HealthTech Bio Actives (HTBA) has acquired US biotech company Specnova in its first acquisition, expanding its ingredient delivery capabilities and strengthening its position in the US nutraceutical market.
Announced on Tuesday, the deal brings together HTBA’s expertise in citrus flavonoids and active forms of vitamin B12 with Specnova’s technologies designed to improve the bioavailability, stability and release profiles of active ingredients.
Both companies will continue to operate independently while collaborating on the development of science-backed ingredient portfolios for the dietary supplements, food and beverage industries.
Completion is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected in the coming weeks, according to HTBA’s announcement.
Expanding ingredient delivery capabilities
Founded in 2017, Specnova specialises in ingredient delivery systems for plant compounds, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and peptides.
Its technologies are designed to address formulation challenges associated with ingredient stability, absorption and sustained release.
Its LipoVantage platform uses liposomal encapsulation to protect active ingredients and support their delivery through the digestive system.
The technology is available as a free-flowing powder for use in formats including capsules, tablets, gummies, functional foods and beverages.
The company’s NovaQSpheres platform uses multilayered beadlets to provide controlled release of active ingredients.
Specnova said that the system can be customised to accommodate different ingredients and release profiles, offering formulators additional flexibility when developing multi-active formulations.
For HTBA, the acquisition provides access to these delivery technologies and will create opportunities to develop differentiated ingredient formats alongside its existing portfolio of bioactive ingredients.
The company, headquartered in Barcelona, Spain, has more than 45 years of experience in naturally sourced flavonoids and vitamin B12 ingredients, with operations spanning functional health, pharmaceuticals, taste modulation and animal nutrition.
Global growth and future development
HTBA CEO Alexandre Valls-Coma said the acquisition would strengthen the company’s portfolio and support long-term growth.
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."
Specnova founder and CEO Sebastian Balcombe highlighted the opportunity to expand the company’s reach beyond North America through HTBA’s international commercial network.
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.
“What stood out when we met HTBA was a shared commitment to science and to doing things properly from the outset."
Both businesses will exhibit at SupplySide Global 2026 in Las Vegas from 28-30 October, where they will showcase their respective ingredient portfolios and delivery technologies.
