Ofichem is making its first move onto US soil. The Dutch drug substance manufacturer has agreed to buy Kinentia Biosciences, a contract development and manufacturing outfit based in New York. This deal hands Ofichem a physical presence in the United States and ties its European operations to the US biotech supply chain.
Kinentia specializes in early-stage development and complex chemistry. Ofichem plans to fold these capabilities into its own network, which already covers process scale-up and GMP manufacturing at its FDA-inspected Ter Apel site in the Netherlands. Kinentia’s clients will be able to tap into this broader setup as their projects mature. Ofichem’s US customers, meanwhile, get a local manufacturing option instead of relying on transatlantic shipments.
Kinentia Biosciences is based in the Rensselaer Polytechnic Industrial Park in New York and will become Ofichem's first operational site in the US specifically for drug-substance development and manufacturing.
The official announcement landed on October 5, 2026. The deal still needs a green light from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and must clear other standard hurdles. As of the announcement, no independent outlet had confirmed the closing or CFIUS approval. The agreement remains conditional.
Ofichem’s top brass are pitching the move as a turning point. Dr Weite Oldenziel, CEO, called it “an important milestone in Ofichem’s continued development.” He said the deal cements the company’s US presence and brings its European and American operations under one roof. The goal: support clients from early development through commercial supply without splitting knowledge across multiple vendors.
Alessia Cogotti, who runs Ofichem’s Drug Substance Business Unit, pointed to the scientific and operational fit. “Kinentia brings highly complementary capabilities and experience to our Drug Substance business and strengthens our position in the United States. Its expertise in early-stage development, complex chemistry and complementary modalities broadens our scientific offering, while Ofichem’s existing GMP and commercial manufacturing capabilities allow us to support programmes as they progress towards commercialisation. Keeping scientific and process knowledge within one accountable organisation provides greater continuity as programmes develop, reducing the risks associated with handovers between independent providers and creating a more connected path from early development through to commercial manufacturing.”
After the transaction is completed, Ofichem's drug substance division will operate across three sites: Rensselaer (USA), Ter Apel (Netherlands), and Uppsala (Sweden), each contributing distinct expertise to the company's global network.
Kinentia’s team sees the deal as a way to reach commercial manufacturing and plug into a wider scientific network. Dr Dave Fairfax, Kinentia’s President and CEO, said, “For our team and our customers, the fit with Ofichem is strong. We share a commitment to quality, scientific expertise and long-term customer relationships. Joining the group gives Kinentia access to a wider scientific network and a route into commercial manufacturing, while preserving the specialist approach that has shaped our business since 2007.”
Once the paperwork clears, Ofichem’s drug substance business will run across three sites: New York, Ter Apel, and Uppsala. Each location brings its own strengths. Ofichem also plans to build out regional manufacturing options in both the US and Europe, aiming to give clients more say in where their projects are developed and produced. This push comes as pharma companies demand tighter supply chains and more onshoring.
Kinentia’s clients are expected to gain access to process scale-up, regulatory support, and GMP manufacturing at Ter Apel as their programs move forward. The Drug Development & Delivery report notes this setup is meant to cut the risks that come with bouncing projects between separate providers.
Ofichem says it will look at building US capabilities for controlled substances, if it can secure the right licenses. The company has experience with tightly regulated products. This deal follows Ofichem’s recent European expansion and its move to unite six subsidiaries under one brand earlier this year.
The transaction still hangs on CFIUS approval and other closing conditions. The logic is straightforward: supply chain security and regional presence are now must-haves for drug makers. Ofichem’s move echoes other cross-border deals, including the Zymeworks-Theravance buyout reported earlier.
If the deal closes, Ofichem will have shifted from a regional player to a contender in the global drug substance market.
