Canadian CRO Somru BioScience acquires Novus Clinical Research to expand global network

Canadian contract research organization Somru BioScience Inc. has announced the 100% acquisition of Bangladesh-based Novus Clinical Research Services Limited. This strategic move aims to create an integrated clinical research platform bridging North America and South Asia to accelerate the development of vaccines, biosimilars, and other therapies. The acquisition represents a significant expansion of Somru’s global footprint and a boost to the clinical research infrastructure in Bangladesh through technology transfer and laboratory modernization.

Somru BioScience Inc., a biotechnology firm and CRO headquartered in Prince Edward Island, Canada, has finalized an agreement to acquire 100% of the shares of Novus Clinical Research Services Limited through its local affiliate, Somru BioScience (BD) Limited. The deal is designed to link Somru’s advanced AI-driven bioanalytics, immunogenicity, and biomarker analysis capabilities with Novus’s established clinical operations in Bangladesh. According to Somru CEO Mohammed Moin, the acquisition is intended to foster scientific collaboration and attract international research projects to both Canada and Bangladesh, strengthening the latter's role in the global clinical research ecosystem.

The integration of Novus into Somru’s network provides the Canadian CRO with access to a diverse and clinically relevant patient population in South Asia, which is critical for research into infectious diseases, vaccines, and biosimilars. Rafiq Islam, Somru’s co-founder and CTO, highlighted that combining Novus’s local expertise with Somru’s regulatory and analytical framework will enhance clinical data quality and accelerate drug development for unmet medical needs. The expanded entity will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including clinical trials, bioequivalence studies, and biomarker testing across multiple international markets.

Beyond expanding service capacity, Somru plans to invest heavily in the Bangladeshi facility through quality system upgrades, laboratory modernization, and workforce development. This foreign direct investment is expected to introduce international standards to the local biotechnology sector and create advanced research career opportunities. Following regulatory approvals, the company intends to showcase its newly integrated capabilities at the BIO International Convention to secure further global partnerships in the healthcare and biotechnology sectors.