CenExel Clinical Research Acquires Research Centers America to Expand CNS and Vaccine Trial Capabilities

VCBeat (WeChat ID: vcbeat) learned from foreign media that on December 5, 2019, local time, U.S. clinical research company CenExel Clinical Research (CenExel) announced the acquisition of the Research Centers of America (RCA), based in Hollywood, Florida. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

CenExel is dedicated to helping pharmaceutical companies develop new therapies to improve patient care. Each of its research units has extensive experience in assisting with the design of drug development programs and conducting Phase I–IV clinical trials.

RCA is a research institution specializing in the development of therapies and vaccines for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Its researchers and staff have conducted more than 1,000 inpatient and outpatient clinical trials involving pediatric and geriatric patients. These trials encompass Phase I–III studies on mental health conditions, CNS disorders, substance use disorders, and sleep-related research. The institution also collaborates with the Fort Lauderdale Behavioral Health Center to conduct psychiatric inpatient and outpatient clinical trials.

Another unique advantage of RCA is its vaccine development capabilities, which encompass a wide range of infectious disease and biodefense indications, including seasonal and pandemic influenza, as well as Zika, Ebola, cholera, smallpox, Staphylococcus aureus, typhoid fever, and botulism. RCA’s peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation laboratory has been certified through the Duke University Proficiency Program, and RCA was honored with the “Best Clinical Trial Site” award at the 2018 World Vaccine Congress.

With the addition of RCA, CenExel’s facility network has expanded to include Florida, California, Georgia, Maryland, and Utah, and is supported by some of the world’s most accomplished and respected researchers and key opinion leaders in clinical research.

Dr. Peter Ventre, Founder and Chief Investigator of RCA, is a board-certified psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Ventre also owns Ventre Medical Associates (VMA), one of the largest medical groups in Broward County. VMA currently collaborates with Broward Health to provide psychiatric services to the two largest hospitals in the area. Dr. Ventre also serves as the Director of Psychiatry at Broward Health Medical Center.

CenExel CEO Tom Wardle stated, “We are delighted to welcome CenExel. This acquisition continues the strong momentum of CenExel as a leading clinical research site network. RCA’s expertise in central nervous system therapies and vaccine research complements our portfolio.”

Dr. Peter Ventre stated, “Joining CenExel represents a significant and timely step for us. We view this as a pathway to expand both single-site and multi-site RCA studies, while also enabling us to focus on our own research aimed at transforming patients’ lives through pharmacological therapies.”

Edgemont Partners served as RCA’s exclusive financial advisor in this transaction.

(Compiled by He Li)