GlaxoSmithKline and Aptuit, Inc. have finalized an agreement for Aptuit to acquire operations at GSK’s Medicines Research Centre in Verona, Italy. Effective July 1, Aptuit will retain the staff at the center and will supply GSK with R&D services from the facilities. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Aptuit was built to provide an integrated drug development capability and streamline the drug development process. This is a strategic acquisition of GSK’s research business in Verona that further strengthens scientific expertise and capabilities within Aptuit, extending our integrated discovery and development offerings,” said Tim Tyson, chairman and chief executive officer of Aptuit. “This partnership is an example of the developing new model of outsourced R&D collaborations. Verona staff are recognized industry-wide for their drug development expertise and will be an excellent addition to the Aptuit team.”

The Verona Medicines Research Center expands Aptuit’s global footprint to 19 locations and enhances its ability to serve customers working to develop compounds in therapeutic areas such as neurosciences discovery and development, and cardiovascular and infectious diseases. Aptuit will combine its existing capabilities with the Verona Medicines Research Center’s expertise in drug discovery, lead optimization, API development and manufacturing, and preclinical and clinical drug development.