Unichem Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. has acquired LOOMIA for $6.3 million, a cash-and-stock transaction that transfers ownership of the e-textile developer’s patented circuitry technology to the pharmaceutical firm. The deal, finalized this week, gives Unichem full control over LOOMIA’s intellectual property and ongoing operations.
LOOMIA is known for its Electronic Layer (LEL), an award-winning flexible circuit designed to function in high-motion areas or across curved surfaces where standard circuit boards fail. Developed over three years with analysis at Stanford’s SNSF lab, the patented technology can be tailored for a range of electronic functions. Unichem Pharmaceuticals USA, a subsidiary of the larger Unichem group, focuses on generic drug manufacturing and distribution, with a growing interest in smart packaging and connected health devices.
The acquisition is strategic for Unichem, which aims to integrate LOOMIA’s flexible circuitry into its pharmaceutical packaging and drug delivery systems. By embedding sensors or connectivity into blister packs, vials, or wearable patches, Unichem can offer real-time dosage tracking or environmental monitoring without altering existing production lines. For LOOMIA, the deal provides access to Unichem’s manufacturing scale and regulatory expertise, which could accelerate commercial deployment of its technology beyond the niche prototyping market it currently serves.
The combined entity will operate under Unichem’s corporate umbrella, with LOOMIA’s engineering team retained to adapt the LEL for pharmaceutical applications. No changes to LOOMIA’s existing customer contracts have been announced, and the company will continue to license its technology to non-pharma clients. The $6.3 million price reflects the value of the patent portfolio and the potential for cross-industry application, though Unichem has not disclosed projected revenue from the integration.
Post-deal, the focus shifts to pilot testing of smart packaging prototypes, with Unichem expected to leverage its distribution network to bring the first connected products to market within the next two years. The acquisition positions the combined firm to compete in the emerging field of digital therapeutics, where flexible electronics meet regulated healthcare delivery.