Canadian CRO JSS Medical Research has bought LatAm Clinical Trials, a Colombian-headquartered provider of Phase I-IV services across the Andes.
Neither firm is disclosing financial details, but JSS said the deal will help it capitalize on the growing demand for clinical studies in Latin America. LatAm, founded in 2005, has clincal outposts in the Andean countries and partnerships that give it access to Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Chile.
For JSS, the deal follows its recent expansion into Colombia, and building up its Latin American presence is a major component of the company's plan to grow its client base, CEO John Sampalis said.
"The addition of LatAm Clinical Trials to JSS Medical Research solidifies our presence in Latin America allowing us to extend our services in the region and enhancing our current position by adding regional clinical services in addition to the already established scientific, data management, biostatistical, outcomes research, health economics and medical writing services," Sampalis said.
JSS was spun out of Canada's McGill University in 1992, gradually building up to offer a full spectrum of services by 2006. Since then, the CRO has rapidly increased its capabilities and workforce, expanding to cover trials on four continents.
"The pace of growth at JSS Medical Research sees us joining a company at a very exciting time," LatAm CEO Diana Valencia said in a statement, "and being part of this group will enable us to better leverage our expertise offering our local clients access to international sites and personnel with the highest possible level of scientific expertise and knowledge along with worldwide experience in clinical trial operations."
- read the announcement
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