BioAgilytix, a provider of contract bioanalytical testing services with specialization in large molecule bioanalysis, has announced the acquisition of IPM Biotech, a German-based bioanalytical contract research laboratory known for its expertise in large molecule bioanalysis, particularly in the area of immunogenicity.

The transaction not only expands BioAgilytix’s global footprint, with IPM’s newly planned GLP laboratory facility as its European headquarters, but also brings on board IPM’s immunogenicity, pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) expertise to complement BioAgilytix’s capabilities in biomarkers, cell-based assays and immunogenicity & pharmacokinetics. Each company has experienced successful organic growth through a strong commitment to scientific quality, and together will offer this same rigor of science and service to customers across continents, with expanded capabilities to support all phases of large molecule global studies.

BioAgilytix leadership sees the integration of IPM’s scientific team and technologies as the next step in more fully serving its customers’ global study needs.

Dr. Afshin Safavi, founder and chief scientific officer of BioAgilytix, said, “The addition of IPM’s deep scientific expertise and European presence will enable us to more easily support these customers, and new global clients, who have sites on both continents—particularly in phase II and III trials.”

In addition to providing a site for BioAgilytix’s European headquarters, the acquisition integrates the IPM Biotech team’s specialized expertise in immune mediated diseases and disorders. Led by co-founder Dr. Arno Jens Kromminga, IPM was involved in the first cases of immunogenicity and brought the first biosimilar erythropoietin (EPO) to approval in Europe. The company also supported the first biosimilar EPO submission in the U.S.

Jim Datin, chief executive officer of BioAgilytix, noted that while IPM Biotech is continuing operations at its current GLP laboratory, construction of a new advanced laboratory facility is also underway. This new site will add GMP certification, and expand IPM’s capacity to more than triple its size by the end of the year. “When completed this fall, IPM’s new facility will be the most technologically advanced bioanalytical laboratory in Europe supporting biotherapeutics development. We will be duplicating the expert resources and extensive platforms already available in BioAgilytix’s premier U.S. laboratory, making it our European headquarters. This gives customers in both North America and Europe ready access to our top-caliber scientific expertise and technology – plus the additional specialized services that the IPM team brings to the table.”