Emmes buys VaxTrials to tap Latin American market
Emmes has acquired Panama-headquartered study services firm VaxTrials, citing expanded geographic reach as the driver for the deal.
The takeover – financial terms of which were not provided – will provide Emmes with access to a key regional market according to Lynn Lewis, chief business officer.
“The acquisition of VaxTrials enables us to simultaneously deepen expertise in one of our largest therapeutic areas, vaccines and infectious disease, and increase our impact on global health by expanding into Latin America.”
VaxTrials has a team of more than 160 staff who manage and monitor vaccine clinical trial activities throughout Latin America. The firm claims to have carried out vaccine-related trials in 11 Latin American countries.
Lewis told us “Latin America has become one of the top emerging regions for clinical trials due to its diverse and large patient population, as well as its highly qualified professionals for conducting clinical research.
“In fact, the infrastructure for clinical trials has also grown more rapidly in Latin America recently than in other parts of the world. The region assumed a leading role in vaccine research – and recognition for rapid enrollment – because of the number of COVID-19 trials. VaxTrials is a leader in this area with a strong reputation and track record.”
Growth though M&A
The Vaxtrials acquisition is the latest in a string of expansion-focused deals Emmes has made. In 2020, for example, Emmes acquired Neox, a clinical research organization (CRO) headquartered in the Czech Republic.
In May of the following year it bought Orphan Reach, citing its expertise in rare disease studies and management teams in Europe, Asia and the US as motivation for the deal.
In December 2021, Emmes took over Institut Dr. Schauerte, a technology-oriented CRO specializes in late-phase, non-interventional, and post-market follow-up studies.
And more acquisitions could be on the way according to Lewis, who told us “Based on the discussions we’re having and the size of our pipeline, there may well be room for further additions, but these will be targeted and will need to add capabilities or service offerings in line with our expanding data and technology focus.
“The challenge is really to expand in the right markets with the right partners, ones that are complementary that don’t dilute the existing strengths and focus areas of Emmes as a company.”
In addition, the Vaxtrials takeover comes just a week after Emmes rolled out a telehealth services, designed to allow more study participants to take part in drug research from their own homes.
DepositPhotos/burakowski