SGS Strengthens Drug Development Testing Capabilities with Acquisition of Keystone Bioanalytical

SGS, a leader in testing, inspection and certification services, has taken a significant step in expanding its capabilities within the North American pharmaceutical and biotech sectors by acquiring Keystone Bioanalytical. Headquartered in Bloomfield, New Jersey, SGS's new acquisition, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializes in bioanalytical testing services and adds to SGS's already robust portfolio of drug development solutions.

Established in 2001, Keystone Bioanalytical excels in quantitative liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method development and validation, offering comprehensive services that include integrated biomarker analysis as well as drug metabolite profiling and identification. Their state-of-the-art facility, which spans 10,000 square feet, is GLP-compliant and adept at delivering bioanalytic services across both pre-clinical and clinical drug development stages.

The acquisition is timely as the North American pharmaceutical industry is experiencing a surge in demand for high-quality bioanalytical services, driven by stringent regulatory requirements from agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Health Canada. Joseph Bower, the Head of Life Sciences at SGS in North America, stressed that this move is vital in supporting the increasing demand for reliable and compliant bioanalytical testing services. “As North American pharma and biotech companies strive to innovate, our enhanced bioanalytical capabilities are designed to meet and exceed their expectations,” Bower remarked.

Underlining its commitment to the industry, SGS has set ambitious goals under its Strategy 27 initiative, aiming to double its sales across North America by 2027. This strategic acquisition is aligned with that vision, particularly as it responds to the overarching megatrends shaping the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector—namely, stringent regulations and an increasing emphasis on safety, health, and well-being.

Over the past three decades, SGS has established a strong presence in the North American pharmaceutical market, providing an end-to-end drug development lifecycle support. This regional prowess is further augmented by a global network comprising over 20 laboratories located in 11 countries, including 10 which are GLP-compliant. This extensive reach positions SGS as one of the most comprehensive analytical laboratory networks within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology landscape worldwide.

In addition to producing some of the most trusted bioanalytical results, Keystone Bioanalytical has carved out a strong reputation for delivering rapid turnaround times on complex projects tailored to meet the specific needs of pharmaceutical and biotech clients across the United States. As a leader in bioanalytical testing, Keystone's highly skilled team is well-respected for its expertise and service delivery accuracy.

This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for both SGS and Keystone Bioanalytical, as it elevates SGS's standing in the competitive market of drug development services. As biopharmaceutical innovation continues to accelerate, the synergy between these two industry players is set to enhance the pipeline for bringing innovative medicines and therapies to market.

In conclusion, as SGS continues to grow and evolve in this dynamic field, the acquisition of Keystone Bioanalytical signifies not just a strategic business move, but a commitment to advancing health and safety standards globally. With an unwavering focus on quality and integrity, SGS remains steadfast in enabling businesses within the life sciences to thrive with confidence in their pursuits of scientific advancement.

About SGS

SGS is renowned worldwide as a leader in Testing, Inspection and Certification. The organization boasts over 2,500 laboratories and facilities operating across 115 countries, supported by a workforce of over 100,000 professionals. For over 145 years, SGS has adhered to the highest levels of service excellence, embodying the precision and accuracy synonymous with Swiss craftsmanship. The company remains committed to helping organizations uphold quality, compliance, and sustainability standards—an ethos encapsulated in SGS's brand promise: "when you need to be sure."

SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924).