BioLegend purchases Covance’s antibody products, manufacturing business
The business unit develops and manufactures antibodies and research reagents for neuroscience, immunopathology, cell biology, epitope tags, and immunohistochemistry detection. These products, including in vitro diagnostic (IVD) antibodies, are expected to complement and enhance the current selection of BioLegend research reagents.
“We plan to continue some manufacturing in Dedham, Massachusetts, transfer some to Massachusetts, and may transfer some [of Covance Antibody Services’ other manufacturing] from San Diego to Dedham,” BioLegend spokeswoman Sharon Sasaki told us, though she couldn’t comment on the number of Covance employees that will be joining BioLegend.
The new project capabilities because of this acquisition, according to Sasaki, include: “Greatly expanded selection for Neuroscience research, and capacity for expanded IHC (immunohistochemistry) testing of BioLegend’s product line.”
Sasaki added: “BioLegend will continue to lease laboratory space in Dedham.”
Covance customers can continue to purchase antibodies using the same phone and fax numbers as previously, according to BioLegend. Covance login and customer numbers will continue to work, and catalog numbers will remain the same for now.
According to a Q&A on the acquisition, Covance’s goal in divesting the group “was to place it in an organization that better aligns with the focus of the group, would value and grow the group to increase the business. We believe that BioLegend's commitment to providing researchers with the most comprehensive and cutting-edge high quality reagents for life science research, strong background in research tools, and aggressive product development program positions the Antibodies Products group for increased commercial growth and greater career opportunities for employees.”
"We are excited to add Covance Antibody's people and products to the BioLegend team," said Gene Lay, President and CEO, BioLegend. “As neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration become increasingly important topics, Covance Antibody is an ideal strategic fit in BioLegend's commitment to the advancement of discovery in neuroscience. With the addition of a world-class R&D team and over 600 antibody products for emerging and important targets in this field, BioLegend is positioned to become a leader in neuroscience and immunology research.”
Lay added: "The addition of Neuroscience and IHC antibody tools to our catalog means accelerated discovery for our current and new customers. We also hope to bring our well-known quality, support, and value in the Immunology community to Neuroscience researchers world-wide.”
