MPI Research, inviCRO & 3D Imaging Announce Strategic Partnership


MPI Research, the largest single-site preclinical/early clinical contract research organization (CRO) globally, recently announced 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.

“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,” said Jack Hoppin, PhD, Co-founder and Managing Partner of inviCRO. “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, added, “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, MI, 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.”

MPI Research, with global headquarters in Mattawan, MI, 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. For more information, visit www.mpiresearch.com.