Latest deals and developments in the CRO space

Quintiles launches data management offering in China​

Contract research organisation (CRO) Quintiles has continued its Asian expansion with the addition of clinical data management services to Shanghai, China unit offering.

A company spokeswoman told Outsourcing-pharma that demand was the key driver, explaining that: “Customers are increasingly turning to Quintiles for our integrated data management, biostatistics and medical writing services​.”

These thoughts were echoed in a press statement issued by Ling Zhen, general manager, Quintiles China, who said: “We have seen tremendous growth in demand for our services as bio pharmaceutical customers look to enhance their operational efficiencies and position in this growing market​.”

The CRO, which has operated in China for over a decade, has been expanding its offering in the country, most recently​ with the addition of a new anatomical pathology laboratory in the capital Beijing.

The Chinese expansion also fits with Qunitles' efforts to grow its Asian presence which saw, in July, the firm set up a research site​ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

BioClinica partners with Axio and Beardsworth​

BioClinica extends “certified partners programme​” through deals with oncology-focused CRO Beardsworth Consulting and trial data management firm Axio Research.

The partnerships add Pennsylvania, US-based Bioclinica’s electronic data capture (EDC) technology to the companies’ respective clinical trial service offerings.

In a press statement Michael O’Brien, CEO of Beardsworth states, “There has been an increasing demand from our oncology clients for an EDC platform that is focused on the particular needs of oncology studies​.”

The deals mark something of a milestone for BioClinica’s partnering network, which now includes firms with experience of conducting 1,000 trials at 6,000 sites in 52 countries according to CEO Mark Weinstein.

The programme, which includes a range of full spectrum contract research organisations and niche specialist providers, is used by BioClinica as a vehicle for cross-selling its range of eClinical solutions.

Cyprotex buys US ADME group Apredica ​

UK-based Cyprotex has bought US preclinical ADME testing specialist Apredica in deal that, it claims, makes it the largest international provider of toxicity testing services.

The deal, valued at £2.7m (€3.2m) in cash and shares, adds Apredica’s Watertown, Massachusetts laboratory, workforce and customer base to Macclesfield-headquartered Cyprtotex’s established offering.

The acquisition also adds Cellumen’s Cellular Systems Biology and High Content Toxicology offering, which was recently bought by Apredica, to Cyprotex’ business, furthering its capabilities in the in-vivo testing market.

Cyprotex CEO Anthony Baxter said that: "The acquisition of Apredica is highly significant for Cyprotex as it creates, at a single stroke, a transcontinental ADMET services business​.”