Charles River acquires analytical CRO

27-Jun-2016 - Last updated on 27-Jun-2016 at 22:40 GMT

The acquisition is the latest in a series. (Image: iStock)

Charles River Laboratories has acquired Blue Stream Laboratories, expanding the company’s biologic and biosimilar development capabilities.

The Woburn, Massachusetts-based contract research organization (CRO) has expertise in structural and functional protein characterization programs as well as background in the development and validation of assays for current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) lot release and stability programs.

Through the acquisition, Charles River will have the ability to support biologic and biosimilar development from characterization through clinical testing and commercialization.

James C. Foster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, said that the company is continuing to invest in expanding its biologics portfolio, especially as more biologic and biosimilar drugs are in development.

The investment announced today is the latest in a series of acquisitions, coming months after it finalized its acquisition of the CDMO, WIL Research.

As Outsourcing-Pharma.com previously reported, Charles River predicted 2016 to be a “robust year,” driven mainly by customer demand and enhanced strategic partnerships.