Ardena, a specialist pharmaceutical CDMO, has acquired Idifarma, a contract manufacturer for niche and highly potent generic and novel drugs. The acquisition from Suanfarma facilitates the company’s expansion across Southern Europe.
Idifarma, based in Pamplona, Spain, offers services through the pharma lifecycle from formulation, analytical to manufacturing services for highly potent drugs. Its capabilities include a platform for an accelerated path to clinic and spray drying processes to overcome solubility issues. Established in 2001, the company has 120 employees.
Harry Christiaens, CEO of Ardena, said: “At Ardena, our goal is to become a single source contractor offering an integrated set of services to meet chemical, pharmaceutical and bio-analytical needs that arise throughout the clinical supply chain, from lab to patient. This is the main driver of our M&A strategy.
“We’re delighted to welcome Idifarma who share the science-led approach needed to deliver valuable and integrated solutions for our biopharma customers globally. The combination of Idifarma and Ardena will also create potential to accelerate growth at the Pamplona facility.”
Francisco Fernandez, CEO of Suanfarma said: “Idifarma has been a successful division within Suanfarma for 5 years, and the outlook for the business remains attractive, with several avenues for future growth.”
“Joining Ardena enables us to better serve our customers with broader services covering API, Drug Product, regulatory CMC, and bioanalysis requirements. With complementary services and shared experience, we’re delighted to partner with Ardena, to consolidate our leading position in drug development and clinical supply services”, said Alfredo Gomez, CEO of Idifarma.
The acquisition brings the total number of Ardena facilities in Europe to seven, including its headquarters in Ghent, Belgium, three sites in the Netherlands and two sites in Northern Europe.