The Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences is partnering with Delaware clinical research organization QPS Holdings on a new cell research center that will be located at The Hamner’s Research Triangle Park campus.

Hepatic Biosciences will be a new division within QPS’ drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics department (DMPK), which tests what the body does to a drug. The new Hepatic Biosciences unit will focus its drug research on hepatocytes, or liver cells. 

QPS, a Newark, Del.-based CRO, will place about 20 people, primarily scientists, at The Hamner. The CRO will consider the site at The Hamner it’s Southeast hub. QPS and The Hamner will work together  develop new assays and risk assessments. The partnership gives QPS access to The Hamner’s research and resources, including the team of Edward LeCluyse, a senior research investigator in the The Hamner’s Institute for Chemical Safety and Sciences. In addition to contributing to existing Hamner research programs, QPS will also focus on bringing new contract research business to both QPS and The Hamner.  

“This partnership with QPS aligns quite well with our shared vision to advance human health worldwide,” William Greenlee, president and CEO of The Hamner, said in a prepared statement. “We are delighted that The Hamner will be the home for QPS Hepatic Biosciences, and I look forward to the many breakthroughs that will accelerate the development of new medicines.”