MPI Research, InviCRO, 3D Imaging In Partnership
MATTAWAN -- Mattawan-based MPI Research, the world's largest single-site preclinical and early clinical contract research organization, this week announced a partnership with Boston-based InviCRO LLC and Maumelle, Ark.-based 3D Imaging LLC.
The partnership will build a new molecular imaging center at MPI Research using technologies from all three firms. It will provide drug researchers with the first commercially available cyclotron immediately adjacent with a vivarium housing species ranging from mice to primates.
The three companies have already collaborated on more than 100 imaging projects.
"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, 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 president and founder of 3D Imaging, said his firm would "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 will occur soon, and the partners said it would open by June 30, 2014. Many of its expanded imaging solutions, including nonhuman primate PET and CT imaging capabilities, will be available in July 2013.
Said 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."
More at www.mpiresearch.com, www.invicro.com or www.3dimagingllc.com
