SK pharmteco is acquiring a controlling interest in Philadelphia-based cell and gene therapy CDMO Center for Breakthrough Medicines (CBM), expanding SK pharmteco’s technical expertise, production capacity, and geographic reach.

The announcement follows an initial $350 million capital investment in 2022 and SK pharmteco’s acquisition of Yposkesi, a French viral vector CDMO, in March 2021. Once the new deal is finalized, SK pharmteco will have a controlling stake in CBM, and the operations of CBM will be integrated with Yposkesi to establish a global CGT business unit with expanded capabilities and capacity.

SK pharmteco will havecell and gene therapy offerings in both the U.S. and Europe, providing comprehensive services including process development, plasmid DNA production, viral vector manufacturing, cell therapy processing, and fully integrated testing and analytics.

In addition, SK pharmteco will continue to invest in building capacity and capabilities, with a focus on emerging technologies and new approaches to complement the existing platforms offered to its clients in both adherent and suspension processes.

“With CGT manufacturing sites in both Europe and the U.S., SK pharmteco is closer to its goal of being a leading CDMO that produces both chemical APIs and biologic drugs,” said Joerg Ahlgrimm, CEO of SK pharmteco. “As we continue our journey from being a leader in small molecule development and manufacturing to being a leader in multiple modalities, including CGT, we will ensure our focus remains on our unwavering dedication to providing lifesaving therapies to patients around the world and bringing solutions to our clients.”

“The Center for Breakthrough Medicines team is truly excited to join the SK pharmteco family, a global leader in the CDMO industry,” said Audrey Greenberg, co-founder, and chief business officer of CBM. “Working together with Yposkesi, AMPAC Fine Chemical, and SK Biotek, we are very well positioned to work with our clients in saving millions of lives around the world.”