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news.Ricerca Biosciences, a contract research organization (CRO), has agreed to acquire the discovery and preclinical business of MDS Pharma Services, a part of Canadian healthcare group MDS.
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The expanded organization provides the biopharmaceutical industry with access to a global CRO that has its focus on the developmental phase between intellectual property (IP) and submission of the investigational new drug (IND) application.
On February 10, 2010, Ricerca Biosciences has carried out a purchase agreement to acquire the discovery and preclinical business of MDS Pharma Services with facilities in Bothell, Washington; Lyon, France; and Taipei, Taiwan. The company headquarters will remain in Concord, Ohio.
The enhanced capacity and capabilities offer many advantages, including: Global toxicology allowing coordination of projects between North America, Europe and Asia; Access to cGMP and non-GMP API synthesis and process development for IND-enabling toxicology performed in North America and Europe; Enhanced and expanded DMPK services and efficacy models.
Other synergies that result from the acquisition are: Streamlined lead optimization service combining efficacy and biomarker assays with medicinal chemistry; Complete pharmacological profiling services including molecular, cellular, tissue and in vivo assays of development candidates; and Radio labeled compound synthesis available for all locations worldwide.
Ian Lennox, chairman and CEO of Ricerca Biosciences, said: “The addition of these facilities and personnel complement Ricerca’s existing facility in Concord, Ohio, and position us as a global, preferred provider of discovery and development services. We have intimate working knowledge of these facilities; all are steeped in decades of experience and expertise.
“With facilities worldwide combining local experience, immense scientific expertise and a strong commitment to excellent client service, we provide unique discovery and development services. Our expanded organization is a research partner clients can rely on to think strategically about projects, anticipate needs and rapidly deliver study results.”
The proposed transaction between the two organizations is subject to customary regulatory and closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close within the next two months.