The acquisition program was aimed at transforming >Cambrex into a specialty therapeutics enterprise; however, it has now been discontinued due to the increasing cost to acquire companies in this sector, coupled with the risk of achieving an appropriate return on investment.

The company said it will now concentrate its resources on the Bioproducts segment and expand its leadership positions in cell biology, molecular biology, rapid microbial testing and cell therapy manufacturing, whilst still maintaining normal operations in its Human Health and Biopharma segments.

Cambrex Bioproducts offers over 1400 bioresearch and drug discovery tools, including normal and differentiating human cells with optimised media, cell-based bioassays, DNA & protein electrophoresis and separation products, endotoxin detection kits, software and equipment.

The company now also intends to examine new strategic alternatives including the potential sale of certain assets. Any proceeds would then be used to support further growth in Bioproducts, reduce debt, repurchase Cambrex stock or make strategic acquisitions in all segments, the company said.

As a result of this change in strategy, Cambrex's president and CEO John Leone, who joined Cambrex in 2004 for the purpose of leading the company's entry into the specialty therapeutics market, will leave the company on January 15, 2006 under a mutual agreement.