Sterling Pharma Solutions has concluded the acquisition of UK-based contract research organisation NewChem Technologies, a company focusing on organic chemistry, for an undisclosed sum.

NewChem Technologies is a contract services provider and supplies customers in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and biotechnology to veterinary science and chemicals industries.

It was established in 2002 as a spin-out from Newcastle University School of Chemistry.

According to Sterling, the acquisition will enhance its capacity to address complex process chemistry challenges by finding ways to synthesize customers’ molecules while assisting them in determining the best course to take forward into development and scale-up.

The deal includes all NewChem’s assets and personnel, though financial specifics have not been made public.

Bob Tyson and Bernard Golding, who founded NewChem, will remain in their positions as site head and science director, respectively.

The lab facilities for NewChem are situated in Newcastle upon Tyne’s Biosphere, the centre of the city’s innovation community, which is made up of a variety of business executives, entrepreneurs, and top academic academics.

The facility will work effectively with Sterling’s early-phase development centre in Cary, North Carolina.

Sterling Pharma Solutions CEO Kevin Cook said: “Over the last three years, Sterling has grown significantly, both organically and through a global strategy of acquisitions, and this latest deal marks the next step that will help us achieve our aim of becoming the preferred partner and provider of small molecule services to the pharmaceutical industry.”

“The expertise and experience within the well-respected and talented NewChem team will provide the business with additional capacity to solve complex chemistry challenges.

“NewChem’s connections with academia is closely aligned with Sterling’s Technology and Innovation Programme, which sees us work with a number of leading global academic institutions to bring the latest technologies and innovations to our customers.”

Along with its two US sites, located in Cary and Germantown, Wisconsin, Sterling’s global network also includes its UK headquarters and production plant in Cramlington.

Its recently GMP-licensed dedicated bioconjugation facility in Deeside, a 111-acre site in Ringaskiddy, Ireland, and its two UK facilities.