DSM Biologics to Acquire Rhobust(TM) Technology from Upfront Chromatography A/S

PARSIPPANY, N.J., May 4 /PRNewswire/ -- DSM Biologics, a business unit of DSM Pharmaceutical products, today announced it has reached an agreement for the acquisition of the assets and associated business of the Rhobust™ technology from Upfront Chromatography A/S (Denmark) for pharmaceutical and other applications.

As a result of the acquisition, DSM Biologics will gain all rights for the commercialization of the Rhobust™ technology in various fields, including the pharma industry. The Rhobust™ technology will lead to further innovation in the downstream processing for the manufacturing of recombinant proteins and antibodies.  DSM Biologics will continue to support all existing clients for this technology. The parties have agreed to not disclose financial details.

Karen King, President of DSM Biologics commented: "The acquisition of the Rhobust™ technology is an important addition to the portfolio of DSM Biologics," a provider of technologies for the optimization of biopharmaceutical manufacturing processes, in addition to world-class contract manufacturing services.  "The Rhobust™ technology combined with DSM's proprietary XD® technology will provide an integral package combining high titer, high yield processing with efficient downstream processing leading to lower manufacturing costs." King added.

The Rhobust™ technology has proven its ability to perform with high titer and high density cell culture processes.  Compared to a conventional harvest approach, the number of unit operations is reduced.  The cells are separated in one step while capturing the protein/antibody of interest.  In the expanded bed adsorption chromatography (EBA) the cell suspension passes through the column and the product is adsorbed either on Protein A or on mixed mode ligand beads.  This leads to less handling and shorter process times.

Rolf Douwenga, Vice President, Global Technology of DSM Biologics said: "DSM Biologics develops new technologies to meet the challenges of future biopharmaceutical manufacturing. Our proprietary XD® technology was a first step in yielding high density cell cultures. We have achieved up to 200million cells/ml and titers up to 27 g/L for antibodies. This brings a real challenge to the downstream process; conventional process technology is of limited use here. With the Rhobust™ technology we can address this issue, and we are constantly broadening our technology portfolio for an even more effective biomanufacturing process."

About DSM Biologics and XD® Technology

DSM Biologics, a business unit of DSM Pharmaceutical Products, is a global provider of manufacturing technology and services to the biopharmaceutical industry. In addition to the offering of world-class biopharmaceutical manufacturing services, DSM Biologics provides and develops technologies relevant for optimized mammalian cell culture processes. Examples are the proprietary XD® Technology for use with mammalian cell lines. The "XD process" leads to very high cell densities within the bioreactor, which result in maximum productivity using readily available equipment.  DSM's manufacturing services provides companies with a turn-key biologic manufacturing solution reducing cost, risk and time to market.  More information: www.dsmbiologics.com

About Rhobust™ Technology

The Rhobust™ technology is an invention by Upfront patented around the world in different patent families. The Rhobust™ technology consists of cross linked Tungsten Carbide - agarose beads to increase the density of the particles. This increased density leads to stable expanded bed adsorption chromatography (EBA).

About Upfront Chromatography

Upfront Chromatography A/S develops and manufactures innovative products and technologies for extraction and recovery of biomolecules, macromolecular complexes, and even living cells, directly from bioreactors and industrial side-streams. For customized separation services, Upfront offers access its universal process platform combined with extensive technical and regulatory support. From a feasibility study to commissioning of the final installation, Upfront works with its customers to develop adsorbents, ligand chemistry, columns and other hardware to optimise process performance. Upfront is currently developing the world's largest chromatography system. Upfront's research, development and ISO9001-compliant manufacturing facility is situated in Copenhagen, Denmark.

DSM Pharmaceutical Products

DSM Pharmaceutical Products is a global provider of high quality custom contract manufacturing and development services to the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries. DSM contract manufacturing services include: chemical development, registered intermediates, registered starting materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's), mammalian cell production of monoclonal antibodies and proteins, formulation development, clinical trial manufacturing and finished dose form manufacturing of solids, semi-solids, and scheduled drugs, aseptic liquid and lyophilized products. More information: www.dsmpharmaceuticalproducts.com

DSM - the Life Sciences and Materials Sciences Company

Royal DSM N.V. creates innovative products and services in Life Sciences and Materials Sciences that contribute to the quality of life. DSM's products and services are used globally in a wide range of markets and applications, supporting a healthier, more sustainable and more enjoyable way of life. End markets include human and animal nutrition and health, personal care, pharmaceuticals, automotive, coatings and paint, electrical and electronics, life protection and housing. DSM has annual net sales of EUR 7.7 billion and employs some 22,738 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands, with locations on five continents. DSM is listed on Euronext Amsterdam. More information: www.dsm.com

XD® is a registered trademark of DSM N.V.

Rhobust™ is a trademark of DSM N.V.

DSM Forward-looking statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of the management of DSM and information currently available. The statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict and therefore DSM does not guarantee that their expectations will be realized. Furthermore, DSM has no obligation to update the statements contained in this press release.

SOURCE DSM Biologics