Sector News

Booming WuXi eyes $1.5B IPO for biologics unit: report

February 26, 2016
Life sciences

Just months after taking the company private in a $3.3 billion deal, WuXi CEO Ge Li has begun setting the stage to spin out its rocketing biologics unit in an IPO that would value the business at $1.5 billion, according to a report from Bloomberg.

Based in Shanghai with facilities in the U.S., WuXi has achieved remarkably fast growth, emerging as the biggest contract research organization in China with extensive R&D and manufacturing ties throughout the world. In just the last few months the company has:

  • Blueprinted a $120 million, 250,000-square-foot biologics discovery hub in Shanghai, with plans to bring together some 800 scientists.
  • Struck a deal to jointly produce biologics with AstraZeneca, which has partnered with WuXi on the development and commercialization of MEDI5117. AstraZeneca also has an option to buy a manufacturing facility from WuXi for $100 million.
  • Added $290 million to its venture fund as it takes a stake in a growing group of U.S. biotechs that now includes Juno, Agios and Twist Biosciences.

Bank of America and Morgan Stanley have been brought in to handle a Hong Kong share sale, Bloomberg reports, citing sources close to the deal. WuXi pulled out of the New York Stock Exchange on December 10.

Ge Li and his top executive crew have earned a reputation for fast-paced dealmaking that’s unprecedented in China’s growing biopharma business. And clearly they’re still in the early stages of wheeling and dealing with some of the biggest, and smallest, players in the global industry.

By John Carroll

Source: Fierce Biotech

comments closed

Related News

April 26, 2024

Former Bristol Myers CEO tapped as Novartis’ next board chair

Life sciences

Giovanni Caforio, the former CEO of Bristol Myers Squibb, is set to become the next board chairman of Novartis, which on Tuesday proposed the pharmaceutical industry veteran as its pick to replace Joerg Reinhardt in the role next year. Reinhardt has served as Novartis’ chair since 2013 and plans to retire when his 12-year term ends in 2025.

April 26, 2024

GE HealthCare launches voice-activated, AI-powered ultrasound machines for women’s health

Life sciences

GE HealthCare has raised the curtain on two ultrasound systems equipped with artificial intelligence programs designed to assist in diagnosing conditions in women’s health, including obstetric exams. The Voluson Signature 20 and 18 imaging systems include AI tools capable of automatically identifying and annotating measurements of fetal anatomy.

April 26, 2024

Scientists reveal new method that could reduce waste from drug manufacturing

Life sciences

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh’s School of Chemistry have revealed a new sustainable method of manufacturing complex molecules that could reduce waste produced during drug production. The method published in Nature Chemistry could help to prevent severe side effects caused by drugs that can exist as enantiomers.

How can we help you?

We're easy to reach