Idifarma secures investment to boost international growth

Suanfarma - a specialised supplier of raw materials to the pharmaceutical industry - acquires a stake in the CDMO.

Idifarma, which specialises in high potency development and manufacturing and spray drying to solve low solubility challenges, has grown from a small start-up business established in 2001 to a global CDMO working with more than 100 pharmaceutical companies.

As part of a planned process to replace venture-capital financial partners, Suanfarma has acquired a stake in the CDMO. The firm has over 20 years of experience as a specialised supplier of raw materials to the pharmaceutical industry.

Luis Oquiñena, general manager and co-founder of Idifarma says: "With this announcement, Idifarma begins a new phase of growth and consolidates its position as a specialist service provider for the pharmaceutical industry in Europe. Suanfarma has a strong international presence, including the US, India, China, Brazil and Mexico, and will bring significant growth opportunities to Idifarma.

“It’s an exciting time for our company as we celebrate 15 years since Idifarma was founded and we look forward to the months ahead."

Suanfarma acquired its shares from three venture capital firms, while the co-founders of Idifarma remain as shareholders and in executive positions. Two local financial investors (Sodena and Caja Rural de Navarra), which have funded the company since its inception, will also remain as shareholders to provide stability to the CDMO in this new phase of growth.

Hector Ara, CEO of Suanfarma added: "Our partnership with Idifarma is an opportunity to contribute to the growth and strengthening of a company with which we can develop synergies that will improve our position in an increasingly competitive and demanding market.

“With a proven business model, Idifarma has huge growth potential and we plan to develop the CDMO’s percentage of international business, which already exceeds 50%."