Aptuit To Acquire GSK Medicines Research Centre In Verona

The arrangement, which is effective as of the July 1, 2010, provides for ongoing employment of the staff at the centre and for Aptuit to supply GSK with R&D services from the facilities.

As per the agreement, Aptuit is expected to gain in from the scientific expertise of GSK’s research facility through the transfer of approximately 500 staff from GSK to Aptuit.

Aptuit said that the acquisition will not only allow the company to become an important member of GSK’s contract research organisation network, but also allow the company to provide development services to its global customers.

GSK’s Verona Medicines Research Centre expands Aptuit’s global network of operations and enhances its ability to serve customers while developing compounds for important therapeutic areas such as neurosciences discovery and development, as well as cardiovascular and infectious diseases.

Tim Tyson, chairman and CEO of Aptuit, said: “Aptuit was built to provide an integrated drug development capability and streamline the drug development process. This is a strategic acquisition of GSK’s research business in Verona that further strengthens scientific expertise and capabilities within Aptuit, extending our integrated discovery and development offerings.

“This partnership is an example of the developing new model of outsourced R&D collaborations. Verona staff are recognised industry-wide for their drug development expertise and will be an excellent addition to the Aptuit team.”

Moncef Slaoui, chairman of research and development at GSK said: “It provides a modern option for drug discovery expertise to remain as part of the science research community in Italy and offers the opportunity to assure continuity of employment for the GSK staff at the site. This arrangement would not have been possible without the input of the Italian government and unions.”