Pharmaron Holdings acquires Bridge Laboratories China

Pharmaron Holdings Limited, today announced it completed the acquisition of Bridge Laboratories China. Bridge Laboratories China is the leading contract research organization (CRO) in China providing western standard GLP-compliant toxicology services to pharmaceutical and biotech companies from around the world. With this acquisition, Pharmaron becomes the first integrated CRO in China supporting clients with drug discovery and development processes in support of IND filings. This strategic acquisition strengthens Pharmaron's leading position in the fast-growing, highly dynamic pharmaceutical CRO industry.

Bridge Laboratories China is the first CRO in China with western GLP-compliant preclinical toxicology service capabilities. It is the only preclinical CRO laboratory in China whose data have been accepted by both the FDA and EMEA as part of successful regulatory filings. The 84,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facilities in Bridge Laboratories China include one of the largest and most sophisticated animal vivariums in China that is both AAALAC multi-species accredited and U.S. GLP-compliant.

"Pharmaron has built an exceptional team of scientists specialized in the areas of discovery and process chemistry, biology, DMPK, pharmacology and GMP manufacturing. The acquisition of Bridge Laboratories China enhances our drug R&D service capabilities by adding world-class expertise in western standard GLP-compliant toxicology and safety pharmacology to our diverse service portfolio," said Pharmaron Chairman and CEO Dr. Boliang Lou. "Pharmaron is now the first CRO in China to provide fully integrated drug discovery and development services, from discovery chemistry to IND filings."

"As a premier provider of drug discovery services, Pharmaron was an ideal partner given the company's diverse customer base of leading biotech and pharmaceutical companies," said Bridge Laboratories CEO Tom Oakley. "The addition of Bridge's U.S. GLP-compliant toxicology expertise will make Pharmaron the first company in China to provide truly integrated drug development services from discovery to IND."