Evreux, France, March 12, 2009--CIT, an independent contract research organization (CRO) specialized in safety and health research, announces today that it is now offering tissue cross-reactivity (TCR) studies to its customers worldwide.
The new service adds to CIT’s strengths in the biotechnology area and will allow biotech companies to screen monoclonal antibody-based therapies for binding to tissues other than the desired target. TCR studies are already underway for a number of CIT clients.
The company has set up TCR with panels of human tissues and also panels of animal tissues. It will present the results of a validation study using a reference monoclonal antibody (targeting CD-209) at scientific meetings over the next few months.
“This new development expands CIT’s range of services in an area where there is a real demand, that of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies,” said Dr Roy Forster, Chief Scientific Officer. “This addition to our wide-ranging catalog makes CIT even more attractive to sponsor companies from the biotech sector. It is also a further example of CIT’s continuing science-driven investment in extending its services.”
The announcement comes at a time when CIT is pushing for further expansion in biotech and emerging pharmaceutical markets. In the last few years, it has carried out an ambitious building program that has extended its facilities more than 50 per cent from 13,000 sq m (140,000 sq ft) to 20,000 sq m (215,000 sq ft). Notable among the new facilities is a genomics laboratory. It has also recently strengthened its senior management by appointing heads of toxicology and operations, quality and regulatory toxicology. Current sales exceed USD 50 million.
About CIT
CIT is a science-driven, independent 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 in human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, chemicals, agrochemicals and consumer products. It has contributed to many product registrations around the world.
Its 20,000 sq m (215,000 sq ft) facilities in Normandy, one hour from Paris, France, house all principal laboratory animal species. Laboratory facilities include analytical chemistry, clinical pathology, genomics and histology. Support facilities include archives, and plant buildings. The company is GLP and AAALAC certified.
CIT performs a full range of general toxicology, reproductive toxicology, carcinogenicity, pharmacokinetics and safety pharmacology studies. The company also offers genetic toxicology and aquatic ecotoxicology.
Sales are in excess of USD 50 million. More than half the company’s business comes from international customers. Overall, 80 percent of revenues are in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. Biotechnology and start-up companies alone account for 50 percent.
The company has a world-class team of top level management in scientific, financial and business activities.
