Syngene International Limited (Syngene), a global contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO), has acquired its first biologics site in the USA – fitted with multiple monoclonal antibody (mAbs) manufacturing lines.

The facility was purchased by Syngene subsidiary Syngene USA Inc., from Emergent Manufacturing Operations Baltimore, LLC (a subsidiary of Emergent BioSolutions Inc.). 

The facility will expand Syngene’s global biologics footprint to serve its customers across human and animal health market segments. The new site will increase Syngene’s total single-use bioreactor capacity to 50,000L for large molecule discovery, development, and manufacturing services. 

Also, the facility will provide Syngene’s customers with continuity of supply from its four development and manufacturing facilities located in India and North America, offering services ranging from cell line development, and process optimization, as well as clinical and commercial supply.

Overall investment in the US facility is estimated at around $50 million, including the cost of acquisition ($36.5 million) and expenses to make the facility operational. The sale is expected to close in March 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Peter Bains, CEO Designate, Syngene International Ltd., said, “With one of the largest biologics R&D teams and commercial scale manufacturing capabilities in both India and the USA, we now offer a compelling and flexible solution for global pharma and biotech customers. This investment will enable Syngene to cater to growing client requirements in an expanding market.”

Alex Del Priore, Senior Vice President – Development & Manufacturing Services, Syngene International Ltd., commented, “This facility is a significant milestone for Syngene and comes in response to growing client demand in the United States, the fastest-growing biologics market. It strengthens our offering for animal health clients looking for USDA approval for their products.”

The upgraded Baltimore facility is located near key biotech hubs in the Northeast of the US and will be available for client projects from the second half of 2025. Syngene anticipates the site will see demand from innovative US mAb developers requiring direct access for ‘onshore’ production, as well as international innovators that want a US-based manufacturing option.

As part of the agreement, Emergent has the right to secure manufacturing capacity from the facility in the future, representing offtake potential from US-based innovators. It will also support the growing animal health segment in which a US site is often a key client requirement.