BioDuro, a global CRO leader focused on preclinical chemistry, biology, and fully outsourced integrated drug development services for pharmaceutical partners, has announced the merger of its U.S. operations with Formex, a provider of pharmaceutical API formulation, development and cGMP manufacturing.

The combined companies will operate under the corporate structure of San Diego-based BioDuro. The formulation and manufacturing group at Formex will continue to operate in San Diego as a wholly owned BioDuro subsidiary.

BioDuro’s global operations include a facility in Beijing focused largely on biosimilars, synthetic, medicinal and computational chemistry, and a facility in Shanghai that houses BioDuro’s drug screening, DMPK, and integrated biology, as well as GLP bioanalysis, PK/PD, biomarker and translational research.

Leading the merger is Dr. Masood Tayebi, BioDuro’s chairman, who was the original founder of BioDuro in 2005. The executive team for the merged companies will comprise of Cyrus K. Mirsaidi, current CEO at Formex, who will lead as president and CEO of the combined entities, and long term BioDuro management Dr. T.J. Deng, who will continue as general manager, China Operations.