Quotient describes itself as a “translational pharmaceutics company” – that provides early clinical research and drug formulation and manufacturing services for Phase I studies. The UK firm also makes supplies for late-phase clinical trials.
The deal was confirmed by Quotient Clinical spokesman Robin Bodicoat in an email to Outsourcing-pharma.
A CRO sector deal broker told us Quotient is “only company providing these [translational pharmaceutics] combined services in any material way,” adding that “clients really like this unique approach.”
Private equity group Bridgepoint Capital bought Nottingham, UK headquartered Quotient in 2013.
Global Healthcare Opportunities, or GHO Capital, was founded in 2014 as a specialist healthcare investment group based in London.
Spokeswoman Lara Flynn told us: "Quotient is the UK’s leading early-stage drug development services business. The Company has delivered exceptional growth over the past three years and its unique offering continues to drive international demand.
"Quotient’s customers include top-tier pharma companies and small-medium sized biotechnology companies. GHO’s network of contacts, sector expertise and global reach can support Quotient expansion to become a significant player in the wider European and US markets."
GHO was set up by Dr Dennis Gillings, founder of Quintiles, and Dr Mireille Gillings, founder of HUYA Bioscience International. Both are experienced healthcare industry professionals, however, "they are not involved in portfolio company management" Flynn said.
The fund’s other founders are Andrea Ponti, who created both JP Morgan’s and Goldman Sachs’ European investment banking healthcare franchises, ex-3i Group partner Alan MacKay and former Quintiles executive, Mike Mortimer.
GHO's only other investment is US-based DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC).
UK expansion plan
Quotient has two facilities in the UK: an 85 bed Phase I site in Nottingham that has an integrated drug manufacturing facility; and a site in Edinburgh that houses the companies' biometrics, analysis and clinical trial data reporting operations.
In June, Quotient announced its intention to add manufacturing capacity with a new site in Nottingham, UK.
At the time CEO Mark Egerton told Outsourcing-Pharma.com: “The bulk of our investment program is focused on an expansion of our pharmaceutical sciences capacity.
"Specifically, we will be bringing a second GMP manufacturing facility on line in the autumn of this year – which will double our manufacturing capacity. This will also include a range of investments in manufacturing equipment.”
The company also plans to double the footprint of its formulation development and pharmaceutical analysis laboratories by the end 2015.