Provence Technologies Group, a specialist fine chemistry research group, has acquired Synprosis, a France-based company specializing in the chemical synthesis of peptides and proteins for therapeutic use. The financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

The group’s new entity has adopted the name Provepep. Synprosis will be the division specialized in pharmaceutical-standard production, in keeping with good manufacturing practices. Jean-Pierre Salles, who founded Synprosis, will remain on the Provepep executive management team.

The deal opens up new development opportunities for the Provence Technologies Group in biologically active pharmaceuticals. Synprosis has a 10-year history of producing active principles in vaccines under development (for malaria, cancer and allergies), as well as in other therapeutic fields (for neurogenerative diseases and the treatment of pain). The company was first recognized for creating synthetic vaccines for HIV and malaria. The technology developed by Synprosis offers significantly increased peptide production yields with a 30% to 40% cost reduction.

“The development of biologically active pharmaceuticals already has been a reality for some years. Synprosis provides technology solutions that restore the standing of small protein production via chemical synthesis, with a higher level of purity at a competitive cost,” said Michel Feraud, chairman and CEO of Provence Technologies Group. “The active peptides sector is enjoying rapid growth, and we are counting on Provepep to be a excellent division for the group.”