Aster Cephac

Aster Cephac was a leading French contract research organization (CRO) specializing in early-stage clinical development and bioanalytical services. Headquartered in Paris, the company provided comprehensive Phase I and IIa clinical pharmacology trials, including complex "first-into-man" studies and safety pharmacology. It operated one of Europe's largest bioanalytical research centers in Poitiers, offering advanced mass spectrometry and immunoanalysis services. The company was formed by the merger of Aster and Cephac and was known for its expertise in QT prolongation studies and protocol design. In 2006, Aster Cephac was acquired by the SGS Group and integrated into its Life Science Services division. This acquisition established SGS as a major player in the European early-stage clinical research market.