Nice (France), 8 January 2008 – Iris Pharma of France, a specialist contract research organisation (CRO) for pre-clinical research in ophthalmology, has announced the completion of its merger with Clirophtha, a unique CRO in Europe and North America that is completely dedicated to ophthalmology clinical trials. The new entity will be known as Iris Pharma.
“The merger of Iris Pharma and Clirophtha is an opportunity to increase pharmaceutical and biotech companies’ ability to develop the potential of their ophthalmologic drugs,” says Dr Pierre-Paul Elena, Founder and CEO of Iris Pharma.
The combined company will operate under the Iris Pharma name. This merger establishes the first global drug-development services provider to be totally dedicated to ophthalmology, offering a complete range of services to biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies worldwide.
“The cumulative expertise and experience from both Iris Pharma and Clirophtha guarantees that the new Iris Pharma company has excellent know-how and knowledge of each step of drug development, from pre-formulation and in vivo research to Phase IV and medico-marketing surveys, as well as a global overview of the whole process,” says Thierry Caillaud, Business Development Director for the Pre-clinical Department at Iris Pharma.
The companies’ combined experience totals 31 years, with staff’s experience representing a combined total in excess of 260 years. This expertise will provide a one- stop solution for clients’ ophthalmology drug and device development; it will also create significant benefits for customers in terms of flexibility and efficiency. “Our focus is on continuing to provide our customers with the best quality service and the best level of responsiveness. Our expertise and experience in ophthalmology guarantee our customers accurate consulting services at every stage of drug development. We are more than a simple supplier – we act as a dedicated partner in helping our clients to take the right decision, at the right moment, to move forward efficiently and market their drugs faster,” says Yann Quentric, Business Development Director of Clirophtha.
About Iris Pharma:
Iris Pharma, which is headquartered in La Gaude (near Nice, in south-eastern France), is an independent development service provider, dedicated to pre-clinical and clinical research in ophthalmology. Since 1989, it has been offering ophthalmologic drug and device development services to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide. The company works in five complementary areas: bioanalysis; non-GLP pre-formulation; pre-clinical studies and services; clinical trials (Phase I to IV); and strategic consulting. Iris Pharma will take part in the following trade shows: ARVO in Fort Lauderdale (USA) from 27 April to 1 May 2008 (Stand 109/111); BIO in San Diego (USA) from 17 to 20 June 2008; American Academy of Ophthalmology in Atlanta (USA) from 8 to 11 November 2008; and Bio-Europe in Mannheim (Germany) from 17 to 19 November 2008. For more information, see: https://www.iris-pharma.com
