Charles River has announced the acquisition of Agilux Laboratories, Inc., a Worcester, Massachusetts-based contract research organization (CRO) providing a suite of integrated discovery small- and large-molecule bioanalytical services, DMPK (drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics) and pharmacology services. Agilux has built an enviable reputation for flexibility and speed, offering in vivo PK (pharmacokinetics), in vitro ADME (absorption distribution metabolism excretion), in vivo pharmacology, and bioanalysis to support drug discovery. They have also established themselves as a leading bioanalytical laboratory supporting preclinical and clinical programs.
With this acquisition, Charles River adds new and expanded scientific proficiencies to support your research needs from target identification and validation through preclinical development. We believe that Agilux’s unique combination of early-stage services coupled with Charles River’s existing discovery and safety assessment capabilities will greatly enhance the speed and efficiency of your lead identification, optimization, and candidate selection efforts. Charles River and Agilux’s shared values of scientific expertise and exceptional customer service brings immediate value to our combined clients.
Learn more about our laboratory sciences capabilities and discovery services.
From press release:
James C. Foster, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Charles River said, “The acquisition of Agilux Laboratories supports Charles River’s strategy to offer clients a broader, integrated portfolio that enables them to work with us continuously from the earliest stages of drug research through the nonclinical development process. Agilux reinforces the linkage between our discovery and safety assessment capabilities, and provides clients with a comprehensive testing solution that spans their discovery and regulated drug development needs. We expect to leverage Agilux’s strong client relationships in the Boston-Cambridge biohub, one of the most significant concentrations of medical research in the world, and expand the reach of its discovery bioanalytical services offering to Charles River’s global client base.”
Read the entire press release
Lastly, take a look at some FAQs:
Q: Why are you doing this?
A: We believe that this transaction offers a compelling value proposition for our clients. Agilux adds new and expanded scientific proficiencies to support your research needs from early PK screening through early preclinical development.
Q: Do the two companies share similar values?
A: We believe Charles River and Agilux are an exceptional cultural fit because of our shared focus on employees and clients. We both believe that our employees are our most valued asset, and we pride ourselves on providing exceptional service to our clients. Our shared values, business alignment and goals will play a key role in successfully integrating the business within Charles River.
Q: What will happen to the Agilux company name?
A: Agilux’s name will be retained for a period of time in acknowledgement of their excellent reputation and recognition in the marketplace. Agilux will ultimately be integrated under the broader Charles River umbrella, joining our existing services.
Q: What does this mean for me and my relationship with Charles River and/or Agilux?
A: We are very enthusiastic about this acquisition; when added to the Charles River portfolio, Agilux enhances its position as a full-service CRO with integrated discovery, nonclinical, and clinical development expertise.
The companies are moving very quickly into integration. You should continue to work with your regular contacts at either Charles River or Agilux as this process unfolds.
Q: I am in the process of signing a new contract with Agilux – how does this acquisition affect that?
A: Given the nature of the acquisition, all prior Agilux contracts remain valid and in full force and effect. There is no need to change or execute new contracts, master services agreements or confidentiality agreements at this time. Any new contracts executed now that the transaction has been completed will follow new templates, as appropriate.