QPS Expands into Toxicology Services with Acquisition of the Preclinical Unit of DCB Taiwan

(February 14, 2011; Newark, Delaware, USA and Taipei, Taiwan) QPS Holdings, LLC, a leading full-service GLP/GCP-compliant contract research organization providing testing services to support preclinical and clinical research and development, announced the acquisition of the Center of Toxicology and Preclinical Sciences (CTPS) from Taiwan’s Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB). CTPS, located in Taipei, will become a division of QPS-Taiwan.

QPS is a global CRO supporting drug discovery and development since 1995. Its five areas of expertise include: Preclinical DMPK/Toxicology, Bioanalytical, Translational Medicine, Early Stage Clinical and Late Stage Clinical Research.

CTPS is an ISO/IEC 17025 certified, GLP compliant (Taiwan DOH, OECD) and AAALAC accredited facility specializing in general nonclinical toxicity and safety testing, genetic toxicology, reproductive toxicology, immunotoxicity testing, biocompatibility testing, and DMPK studies. The center for toxicology and preclinical services covers 5600 square meters (60,000 square feet) and includes: seven laboratories, three culture rooms, a quality assurance unit, archives, and two floors of animal housing.

In the past 12 years, DCB has conducted over 890 studies for local and international clients, including 17 projects for US IND submissions, 18 projects for Taiwan IND submissions or clinical trials, and 2 products seeking Taiwan NDA approval.

“The biotech industry in the Asia Pacific region is expanding rapidly,” says Vincent Yen, President and CEO of QPS-Taiwan. “With the addition of a well known toxicology unit to our established bioanalytical and pharmacokinetic expertise, QPS can now provide a one-stop solution to the increasing local and international demand for high quality preclinical services. Along with our recent acquisitions in Europe and India, this represents another step in building world-class global capabilities.”

Dr. Walter Bee, QPS’ new VP and Head of Global Safety Assessment and Regulatory Affairs, brings to the table over 20 years of CRO and Pharma/Biotech experience in Preclinical Development. He notes, “I’m thrilled to be joining an organization that is as highly regarded and dynamic as QPS. The addition of the DCB toxicology unit, a top-notch toxicology facility with an admirable track record for providing first-rate, exacting service, definitely enhances QPS’ offerings for its clients worldwide.”

About QPS

QPS provides GLP/GCP-compliant preclinical and clinical research services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients worldwide in the areas of Bioanalysis, Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Translational Medicine, and Clinical Research. Founded by Dr. Ben Chien in 1995, QPS has Bioanalysis and Preclinical testing facilities at its Newark, DE headquarters; and facilities in Groningen, the Netherlands; Taipei, Taiwan; and Hyderabad, India. Early-phase clinical facilities are located in Springfield, MO; Taipei, Taiwan; Groningen, the Netherlands; and Hyderabad, India. Business development offices are maintained in the US, Europe, and Asia.

About DCB

The Development Center for Biotechnology (DCB) of Taiwan was established in 1984 with support from the Department of Industrial Technology (DOIT) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA). DCB’s main mission was to help shape and develop Taiwan’s biotechnology industry through R&D, infrastructure-building and training programs. DCB played thecrucial role of facilitator in promoting synergy among overnmental, academic and industrial efforts and served as an important bridge connecting Taiwan’s biotech industry with the world.