CellCarta acquires Biogazelle to strengthen its genomic capabilities and expand into digital PCR (dPCR) services
This acquisition solidifies CellCarta’s leadership position in genomic services with a unique combination of assay development and global clinical trial sample analysis capabilities covering a comprehensive range of established and cutting-edge genomic technologies.
MONTREAL, Canada, Dec 14, 2021 / CNW – CellCarta, a leading global provider of precision medicine laboratory services, announced today the acquisition of Biogazelle (“Biogazelle”), a leader in genomic testing solutions. Located in Ghent (Belgium), Biogazelle develops and deploys high-end digital PCR (dPCR), quantitative PCR (qPCR) and RNASeq assays for its pharmaceutical and biotech industry clients.
With decades of experience in gene expression analysis, the Biogazelle team is uniquely positioned and skilled in the application of quantitative PCR and digital PCR. Co-founders Jan Hellemans and Jo Vandesompele are internationally recognized for setting standards in gene expression analysis. Biogazelle, a Ghent University spin-off with the financial support of BNP Paribas Fortis and the investment funds of Qbic, PMV and the Fournier-Majoie Foundation, was the first European laboratory to offer the dPCR technology and is still at the forefront of dPCR-based research. The group also provides dedicated RNA sequencing workflows on clinical samples such as liquid biopsies and FFPE tissues.
“Biogazelle’s exceptional genomics expertise will enable CellCarta to further support its clients’ therapeutic development strategies, offering them key solutions to address their clinical challenges and move their immunology and other programs forward” said Martin LeBlanc, CEO of CellCarta. Acquiring Biogazelle strengthens CellCarta’s growth strategy to become the leading provider of precision medicine services and will allow the organization to extend genomic services from discovery to clinical settings. “We are very excited to join forces with CellCarta. With both organizations driven by scientific excellence and innovation, it’s the logical next step for us to maximally leverage our know-how and services on a truly global scale.” said Roel Sterken, CEO of Biogazelle.
While continuing to offer its current breadth of genomic services, Biogazelle will become CellCarta’s Center of Excellence for the development of complex genomic biomarker assays. The acquisition allows CellCarta to expand its offering to clients in fields with high demand in genomic analysis, such as immuno-oncology and cell and gene therapy.
