US-Based Emmes Acquires VaxTRIALS

This strategic acquisition is part of Emmes' broader objective to expand its global presence beyond its existing operations in North America, Europe, and Asia into the Latin American market. This move is expected to enhance Emmes' expertise in one of its major research focus areas: vaccines and infectious diseases.

US-based Clinical Research Organisation (CRO) Emmes, has acquired VaxTRIALS, a specialised Clinical Research Organisation headquartered in Panama City.

While the financial terms of the acquisition have not been publicly disclosed, the transaction was finalised on October 5, 2023.

This strategic acquisition is part of Emmes' broader objective to expand its global presence beyond its existing operations in North America, Europe, and Asia into the Latin American market. 

This move is expected to enhance Emmes' expertise in one of its major research focus areas: vaccines and infectious diseases.

Commenting on the acquisition, Dr José Jimeno, CEO, VaxTRIALS, said, 'œBoth our companies have built enduring customer relationships and a legacy of service in vaccine and infectious disease research. I'm also excited to incorporate Emmes' technology expertise, as well as legacy and depth in biostatistical analysis and data management, for the benefit of our clients throughout Latin America. Emmes' Advantage eClinical data management platform, with benefits including improving data quality, easing oversight of clinical trial operations, and reducing trial timelines and costs, can be extremely helpful to our customers.'

Headquartered in Panama City, VaxTRIALS is a specialised Clinical Research Organisation founded in 2012. It offers advanced solutions for managing and monitoring vaccine clinical trial activities across Latin America as well as the Philippines. It supports efforts to prevent diseases such as influenza, dengue, chikungunya, hepatitis A, meningitis, norovirus, herpes zoster, pertussis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), polio, and COVID-19.

Sharing his views, Sastry Chilukuri, executive chairman, Emmes, said, 'œToday's clinical trials are both more complex and more global in nature than ever before. Combining VaxTRIALS' depth of expertise in Latin America and Emmes' strengths, particularly in technology, biostatistics and data management, will give clients an unmatched partnership experience in conducting their clinical trials.'

Founded in 1977, Emmes is a global full-service Clinical Research Organization (CRO) that has conducted over 2000 clinical studies across a broad range of therapeutic areas. It has significant expertise in infectious diseases, vaccines, ophthalmology, oncology, neurology, substance use disorders, and maternal and child health. Emmes employs over 1000 professionals across the United States, Europe, Canada, and India, with annual revenues between $100-$500 million.

Just days back, the company appointed Matt Bond as CFO to support its objective of public health and biopharmaceutical innovation. 

Further, it appointed Peter Ronco as the CEO of the company who succeeded Dr Christine Dingivan, who transitioned to the role of senior advisor to executive chairman Sastry Chilukuri and Emmes' Board of Directors.