Charles River Laboratories International, Inc. has acquired Brains On-Line, a contract research organization (CRO) providing data aimed at advancing therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, for approximately $21 million, plus potential payments of as much as $8 million based on future performance.

Brains On-Line has operations in San Francisco, the Netherlands, and Germany, and provides microdialysis for CNS research, as well as in vivo efficacy and pharmacokinetics testing to provide critical data required to advance potential CNS therapies through the development process.

James C. Foster, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said, “The addition of Brains On-Line strategically expands Charles River’s existing CNS capabilities and establishes Charles River as the premier single-source provider for a broad portfolio of discovery CNS services. In addition to enhancing our ability to support clients’ early-stage drug research in this critical therapeutic area, Brains On-Line expands our geographic footprint. This increases the opportunity for clients to work side-by-side with Charles River’s scientists, both in Europe and in the South San Francisco research hub.”