The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences, a nonprofit research organization focused on translational safety sciences, and QPS Holdings, a Newark, Delaware-based CRO, have announced the launch of QPS Hepatic Biosciences, a center of excellence for cell based research and services. 

Hepatic Biosciences is a new division within the QPS DMPK department and will specialize in hepatocyte research, drug metabolism, drug transporter sciences and in vitro drug-drug interactions. The scientific discipline of this new operation at The Hamner Institutes is jointly led by Drs. Edward LeCluyse, associate investigator at The Hamner, and Caroline Lee, director of drug metabolism and transporter sciences at QPS. 

Hepatic Biosciences has also assumed responsibility for all GLP-compliant quality assurance and bioanalysis in support of The Hamner. In addition to augmenting existing Hamner research programs, QPS will focus on new business development for both organizations.

"Strengthening in vitro ADME within QPS is a logical extension of our bench-to-the-bedside strategy in bridging preclinical data to phase I by addressing drug-drug interaction concerns,” said Benjamin Chien, PhD, chairman, president and CEO of QPS Holdings. “The collaboration with The Hamner reinforces the QPS philosophy of providing outstanding science and services to our customers.  QPS is very pleased to collaborate with the many distinguished scientists within The Hamner.”