Capsugel To Acquire Bend Research

Seeking to build its bioavailability-enhancement capabilities, Capsugel, a provider of capsules and formulation-development and manufacturing services, has agreed to acquire the CDMO Bend Research. Bend Research will become part of Capsugel’s Dosage Form Solutions (DFS) business unit. The deal, which is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval from regulatory authorities, is expected to occur within the next 30 days. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. 

“The Bend Research transaction highlights Capsugel’s commitment to investment and strategic growth since becoming a KKR portfolio company in the 2011 carve-out acquisition from Pfizer,” said Guido Driesen, president and CEO of Capsugel, in a Sept. 5, 2013 company press release. “Capsugel and Bend Research share common foundations in science and engineering, with values centered on innovation, quality and customer service.”

Bend Research, headquartered in Bend Oregon, has capabilities in bioavailability enhancement, particularly through spray-dried dispersion (SDD) formulation technology. It also offers other drug-delivery technologies, including solutions for modified release, inhalation delivery, and biotherapeutic processing and formulation.

This is the second acquisition for Capsugel in 2013.  In March 2013, it acquired acquired Encap Drug Delivery, a CDMO based in Scotland, focused on liquid and semisolid encapsulation-based product development and clinical and commercial manufacturing. In February 2013, Capsugel launched its DSF business unit to focus on lipid-based formulations and expand its offerings in targeted-release capsules.  In June 2013, Capsugel launched its LIPIDEX technology platform, which integrates the company’s lipid, liquid, and semisolid fill technologies, product development experience, and commercial manufacturing infrastructure to support the DFS business unit.

Source: Capsugel