Emmes eyeing ophthalmology market after Clinical Edge buy
Emmes has set its sights on the ophthalmology services sector, announcing plans to reorganize its eye drug trials unit shortly after acquiring Clinical Edge.
The clinical research organization (CRO) bought Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Clinical Edge in September, explaining the firm would be combined with its own ophthalmology certification services unit Optym and rebranded as OptymEdge.
Clinical Edge provides visual acuity examiner and certification services. The company's staff members ensure a high level of quality and consistency for all clinical sites participating in the conduct of ophthalmology drug, biologic, and device clinical trials.
Emmes CEO Christine Dingivan, said, "this acquisition makes us a powerhouse in the ophthalmology training and certification area, a critical part of determining the safety and efficacy of new treatments for eye disease.”
Strategy
The takeover – financial terms of which were not provided – is Emmes’ fifth in the past two years behind central and eastern Europe-focused CRO Neox, late-phase contractor Institut Dr. Schauerte and rare disease specialists Orphan Reach and Casimir.
Dingivan acknowledged the Clinical Edge was part of Emmes’ acquisitive strategy, adding “this is another positive step in our growth and globalization effort.
“It also reflects our commitment to investing in public health and alleviating the high burden of disease areas like ophthalmology."
Decentralization
Traci Clemons, Emmes chief research officer, predicted the takeover will expand the CRO’s drug industry customer base and provide capacity to use new study methods.
“The company not only increases our base of certifiers across the US, but it adds biotech and pharmaceutical clients and certifiers in Europe and Asia.
“It has been creative in shifting from on-site training and certification services to a decentralized model, and this is something OptymEdge plans to expand. Emmes also will invest in the enhancement and expansion of our combined visual functioning certification offerings."
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