CRL teams up with Quotient for new European lab
Kansas’ Clinical Reference Laboratory (CRL) plans to offer clinical analysis and testing services for trials conducted in the region, using the laboratory as its base of operations in Europe.
In return, Quotient said it will gain additional capability for services such as biomarker analysis and microbiology testing, for which pharmaceutical industry demand has grown significantly in recent years.
Cambridge should be an ideal location for the collaboration given that it is part of the UK’s “golden triangle” where many of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies are based.
Additionally, while there are a number of laboratory testing companies operating in the region, including Azopharma which set up there last year, Quotient’s existing presence and local knowledge should help CRL win customers.
Although a Quotient spokesperson was not available for comment, a press statement issued by CEO Paul Cowan set out some of the other potential benefits of the accord with CRL.
He suggested that: “The collaboration brings exciting new opportunities,” adding that “working in tandem with CRL offers access to a well established, standardised global laboratory infrastructure.”
Quotient’s business development director, David Griffiths, reiterated the strategic sense of the partnership explaining that: “The established capabilities of the two companies are entirely complementary.”
Griffiths also suggested that the synergies provided by the collaboration with CRL will “deliver a joint offering significantly broader than available from each party working alone.”
CRL CEO Tim Sotos also stressed the deal’s synergies, highlighting Quotient’s track record in early phase drug development as something that could provide “significant added value” to his firm’s laboratory operations.
