SOURCE: PolyPeptide Laboratories Group

November 19, 2007 11:00 ET

PolyPeptide Laboratories Group Acquires NeoMPS

Leading Manufacturer of Peptides Expands Capacity and Worldwide Operations

HOOFDDORP, THE NETHERLANDS--(Marketwire - November 19, 2007) - PolyPeptide Laboratories Group, a leading global provider of custom and generic GMP-grade peptides for a range of pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications, today announced its acquisition of peptide manufacturing group NeoMPS from Isochem, the fine chemicals subsidiary of the French Groupe SNPE. NeoMPS operates facilities in France (Strasbourg) and the United States (San Diego).

The acquisition bolsters PolyPeptide Laboratories' manufacturing capacity and capabilities, from small-scale custom peptides for research to large-scale peptides for therapeutic applications. Such capabilities complement the Group's long-established core strength in GMP manufacturing, and will help service a range of projects from conception through commercialization. NeoMPS also manufactures cosmetic peptides and brings an extensive catalog business.

"The addition of NeoMPS to the PolyPeptide Laboratories Group is a great fit, and offers customers of both companies an even more comprehensive range of services for every stage of development," said Jane Salik, CEO of PolyPeptide Laboratories Group. "With this acquisition, we are expanding our capacity to meet the needs of customers who demand the most robust, scalable and cost efficient peptide manufacturing available."

NeoMPS CEO Serge Plaué added, "By joining PolyPeptide Laboratories Group, we are able to offer customers our combined, highly complementary experience and capabilities. Together, we can provide an unparalleled range of services."

With the NeoMPS acquisition, PolyPeptide Laboratories Group operates GMP facilities in the United States (Torrance and San Diego, California), France (Strasbourg), Denmark (Hillerod) and Sweden (Malmo). Ongoing expansions in Malmo, Torrance, and Strasbourg are continuing as planned. The Group is also constructing a soon-to-be-launched GMP facility in Mumbai, India that will be focused on generic peptides.

The acquisition announced today will not affect ongoing activities at the NeoMPS facilities in Strasbourg and San Diego. Harmonization of procedures to ensure consistency, continuity and quality within the expanded PolyPeptide Laboratories Group will be implemented in the coming months.

NeoMPS was formed by the 2004 merger of France-based Neosystem and California-based Multiple Peptide Systems, both of which were launched as independent companies in 1986. Details regarding financial aspects of today's announced acquisition by PolyPeptide Laboratories Group were not disclosed.

Peptides, like proteins, are naturally-occurring chains of amino acids involved in virtually every life process. They help regulate body functions such as the release of hormones and the regulation of blood sugar levels. Advances in genomics and proteomics have boosted the demand for peptides, particularly in the development of pharmaceuticals. Synthetic peptides serve as the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in peptide-based drugs that treat diabetes, HIV/AIDS, endocrine and nervous system disorders, and other health conditions.

About PolyPeptide Laboratories Group

PolyPeptide Laboratories Group is a leading provider of custom and generic GMP-grade peptides for a range of pharmaceutical and biotechnology applications. With corporate roots that began in the 1950s, the Group was launched formally in 1996. Today, it operates a growing international network of peptide manufacturing facilities. Its world-class chemists and support personnel offer an unparalleled range of services for clients of every size and at every stage of product development. More information about PolyPeptide Laboratories Group is available at www.PolyPeptide.com.