Announcing Global Strategic Partnership
Global Strategic Partnership to Deliver Integrated Solutions for Aquaculture Species Research
Together, IMAQUA and SAS-Global aim to enable seamless access to integrated aquaculture species expertise, focusing on streamlined research in immunology, vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional solutions.
Lochristi and Izegem, Belgium – January 23, 2026 – IMAQUA, a (pre)clinical Contract Research Organisation (CRO), and SAS-Global, a global group with expertise in microbiology, diagnostics, and (pre)clinical veterinary and human research, are joining forces in a strategic partnership to deliver integrated services for aquaculture healthcare research.
By combining their strengths, IMAQUA and SAS-Global will provide seamless development support through shared multi-species expertise, access to advanced scientific research infrastructure within IMAQUA and SAS-Global network, and efficient, connected workflows designed to accelerate research timelines.
The collaboration leverages the following core capabilities:
- IMAQUA: translational research platforms and (pre)clinical drug development expertise in aquaculture species
- SAS-Global: streamlined access to integrated capabilities through a single global network, ensuring consistent quality, regulatory compliance, and data integrity, while leveraging cross-company synergies in R&D, infrastructure, logistics, and data analytics
Key objectives of the partnership include:
- Seamless access to integrated aquaculture and multi-species research expertise through a single global network, including expansion of IMAQUA service offering to Asia and Latin America using SAS-Global’ s network of research sites
- Faster, compliant, and data-driven studies enabled by aligned quality standards, regulatory rigor, and connected workflows
- Stronger innovation through shared R&D, infrastructure, and analytics, accelerating development from research to results
“This partnership reflects our shared vision to deliver smarter, more connected research services,” said Maarten De Gussem, DVM, Manager and Veterinarian at SAS-Global. “Together, we are building a stronger, innovation-driven foundation for translational research now also offering full scope in aquatic species.”
João Dantas Lima, PhD, Ir., MSc, Managing Director of IMAQUA, added:“By combining IMAQUA’s advanced aquaculture research platforms with SAS-Global’ s integrated diagnostics, pathology, nutritional and (pre)clinical expertise, we can deliver seamless, high-quality research solutions that accelerate development pipelines for our clients.”
This strategic alliance ensures clients benefit from faster timelines, deeper scientific insights, and fully connected research workflows, supporting the next generation of solutions for aquaculture species.
About IMAQUA
Founded in 2015, IMAQUA is a Ghent University spin-off and Contract Research Organisation (CRO) dedicated to advancing the preclinical development of drugs and therapies for aquaculture species. Operating from Belgium, IMAQUA provides in vitro and in vivo disease models to generate insights into safety, efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms of action. Specializing in shrimp aquaculture, IMAQUA also offers testing, evaluation, and consulting services to support the development and optimization of shrimp health and nutrition products, with a focus on immunity, disease resistance, and overall health.
www.imaqua.eu
About SAS-Global
Founded in 2025, SAS-Global is a global umbrella organization bringing together specialist companies in veterinary and human diagnostics, contract research, laboratory services, and digital pathology. Through its member companies—including Poulpharm, Zootests, Vetspin, Connected-Pathology, and Mercolab—SAS-Global delivers integrated, high-quality solutions via a single-entry platform, combining domain expertise with aligned strategy and global reach.
www.sas-global.com