Charles River acquires UK CRO KWS BioTest

KWS BioTest specializes in in vitro and in vivo discovery testing services for immuno-oncology, inflammation and allergy, autoimmune disease and antimicrobials, antivirals, and vaccinology.

The acquisition is expected to expand the existing discovery expertise of the US-based Charles River in the field of immunology.

Additionally, Charles River is also expected to offer its clients more tools in the therapeutic research areas of oncology and immunology.

KWS BioTest’s services cover both preclinical and clinical phases. The company has an expert team of cell biologists to support early drug research to support later stage drug development programs.

Charles River Laboratories chairman, president and CEO James Foster said: “The addition of KWS strategically expands Charles River’s existing discovery capabilities in the field of immunology, which is critical given the importance of new therapies which harness the human immune system.

“In addition to enhancing our position as the premier single-source provider for a broad portfolio of discovery services, KWS increases our ability to support clients’ early-stage drug research in critical therapeutic areas, and expands our geographic footprint in the United Kingdom.”

Charles River, which is headquartered in Wilmington, Massachusetts, provides a range of pre-clinical and clinical laboratory services for the pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology sectors. Founded in 1947, the company helps its clients in accelerating their research and drug development programs.

In 2016, Charles River signed a deal worth about $585m to acquire WIL Research followed by the purchase of Blue Stream Laboratories.

Image: KWS BioTest specializes in in vitro and in vivo discovery testing services. Photo: courtesy of ponsulak/FreeDigitalPhotos.net.