LMC Manna Research expands clinical trial site network, eyes further growth
Canada-based LMC Manna Research has today announced the acquisition of Montreal-based research center Omnispec Clinical Research. Per the agreement, Omnispec will operate as an integrated LMC Manna Research site. With Omnispec in the fold, LMC Manna Research’s network now spans 19 sites.
"Omnispec adds further capacity and experience to LMC Manna Research, as we look for growth opportunities through mergers and acquisitions," said Karri Venn, president of research at LMC Manna Research.
"Omnispec has a long and distinguished track record in clinical research in Quebec and Canada and allows us to strengthen our partnership opportunities with sponsors and CROs," she told Outsourcing-Pharma.
Omnispec was founded in 2005 by general practitioner Dr. Guy Tellier who will become the medical director at the company’s Montreal site.
In a press release, Tellier said the company will continue to operate as usual though with “new technologies and a sophisticated infrastructure” at its disposal “to leverage and enhance” enrollment capabilities.
Tellier said he expects activity to grow by 50% or more following the acquisition.
Reducing site burden
In related news, Sanofi has announced an initiative to reduce research site burden with insight in part from LMC Manna Research, which was one of the first clinical research sites to be part of Sanofi’s Global Investigator Network as a Center of Excellence.
The global investigator network now spans 95 medical sites across 21 countries.
"Sanofi has been working with LMC Manna Research since starting the Global Investigator Network," a Sanofi spokesperson told us.
LMC Manna Research and other network partners provide input on trial protocol designs, including how to reduce obstacles for patients participating in clinical studies, the spokesperson explained.
As part of the new initiative – dubbed "Sanofi Makes Investigators Lives Easier," or SMILE – Sanofi is working to raise public awareness of clinical trials and develop new approaches for patient recruitment.
"This partnership with LMC Manna Research supports high levels of information sharing and a close relationship between the organizations," the spokesperson added. "Sanofi works with LMC Manna Research on appropriate clinical trials, based on, but not limited to, the diabetes research expertise of its clinicians."
