Toxikon expands surgical wing

CRO Toxikon is expanding its efficacy and surgical research services (ESRS) unit in Bedford, Massachusetts to bolster its preclinical services offering for drug and medical device developers.

The US firm is adding capacity for both small and large animal models, a surgical wing and a bank of monitoring and imaging technologies in an expansion project that is expected to be completed next month.

Company CEO Laxman Desai said the modifications are designed to provide Toxikon’s research and product development clientele with resources and scientific capabilities typically found only in academic settings.

This was echoed by Curtis Schondelmeyer, Toxikon’s director of preclinical veterinary services, who said that: “Our facilities are also equipped to handle multiple surgical stations to accommodate physician trainings and demonstrations.

We can accommodate large groups and even provide remote visualization of procedures and surgeries within our facilities and around the world.”

Preclinical competition

News of the expansion comes just a few months after Toxikon revamped its band identity by launching a new website, logo and attending numerous industry events.

Toxikon’s decision to expand also fits with the wider trend in the preclinical contract research sector that has seen a number of the firm’s industry peers seek to bolter their offerings.

In March preclinical research specialist Ricerca Biosciences teamed up with UK-headquartered Fulcrum Pharma in a partnership focused on improving the discovery and early-phase development of drug candidates.

And, in April, French preclinical CRO CIT snapped up Canada’s LAB Research and relanuched as CIToxLAB earlier this month with the aim of “create a global player at the service of the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical industries.”