Optimus Holding completes acquisition of OM Pharma and strengthes Swiss biotech cluster

Today, Optimus Holding announced the successful closing of the acquisition of OM Pharma, a global biotech company headquartered in Meyrin, Geneva. The new owners, led by Etienne Jornod, are committed to invest more than CHF 250 million over the next few years in the development of microbial-derived immunotherapeutics against respiratory diseases and inflammation, and other projects. An expansion of the manufacturing capacities at the site in Meyrin has already been decided and the project will start later this year.

“Together with my long-standing and experienced partners, I am excited to further expanding OM Pharma and creating a highly attractive biotechnology company focused on improving the lives of patients with respiratory and inflammatory diseases. We will also strengthen the already important biotech cluster in Switzerland,” said Etienne Jornod, Founder of Optimus Holding and Executive Chairman of OM Pharma. “Our aim is to invest in people, deepen research and development, leverage production and expand commercial activities in and outside of Switzerland. We work for patients and employees – together with entrepreneurs.”

Josef Troxler, CEO of OM Pharma, added: “Thanks to the new owners, OM Pharma is well positioned to become a world-leading biotech company focused on respiratory diseases and inflammation. We have the intent to develop OM Pharma's activities in the Geneva region by attracting and retaining the best talents, building on the company’s strengths, and combining the skills of the management team with the expertise and know-how of the new owners. We will expand geographically, in the US and particularly in China, where we have just signed a collaboration agreement with AstraZeneca. With Abdi Ibrahim, the largest independent Turkish pharma company,as our strategic partner, we will further grow our presence in other markets, especially in the MENA region