Aesica has acquired the research and development company R5.

Pharmaceuticals company Aesica has acquired the research and development company R5 Pharmaceuticals.

The deal, which was for an undisclosed sum, is Aesica’s third UK acquisition since 2006 as it seeks to expand its portfolio of pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients.

Based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Aesica has an annual turnover in the region of £100 million and has recently opened new offices in San Diego and New York. The company employs around 700 staff.

Nottingham-based R5 develops and manufactures new medicines and clinical trial materials.

Under the deal R5 will retain its current brand and will become a subsidiary of Aesica Pharmaceuticals.

Robert Hardy, chief executive of Aesica says: ‘The acquisition of R5 is strategically crucial for our business as we extend and enhance our current offering.’