Novotech, a Singapore-based global clinical research organization, has entered into an agreement to acquire Agilex Biolabs, an Australian specialist bioanalytical laboratory business, from a wholly owned subsidiary of Healius (ASX: HLS). The proposed acquisition will expand Novotech’s laboratory capabilities in Australia and strengthen the services it provides to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies conducting clinical research. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Headquartered in Adelaide, Australia, Agilex Biolabs provides specialist bioanalytical laboratory services to clinical trial sponsors in Australia and international markets.
The acquisition will add its capabilities to Novotech’s existing clinical development operations and laboratory network across Asia.
Novotech intends to use the combination to provide pharmaceutical and biotechnology customers with additional research support, particularly for early-phase clinical development programs conducted in Australia.
Bioanalytical laboratory services play an important role in drug development by analyzing biological samples collected during preclinical and clinical research.
These activities support the evaluation of investigational therapies and provide information needed throughout the research and development process.
The addition of Agilex will expand the scientific services available through Novotech’s broader clinical research platform, allowing the company to combine clinical development capabilities with additional laboratory expertise.
Australia is an established market for early-phase clinical research, and the transaction strengthens Novotech’s ability to support customers conducting studies in the country.
Agilex’s Adelaide operations will also complement Novotech’s existing laboratory network across Asia.
For Healius, the agreement represents a divestiture of its specialist bioanalytical laboratory business to a global clinical research organization.
Healius operates in Australia’s healthcare sector, providing specialty pathology services to consumers and referring medical practitioners.
The company expects the transaction to provide Agilex’s customers and employees with opportunities to become part of Novotech’s international research organization.
Novotech operates a global clinical research platform serving biotechnology and small to midsize pharmaceutical companies throughout the drug development process.
The company has more than 30 offices across Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe, with partnerships involving more than 5,000 clinical trial sites.
Its services include clinical trial execution, scientific and regulatory advice, data analytics, and patient recruitment support.
Novotech is backed by TPG, Temasek, and GIC.
The addition of Agilex will provide further capabilities for customers requiring integrated clinical research and laboratory services across multiple markets.
Completion of the transaction remains subject to customary conditions, including regulatory clearances. Neither company disclosed an anticipated closing date.
KEY QUOTES:
“Agilex has an outstanding scientific reputation. This acquisition enhances Novotech’s offering in Australia, bringing together bioanalytical science and research capabilities to deliver innovative and ground-breaking research. We look forward to welcoming the Agilex team.”
Dr. Anand Tharmaratnam, CEO Of Novotech
“The sale provides customers and team members of Agilex Biolabs with the opportunity to join an established and global business in Novotech, which has expertise in providing services to major biotechnology and pharmaceutical customers.”
Paul Anderson, Managing Director And CEO Of Healius
