BioIVT, a provider of biospecimens and related services, has acquired Qualyst Transporter Solutions. Qualyst provides in vitro hepatic models and services that predict the effect of drugs and other compounds on the human liver in the pharmaceutical, chemical, consumer products and cosmetics industries.

Qualyst uses a unique cell-based testing approach to predict compound clearance, drug-drug interactions, and toxicity in the human liver. In fact, it established the industry standard for hepatocytes; its Transporter Certified hepatocyte program ensures that cells, under defined culture conditions, maintain physiologic transporter uptake and efflux levels which are critical for normal function.

BioIVT offers high quality, consistent human and animal hepatocyte and subcellular products to advance drug metabolism and toxicology research. It leads the industry by providing the largest and most diverse hepatocyte inventory to researchers in this field.

“There is an increasing global demand for in vitro models that can better predict a new drug candidate’s likely impact on the human body. The goal is to increase the accuracy and efficiency of the drug discovery and development process,” said BioIVT Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Gatz. “Our clients are looking for more comprehensive answers to their ADMET questions and also seeking integrated models that can provide them with a greater understanding of pertinent disease states. Our Qualyst acquisition will enable us to meet those needs. We are delighted to have their staff join our rapidly growing organization.”

“BioIVT is making a series of strategic mergers and acquisitions to broaden its portfolio. The Qualyst acquisition will further strengthen its ADME-toxicology product line and its position as a trusted resource for researchers exploring the safety and efficacy of therapeutics,” said BioIVT Chairman David Spaight. “It also brings additional intellectual property to the company including three patents and two patent applications.”

“We are delighted to be joining BioIVT at this exciting time, and in particular expanding our ability to deliver higher quality, next-generation products and testing services to our clients,” said Qualyst Chief Executive Officer Dr. Christopher Black.

This Qualyst transaction closely follows BioIVT’s August 10 acquisition of Asterand Bioscience, a global provider of high quality, well-characterized human tissue and research solutions focused on the oncology market.

Qualyst will retain its existing headquarters in Durham, NC. Financial details about the transaction were not disclosed.