Deal expands CRO’s central nervous system research footprint with microdialysis capability and in vivo and pharmacokinetics testing.

Charles River Laboratories International, a global CRO with headquarters in Wilmington, Massachusetts has acquired Brains On-Line, a contract research services company that offers particular expertise in providing data critical to advancing novel central-nervous system (CNS) disease therapies. In its August 7 announcement, Charles River said it considers Brains On-line the “premier” provider of microdialysis which is central to CNS disease research; and one of the few companies to offer sophisticated in vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetic testing, which it needs to advance its CNS therapy development mission.

According to Charles River, the purchase transaction was ~ $21 million in cash and subject to post-closing adjustments. In addition to the purchase price, according to the company, the deal includes additional payments of up to $8 million based on future performance.

“The addition of Brains On-Line strategically expands Charles River’s existing CNS capabilities and establishes Charles River as the premier single-source provider for a broad portfolio of discovery CNS services,” said Charles River President and CEO James C. Foster. “In addition to enhancing our ability to support clients’ early-stage drug research in this critical therapeutic area, Brains On-Line expands our geographic footprint. This increases,” explained Foster, “the opportunity for clients to work side-by-side with Charles River’s scientists, both in Europe and in the South San Francisco research hub.”