vivoPharm branch out in US with MPI partnership and new Hershey office

29-Aug-2011 - Last updated on 02-Sep-2011 at 08:15 GMT

vivoPharm has extended its oncology offering after striking up an alliance with MPI Research.

The agreement combines Adelaide, Australia-based contract research organisation (CRO) vivoPharma’s 60 characterized cell lines and specialty oncology models with MPI Research’s molecular imaging program.

And both companies say the new partnership gives them the ability to work with sponsors from early-stage discovery programs, right the way through to clinical development and regulatory approval.

Fernando Felquer, vivoPharma’s VP global commercial development, told Outsourcing-Pharma: “This is an excellent opportunity for both vivoPharma and MPI to offer an extended service to its clients.”

VP of Michigan-based CRO MPI’s discovery center, Glenn Smits, added: “MPI Research and vivoPharm share a mutual philosophy for continuous development of scientific expertise and a consultative approach with their Sponsors.

“This partnership allows MPI Research not only enhances our laboratory capabilities and oncology models but also our overall oncology drug development program management.”

Opening up the market

Felquer also told Outsourcing-Pharma the partnership is a key opportunity to gain a foothold in the US market ahead of the opening of their new American facility.

The office, based in Hershey, is set to open shop on September 13, and will include office, a vivarium and laboratories.

Felquer said: “For us, the new strategic partnership has many important implications since we’re opening our new site in the US in September.

“This partnership will bring in revenue which in effect opens up the US market for us.

“Also, being new in the US market, our alliance with a large American CRO will help to put us on the map.

“And in terms of our customers, this will help us to provide a more complete service. We now have an integrated offering of services that provides a more complete package for clients.”

As for the type of sponsor the alliance may already be working with in the US, Felquer could not disclose details.

However of the type of business they are looking to, he added: “We will be looking in general at a wide range of sponsors, from small start up companies to big pharma.

“I think that, through this alliance, we have customers on board for a longer time period because it is a more complete service.

“There are a lot of changes for vivoPharm at the moment. In five years time, I believe we will have consolidated our position as major players in the oncology market, especially in the US and Europe.”