The acquisition strengthens HTBA’s innovation capabilities and expands its presence in the US, bringing together complementary expertise in bioactive ingredients and advanced delivery technologies.
HealthTech Bio Actives (HTBA) has acquired Specnova, a US biotechnology company specialized in next-generation ingredient delivery technologies designed to improve the bioavailability, performance and efficacy of active ingredients.
This is HTBA’s first acquisition and marks a strategic milestone for both companies, bringing together their complementary offerings. While both companies will continue to operate independently, following the agreement they will also work together to enhance and develop their science-backed ingredient portfolios for the supplement, food and beverage industries.
Joining forces to advance industry innovation
For HTBA, the acquisition creates exciting opportunities to strengthen its foothold in the US market, harnessing Specnova’s trailblazing ingredient delivery systems and scientific expertise to enhance product performance and develop differentiated formats over time. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in the USA, Specnova is recognized for its unique, patented and clinically validated technologies designed to improve bioavailability, bioefficacy and sustained release performance of active ingredients. This includes its LipoVantage® platform, which uses liposomes to encapsulate active ingredients, helping protect them through the digestive system and support absorption, as well as its NovaQSpheres® technology, which offers controlled release through multi-layered beadlets, giving formulators greater flexibility when working with multiple actives. For Specnova, the mutually beneficial agreement gives the team access to HTBA’s global commercial network, enabling them to reach customers beyond North America.
Alexandre Valls-Coma, CEO of HTBA
“For almost 50 years, HTBA has been on a journey to deliver science-backed solutions centered on consumer-driven innovation to support people’s health and wellbeing. This acquisition marks a major milestone for us, affirming our ongoing commitment to sustainable growth, by investing in advanced technologies that strengthen our portfolio for the long term,” said Alexandre Valls-Coma, CEO of HTBA. “Specnova is a natural fit, bringing technologies that complement our existing offering and provide a catalyst to accelerate future developments. Together, we can combine our strengths to unlock new opportunities for our customers, while allowing both businesses to build on what we do best.”
Sebastian Balcombe, founder & CEO of Specnova.
“Specnova was created to bring true innovation and effectiveness to raw materials in the natural products industry. We have reached a point where the right partner could help us take the business to the next level,” said Sebastian Balcombe, Founder and CEO of Specnova. “What stood out when we met HTBA was a shared commitment to science and to doing things properly from the outset. Our focus on technology, clinical research, intellectual property and customer service will not change. What changes is the scope of what we are able to offer, both to our existing customers in North America and to customers in markets where HTBA is already established.”
Completion of the transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected during the following weeks.
