Global contract research organization (CRO) Quintiles has acquired Westmont, Ill.-based Targeted Molecular Diagnostics (TMD), a specialty diagnostic laboratory focused on oncology.

The addition of TMD’s services will strengthen Quintiles’ capabilities in oncology, a fast-growing area for drug development.

“This acquisition is a logical addition to Quintiles’ service offerings,” said Tom Wollman, Senior Vice President, Quintiles Global Central Laboratories, in a company release. “It provides us with advanced in-house pathology capabilities, including telepathology. Most importantly, TMD’s knowledge in biomarker expression analysis adds significant new proficiencies sought by our customers.”

Quintiles did not provide specifics about the deal, but TMD president, CEO and founder Sarah Bacus said she and her team are eager to join Quintiles’ team.

Founded in 2004, TMD supports clinical trials for pharmaceutical and biotech sponsors in over 40 countries. The company supports the development of numerous targeted therapies in oncology and offers over 100 biomarker assays.