Xenogen Biosciences is a provider of in vivo drug discovery services, including in vivo target and compound evaluation and the design, production and phenotyping of genetically modified animal models. The acquisition was completed on 11 December 2009.

The move enables Taconic to expand its genetically modified model generation, production and phenotyping capabilities through access to new models and the addition of a US production site. Pursuant to a separate distribution agreement, Taconic will also cryopreserve, breed and distribute Caliper’s Light Producing Transgenic Animals (LPTA®) models, a unique line of models that use bioluminescent technology to improve oncology, inflammation, metabolic and endocrine disease research and drug toxicology studies. Imaging studies using these models will be conducted at an AAALAC-accredited vivarium in Cranbury, New Jersey, which is part of a 50,000 square foot facility acquired under the agreement.

The most comprehensive custom mouse model generation

Taconic also acquires the full line of Xenogen Biosciences in vivo service solutions, including gene targeting, EffiPRO™ compound profiling, SPCT™ phenotyping and the ability to perform optical imaging studies using real-time imaging technology under a license from Caliper. Taconic’s acquisition of Xenogen Biosciences significantly enhances its ability to provide advanced, highly cost-effective solutions for drug discovery. The addition of Xenogen Biosciences’ comprehensive phenotyping platform, which includes over 60 standardised and pharmacologically validated assays within multiple therapeutic areas, will enable Taconic to provide its customers with the most comprehensive custom mouse model generation and characterisation solutions available.

Taconic has long recognised the value that genetically modified rat and mouse models bring to the drug discovery process. “The addition of LPTA models, phenotyping platform and targeted compound profiling technology further strengthens Taconic’s position as a leading provider of innovative solutions to improve the ability to derive translational data from drug discovery studies,” says Todd Little, president and CEO of Taconic.

“The acquisition is a strong fit for both organizations, technologically, operationally and philosophically,” says Stephen McAndrew, vice president for business development at Xenogen Biosciences. “Each company brings considerable scientific expertise, advanced technology and world-class facilities to the relationship. And each company is committed to long-term, collaborative partnerships with leading organisations in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic and government sectors.”

David S. Grass, PhD, divisional vice president for technical operations at Xenogen Biosciences, says: “The integration of Xenogen Biosciences’ services with Taconic’s drug discovery solutions and capabilities creates a robust, highly competitive offering that will assist the biomedical community in reaching its objectives. In addition, Xenogen Biosciences’ compound profiling capabilities will be especially valuable to Taconic customers that seek new disease indications for existing therapeutics, an area of growing importance and interest in the pharmaceutical industry.”