NuChem Sciences (Formerly NuChem Therapeutics)

About NuChem Sciences (Formerly NuChem Therapeutics)

NuChem Sciences operates as a contract research organization (CRO) specializing in drug discovery and chemical development, primarily serving the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. The company was established in 2011 by a group of pharmaceutical industry veterans, including former scientists from Merck Frosst, who aimed to create a different type of CRO. Initially serving as an internal provider for its then-owner AmorChem, NuChem began seeking external clients in 2015, collaborating with major players like Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Roche.

The business generates revenue by providing integrated and standalone discovery solutions on a contract basis. Its services span medicinal, synthetic, scale-up, and process chemistry, as well as DMPK (drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics), in-vitro biology, in-vivo pharmacology, and computational chemistry. NuChem also offers expertise in protein chemistry and structural biology, crucial for the initial stages of drug discovery. The company's client base includes biotech firms, pharmaceutical companies, and academic research laboratories across North America and globally.

A significant milestone in the company's history was the rebranding from NuChem Therapeutics to NuChem Sciences in April 2021 to reflect the full scope of its expanded services. This expansion was fueled by key acquisitions, including Amplia Pharmatek, which added expertise in biology and pharmacology, and OmegaChem in 2021. The merger with OmegaChem, supported by a $37.6 million investment from entities including Fonds de solidarité FTQ and Investissement Québec, positioned the combined entity as Canada's largest CRO in drug discovery chemistry. Further growth led to the opening of new, modern laboratories in Montreal in 2022. In August 2023, NuChem Sciences was acquired by the UK-based Sygnature Discovery, a move intended to expand its global footprint and enhance its service offerings in the North American market. Following the acquisition, Marc LeBel, who had been President and CEO, concluded his tenure in August 2024 after leading the company through its significant growth and acquisition.