with the required expertise to produce protein therapeutics.
Merck Manufacturing Division EVP and president Willie Deese said the acquisition makes Merck / MSD a key customer that will continue to benefit from the expertise and experience of the combined businesses in biologics development and manufacturing.