In a significant development within the European pharmaceutical manufacturing sector, Ardena, a specialized Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) and bioanalytical Contract Research Organization (CRO), has officially completed the divestment of its drug substance (API) production site located in Södertälje, Sweden. The facility has been acquired by Nanologica AB, a Swedish life science tools company, marking a strategic realignment for both entities.
Transaction Details and Strategic Implications
The Södertälje site, which will now operate as a wholly owned subsidiary under the Nanologica Group, is reverting to its original name, Syntagon AB. This facility is a well-established CDMO with a workforce exceeding 45 employees and boasts a robust track record in the development and manufacturing of small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients. It supports pharmaceutical programs across the entire spectrum, from early-stage development and clinical supply through to full-scale commercial manufacturing.
Over recent years, the site has undergone substantial capital investments, particularly enhancing its chromatographic purification and falling film distillation capabilities. These upgrades position it as a modern and efficient hub for complex API production.
Long-Term Partnership and Future Collaboration
As a component of this strategic agreement, Ardena will become a shareholder in Nanologica. Furthermore, Jeremie Trochu, the Chief Executive Officer of Ardena, will join the Board of Directors at Nanologica, fostering a close collaborative relationship between the two companies.
The divestment is framed as a move that allows Ardena to sharpen its strategic focus. The company intends to concentrate its investments and growth on specialized capabilities that enable precision medicines, including areas such as drug product development, nanomedicine, drug conjugates, biomarkers, and bioanalysis. This transaction ensures the Södertälje site and its skilled team transition to an owner well-positioned for its long-term success.
Ardena will maintain a connection to the facility through an ongoing services agreement, ensuring continuity for existing customer programs. Both companies have expressed a commitment to collaborating on new customer projects where their expertise aligns, leveraging their long-standing relationship.
Executive Commentary on the Deal
Jeremie Trochu, CEO of Ardena, provided commentary on the transaction, stating, "This transaction supports Ardena’s strategy to focus investment and growth on specialized capabilities that enable precision medicines and deliver meaningful patient impact. At the same time, it reflects our commitment to ensuring the best long-term future for the Södertälje site and its talented team. Nanologica is a partner we know well and is ideally positioned to build on the strong foundation in Södertälje and offer an exciting future for the site."
He further expressed his enthusiasm about joining the Nanologica board and partnering with Andreas and the entire Nanologica team.
Company Profiles and Market Context
Nanologica AB is a publicly traded Swedish company listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm Main Market under the ticker NICA. The company specializes in developing, manufacturing, and selling advanced silica-based consumables used in the purification of peptide drugs, such as insulin and GLP-1 analogues. Its products are designed to support efficient and durable purification processes within the pharmaceutical industry. The company is headquartered in Södertälje, Sweden.
Ardena operates as a specialist pharmaceutical CDMO and bioanalytical CRO. It provides integrated solutions for the development and manufacturing of innovative and complex molecules. Its service portfolio encompasses nanomedicine and drug conjugates, advanced drug product development and manufacturing, solid-state chemistry, bioanalytical services, and Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) regulatory support. The company's nanomedicine capabilities cover the formulation, process development, and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) manufacturing of advanced delivery systems, including lipid, polymeric, and metal nanoparticles.
The transaction was finalized following the satisfaction of all customary closing conditions, cementing this new chapter for the Södertälje manufacturing operations and the strategic directions of both Ardena and Nanologica.
