Ahmedabad, June 20(IANS) Leading Ahmedabad-based biopharma company Intas Biopharmaceuticals Ltd (IBPL) has acquired US-based Biologics Process Development Incorporated (BPD Inc.), based in Poway, California. With the agreement in the final stages of completion, the amount involved has been kept undisclosed and will be announced at a later stage, a press statement said Friday.

Both companies are now actively pursuing to work closely towards fulfilment of common business objectives in the area of Contract Research and Manufacturing Services (CRAMS). The development will facilitate and assist Intas Biopharma to foray in the US market, specially to expand its CRAMS business. With mutual understanding and agreement, Scott M. Brown will continue as president and chief scientific officer of BPD Inc. while Rajeev Datar would be the new CEO of BPD Inc.

BPD offers diversified services in the area of molecular biology including cell culture, bacterial fermentation, early-stage consulting services. Headed by Brown, it also offers experience in cloning expressing heterologous genes in microbial and non-microbial systems as well as protein purification from native and recombinant sources.

With Intas Biopharma’s venturing into CRAMS business, new vistas for R&D in biosimilars have opened up. “IBPL now can offer unique business model for offshore clients in terms of developing new biotech products, technology transfer and contract manufacturing at committed costs, quality and time to create a competitive advantage for the client,” said Dhananjay Patankar, Chief technical officer of Intas Biopharma, Friday.

IBPL is India’s first and only biopharmaceuticals manufacturing company to receive the European Union’s - Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) certification. It is the sole manufacturer of Pegylated GCSF in India which is marketed under brand name NEUPEG.