‘Explosive demand’ for primate research drives Alpha Genesis expansion in Europe
The Alpha Genesis Primate Research Center (AGPRC), the research division of Alpha Genesis Incorporated (AGI), is expected to “take on” additional European business commitments, according to the company – as it looks to continue expansion efforts.
Greg Westergaard, PhD, AGI president and CEO, said the investment of more than $2m in staff and infrastructure has allowed the company “to make significant inroads across this highly competitive area.”
The expansion will support demand for new vaccines to combat diseases such as Zika, Ebola, and new flu strains, Westergaard told Outsorucing-Pharma.com.
“The ability to conduct such research in Europe is more constrained than in the US, and Alpha Genesis employs scientists with specialized skills in high-demand research areas,” he added.
According to the company, it will conduct contract research projects with rhesus and cynomolgus macaques to accommodate “explosive demand for work with nonhuman primates across Europe.”
Westergaard expects demand for its research services to increase by an average of 20-25% per year over the next decade.
“Primate research is integral to the development of new cures for human diseases and is of great benefit to people of all ages throughout the world,” he said.
AGI said a number of its customers “will move an increased portion of their studies to AGI’s European outreach operation in 2019.”
According to the company, the move is expected to see AGI's European research business increase by more than 75% percent to more than $4m per annum over the next 18 months.
The company in 2016 invested $2m to expand its South Carolina facility and add 30 jobs to support its primate breeding capabilities
