Argenta Strengthens Clinical Research Capabilities and Services by Acquiring Ondax Scientific

Klifovet, part of Argenta, welcomes the Ondax Team!

Ondax Scientific was founded in 2000 to provide high-quality clinical development services to the animal health industry, focusing on flexibility and responsiveness to meet clients´ needs. Regarded as one of the leading clinical contract research organisations (CROs) in Europe, Ondax specialises in veterinary clinical trials for regulatory submission. It provides all services related to this area, including set-up and monitoring of multinational clinical trials in livestock and companion animals, data management, statistics, quality assurance and technical support. For more information about Ondax, please visit www.ondax-scientific.com.

LONDON, OCTOBER 13, 2022 – Argenta, the only combined global contract research organisation (CRO) and contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO) dedicated to animal health and nutrition, today announces the acquisition of Spain-based clinical development specialist Ondax Scientific.

The deal expands Argenta’s geographic CRO footprint further into Southern and Western Europe, giving it access to new customers and strengthening its clinical, quality assurance and data management capabilities.  

The acquisition is the third since 2021 as Argenta delivers on its ambitious organic and inorganic growth strategy, with a particular focus on Europe and the United States.

Ondax Scientific was founded in 2000 and provides CRO services to biotechnology firms and pharmaceutical companies in the animal health industry. As a result of the deal, it will be able to provide its existing customers with a wider range of services on a larger geographical scale.

As a new business unit within Argenta, Ondax Scientific will continue to be based in and operate from the Gipuzkoa province in Spain’s Basque Country. The company’s founders, Managing Director Dr Patxi Sarasola and Head of Quality Dr Janice Sarasola, will remain in their roles.

Will Downie, CEO of Argenta, said today: “Ondax Scientific is a respected CRO working with some of the largest pharmaceutical companies and exciting biotechs in the animal health market. We are delighted to welcome them to the Argenta group.  As we continue to execute on our growth strategy, our combined and deep experience, knowledge and expertise will allow us to reach more customers and deliver even more for the clients of both businesses globally.”  

Together, the combined business will work in partnership with customers and offer them a wide range of clinical research, product development, and manufacturing services. Ondax Scientific will strengthen Argenta’s “Molecule to Market” approach, providing expertise and geographic expansion that complements the company’s current CRO offering.

Dr Patxi Sarasola, co-founder and Managing Director of Ondax Scientific, said: “Becoming part of a larger organisation brings many advantages, including being able to offer a wider variety of services to our customers, to expand our international presence and provide new opportunities for our employees. We are very excited to join Argenta and look forward to working together to continue developing new products that benefit companion animals and livestock worldwide.”

Argenta was advised on the transaction by Stonehaven, a global consulting firm focused on animal health. Financial details have not been disclosed.

The deal is the latest acquisition by Argenta. In 2021 the company acquired Klifovet, which strengthened its CRO and regulatory affairs capabilities and saw it expand into the EU. In August this year, the group acquired Barcelona-based Pen & Tec, extending Argenta’s regulatory capabilities into feed and food additives.