Merck Sharpe and Dohme sells biomanufacturing network to Fujifilm

Merck Sharpe and Dohme has agreed a deal that will see Fujifilm acquire its Merck BioManufacturing Network business unit.

The division is a contract manufacturing and development services provider for the biopharmaceutical industry and was formed by the merger of UK-based MSD Biologics and Diosynth Biotechnology in the US.

Its services are designed to aid in the production of agents such as vaccines, recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies.

Fujifilm's takeover will see the company assume control of both these subsidiaries, including their facilities in Billingham and North Carolina, as well as their manufacturing contracts and workforces.

The terms of the agreement has also seen Merck Sharpe and Dohme commit to providing certain continued development and manufacturing activities in conjunction with the two companies.

According to its most recent fiscal report, Merck Sharpe and Dohme saw significant expansion last year following its Schering-Plough merger, with strong sales of drugs such as Janumet and Singulair observed.