Kentucky-based contract research organization (CRO) CTI, with locations around the world, has extended its reach into the Middle East/northern Africa (MENA) region, with associates in Egypt, Morocco, Saudia Arabia and other countries in the area. Former Clinart CEO Alaa Assem will now act as CTI’s managing director for the MENA region.
Patrick Earley, CTI chief international business offer, commented that the acquisition of Clinart will increase the company’s reach for its clients around the world.
“We are excited to have Clinart join CTI to create a stronger and more robust global full-service CRO,” Earley commented. “This acquisition has been in the works for quite some time, and despite the global crises we’re currently experiencing, we felt passionately about moving this deal forward for the future success of our organization. In fact, this merger will allow both companies to continue and expand the global reach of their important work in COVID-19 research.”
Assem commented, “Joining CTI allows for our clients to have expanded industry leading therapeutic expertise, a broader global footprint, and a greater capacity for innovative solutions. Our employees have been key to our success in the region the last two decades, and they will continue to use their local expertise to support CTI’s growth and projects.”
CTI, its third decade, is one of the 20 largest CROs in the world, with associates in more than 60 countries. The company currently manages more than 20 active COVID-19 trials for treatment and prevention solutions; it also is conducting projects involving regenerative medicine, rare diseases and other therapeutic indications.
In July, CTI announced a collaboration with clinical trial support specialist Medidata. The partnership will put in place technology designed to facilitate remote monitoring and review of documents for COVID-19 research and other studies.