GAITHERSBURG, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smithers Avanza, a boutique contract research organization (CRO) supporting the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and chemical industries, continues to invest in the space, equipment and personnel needed to address the growing demand by clients for independent third-party, bioanalytical and toxicology testing as part of their development of new pharmaceuticals, biologics, biosimilars, chemicals and vaccines.

Over the past 12 months, Smithers Avanza has doubled the size of its now 15,000 square-foot Bioanalytical Services laboratory, expanding its capability to perform large-molecule analysis for clients developing new biologics. Complementing the expansion of the physical space are several new precision instruments and the introduction of 28 new employees.

Smithers Avanza’s Toxicology Services business has also added new instrumentation and equipment along with eight additional team members in recent months. These investments position Smithers Avanza to meet industry demand for third party DART (Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology) studies as well as general toxicology and vaccine testing. All of this is part of the organization’s strategy to provide a nimble and capable boutique CRO option for clients.

“Our commitment to growing along with the needs of our clients shows in the many investments we’ve made in our people and facilities over the last year,” said Michael Hochschwender, President, Smithers Avanza and CEO of The Smithers Group. “Clients appreciate our high scientific and ethical standards along with our dedication to providing accurate data on time, every time. In return for their faith in Smithers Avanza as a partner, we will continue to augment and enhance our capabilities so that we can provide the highest possible level of service.”

For more information about the Smithers Avanza portfolio of services, visit http://www.smithersavanza.com/.

About Smithers Avanza

Smithers Avanza is a contract research organization (CRO) supporting the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and chemical industries. Our scientists have expertise in the toxicologic assessment of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and chemicals, large molecule bioanalysis, assay development, validation and sample analysis at our GLP- and GCP-compliant and CLIA-certified registered laboratory. Key Toxicology Services expertise includes developmental and reproductive toxicology (DART), general toxicology, and vaccine safety.