FUJIFILM Completes Acquisition of Kalon Biotherapeutics

Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDBU) has completed its acquisition of Kalon Biotherapeutics, marking an important new chapter in the emergence of the Texas biosciences industry as a center for world-class development and manufacturing of life-saving biopharmaceuticals and biotechnology while providing FDBU with expanded capacity for its growing vaccine capabilities. The company is now known as Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies Texas, LLC. 

“Healthcare business, above all, the pharmaceutical business, is one of Fujifilm's focal areas,” said Shigehiro Nakajima, President & COO, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation. "This acquisition provides an important addition to our business, bringing together diverse capabilities and technical expertise in the area of biopharmaceuticals.”

“This acquisition further reinforces Fujifilm’s global leadership and commitment to the biopharmaceutical industry," said Steve Bagshaw, CEO, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies. "Our scientific and manufacturing leadership will be strengthened by adding Kalon’s viral and cell culture vaccine expertise and capabilities to our existing competencies in microbial, mammalian and insect cell process development, analytics, and commercial production.”

“When we first created Kalon in 2011, we set out to change the world through the rapid production of life-saving vaccines and therapeutics. The vision and investment by the state of Texas and the Texas A&M System have been critical to Kalon’s success to date,” said Kalon Founding President Andrew Strong. “Now, with the combined strength and capability of FDBU and Kalon, I have no doubt that we are able to emphatically answer the world-wide call for the discovery, testing and manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutics that can prevent diseases or cure the critically ill.”

FDBU is taking an ownership position in Kalon Biotherapeutics, allowing an expansion of Fujifilm’s capabilities to include viruses and viral/vaccine-based products and services. This investment will also provide leveraged biotechnology workforce recruitment to Texas and drive the state’s expansion in biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals.