Concept Life Sciences

Concept Life Sciences is a UK-based contract research organization (CRO) that provides integrated services for the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and biotechnology sectors. The company was founded in 2014 by Michael John Fort. It was established through the merger of Peakdale Molecular, Resource & Environmental Consultants, and Scientific Analysis Laboratories, with backing from Equistone Partners Europe.

The company's service offerings span the entire drug development pipeline, from initial discovery and development to GMP-standard API manufacturing. Core scientific services include medicinal chemistry, biology, ADME/DMPK, toxicology, and bioanalysis. Concept Life Sciences operates a client-centric model, serving a global customer base that ranges from large pharmaceutical corporations to virtual biotech startups. Revenue is generated by providing these scientific services either as standalone solutions or as part of fully integrated discovery and development programs.

Historically, the firm has grown through a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Key acquisitions include CXR Biosciences (2015), Agenda1 Analytical Services (2015), Aquila BioMedical (2017), and Charnwood Discovery (2024), which have expanded its capabilities in areas like investigative toxicology and immuno-oncology. The company was acquired by Spectris plc in 2018 for £163 million and was later acquired in a carve-out by Limerston Capital in April 2023. Following the Limerston acquisition, Dr. Ben Cliff was appointed CEO to lead a new growth strategy.

Keywords: contract research organization, drug discovery, drug development, API manufacturing, medicinal chemistry, translational biology, ADME, DMPK, toxicology, bioanalysis, pharmaceutical services, biotechnology, life sciences research, preclinical services, GMP manufacturing, agrochemical, analytical testing, cell & gene therapies, small molecules, biologics