SGS announced on May 18th the acquisition of Vitrology Limited based in Glasgow, UK. Vitrology is a biopharmaceutical Contract Testing Organization and a dynamic force in the biosafety testing sector of the pharmaceutical industry. Founded in 2007 and privately owned, Vitrology has 38 employees with sales agents in North America and Asia. In 2011, it generated revenue in excess of £3 million.

At its state-of-the-art GLP/cGMP laboratory facility, Vitrology provides a comprehensive range of biosafety services such as: virology, cell and molecular biology as well as microbiology and electron microscopy. Health Authorities including the US FDA and the EMA, require companies to undergo safety testing to demonstrate that all cell banks, viral banks, raw materials of animal origin, bulk harvests, and batches of clinical drug are free of bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, viruses and other potential contaminants. Vitrology helps clients by ensuring product safety in satisfying these regulatory requirements.

Vitrology offers a range of validated assays and develops new services in the following areas:

• Cell Bank and Virus Seeds characterization per the major compendia, regulatory and ICH guidelines
• Raw material and bulk harvest testing (sterility, mycoplasma, viruses, …)
• Final product testing for Residual DNA
• Regulatory and safety consultancy services
• Custom development of assays

“Building upon our biologic therapeutics strategy, this acquisition complements the services provided by SGS. We are now among the top global players. It creates an ideal platform for further deployment in virology and molecular biology activities, to be leveraged within our global network,” said Chris Kirk, CEO of SGS.

“This is an exciting opportunity to provide a full service offer across Europe, Americas and Asia focused on biologics and vaccines, and enhances SGS’s current portfolio in bioanalysis, cell-based and immunoassays, quality control and Phase I to IV clinical trial services,” declared Margaret Temple, CEO of Vitrology.

The acquisition expands SGS’s Life Science Services global network to 19 laboratories.

Florent Hédiard
Global Marketing Director
Life Science Services
SGS, 173 rue de la Croix Nivert, 75015 Paris, France
Websites: www.sgs.com/lifescience - www.vitrologybiotech.com

ABOUT SGS

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 70,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,350 offices and laboratories around the world.