Wednesday, June 12, 2013

MPI Research, inviCRO, and 3D Imaging Announce Strategic Partnership

MATTAWAN, Mich - Wednesday, June 12th 2013 [ME NewsWire]

SNMMI 2013

MATTAWAN, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MPI Research, the largest single-site preclinical/early clinical contract research organization (CRO) globally, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with inviCRO and 3D Imaging to unite world-class molecular imaging, radiochemistry, and informatics to accelerate drug discovery and development. This partnership represents a combination of integrated imaging solutions that is offered by no other CRO in the world.

Having already collaborated on more than 100 unique imaging projects, MPI Research, inviCRO, and 3D Imaging are aligning and expanding to meet the industry’s need for comprehensive imaging services in a single location. The new molecular imaging center, located at MPI Research, will provide drug developers with access to the first commercially available cyclotron facility immediately contiguous with vivarium facilities housing species ranging from mice to nonhuman primates.

Jack Hoppin, PhD, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of inviCRO, stated, “No other commercial facility in the world can offer translational molecular imaging capabilities from mice to nonhuman primates, and Carbon-11 to Zirconium-89, under one roof. We believe that the scope and quality of image data generated through this alliance will vastly accelerate drug discovery and development programs.”

Marc Berridge PhD, President and Founder of 3D Imaging, shared, “3D Imaging is excited to apply our custom tracer applications in a wide range of animal models, including nonhuman primates, with the benefit of state-of-the-art image analysis. We look forward to providing a uniquely powerful total imaging and translational solution to our Sponsors through this alliance with two highly respected and capable partners.”

Groundbreaking for the new imaging center in Mattawan, Michigan, will occur very soon, and the new physical site will open in Q2 of 2014, although many of the expanded imaging solutions, including nonhuman primate PET and CT imaging capabilities, will be available in July 2013.

According to MPI Research Chairman, President, and CEO, William U. Parfet, “We have joined the best minds in imaging to form this partnership and I look forward to showing Sponsors how we can assist them with their drug and device development programs by offering the best imaging solutions in the world. Through this partnership with our esteemed colleagues at inviCRO and 3D Imaging, our Sponsors can reduce development costs, improve candidate selection, and accelerate regulatory approval.”

Representatives from the three partnership companies are jointly attending the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, June 8–12, 2013, in Vancouver, BC, and will be available to discuss the new imaging solutions available as a result of this strategic partnership. Please stop by inviCRO’s exhibit (booth # 443) for more information.

About MPI Research

MPI Research, with global headquarters in Mattawan, Michigan, provides safety evaluation, discovery, bioanalytical, and analytical services to the biopharmaceutical, medical device, animal health, and chemical industries. The company offers comprehensive imaging solutions including preclinical imaging, radiochemistry, and data analysis. Scientific knowledge and experience, responsiveness, integrity, trust, teamwork, and dedication to strong and enduring Sponsor relationships are the defining attributes that characterize MPI Research as a high-performance, high-quality organization that is committed to bringing safer and more effective products to the world. Learn more about how we can exceed your expectations at www.mpiresearch.com.

About inviCRO

inviCRO was founded with a mission of improving the value of imaging in drug discovery and development. The company provides a full range of imaging services and software solutions including contract research services, custom data analysis, and software programs for image data management and high-throughput image processing. Their experienced team of more than 25 research scientists possesses unique capabilities in imaging physics, advanced biostatistics, multi-dimensional image processing, software development, and an intimate understanding of imaging systems, agents, and animal models. Managing and/or processing more than 15 imaging studies per month across a broad range of applications, inviCRO has processed more than 50,000 scans over the past three years. inviCRO’s analysis and management software is used in over 100 imaging facilities worldwide and growing. www.invicro.com

About 3D Imaging

3D Imaging was established to bring innovative radiochemistry to drug development research. With an onsite cyclotron embedded in a major medical school research and teaching hospital, 3D Imaging produces any desired radiopharmaceutical. For the past seven years 3D Imaging has offered preclinical, translational, and clinical PET imaging. Beginning with C-11 and F-18 labeled radiopharmaceuticals, including custom-labeled and custom-formulated drugs and drug candidates, 3D Imaging currently offers 45 different radiotracers. With the addition of novel, solid targetry for in-house production of I-124, Zr-89, and Cu-64, products labeled with these nuclides, and custom labeling with commercially available SPECT nuclides, there is no limit to the potential to produce the right tracer for any purpose. www.3dimagingllc.com

Contacts

MPI Research

Joan Manners, +1.269.668.3336

joan.manners@mpiresearch.com