Updated:
Altasciences
Altasciences was founded in 1992 as a contract research organization and incorporated in 1995.
Altasciences
Altasciences was founded in 1992 as a contract research organization and incorporated in 1995. It grew from a single lab in Montreal to a platform spanning eight facilities, with the 2013 acquisition of Vince & Associates Clinical Research marking a major expansion into the US (per website timeline). The firm is now owned by Novo Holdings, a life sciences investor focused on long-term value creation (per the firm's FAQ). The company targets early-phase drug development, offering integrated preclinical safety testing, clinical pharmacology (Phase I–II), bioanalysis (preclinical–Phase IV), formulation development, and commercial manufacturing. It serves biotech and pharmaceutical clients globally, with facilities in Canada (Laval, Montreal) and across the US (Kansas City, Seattle, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Scranton, Columbia, Sacramento). Notable industry awards include CDMO Leadership Awards 2025 and multiple CRO Leadership Awards. Altasciences employs over 1,800 professionals, with executive leadership including Cathy Konidas (Commercial Strategy), Beatrice Setnik (Scientific & Medical Affairs), and Steve Mason (Preclinical Services). In February 2026, Marie-Hélène Raigneau was appointed CEO, succeeding Chris Perkin who led the firm since 2010. The company maintains philanthropic programs like Dare to Give and participates in the Science Based Targets initiative and UN Global Compact for sustainability. The firm's structural differentiator is its integrated CRO/CDMO model, designed to reduce handoffs and accelerate timelines from preclinical through early clinical development. Ownership under Novo Holdings provides stable, well-capitalized backing—atypical for mid-size CROs—and allows sustained investment in facility expansion and acquisitions across North America.
General information
Firm type
Asset Manager
Year founded
1992
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
Canada
City
Laval
Corporate office
Laval, QC, Canada
Additional offices
Montreal, Canada · Overland Park, KS, United States · Everett, WA, United States · Harleysville, PA, United States · Cypress, CA, United States · Scott Township, PA, United States · Auxvasse, MO, United States · Sacramento, CA, United States
Principals
Marie-Hélène Raigneau
Chief Executive Officer
Cathy Konidas
Executive Vice President, Commercial Strategy
Beatrice Setnik
Executive Vice President, Scientific and Medical Affairs
Gabriel Morelli
Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President, Medical Affairs
Steve Mason
Executive Vice President, Preclinical Services
Robert Morasse
Senior Vice President, Business Development
David Masse
Senior Vice President, Quality Assurance
Julie-Ann O'Hara-Isnor
Senior Vice President, Global Business Development
Mariano Gargiulo
Executive Vice President, Finance
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Altasciences?
Altasciences is owned by Novo Holdings A/S, a life science investment firm that focuses on long-term value creation. The firm states this on its website FAQ page.
What services does Altasciences offer?
Altasciences provides integrated CRO/CDMO services including preclinical safety testing, clinical pharmacology (Phase I to II), bioanalysis (preclinical to Phase IV), formulation development, manufacturing, and analytical services. It also offers program management, medical writing, biostatistics, and data management.
How large is Altasciences in terms of headcount and facilities?
The firm employs over 1,800 people and operates eight facilities in Canada and the United States—in Laval, Montreal, Kansas City, Seattle, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Scranton, Columbia, and Sacramento, as listed on its website.
Who is the CEO of Altasciences?
Marie-Hélène Raigneau was appointed CEO in February 2026, having previously served as President and held roles including Executive Vice President of Research Services and Co-Chief Operating Officer. She succeeded Chris Perkin, who had led the firm since 2010.
What client types does Altasciences serve?
Altasciences partners with biotech and pharmaceutical companies of all sizes—from startups to global leaders. Its website notes a deep, international client portfolio working at the forefront of medical science.
Does Altasciences have any sustainability or social responsibility initiatives?
The firm participates in the Science Based Targets initiative and the UN Global Compact. Its social responsibility programs include Dare to Give breast cancer fundraising, school supplies and holiday gift drives, and food and winter clothing collections, as described on its website.
How has Altasciences grown over time?
Founded in 1992 and incorporated as a CRO in 1995, Altasciences has grown through acquisitions including Vince & Associates (2013), preclinical testing labs in Seattle (2018), Philadelphia manufacturing (2020), Los Angeles clinical unit (2021), and additional facilities in Scranton, Columbia, and Sacramento, per its website timeline. It continues to expand its integrated platform.
Profile maintained by Altss using OSINT (open-source intelligence), regulatory filings, licensed data partners, and verified direct submissions. Read the methodology. Last updated: . Continuous refresh with full update cycles at least every 30 days.
Need institutional-grade insight on asset managers?
Altss delivers:
Prefer a guided tour?
We’ll walk you through: