Charles River Laboratories International has acquired Blue Stream Laboratories. Combining Blue Stream with Charles River’s existing discovery, safety assessment and biologics capabilities creates a provider with the ability to support biologic and biosimilar development from characterization through clinical testing and commercialization.

Blue Stream is an analytical CRO supporting the development of complex biologics and biosimilars. Located in Woburn, Massachusetts, the company is recognized for its expertise in structural and functional protein characterization programs, and the development and validation of assays for current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) lot release and stability programs. Protein characterization is the key element for development and registration of biologic and biosimilar entities.

James C. Foster, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, “Our continued investment in expanding our biologics portfolio, through the development of new assays and capabilities, has enabled us to provide a broader testing solution for our clients. This investment is particularly important now, when the number of biologic and biosimilar drugs in development is increasing. The acquisition of Blue Stream will meaningfully enhance the ability of our Biologic Testing Solutions business to compete effectively in this high-growth market segment.”