Flamma sets up a Chinese joint venture for future AA development

Flamma SpA of Italy and Jinghzou Shine Star Biological Engineering (JSS) of Hubei, PRC, have recently established a joint venture company named Gongan Flamma Biochemicals. The new company will be mainly involved in the production of oral grade amino acids (AA) for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Gongan Flamma Biochemicals is setting up a cGMP synthesis purification and finishing plant within the premises of JSS, which will also supply utilities and services. The production will be focused on l-Leucine and other biochemical products.

A second later stage foresees the construction of a fully independent and complete manufacturing unit. Dr GP Negrisoli, president of Flamma, said, 'The Gongan Flamma Biochemicals, will combine the strengths of both partners, namely expertise in amino acid isolation and purification on the one hand, and synthesis based on amino acids on the other hand. Thus, it will be able to meet the growing demand of the global life science industry for tailored amino acids.'

Wang Xian Bin, chairman of Jinghzou Shine Star Biological Engineering said, 'I am happy to announce the creation of the Gongan Flamma Biochemicals joint venture. It will allow us to benefit from our extraction expertise and ample infrastructure, and enable a healthy growth of our amino acid business. The jv represents a milestone in our efforts to globalise our business. It will also take advantage of Flamma's worldwide marketing network.'

Flamma is active in amino acids since its foundation in 1950. AAs and derivatives are mainly used as building blocks for peptides and other active ingredients, are still the core business of the company.

Shine Star is the largest Chinese manufacturer of l-Cystine and other amino acids related to the extraction. It has a strong reputation and market position.