GlaxoSmithKline and Aptuit extend collaboration

GlaxoSmithKline has agreed to a multiyear extension of its strategic partnership with Aptuit.

The companies have been carrying out dedicated drug development work at the Aptuit Center for Drug Discovery and Development in Verona, which was formerly GlaxoSmithKline's medicines research centre before its sale to Aptuit in 2010.

Since then, it has been successfully transformed from a pharmaceutical research base into a world-class drug discovery outsourcing facility, delivering work for more than 90 clients to date.

It is also implementing initiatives that have created productivity gains across Aptuit's business and demonstrates high levels of regulatory compliance in its work.

Timothy Tyson, chairman of Aptuit, said: "This multiyear extension of our partnership with GlaxoSmithKline reaffirms that our Verona site continues to deliver scientific excellence that is recognised by our customers."

This comes after GlaxoSmithKline agreed a new alliance with Chiromics earlier this week that will see both organisations working together to produce novel classes of small molecules against certain biological targets.