Granules India Limited has announced its acquisition of Senn Chemicals AG, a Swiss-based Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in peptide-based therapeutics. This move marks Granules’ entry into the fast-growing CDMO segment, expanding its capabilities in pharmaceutical development and manufacturing.
The acquisition is expected to be finalized in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Senn Chemicals’ Expertise in Peptide Synthesis
Senn Chemicals has a strong reputation in the pharmaceutical industry for its expertise in Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS) and Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS). The company provides contract research, development, and manufacturing services to global pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and theragnostic industries.
Some key highlights of Senn’s capabilities include:
- A cGMP-certified manufacturing facility in Switzerland
- ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality standards
- Regulatory approval from Swissmedic for manufacturing compliance
- Recognition by the U.S. FDA under the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
With these established R&D and manufacturing platforms, Granules aims to enhance its peptide-based drug portfolio and expand its footprint in the European pharmaceutical market.
Granules’ Strategic Growth in Peptide Therapeutics
Granules India sees peptide-based therapeutics as a high-growth area, particularly in the anti-diabetic and anti-obesity segments. The company has already been developing two GLP-1-based Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in collaboration with Senn Chemicals.
With this acquisition, Granules plans to:
- Strengthen its peptide R&D capabilities
- Expand into next-generation therapeutics, including GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Develop new peptide-based APIs using Senn’s expertise
This move aligns with Granules’ long-term growth strategy to become a global leader in peptide-based pharmaceuticals.
Granules Enters the CDMO Business
By acquiring Senn Chemicals, Granules India officially enters the CDMO sector, leveraging Senn’s existing customer base, European presence, and innovation-driven peptide platform. The company aims to accelerate its CDMO expansion by focusing on:
- Amino Acid Derivatives (AAD)
- Peptide fragments
- Peptide-based therapeutics
With Senn’s strong presence in Europe, Granules gains access to skilled R&D talent and regulated market clients, further enhancing its global footprint.
By combining Senn’s expertise in peptide synthesis with Granules’ cost-efficient large-scale manufacturing, the company aims to become a key player in the peptide-based pharmaceutical industry.
Leadership Insights on the Acquisition
Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman & Managing Director of Granules India, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition:
“The acquisition of Senn Chemicals AG marks a significant milestone in Granules’ growth journey. By entering the peptide therapeutics segment and acquiring CDMO capabilities, we are expanding into next-generation therapeutics that align with our commitment to innovation and affordability.”
Similarly, Dr. Rico Wiedenbruch, Chairman of Senn Chemicals AG, highlighted the benefits of joining Granules India:
“We are excited to collaborate with Granules India, a company that shares our commitment to scientific excellence and customer-centric innovation. With Granules’ scale, operational efficiency, and global reach in the pharmaceutical industry, we see strategic synergy and tremendous potential to accelerate our growth.”
With this acquisition, Granules India is well-positioned to:
- Expand its CDMO business globally
- Enhance its peptide-based drug portfolio
- Strengthen its manufacturing and research capabilities
As the demand for peptide-based therapeutics grows, Granules India is set to become a leading force in the pharmaceutical industry, offering cost-effective, innovative, and high-quality peptide solutions worldwide.
