Evreux, France, February 3, 2011 - CIT, a leading European non-clinical CRO, announces today the appointment of Dr. François Spézia as head of its reproductive toxicology department. This appointment is a response to growing demand from CIT’s clients for reproductive toxicology studies. These generated 10 per cent of the company’s revenues in 2010, up 25 per cent on 2009.
CIT is one of the few CROs in Europe to have a department devoted solely to reproductive toxicology. The department is staffed by a team of 11 people who are highly experienced and have conducted 183 reprotoxicology studies since 2005.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. François Spézia as head of our reproductive toxicology department, since his expertise is recognized by peer specialists in this field around Europe,” said the managing director of CIT, Sophie Baratte. “François has more than 20 years’ experience, mainly acquired in the pharmaceutical industry, and he will make a valuable contribution to our customers’ development programs.”
François Spézia, 49, holds a Ph.D. in fundamental and applied toxicology from the University of Paris (1990), for which he produced a thesis on the inter-species differences in teratology. His first job was with Hoechst Marion Roussel, after which he joined Pfizer as a reproduction toxicologist. From there, he went on to Novexel, and more recently worked for Chanel in more general capacities. In the course of his career, François Spézia, who is a European Registered Toxicologist, has developed and validated several in vitro and in vivo models for evaluating adverse effects on reproductive functions (e.g. embryotoxicity, fertility). He also participated in the production of an international glossary on the terminology of development anomalies in laboratory animals.
“I am very pleased to be joining CIT at a time when evaluating the toxic potential of drug candidates, especially biologics, and chemicals (the REACH program) on reproductive functions requires very particular, integrated expertise for evaluating the risk,” said Spézia.
About CIT
CIT is a science-driven, independent, non-clinical contract research organization (CRO) specialized in safety and health research. Founded in 1969, CIT has carried out a vast number of projects for international companies on human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals, agrochemicals and consumer products. It has contributed to many product registrations around the world. With a staff of 360, CIT offers a full range of research in general toxicology, reproductive toxicology, carcinogenicity, pharmacokinetics and safety pharmacology. The company also carries out research into genetic toxicology, in vitro testing and toxicogenomics. Its 20,000-square meter (215,000 sq ft) facilities located in Normandy, one hour from Paris, France, house all principal laboratory animal species to the highest standards. Laboratory facilities include analytical chemistry and bioanalysis, clinical pathology, genomics and histology. Support facilities include archives and plant buildings. The company is GLP and AAALAC certified. More than half the company’s business comes from international customers. Overall, 80 per cent of revenues are in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. Biotechnology and start-up companies alone account for 50 per cent. The company has a world-class team of top-level management in scientific, financial and business activities. For more information about CIT, visit http://www.citox.com
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