DSM Announces South American Biologics Contract Manufacturing Agreement

DSM Pharmaceutical Products has announced that it has signed a biologics contract manufacturing agreement with its first Brazilian client, RECEPTA Biopharma in São Paulo.

The contract covers the process development and cGMP manufacture by DSM of one of RECEPTA's lead antibodies at its facilities based in Groningen, The Netherlands.

DSM started production to supply drug substance materials to be used in the initial clinical trials of this antibody beginning in May of 2012. This project represents DSM Biologics first agreement in the high growth South American market place.

RECEPTA Biopharma is a biotechnology company dedicated to the research and development of monoclonal antibodies to be used in the treatment of cancer.

Alexander Wessels, CEO of DSM Pharmaceutical Products stated, "Working with RECEPTA in Brazil marks further advancement of DSM's stated strategy to grow its presence in high growth economies such as Brazil and South America. Additionally, we are committed to employ our innovative technologies to serve market needs for life-saving treatments."

RECEPTA Biopharma has a business model based on partnerships and collaboration to optimize the utilization of innovations in biotechnology to respond to the needs of society and the Brazilian market to produce effective medicines and less expensive treatments.

José Fernando Perez, CEO of RECEPTA Biopharma stated, "This manufacturing agreement with DSM moves us one step closer to serving patient needs for this important medical treatment. We are delighted to strengthen our global network of innovation to bring our new monoclonal antibodies to the market."

Karen King, President of DSM Biologics, commented "We are proud to announce that Recepta Biopharma has chosen DSM's services and technology for one of its lead treatments. We have developed a productive partnership throughout the course of this project and we are confident that the research that Recepta has carried out to date will be successfully implemented by the industry leading expertise of DSM's team."

DSM Biologics focuses on optimizing biopharmaceutical manufacturing through its unique set of technologies and expertise.

In addition to the R&D and manufacturing site in Groningen, DSM is building operations in Brisbane, Australia, with the governments of Queensland and the Commonwealth.

Brisbane is DSM's blueprint for its 'biologics plant of the future' for biopharmaceuticals manufacturing."

DSM's proprietary technologies drive down cost, processing times and capital requirements to meet market demand for life saving medications.

Financial terms were not disclosed.