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Health Tech Bio Actives (HTBA) has today (6 October 2026) announced its acquisition of Specnova, a US biotechnology company specialising in functional ingredient delivery technologies.
The deal is HTBA’s first acquisition, marking a key milestone for both companies as they combine their complementary portfolios.
HTBA, based in Barcelona, produces citrus flavonoids and active forms of vitamin B12 for the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, F&B and animal nutrition sectors. Meanwhile, Specnova’s ingredient delivery solutions are designed to improve the bioavailability, performance and efficacy of plant compounds, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and peptides.
Both companies will continue to operate independently under the deal, the financial terms of which were not disclosed. However, they will work collaboratively to enhance and develop their science-backed ingredient portfolios for food, beverages and supplements.
HTBA will benefit from new opportunities in the US market, with Specnova’s expertise and delivery systems set to enable development of new formats and enhanced product performance.
Headquartered in Virginia and founded in 2017, Specnova’s portfolio includes its LipoVantage platform, which uses liposomes to encapsulate active ingredients and support absorption during digestion. It also offers its NovaOSpheres technology, which offers controlled release through multi-layered ‘beadlets,’ allowing for flexibility when working with multiple actives.
Specnova will gain access to HTBA’s global commercial network, allowing the company to reach new markets beyond North America.
Alexandre Valls-Coma, CEO of HTBA, said: “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 Balcome, founder and CEO of Specnova, commented: “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.”
He added: “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.”
