Ajinomoto acquires US-based Althea Technologies

Global food manufacturer Ajinomoto Co., Inc. has executed a merger agreement with Althea Technologies,Inc., a leading provider of biopharmaceutical development and manufacturing services, based in San Diego, California. Under the terms, Ajinomoto gains all of the capital stock in Althea and is to continue to provide the highest quality services to Althea's customers.

Ajinomoto, which has been successful in various food categories including seasonings, processed foods, beverages, as well as in amino acids, pharmaceuticals and specialty chemicals, is looking to expand further in the biomedical field.

Althea offers cGMP drug product filling in both vials and syringes, and production of microbial-derived recombinant proteins and plasmid DNA. In conjunction with these manufacturing operations, it offers comprehensive development services including: upstream and downstream process development, analytical development, lyophilisation cycle, complex formulation, product release and ICH-compliant stability testing. Its formulation technology platform includes Crystalomics, a proprietary technology that offers a formulation solution for large molecule products that must be delivered at high concentrations or as sustained release formulations.

"We are thrilled that the company we founded 15 years ago will have the opportunity to accelerate its growth under the leadership of a highly successful global company, such as Ajinomoto," said Doctors Magda Marquet and Fran?ois Ferré.

"This is a great day for Althea, our employees, our customers and investors," added Rick Hancock, president and CEO of Althea Technologies. "During the past several months, I have had the opportunity to get to know members of the Ajinomoto team and I am convinced that the combination of our two companies will yield outstanding synergistic benefits. Both companies are dedicated to the highest levels of quality and customer care."

"Ajinomoto is delighted and honoured to have Althea, their talented management and employees join our group," said Masatoshi Ito, president and CEO of Ajinomoto, Inc. "In combining Ajinomoto's experience in biotechnology, together with Althea's sophisticated technology, experienced personnel, and expertinike fashion