MDS expands Taiwan capacity in early stage focus
The overhaul is part of MDS’ increased focus on early stage research, which was demonstrated by the sale of its late stage trial unit to INC research, and is due to be completed in 2010.
MDS’ expansion will double the site’s in vivo safety and efficacy testing capacity, with space tailored to an individual client’s needs, and upgrade and expand its molecular screening and profiling services.
This includes the installation of additional robotic high-throughput screening capacity and analytical support, which MDS believes will improve the site’s automated molecular screening and profiling capability and efficiency.
David Spaight, president of MDS Pharma Services, said: "This new and expanded facility will cement our position as the global leader in the discovery pharmacology space, where we are one of the top two providers of molecular screening, and a key supplier of in vivo efficacy and safety testing.
"This investment builds on a 40-year track record of success in this service area, and supports our recently announced strategic focus on the discovery through Phase IIa proof-of-concept segment of the outsourcing market."
Early-stage offering
The Taiwan facility forms part of MDS’ Pharmacology/DMPK (drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics) services, which offers molecular, cellular, ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) and in vivo assays.
Clients can use these services to help identify drug candidates, profile for selectivity, assess potential for adverse events, evaluate efficacy and establish proof of concept.
MDS believes that clients using these services can “help speed lead optimization earlier in the discovery phase and streamline the surest path to the clinic”.
