GVK Biosciences (GVK BIO) is acquiring Vanta Bioscience, a preclinical GLP toxicology and safety assessment contract research organization. The Chennai, India-based CRO offers toxicology evaluation services for the pharmaceutical, biotech, food supplements, and feed additives industries and also provides toxicology services using alternative methods for the cosmetics industry.
GVK BIO says the GLP and AAALAC-accredited facility features high-end equipment and infrastructure including individually ventilated cages and what it calls “Intelligent Building Management” systems. The facility reportedly houses scientific personnel with backgrounds in study design and experience with executing regulatory-directed studies leading to IND filings.
“The acquisition is in line with our business strategy of being an integrated drug discovery services provider for our customers,” GVK BIO's CEO Manni Kantipudi said in a statement. “We are constantly investing in upgrading our capabilities to provide world-class R&D services. Vanta Bioscience further advances our position as we expand our service offering in GLP toxicology.”
Back in January, GVK BIO picked up another CRO, Aragen Bioscience, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. GVK BIO said at the time that acquiring Aragen would enable the firm to expand its service offering to a broader base of organizations and give it expertise in biologics services and a U.S. presence.
