CRO merger creates global firm with services across drug life cycle

29-Mar-2018 - Last updated on 29-Mar-2018 at 16:09 GMT

(Image: Getty/travellinglight)

Accelovance and Linical are merging to create a contract research organization (CRO) with a global footprint in response to the need for large-scale, multinational clinical trials.

Accelovance is a CRO focused on oncology, vaccine, dermatology, pain, nutrition, and women's health (Phase I-IV programs). The company this week announced its merger with Linical Co., Ltd., a Japan-headquartered CRO with global operations in more than 20 countries.

The transaction, terms of which were not disclosed, is scheduled to close early in the second quarter.

“This union creates a market-leading contract research organization with significant global scale across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific,” said Alison Cundari, Accelovance marketing manager.

The companies expect little change to the operations of both entities, due to the complementary structure of both companies, explained Cundari.

The partnership expands the companies’ global footprint and strengthens offerings to cover “the entire drug life cycle” across several drug development areas, including oncology, immunology, and neurology.

“Over the coming months, we will continue to explore capabilities of the two organizations to create a high-performing, best-in-class leader in the clinical development space,” Cundari told Outsourcing-Pharma.com.

“This is an exciting milestone for both organizations,” she added. “Accelovance and Linical share a mission of delivering quality services to our clients and are committed to excellence in drug development.”

In the press release, Kazuhiro Hatano, Linical president and CEO said the deal will enable the company to “reinforce” its capabilities and capacity in the US, “as well as to strengthen our global network to respond to clients' needs of conducting large-scale multinational clinical trials.”