Charles River Laboratories (CRL) and PathoQuest have announced the expansion of their strategic biologics partnerships, giving CRL further access to PathoQuest’s next-generation sequencing services.

Since 2016, Charles River Laboratories has provided its clients access to PathoQuest’s next-generation sequencing (NGS) services. These combine a proprietary sample preparation method, equipment and a curated pathogen database with a comprehensive BioIT analysis pipeline. “Our partnership with PathoQuest is integral to our ability to provide the most sensitive testing methods to our clients in order to ensure the safety of biological products produced by the biopharmaceutical industry,” said Greg Beattie, corporate vice president of global biologics testing solutions at CRL. “PathoQuest’s NGS-based testing solution provides a comprehensive analysis that is both rapid and reliable.” Jean-François Brepson, President and CEO of PathoQuest, added: “Industry guidelines increasingly identify High-Throughput Sequencing, also known as NGS, as a highly sensitive and reliable testing solution. We anticipate Charles River’s global footprint and biologics-industry leadership will enable the further growth and expansion of our platform.”

In addition to the expanded partnership, Charles River Laboratories also intends to make a direct investment in PathoQuest.