SELBY clinical research company Medvance has been bought out by a US-headquartered laboratory testing business.

Medvance, which is based at Burn, was set up in 1998 by former nurse Janette Benaddi and specialises in conducting trials on new drugs and medical devices.

The business is now to operate as NAMSA Medvance after being acquired by global medical researchers NAMSA.

The takeover was made by NAMSA in a bid to add UK and continental European coverage to its operation base in the US, Germany, France and China.

NAMSA supports clients through all product development phases, from regulatory knowledge through non-clinical and clinical research and even postmarket products and services. Bosses say that by combining the two companies, NAMSA now has experts in nearly every therapeutic area to accelerate product development, market approval and extend market acceptance in all major markets around the globe.

John Gorski, NAMSA’s president and chief executive, said: “NAMSA is pleased to now be able to offer Medvance’s regulatory, clinical and resourcing services along with our world-class expertise in research and development, biocompatibility and clinical research.

“Having experts across even more geographies will help clients deliver their products even more effectively to the physicians and patients around the world who need them most. This acquisition further demonstrates NAMSA’s commitment to support our clients where and when they need it most.”

Mrs Benaddi, Medvance’s chief executive, is to remain part of the new NAMSA Medvance in an executive role.

She said: “Medvance clients will benefit from NAMSA’s deep expertise in biostatistics as well as their material scientists and biocompatibility experts. In addition, NAMSA’s strength and relationships offer clients more insight into the US, Japan and China.”