Simbec-Orion and Avance Clinical partner to build global trials business

Wales-based Simbec-Orion and Australia-headquartered Avance Clinical have teamed to create a unified global offering for drug trials.

The deal — financial terms were not disclosed — will enhance Avance Clinical’s capabilities in Europe and the UK while extending Simbec-Orion’s reach into Australia and Asia, according to Avance CEO Yvonne Lungershausen.

“We regard Simbec-Orion as a high-quality CRO, and our partnership allows Avance Clinical to collaborate with clinical sites across Europe and the UK for executing global clinical trials on behalf of our clients. This collaboration enhances our already robust capabilities in Australia, Asia, and the US,” she said.

This was echoed by Fabrice Chartier, CEO of Simbec-Orion, who said, “This partnership exemplifies the synergy between two agile, full-service CROs with a shared commitment to delivering tailored, high-quality clinical trial solutions.

“Together, we’re poised to provide clients with a seamless, fully integrated approach to global clinical development.”

Simbec-Orion, which is owned by private equity firm CBPE Capital, has a presence in 34 countries across Europe as well as the US and Canada. It operates a dedicated unit for Phase I clinical trials in the UK.

The firm also offers artificial intelligence-driven clinical trial design services through a partnership it formed with Germany-based biotx.ai in 2023.

Avance Clinical has been owned by private equity investor The Riverside Company since 2021. The firm runs trials in Australia as well as New Zealand, North America, and Asia.

In recent years Avance’s growth strategy has been to expand its regional reach through targeted services-focused acquisitions as well as partnerships with hospitals in fast growing markets.

In November 2024, for example, it signed deals with the CHA University Bundang Medical Center; the Korea University Medicine center in Seoul; and the Dong-A University Hospital, Clinical Trial Center in Busan.

Unsplash/Greg Rosenke