Asahi Glass : AGC Asahi Glass to Integrate Bioscience Business

AGC made its first foray into bioscience related business in 1985, and by 2000 had launched its first contract pharmaceutical manufacturing business by operating a microorganism based CDMO*2 that operated mostly in Japan.
AGC acquired Biomeva in 2016, followed by the acquisition of CMC Biologics in 2017. This established a three-branched structure for the group's bioscience operations wherein, generally, AGC operated mainly in Japan and other countries in Asia; Biomeva mainly in Europe; and CMC Biologics mainly in North and South America and Europe.

Through this current business integration effort, AGC will centralize the core functions at a single location, unifying quality standards and operating methods. This will enable AGC to provide clients with a smooth consistent interface, and high quality services backed by proven track records at all of the locations worldwide. As additional benefits, unifying the names of the bioscience business under the single name, 'AGC Biologics', will achieve better market awareness of the AGC brand while also strengthening collaboration between the various locations.

Under its AGC plus management policy, the AGC Group has made a commitment to positioning life-sciences related business as one of its strategic initiatives. AGC intends to continue making aggressive capital investment in biopharmaceutical business, which is expected to exhibit significant growth in demand in the coming years. By maximizing synergies between the locations, AGC will continue to come up with unparalleled innovative solutions, committing to its goal of being a company that contributes to pharmaceutical companies, medical patients, and society in general.

Notes:
*1: Legal entity name changes are being planned for implementation in 2018.
*2: CDMO: Contract Development & Manufacturing Organization. A company which is contracted or acts on behalf of another company to handle product manufacturing as well as the development manufacturing methods.

AGC Group offices engaged in bioscience business