The acquisition of Senn Chemicals enhances Granules India’s capabilities in peptide therapeutics, targeting anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and next-generation APIs
Granules India (BSE: 532482, NSE: GRANULES) has signed an agreement to acquire Senn Chemicals AG, a Swiss-based Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in peptide synthesis. This strategic acquisition will accelerate Granules’ entry into the high-growth peptide API market, particularly in anti-diabetic and anti-obesity therapeutics, including GLP-1 receptor agonists.
The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.
Granules India Expands into Peptide-Based Drug Development
By acquiring Senn Chemicals, Granules India gains proprietary expertise in Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS) and Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS), which are critical for developing high-purity peptide-based drugs. The deal also strengthens Granules’ CDMO business, allowing it to collaborate with leading pharmaceutical innovators across therapeutics, cosmetics, and amino acid derivatives (AADs).
Senn Chemicals operates a state-of-the-art facility in Switzerland, certified under ISO 9001:2015 and regularly inspected by Swissmedic. Under the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Swissmedic’s cGMP inspections are recognized by the FDA, providing a direct regulatory pathway for Granules’ peptide-based drug expansion into the U.S. market.
Strategic Impact: Strengthening Peptide API & CDMO Leadership
With this acquisition, Granules India enters the growing peptide-based pharmaceutical segment, focusing on next-generation metabolic treatments. The company is actively developing two GLP-1-based APIs in collaboration with Senn Chemicals, with additional peptide-based Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) in the pipeline.
The acquisition also enables Granules to:
Leverage Senn’s established customer relationships with global pharma companies
Expand into Europe’s high-value peptide CDMO market
Enhance peptide-based API production with advanced synthesis technology
Meet the rising demand for peptide-based drugs, particularly for type 2 diabetes and obesity management
Dr. Krishna Prasad Chigurupati, Chairman & Managing Director, Granules India, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition:
“Acquiring Senn Chemicals AG marks a milestone in Granules’ expansion into next-generation peptide therapeutics. With Senn’s expertise in peptide synthesis and our large-scale, cost-efficient manufacturing, we aim to become a global leader in peptide-based solutions. This acquisition aligns with our vision to transform Granules into an innovation-driven pharmaceutical company and strengthen our CDMO business worldwide.”
Dr. Rico Wiedenbruch, Chairman, Senn Chemicals AG, also emphasized the partnership’s potential:
“Joining forces with Granules India presents a unique opportunity to scale our peptide innovations. With Granules’ expertise in high-volume manufacturing and regulatory excellence, we can expand our reach in the growing peptide-based pharmaceutical and CDMO segments while continuing to serve our global clients with best-in-class solutions.”
CDMO Expansion: Leveraging Senn’s European Presence
The acquisition also propels Granules India into the CDMO (Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization) market, allowing the company to:
- Enhance R&D and manufacturing for complex peptide-based APIs
- Expand its footprint in Europe, leveraging Senn’s presence in Switzerland
- Access highly skilled peptide scientists and regulatory-compliant facilities
- Strengthen relationships with leading pharmaceutical innovators and biotech firms
By integrating Senn’s CDMO business with its existing API and finished dosage production capabilities, Granules India aims to scale its peptide operations globally while improving cost efficiencies in high-value drug development.
Advisors on the Acquisition
Granules India was advised by Stifel Nicolaus India as the exclusive financial advisor.
Legal advisory was provided by Loyens & Loeff, while Deloitte conducted financial and tax due diligence.
Kroll provided valuation advisory services for the transaction.
Founded in 1963, Senn Chemicals AG is a Swiss-based CDMO specializing in custom peptide synthesis and amino acid derivatives. The company provides contract research, development, and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and theragnostic applications.
Senn’s core capabilities include:
- Liquid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (LPPS) & Solid-Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS)
- Analytical method development & process optimization
- cGMP and non-GMP manufacturing for peptide APIs
- Scalability from early-stage clinical trials to commercial production
With its Swissmedic-approved facility and expertise in next-generation peptide synthesis, Senn Chemicals is a trusted partner for global pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
Granules India is a vertically integrated pharmaceutical company headquartered in Hyderabad, India. Founded in 1991, the company has:
- 10 global manufacturing facilities (8 in India, 2 in the U.S.)
- Regulatory approvals from US FDA, EDQM, EU GMP, TGA, and more
- A product portfolio spanning APIs, Pharmaceutical Formulation Intermediates (PFIs), and Finished Dosages (FDs)
- Distribution in 80+ countries with a customer base of over 300 clients
