The deal provides an opportunity for Expression Analysis to make its first major foray into markets outside the US, while for Complement Genomics it significantly broadens the range of services it can offer to clients.
Expression Analysis provides genomic testing services for clinical trials and life sciences research, primarily to companies involved in drug discovery and development.
The company also handles genome-wide association studies that try to find genetic factors that related to specific diseases among patient populations, which have become “an increasingly large part of our business,” according to Expression Analysis CEO Steve McPhail.
For its part, Complement Genomics offers molecular and bioanalytical services, with a particular emphasis on genotyping and gene isolation activities. One way the two companies will work together is for Complement Genomics to isolate genes which can then be studied using Expression Analysis’ technologies.
Expression Analysis has been working to build its expertise in the use of microarray technology in clinical trials and to generate data in a suitable format for regulatory submissions.
The majority of samples tested in its laboratory were derived from clinical trials in 2006, when the firm said its turnover was in the region of $8m. Sales last year were somewhere above $10m, according to a report in the Triangle Business Journal.
Louise Allcroft, CEO of Complement Genomics, said: “by combining our experience, scientific leadership and high-throughput capabilities, we will be able to help meet the needs of the extensive pharmaceutical and biotechnology infrastructure in the UK.”