Evonik acquires Germany biotech company JeNaCell

Evonik, the producer of speciality chemicals active in more than 100 countries, will integrate JeNaCell's portfolio into its Health Care business, expanding its biomaterials offering to provide biotechnologically derived cellulose.

JeNaCell began as a spinoff company from the Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena in Germany. In 2017, the company launched its first product epicite, a medical wound dressing for the treatment of chronic wounds, surgical wounds and burns that is based on biotechnologically derived cellulose. It is a skin-friendly and soft biomaterial that provides a healing-promoting microclimate on the wound and can be removed painlessly.

Further technologies developed by JeNaCell include soft tissue implants, transdermal delivery systems and dermatological applications.

JeNaCell's product developments are complementary to the portfolio of Evonik's Health Care business, a global solutions provider for innovative materials for medical device and pharmaceutical markets.

Evonik recognised JeNaCell's potential in 2015 and invested in the start-up through its own venture capital arm. Following the complete takeover, JeNaCell's portfolio will be integrated into Evonik's health care business.

 “JeNaCell has developed one of the most innovative biomaterials for medical device technologies. With the help of the creativity and expertise of JeNaCell's specialists, we will ensure that even more patients benefit from these products in the future,” said Thomas Riermeier, head of Evonik’s Health Care business line.

“The acquisition will help us to further strengthen our position as an innovation hub for the world’s leading medical technology companies.”

“The acquisition by Evonik is a quantum leap for JeNaCell to realise the full potential of our innovative technology,” said Dana Kralisch, Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of JeNaCell.

“We are excited to have found a strong and trusted partner to develop our technology platform and a new home for our passionate team of experts. Together, we will expand our customer base and explore new application areas.”

The acquisition confirms Evonik Venture Capital’s strategy of investing early in start-ups with visionary technology that are relevant to Evonik's innovation growth fields.

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