Ampersand Capital Partners acquires Nektar Therapeutics' PEG reagent business

On December 2, 2024, Ampersand Capital Partners, a private equity firm with a focus on healthcare and life sciences, announced the completion of its acquisition of Nektar Therapeutics' PEGylation reagent manufacturing business, located in Huntsville, Alabama. This transaction marks a significant strategic move for Ampersand as they introduce a new company under the brand name Gannet BioChem. Operating from a 124,000 square foot facility, Gannet BioChem is poised to continue producing specialized PEG reagents required for both commercial and clinical stage biologic therapeutics. With a dedicated team that boasts an average tenure of 13 years, the facility is committed to maintaining high-quality standards while meeting the flexible production needs of its clients. The Huntsville facility benefits from being located near one of the largest life sciences research parks in the United States, creating opportunities for collaboration and innovation within the biotechnology sector. Ampersand Capital Partners aims to leverage its resources and expertise to enhance Gannet BioChem's legacy of quality and reliability in the industry. The FDA-inspected facility is known for its exceptional compliance record, which is essential for sustaining customer trust and meeting regulatory requirements in the life sciences ecosystem. Nektar Therapeutics has been actively engaged in developing novel therapies and currently has various clinical trials underway. Its lead product candidate, rezpegaldesleukin (REZPEG), is an innovative regulatory T cell stimulator being studied in multiple Phase 2b clinical trials. The acquisition by Ampersand signifies not only a new chapter for Nektar's former asset but also highlights the ongoing consolidation within the life sciences field, as companies seek to create more efficient operations and drive development in therapeutic solutions. With the establishment of Gannet BioChem, stakeholders expect the enhanced agility and expanded operational capacity to promote growth in the production of PEG reagents, critical components in the formulation of biologics. This acquisition underscores the importance of strategic investments in high-quality manufacturing capabilities to meet the increasing demands of the biotechnology industry both today and in the years to come.