Preclinical Research Services
for Pharma, Biotech & Cosmetics

Your Preclinical Partner, From Discovery to Bioanalysis

Pharma, biotech, and cosmetics R&D teams often split their preclinical work across several specialised vendors, one for cellular models, another for imaging, another for analytical work, adding coordination overhead to every programme. QIMA Life Sciences brings this work together within one scientific group, drawing on nearly 30 years of expertise:

  • In silico screening & chemoinformatics
  • Fresh whole blood assays
  • Preclinical in vivo models, for pharma & biotech
  • In vitro & ex vivo models
  • Analytical chemistry & bioanalysis
  • Dedicated expertise per industry
Talk to a scientist about your programme

Our Preclinical Approach, From In Silico to Bioanalysis

A preclinical programme combines several complementary stages, from early screening through to analytical characterisation of samples. QIMA Life Sciences covers this full continuum within one scientific group.

In silico screening and chemoinformatics

Virtual screening tools anticipate the biological activity of candidate molecules or ingredients, prioritising the most promising leads before lab work begins.

In vitro & ex vivo research models

Reconstructed and explant-based cellular and tissue models support mechanism-of-action studies, candidate screening, and efficacy data, for both pharma and cosmetics programmes.

Fresh whole blood bioassays

A dedicated offer, Blood Assay Solutions, allows compound testing on unaltered fresh whole blood, complementing our assays on isolated primary blood cell populations.

Analytical chemistry and bioanalysis

Chromatography and mass spectrometry platforms support method development, stability studies, and biological sample analysis, across both preclinical and clinical stages.

Preclinical in vivo models (pharma/biotech only)

Validated dermatology models currently cover alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo, run in collaboration with Monasterium Laboratory and Technion. Oncology, inflammation and general pharmacology models are provided by Axis Bio (a QIMA Life Sciences company).

Preclinical Expertise for Pharma & Biotech

Pharmaceutical and biotech R&D teams need validated, physiologically relevant preclinical models to screen candidates, demonstrate proof of concept, and build the data packages required to advance toward the clinic.

QIMA Life Sciences provides in vitro and ex vivo models across 13 dermatology indications, immune-inflammation, and oncology, access to diseased tissue through our dedicated biobank, and preclinical in vivo capabilities for select indications.

Our expertise also extends to neurobiology, covering central and peripheral nervous system research relevant to neuroinflammation, neurodegenerative disease, and the skin-nerve axis;  including primary neuronal and glial cultures, co-culture systems, and ex vivo models such as human skin and hair explants and a fully humanised skin re-innervation model. All of this sits within a single scientific continuum, from discovery through to early clinical phases, backed by nearly 30 years of experience in biological modelling and assay development.

Explore our full Pharma & Biotech expertise
Dermatology models
Oncology models
Immunology & inflammation
Neurobiology models
Photometry
Ceramides can be found in countless cosmetic formulations.

Preclinical Expertise for Cosmetics & Personal Care

Cosmetics R&D and claims teams need robust scientific evidence to substantiate efficacy claims — without relying on animal testing.

QIMA Life Sciences offers in vitro and ex vivo models covering skin aging, barrier and hydration, pigmentation, skin and scalp microbiota, and oily and acne-prone skin, alongside dedicated nutraceutical testing services. These models are paired with clinical imaging and image-analysis expertise, turning scientific data into evidence that holds up for claim communication.

Explore Cosmetics & Personal Care expertise
Nutraceutical testing

From Preclinical Research to the Clinic

For programmes that require it, QIMA Life Sciences supports the transition from preclinical research into early clinical phases, within the same scientific group. This includes analytical chemistry and bioanalysis of clinical samples, bioanalysis of non-invasive clinical samples, skin and hair clinical imaging, and clinical trials. This continuity reduces the methodology gaps and delays that typically come with switching providers.

Non-invasive clinical sample bioanalysis

Analytical characterisation of clinical samples collected non-invasively.

Skin & hair clinical imaging

Imaging and image-analysis expertise from preclinical models through to clinic.

Clinical trials

Early clinical phases run within the same scientific group.

Why QIMA Life Sciences

QIMA Life Sciences operates as a Partner Research Organization: every programme is built with the client’s scientific team, with one dedicated point of contact throughout the study. Over 70% of our studies are fully customised to the client’s product, molecule, or research question; where a standard protocol is already proven, robust, and validated, we use it as the more efficient option.

For almost 30 years, our scientists have developed and validated biological models in skin, hair, and immune research; a track record reflected in over 300 peer-reviewed publications.

~ 30 years

of expertise

+ 200 scientists

including PhDs

+ 300 peer-reviewed

publications

+ 10,000 m2

of laboratory space

Our network today spans specialised entities across France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Our Monasterium Laboratory entity maintains a primary cell bank of over 20,000 human cellular models, and our Gençay laboratory holds an EcoVadis Silver ESG rating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

A preclinical CRO runs the biological and analytical studies required before clinical trials or market launch. QIMA Life Sciences operates as a PRO, Partner Research Organization: projects are co-built with the client’s scientific team rather than executed against a fixed, standardised protocol. Over 70% of our studies are fully customised to the client’s programme; where a standard, validated protocol is the more efficient path, we use it as-is.

Yes. Both industries draw on related scientific expertise, skin, hair, and immune models, but studies, vocabulary, and deliverables are always kept separate and tailored to each industry.

In vivo capabilities are available for pharmaceutical and biotech programmes only, and are not a general offering. Validated models currently cover three dermatology indications, alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, and vitiligo, through humanised mouse models developed with Monasterium Laboratory in academic collaboration with Technion, plus oncology models (CDX, PDX, syngeneic, and humanised) via Axis Bio. No in vivo studies are offered for cosmetics or personal care.

Depending on the type of study required, work is carried out in specific, accredited laboratories that meet the applicable regulatory framework. Our network includes ISO-accredited facilities, GLP-compliant laboratories for eligible study types, and sites holding an EcoVadis sustainability rating.

For programmes that require it, QIMA Life Sciences supports the move from preclinical research into early clinical phases within the same scientific group, including clinical imaging, bioanalysis of non-invasive clinical samples, and clinical trials.

Yes, through our dedicated Biobank, which offers access to healthy and diseased skin, hair, and blood samples for multiple indications, supporting more physiologically relevant preclinical research.

By speaking directly with a QIMA Life Sciences scientist to scope your objectives, timeline, and the right study design for your programme.

Whether your programme sits in pharma, biotech, or cosmetics, our scientific team can discuss it with you today.

Talk to a QIMA Life Sciences expert

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