KBI Biopharma has signed an agreement with Merck & Co to acquire Merck's microbial process development and manufacturing operations in Boulder, Colorado, effective May 1, 2014.

Under the agreement, KBI will provide ongoing development and manufacturing services to Merck, as well as to third party customers.

"We are very pleased to continue to advance our partnership with Merck, and to welcome this very highly regarded team of scientists in Boulder to the KBI team," stated Joe McMahon, KBI's president and ceo. "KBI will now offer expanded microbial development and manufacturing services up to 1500L scale, as well as continuing to offer our current full range of process development, analytical and formulation development and mammalian manufacturing services up to 2000L."

KBI will also continue to support other ongoing drug development programs for Merck from its two North Carolina facilities.

To date, KBI has helped to advance more than 220 molecules in 55 unique health indications for over 170 clients around the world.

With the addition of these expanded microbial capabilities, KBI is well positioned to continue to accelerate an even broader range of drug development programs for its global client base.