Novotech, the largest Asia-Pacific-based clinical research organisation, has acquired Clinical Network Services (CNS) with the goal to expand services to the life sciences sector for early phase product development and clinical research through to later phase regional and global trials.
Novotech has more than 400 staff across the Asia-Pacific region and business development offices in the US. CNS is an Australasian specialist CRO with more than 140 staff in Australia, New Zealand and the US.
Both companies will retain their separate brands and identities.
Clients will be able to access services from both groups including the CNS BioDesk, which provides early-stage product development advice including toxicology, CMC and FDA/EMA regulatory consulting and interactions, and Novotech’s regional IT infrastructure to support their clinical research programs.
According to Novotech CEO John Moller, “Biopharma clients should know this is a bringing together of the highest quality CROs in the region. Very importantly, we have developed remarkably similar company cultures, and I know the teams are excited about the opportunity to work together.
"Novotech and CNS will continue to operate under separate brands with CNS specialising in early phase non-oncology clinical trials across Australia and New Zealand, and Novotech specialising in regional Asia-Pacific and global project delivery across all phases.
"Our Asia-Pacific in-country relationships enable a comprehensive understanding of local regulatory requirements and changes, access to leading investigators, strong site connections, and accessible patient populations to deliver success for our clients within timelines and budgets.”
CNS managing director, Russ Neal, said: “Early phase research in Australasia has seen incredible growth over the last 6-7 years and CNS is proud to be a significant part of this proven capability. As our clients have experienced success with us, we have often wished we had the international reach to continue supporting them.
"This truly complimentary association with Novotech now means that we are able to offer our clients access to Novotech’s Asia-Pacific experience and expertise in later phase regional or global trials. On the other hand, Novotech clients can access our highly regarded global product development and regulatory affairs consultancy team, BioDesk, based out of Washington DC, London and Australia.”