Research Triangle Park, N.C.-based CATO SMS and Bracknell, U.K.-headquartered Pharm-Olam, both providers of specialized clinical research services, are merging to form a leading global biopharmaceutical services organization positioned to serve the growing number of small and mid-sized companies developing complex therapies.
 
Although smaller businesses currently account for nearly 70% of the biopharmaceutical industry’s intellectual property, they have often found it challenging to receive the full attention of senior resources required to effectively design and manage clinical studies. CATO SMS and Pharm-Olam are joining forces to address this gap and serve the specific needs of small and mid-sized businesses.
 
“CATO SMS and Pharm-Olam are creating an organization that will lead the industry in addressing an exciting opportunity and tremendous need,” said Mark Goldberg, CEO, CATO SMS. “Together, we will provide smaller biopharmaceutical companies with a differentiated offering anchored by deep scientific expertise, a partnership model and comprehensive solutions to successfully navigate the complexities of bringing novel treatments to market. Put simply, our goal is to be the market leader in meeting the needs of small to mid-sized biopharmaceutical companies.”
 
As one organization, CATO SMS and Pharm-Olam will manage multi-national development programs across Phase I-IV research, offering:
 
• a comprehensive suite of solutions including full-service clinical trial operations, biometrics services and clinical pharmacology (including population pK, modeling and simulation);
• world-class consulting including clinical development, global regulatory strategy and submissions, non-clinical, and Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC);
• an expanded global footprint spanning 35 offices and 60+ countries across North America, Latin America, Europe, India and the Middle East;
• scientific and drug development expertise in complex therapeutic areas, including oncology, rare disease, infectious diseases, cell and gene therapy, immunology and central nervous diseases;
• high-touch service from a global workforce of 1,200+ employees possessing advanced medical and scientific degrees and deep clinical and technical expertise; and
• the ability to perform clinical research for the U.S. government as one of the few contract research organizations pre-qualified to do so.
 
Rob Davie, CEO, Pharm-Olam, said, “Coming together with CATO SMS is the next step toward achieving our mission of being one of the most trusted clinical research providers in the industry. Both companies share a passion for understanding the distinct needs of our biopharmaceutical clients and customizing our teams and solutions to enable them to deliver innovative therapies to the patients who need them.”
 
Mr. Davie will retire from his role as CEO and serve as a senior advisor to support the transition of Pharm-Olam as it becomes part of CATO SMS. Both companies will continue to serve clients under their respective brands until they announce the new name of the combined organization, expected in early 2022.