ERBC (European Research Biology Center) Group extends its preclinical expertise with the acquisition of Oncofactory
18 January 2023This strategic acquisition expands ERBC Group’s non-clinical research and development testing portfolio, adding in ovo models for anticancer drug development.
ERBC Group, a non-clinical contract research organization (CRO) with Operations in Baugy, Orléans and Toulouse (France) and in Pomezia (Italy), is pleased to announce that it acquired Oncofactory, a CRO specialized in efficacy testing and patients selection for clinical trials of anticancer treatments using in ovo models.
Oncofactory, based in Lyon, France, has patented in ovo models to determine the efficacy of cancer treatments on both solid and non-solid human tumor cells, transplanted into the chicken embryo of a statistically significant number of eggs. Predictive efficacy results are obtained in less than 72 hours with both a speed and a scientific robustness unmatched by traditional in vivo models.
The use of these tests makes it possible to demonstrate very quickly the efficacy of the treatment for humans, in order to select the best anti-cancer agent in discovery, whether it is of chemical or biological origin, or a combination of molecules. These tests also help to select the right patients for the right experimental treatments in phase 2 and 3 clinical trials, thus improving their probability of success.
Through this acquisition, ERBC Group broadens its existing preclinical research and development services in a major therapeutic area. Oncofactory’s in ovo models represent a breakthrough technology platform that significantly reduces the use of laboratory rodents (3Rs), improves the selection (speed and efficacy predictivity) of anticancer drug candidates and the selection of patients for an experimental treatment.
This acquisition is an important step in ERBC Group’s strategy to become the leading independent non-clinical CRO in Europe by offering scientifically relevant and regulatory accepted models in drug and chemical discovery and development.
Major pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies already rely on Oncofactory’s models to develop their drug candidates in an accelerated and robust manner.
Dr. Frédéric Berget will take over the general and operational management of Oncofactory and will join ERBC Group Executive Committee led by Dr. Christophe Priou, CEO ERBC Group. Drs. Valérie Castellani-Lincontang and Céline Delloye-Bourgeois, the founders of Oncofactory, will ensure the scientific development of the company and will join ERBC’s Scientific Expert Committee led by Dr. Pascal Champéroux, CSO ERBC Group.
