MPI Research, inviCRO, and 3D Imaging in Strategic Pact

MPI Research has entered a strategic partnership with inviCRO and 3D Imaging to combine molecular imaging, radiochemistry, and informatics in an effort to accelerate drug discovery and development. The companies have collaborated on more than 100 imaging projects and are aligning and expanding to create comprehensive imaging services in a single location.

The new molecular imaging center, located at MPI Research in in Mattawan, MI, will provide access to the first commercially available cyclotron facility adjoined with vivarium facilities housing species ranging from mice to nonhuman primates. The new imaging center will open in 2Q14, although many imaging solutions, including nonhuman primate PET and CT imaging capabilities will be available in July 2013. 
 
Jack Hoppin, PhD, co-founder and managing partner of inviCRO, said, “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 Ph.D., president and founder of 3D Imaging, said, “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.”
 
According to MPI Research chairman, president, and chief executive officer, 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.”