Empresas y finanzas

AAIPharma Establishes AAIOncology Business Unit and Expands Global Clinical Development Operations through Acquisition of Cvitkovic & Associes Consultants S.A.



    AAIPharma Inc. today announced a definitive agreement to
    acquire Cvitkovic & Associes Consultants S.A. (CAC), an international
    contract research organization specializing in oncology drug
    development and medical consulting. The acquisition of CAC provides
    AAIPharma with additional therapeutic expertise, while further
    strengthening its global clinical development business.
    With over ten years of international experience in all clinical
    phases of oncology drug development, CAC has extensive experience in
    performing lead assessment of new analogues of established drugs as
    well as novel target-oriented compounds. The company has developed
    expertise in a wide range of cancer therapies, including cytotoxics,
    cytostatics, monoclonal antibodies, cell-based therapies, vaccines,
    antiangiogenic agents, apoptosis inducers and hormonal therapies.
    CAC brings to AAIPharma specialized, full-service capabilities in
    the early-stages of oncology drug development as well as in conducting
    large international Phase IIb/III studies. CAC is headquartered in
    Paris, France, and has offices in the United States, Europe (Western,
    Central & Eastern), and Latin America.
    "The acquisition of CAC constitutes a major step in building a
    world class drug development organization that is focused on bringing
    content-rich and innovative services to its customers worldwide," said
    Ludo Reynders, Ph.D., AAIPharma president and CEO. "In addition to
    expanding the Company's therapeutic expertise, the capabilities of CAC
    complement the clinical services that AAIPharma currently provides its
    clients. We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for CAC's
    customers, vendors and employees, and look forward to fully utilizing
    the new competencies and capabilities that CAC brings to accelerate
    and enhance the organic growth of our company."
    Professor Esteban Cvitkovic, CAC chairman and founder, stated,
    "Having established our own model of clinical CRO services based on
    therapeutic specificity combined with medical and scientific know-how,
    CAC has now reached the limits of its organic growth. With AAIPharma,
    we can incorporate our oncology expertise and differentiation into a
    larger professional organization that shares our vision. The
    relationship between a CRO and industry must be a bridge between
    medical needs and new therapeutic possibilities. Passing on the
    successful critical mass of our efficient worldwide team to a larger
    structure will allow us to realize our model's full potential."
    The acquisition, which is expected to close in the fourth quarter
    of 2006, is subject to customary closing conditions. Terms of the all
    cash transaction have not been disclosed.

    About AAIPharma

    AAIPharma Inc. is a global provider of product development and
    support services to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical
    device industries. From a single test through a range of integrated
    service offerings, we create value to an industry in search of
    productivity and innovation. For more information on the Company,
    please visit AAIPharma's website at www.aaipharma.com.