In early March, Ricerca Biosciences, Concord, Ohio, finalized the acquisition of the Discovery and Preclinical business of MDS Pharma Services with facilities and almost 600 associates in Bothell, Wash., Lyon, France, and Taipei, Taiwan.

The expanded organization provides the biopharmaceutical industry with access to a global contract research organization focused on the developmental phase between intellectual property and submission of the investigational new drug application, according to a statment. The company now offers global toxicology services; access to cGMP and non-GMP API synthesis and process development for IND-enabling toxicology performed in North America and Europe; expanded and enhanced DMPK services and efficacy models; streamlined lead optimization service combining efficacy and biomarker assays with medicinal chemistry; pharmacological profiling services including molecular, cellular, tissue, and in vivo assays of development candidates; and radiolabeled compound synthesis.

“With facilities worldwide combining local experience, immense scientific expertise, and a strong commitment to excellent client service, we provide unique discovery and development services. Our expanded organization is a research partner clients can rely on to think strategically about projects, anticipate needs and rapidly deliver study results,” says Ricerca Chairman and CEO Ian Lennox.