French CROs have eye on niche market
in ophthalmology have banded together to offer specialised services
to this niche market.
The merger is being dubbed by the firms as unique, in that it "establishes the first global drug-development services provider to be totally dedicated to ophthalmology". However, the amalgamation is seemingly just a formalisation of an existing relationship between the two CROs - they were both established within five years of each other by the same person, Pierre-Paul Elena, who has also served as president for the two companies. Iris Pharma's focus is on preclinical research in the field, while Clirophtha runs Phase I-IV clinical trials throughout Western and Eastern Europe, North Africa, India, South Arabia and North America. Under their new united front, they will offer global customers "a complete range of [ophthalmology] services" under the name of Iris Pharma, including bioanalysis; non-GLP pre-formulation; pre-clinical studies and services; clinical trials and supporting functions; and consulting.