PSI acquired a multimodal imaging system from Horiba last year and is now expanding use of its instruments. The strategic alliance ensures PSI, an analytical contract research organisation (CRO), has access to the latest characterisation tools sold by instruments maker Horiba.
“It's critical that our analytic and characterisation capabilities keep pace with our formulation expertise”, said Robert Lee, vice president of pharmaceutical development at PSI. The deal also supports advancements that will be needed as PSI clients scale-up to clinical and commercial.
Partnering with Horiba continues efforts by PSI to strengthen its drug development capabilities through in-house innovation, deals and acquisitions. Over the past 12 months this strategy has seen PSI develop wax nanoparticles, license from SoluBest and buy PEG-based technology.
These developments, like the Horiba deal, strengthened capabilities in areas PSI expects to grow. "The need for particle size analysis and physical characterisation in general is growing rapidly within this highly regulated environment”, said Lee.
Client referrals
PSI will also benefit from Horiba client referrals. Horiba is often asked by its clients, who range from start-up biotechs to big pharma, to recommend a drug development outsourcing provider. Now, having entered into the strategic alliance, Horiba will refer these clients to PSI.
“By entering into this relationship, we can ensure that our clients not only gain access to the most advanced technology, but also that the operators are highly trained to use the instruments to their fullest capability”, said Mike Pohl, vice president at Horiba.
Collaborating with PSI also strengthens the US-presence of Japan-based Horiba. PSI is located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, US and this site will complement the Horiba office in Edison, New Jersey to give the Japanese firm “a strong one-two punch” to support its East Coast clients.