Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. has increased its equity ownership in Tianjin Hualida Biotechnology Co., Ltd. in Tianjin, from 45% to 60%.

Hualida Biotechnology is a manufacturing-based enterprise involved in research and development and marketing of genetic recombinant medicines, highly purified proteins, anti-virus and anti-tumour chemicals and natural products. Its 30,000 sqm facility complies with international GMP standards.

Teva originally acquired its 45% equity ownership in Hualida through the Sicor acquisition in 2004. Teva's partner in Hualida will continue to be Tianjin Zhongxin Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd., which is owned by Tianjin Pharmaceutical Holdings, Ltd., a leading Chinese pharmaceutical group, stated a release.