Clean Cells launched next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based viral safety testing for viral matrices, including viral vectors and recombinant preparations, and simultaneously acquired French bioinformatics CRO Xegen. The move is intended to consolidate Clean Cells’ sequencing analytics capabilities and to de-risk the bioinformatics backbone required for regulatory-ready outputs. Clean Cells said the combined offering improves traceability from sample to interpreted results, and positions the company for increased European adoption of NGS in viral safety testing. The company linked the strategy to European regulatory frameworks, including ICH Q5A(R2) and the European Pharmacopoeia chapter on viral testing, which accelerate NGS relevance beyond niche implementation. Clean Cells’ CEO Laurent Claisse and Xegen co-founder Julien Paganini will lead the integrated program, with Paganini joining Clean Cells as expert project manager of bioinformatics, analytical methods development, and validation. For customers developing biologics and vectors across regions, the integrated pipeline reduces workflow fragmentation risk.