Merger completion strengthens DSP's production ops in China
This article was originally published in Scrip
Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma (DSP) has completed the acquisition of a facility in China that will increase its production capabilities in the country.
DSP gained agreement in November 2008 for the purchase of the manufacturing operation in Suzhou, which was then 100% owned by Kyowa Hakko Pharmaceuticals. The packaging facility had been completed in 2006 but had not begun commercial operations, and was divested as part of Kyowa Hakko's wider corporate merger with Kirin in Japan.
It has now been merged into DSP's Sumitomo Pharmaceuticals operation in Suzhou, which also carries out packaging activities, with Sumitomo continuing as the surviving entity. Commercial operations at the combined facility, which employs 525 people, are expected to begin in the first quarter of calendar 2011.
Sumitomo Pharma (Suzhou) also conducts marketing activities and had sales of ¥4.1 billion ($48.7 billion) in fiscal 2009. DSP's marketed products in China include the gastroprokinetic Gasmotin (mosapride), and the firm has said it is aiming to build up its sales force in the country to around 280 reps this year.