United States-based provider of a range of pre-clinical and clinical laboratory services for the pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology sectors, Charles River Laboratories International, has acquired KWS BioTest, a United Kingdom-based contract research organisation that specialises in in vitro and in vivo discovery testing services for immuno-oncology, inflammation and allergy, autoimmune disease and antimicrobials, antivirals and vaccinology, it was reported on Friday.

The deal is valued at around GBP15m. It is intended to expand Charles River's present discovery expertise in the field of immunology. Charles River is also expected to offer its clients more tools in the therapeutic research areas of oncology and immunology.

KWS BioTest's services include both preclinical and clinical phases. The company has an expert team of cell biologists to support early drug research to support later stage drug development programs.