GVK BIO has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Vanta Bioscience, a full service preclinical GLP toxicology and safety assessment contract research organization operating out of Chennai, India.

Complying with OECD GLP, ISO, USFDA GLP (21 CFR Part 58 rev. 2009) regulatory guidelines, the company offers toxicology evaluation services for the pharmaceutical, biotech, food supplements and feed additives industries. Vanta Bioscience also offers toxicology services using alternative methods for the Cosmetics industry.

The state-of-the-art facility is GLP and AAALAC accredited, is armed with high-end equipment, and has infrastructure like ‘Individually ventilated Cages’ and ‘Intelligent Building Management’ systems. The facility houses GLP trained scientific personnel with experience and expertise in study design and execution of regulatory directed studies leading to IND filings.

Speaking on the occasion, Manni Kantipudi, CEO, GVK BIO, said: “The acquisition is in line with our business strategy of being an integrated drug discovery services provider for our customers. We are constantly investing in upgrading our capabilities to provide world-class R&D services. Vanta Bioscience further advances our position as we expand our service offering in GLP toxicology.”

Gerard Schwickerath, Vice President and General Manager, Vanta Bioscience, said: “Vanta Bioscience team is pleased that the world-class research GLP and AAALAC accredited organization will continue under the direction of GVK BIO. We are delighted to transition into an organization that can expand our offerings and provide further opportunities to our clients and staff.”