Quintiles acquires premier provider of genomics testing and analysis

To help biopharmaceutical companies dramatically improve drug development productivity and deliver greater value, Quintiles today announced the acquisition of Expression Analysis, Inc. (EA), a premier provider of genomics testing and analysis to biopharma, academic, government and non-profit customers.

“Its expertise in genetic sequencing and advanced bioinformatics is essential to understanding diseases and drugs at the molecular level. That's a huge step in creating more value across the healthcare spectrum.”

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. This is the latest in a series of acquisitions and alliances designed to help Quintiles' customers leverage the power of genomics to better understand diseases; develop diagnostic tools; and deliver safer, more effective therapies based on the genetic makeup of the disease and the patient.

"The addition of EA's Genomic Know-How^® to Quintiles is another step forward in our efforts to bring personalized medicine into mainstream drug development," said Thomas Wollman, Senior Vice President, Quintiles Global Laboratories. "Its expertise in genetic sequencing and advanced bioinformatics is essential to understanding diseases and drugs at the molecular level. That's a huge step in creating more value across the healthcare spectrum."

EA has about 77 employees, most based in its offices near Research Triangle Park.

Steve McPhail, EA President and Chief Executive Officer, said: "The combination of Quintiles Global Laboratories and EA genomic technology excellence will facilitate worldwide access to resources and expertise to drive improvements in the diagnosis, treatment and management of complex disease. EA can now play a global role in helping biopharma succeed in the New Health.

"This is the right move for our company and our employees. Our mission perfectly fits Quintiles' strategy to use genomic data and advanced informatics to yield actionable insights and more effective personalized treatments."

EA provides whole genome to focused-set gene expression and genotyping assays, along with next-generation sequencing services, sequence enrichment technologies and bioinformatics support. It offers a broad range of services across multiple platforms. Its quality system follows CLSI guidelines and its CLIA-registered laboratory supports GLP compliance.

Quintiles Global Laboratories supports trials worldwide with wholly owned facilities in the U.S., Europe, South Africa, India, China, Singapore and Japan, and a tightly coordinated network of affiliate laboratories in Argentina and Brazil. All Quintiles laboratories operate with uniform instrumentation and standard operating procedures, delivering high quality, harmonized data.