Granules India to Acquire Swiss CDMO Senn Chemicals for Peptide Expansion

• Granules India Limited has signed an agreement to acquire Senn Chemicals AG, a Swiss CDMO specialising in peptides, with the transaction expected to close in the first half of 2025.

• The acquisition will enhance Granules’ peptide-based drug development capabilities and expand its presence in the CDMO market, particularly in peptide-based anti-diabetic and anti-obesity therapeutics.

Granules India Limited has announced the signing of an agreement to acquire Senn Chemicals AG, a Switzerland-based CDMO focused on peptide development and manufacturing. The deal is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

Senn Chemicals specialises in Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS) and Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS), serving global clients across pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, amino acid derivatives, and theragnostic segments. The company’s ISO 9001:2015-certified facility complies with cGMP standards and is regularly inspected by Swissmedic. Under the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA), Swissmedic’s cGMP inspections are recognised by the U.S. FDA.

The acquisition aligns with Granules’ strategy to expand into peptide-based anti-diabetic and anti-obesity therapeutics, including GLP-1 receptor agonists. Granules and Senn have been collaborating on two GLP-1-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), with additional peptide-based APIs planned for development. By integrating Senn’s expertise, Granules aims to strengthen its position in contract manufacturing and enhance its R&D-driven peptide platform.

Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman & Managing Director of Granules India, stated: “The acquisition of Senn Chemicals AG marks a significant milestone in Granules’ strategic growth journey. By entering the rapidly growing peptide therapeutics segment and acquiring CDMO capabilities, we are expanding into next-generation therapeutics that align with our commitment to innovation and affordability.”

Through this acquisition, Granules India aims to leverage Senn’s European presence, access a skilled talent pool, and expand its global footprint in the peptide CDMO market. The company plans to integrate Senn’s R&D and manufacturing expertise with its large-scale, cost-efficient production capabilities, positioning itself as a key player in peptide-based pharmaceuticals and related applications.

Dr. Rico Wiedenbruch, Chairman of Senn Chemicals AG, “expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with Granules India, highlighting their shared dedication to scientific excellence and customer-focused innovation. He noted that Granules’ scale, operational efficiency, and global presence in the pharmaceutical industry create a strong strategic fit, offering significant opportunities to accelerate growth and enhance capabilities in the expanding field of peptide therapeutics. This partnership, he emphasized, will strengthen their ability to deliver top-tier CDMO solutions while advancing innovation in peptide development and manufacturing.”