Altasciences completes acquisition of US-based CRO WCCT Global

Mid-size CRO/CDMO Altasciences has acquired early-stage clinical research organisation (CRO) WCCT Global.

WCCT is located in southern California on the US West Coast.

Altasciences noted that the acquisition will complement its current clinical operations in Montreal, Canada, and Kansas City, US.

WCCT’s facility lies within close access to Altasciences’ preclinical facility in the state of Washington.

Altasciences co-chief operating officer Steve Mason said: “This acquisition expands Altasciences’ footprint by providing Phase I and II clinical pharmacology services on the West Coast, and adds 180 beds to our current 400-bed offering.

“Furthermore, it allows us to enhance our capabilities with expertise in ethnobridging and other speciality areas for hard-to-recruit study populations.”

The acquisition was completed on 12 February.

Altasciences CEO Chris Perkin said: “This acquisition is an integral part of Altasciences’ strategic growth plan to provide a comprehensive, fully integrated early phase drug development solution to address the ever-changing outsourcing challenges of biopharmaceutical companies across the globe.”

Founded in 1998, WCCT Global has conducted more than 600 Phase I studies in its area of expertise, out of about 1,000 Phase I-IV studies the company has conducted so far.

WCCT Global executive chairman Gregory Hanson said: “Joining the Altasciences team will enhance our offering while allowing us to continue the responsive delivery of quality research data to our global biopharmaceutical clients.”