KWS BioTest is a contract research organisation that works with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to help develop new drugs for immuno-oncology, inflammatory and infectious diseases.
It was established in 2003 by Professor Neil Williams from the University of Bristol’s School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.
Charles River provides essential products and services to help pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, government agencies and leading academic institutions around the globe accelerate their research and drug development efforts.
Professor Williams, CSO at KWS Biotest, said: “We believe that Charles River is an excellent home for KWS. Our unique combination of in vitro and in vivo discovery services for immunology, inflammatory and infectious diseases coupled with Charles River’s existing discovery capabilities, will greatly enhance our ability to better understand and develop new therapies in the therapeutic areas of immunology, immuno-oncology, inflammation and infection.”
“Importantly, all members of the KWS team remain engaged in the business — a testament to the value of the commercial ecosystem here at the University and in Bristol.”
Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise at the University of Bristol, said: “The University of Bristol is known for producing world-class research and we are proud of an environment which supports researchers’ ability to maximise and accelerate the impact of their research.
The purchase of Bristol spin-out company, KWS Biotest, by Charles River, a major global contract research company, demonstrates a culture which aids the translation of research excellence into compelling, commercial propositions.”
James C. Foster, Chairman, President and CEO at Charles River, said: “The addition of KWS strategically expands Charles River’s existing discovery capabilities in the field of immunology, which is critical given the importance of new therapies which harness the human immune system.”
“In addition to enhancing our position as the premier single-source provider for a broad portfolio of discovery services, KWS increases our ability to support clients’ early-stage drug research in critical therapeutic areas, and expands our geographic footprint in the United Kingdom.”