SGS Strengthens Bioanalytical Testing Services in North America by Acquiring CMIC, INC.

Enhancing Bioanalytical Testing Capabilities with CMIC

SGS, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has made a strategic move to strengthen its bioanalytical testing services in North America. The company recently announced its acquisition of CMIC, INC., a specialized provider of bioanalytical testing services headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. This acquisition reflects SGS's commitment to supporting the pharmaceutical and biotech industries in their pursuit of cutting-edge therapies.

Since its establishment in 2010, CMIC, INC. has played a crucial role in assisting North American pharmaceutical manufacturers in bringing specialized biologics and therapeutics to market. The company operates a sophisticated 27,000 square-foot facility compliant with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), further enhancing SGS's ability to provide high-quality bioanalytical data throughout the drug development lifecycle, from pre-clinical to clinical phases. This capability is critical for accommodating high-volume projects with rapid turnaround times.

Joseph Bower, Head of Life Sciences at SGS in North America, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. He emphasized that North America represents the largest market for bioanalytical testing services globally, with a continuous surge in demand for advanced and precise testing solutions. He stated, “With CMIC, INC. joining the SGS laboratory network, we are amplifying our capacity to support drug development with high-quality bioanalytical data that helps demonstrate the safety and efficacy of complex molecule therapies in alignment with regulatory expectations.” This commitment to high standards underscores SGS's strategic direction.

The pharmaceutical market is witnessing significant growth, particularly in the biologics segment. This surge is coupled with an increased reliance on outsourcing during drug development and clinical trials, driving demand for third-party bioanalytical testing services. The complexities associated with analyzing biologics and emerging oligonucleotide therapies necessitate specialized analytical methodologies, which are subject to rigorous regulatory scrutiny from agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada.

The acquisition aligns with SGS's strategic goal, known as Strategy 27, which aims to double its sales in North America by 2027. This ambitious target is set against the backdrop of megatrends in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) industry, which include heightened regulatory frameworks and rising expectations around safety, health, and well-being.

For over three decades, SGS has been a solid partner for the North American pharmaceutical industry, providing services across the entire drug development life cycle. This regional expertise is bolstered by SGS's extensive global network, which comprises over 20 laboratories across 11 countries, including more than 10 GLP-compliant sites worldwide.

In the wake of this acquisition, CMIC, INC. will continue to operate under its brand but will also serve as a pivotal part of SGS’s laboratory network, thereby enhancing the collaborative efforts of SGS and CMIC HOLDINGS Co., Ltd. Moreover, CMIC HOLDINGS will maintain its association with SGS through CMIC Pharma Science Co., Ltd., which oversees its analytical laboratories in Japan.

In conclusion, this acquisition not only represents a strategic expansion for SGS but also highlights the growing importance of bioanalytical testing services in the development and commercialization of new pharmaceutical therapies. By integrating CMIC's capabilities, SGS is poised to play a more significant role in advancing healthcare innovations, ultimately bringing life-saving therapies closer to patients around the world.