Intertek acquires Melbourn Scientific
Combines advanced capabilities for measuring device/drug interaction with OINDP drug characterisation expertise
Quality solutions provider Intertek has acquired Melbourn Scientific, a UK specialist in analysis and development services for the pharmaceutical industry, for an undisclosed sum.
Melbourn, based near Cambridge, employs around 80 people and reported £4m in revenue in 2012. The company has built a strong reputation over the last 24 years providing expert testing and formulation services to the pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on the testing and evaluation of nasally and orally inhaled drugs and their delivery systems such as inhalers and nebulisers.
Intertek said Melbourn’s knowledge of the characterisation of orally inhaled and intra-nasal products (OINDP) and transdermal devices fits well with its expertise in extractables/leachables studies for metered dose inhaler products and other drug delivery devices/pharmaceutical containers and also Intertek’s expertise in (GMP) physical and chemical characterisation of both drug substances and drug product.
Intertek now offers a comprehensive and global end-to-end expert service to support drug development
The acquisition brings formulation development expertise to Intertek, which would be a new capability, in addition to existing capabilities for advanced R&D characterisation, GLP bioanalysis, GMP analysis, immunochemistry, biopharmaceutical analysis, auditing and regulatory affairs consultancy.
With the transaction, Intertek will also expand its network of laboratories and offices in Europe (Manchester and Basel) and the US.
Andrew Swift, SVP of Intertek Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals, said: ‘Combining Intertek’s GMP/GLP pharmaceutical/ biopharmaceutical studies and our advanced capabilities for measuring device/drug interaction with Melbourn’s expertise in OINDP drug characterisation provides a unique and compelling offering to clients.
‘Adding in our global reach and Regulatory Services, Intertek now offers a comprehensive and global end-to-end expert service to support drug development which is unmatched by current competitors.’
