MMS buys Exploristics for modeling tech and expanded reach

US clinical research organization MMS has acquired Northern Ireland-based biostatistics firm Exploristics, citing its cloud-based modeling and simulation platform as the driver for the deal.

The acquisition will add Exploristics’ “KerusCloud” technology, a cloud-based statistical modeling and simulation platform to MMS’ offering. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

MMS said the technology will help it “simulate, analyze, and optimize studies, as well as reduce risk and drive efficiencies” in trials. It also expects that the expanded offering will increase success rates threefold and save sponsors $20 million per study.

Existing users include: consultancy Idea Pharma, which partnered with Exploristics last year; and Exonate, which is leveraging KerusCloud to optimize a Phase IIb study of its candidate diabetic eye disease drug, EXN407, under a deal signed in March.

According to COO Chris Schoonmaker, “Exploristics joining MMS is an exceptional fit, and we look forward to delivering even greater value to our clients through optimized strategies that reduce the overall time and cost burden in drug development.”

European expansion

The Exploristics acquisition also fits with MMS’ desire to increase its access to the European market, according to chief commercial officer Ben Dudley.

“Our presence in Europe has seen significant growth in recent years, and this acquisition adds to our vitality in the region. Our focus on data for better trial data execution, lower risk, stronger submissions, integration of Real-world data (RWD) into clinical outputs and accelerated outcomes has never been stronger than it is today.”

The acquisition is in keeping with the growth strategy outlined when private equity firm Lindsay Goldberg invested in MMS in 2022.

At the time, Lindsay Goldberg principal Peter Nurnberg said, “We’re proud to partner with [founder] Dr. Sharma to help accelerate the growth of MMS, a leader in data-focused CRO services known internationally for its scientific approach and differentiated regulatory, biostatistics, data management, medical writing, and pharmacovigilance capabilities.”

PhotoDeposit/thaneeh.gmail.com