EDINBURGH-based Aquila BioMedical has been acquired by drug discovery and development group Concept Life Sciences.

Aquila was spun-out of the University of Edinburgh in 2011. It is a pre-clinical contract research organisation with expertise in immuno-oncology, immunology and multiplex histology

Manchester-based Concept said the acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, is a pivotal addition to the comprehensive range of services it provides.

Aquila has developed a way to help its customers better understand the cellular and molecular events that occur with compound administration of certain drugs. Its technology allows researchers to improve the success rates of drug effectiveness, and reduce the overall cost associated with drug development.

Last year, Aquila had retained earnings of £324,225.

Michael Fort, executive chairman, Concept Life Sciences, said: “We are excited to add Aquila to the Concept group. Both Aquila and Concept have been built around the same value of working closely with customers to tailor services according to the project objectives, and together we will provide high quality, integrated solutions.”

Professor Jonathan Seckl, vice principal of planning, resources and research policy at the University, said: “We congratulate the Aquila team on this milestone in their approach to building advanced biology into innovative drug discovery. This investment highlights the University’s commitment to successfully translating our world-class research into practical application by industry.”