The takeover – financial terms of which were not disclosed – is designed to expand Porsolt’s drug discovery service offering according to the French contract research organisation (CRO).
Bordeaux-based Fluofarma provides cell-based disease models for predictive toxicology studies with the aim of helping pharmaceutical companies optimize their early drug discovery efforts.
Porsolt spokesman David Pushett said: “Porsolt had very focused in vitro assays prior to the acquisition of Fluofarma, mainly associated with GLP safety study studies which are a key component of our service offering.
“The acquisition allows Porsolt to add high throughput screening and high content in vitro analysis to our preclinical portfolio of services. This enables us to engage our existing and new clients at earlier stages of the drug development process.”
He added that Porsolt has taken on all Fluofarma staff crucial for the ongoing and uninterrupted provision of services to existing and new clients.
Customer base
The investment expands Porsolt’s core animal research business, which is centred at its 5,500sqm facility in Le Genest-Saint-Isle, northern France.
Pushett predicted that the new services would help the firm attract new pharmaceutical industry clients and deepen relationships with established customers.
“The expanded service offering will enable Porsolt to engage clients at additional stages of the drug development process to now include preclinical in vitro and in vivo screening, efficacy and safety.
“These services will enhance the existing relationships we have with drug industry customers and also attract customers looking for the expertise and assistance for which Porsolt and Fluofarma have reputations” he said.