Acquiring Alpha Care gives Boston Healthcare an office in Berlin, Germany, from which it will support clients with the economics of bringing a product to market. Boston Healthcare provides similar services in the US but now has a team with specialist knowledge of European policies.
“Germany is one of the largest pharma and medical device markets in the world as well as a leader in health care technology innovation. Our presence in Germany will enhance our ability to serve these innovative companies”, said Joseph Ferrara, president of Boston Healthcare.
Bernd Brueggenjuergen leads the Berlin office and will continue as managing director of Boston Healthcare GmbH. Under Brueggenjuergen, Alpha Care extended its reach by entering into strategic partnerships such as European Network for Healthcare Research.
“Securing access to innovation in health care is a key issue in all major markets and increasingly requires a global exchange and expertise”, said Brueggenjuergen. Becoming part of Boston Healthcare should further this goal.
CROs move to show value
Boston Healthcare is one of a number of companies, including some leading contract research organisations (CRO), adding health economics and outcomes capabilities. The shift comes as sponsors pay greater attention to the economics of clinical trials and impacts on reimbursement.
In January Icon bolstered its presence in the sector by acquiring Oxford Outcomes, a service provider covering patient reported outcomes (PRO), health economics and other areas. Icon has expressed its satisfaction with the deal, and its wish to further strengthen in the late phase area.
“The Oxford Outcomes acquisition is a step, but it is only one step in what we plan to be a series of steps to build our presence in that market place”, said Peter Gray, CEO of Icon, in a call with investors last month.
Days after Icon bought Oxford Outcomes INC Research added expertise in pricing, market access and other areas by acquiring AVOS Consulting. INC is also on a panel at DIA next month to discuss the health economic value of new products to payers, physicians and consumers.