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,Dec. 14,2021 -- CellCarta,a leading global provider of precision medicine laboratory services,announcedtoday 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.

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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.

About CellCarta

CellCarta is a leading provider of specialized precision medicine laboratory services to the biopharmaceutical industry. Leveraging its integrated analytical platforms in immunology,histopathology,proteomics and genomics,as well as related specimen collection and logistics services,CellCarta supports the entire drug development cycle,from discovery to late-stage clinical trials. The company operates globally with 10 facilities located in Canada,USA,Belgium,Australia,and China.

For more information: cellcarta.com

About Biogazelle

Biogazelle offers expert laboratory services in nucleic acid quantification (gene expression,mutation and copy number analysis,antisense oligonucleotide screening) to support its customers in their development of diagnostics and therapeutics. Customized workflows for clinically relevant samples – from liquid biopsies to fixed tissues – are available. In addition,Biogazelle's advanced RNA biomarker development program offers an end- to-end solution from RNA biomarker panel discovery (including liquid biopsies) to the development of a PCR-based molecular diagnostic test. Biogazelle also serves as a specialty lab in the field of clinical trials and in routine diagnostic settings.

For more information: biogazelle.com

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Media Contact for CellCarta: Prosek Partners,Jackie Schofield,Jschofield@prosek.com; CellCarta,Guylaine Galipeau,Global Marketing Director,CellCarta,ggalipeau@caprion.com; Biogazelle,Roel Sterken,CEO,Biogazelle,+32/470.888.700,Roel.sterken@biogazelle.com