Velocity Fund Partners, a Pittsburgh private equity company, has acquired the Philadelphia clinical contract research organization (CRO) Indipharm and is relaunching the CRO as InClinica. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Velocity Fund Partners targets promising life sciences opportunities and believes InClinica is well-positioned for growth.

“InClinica’s existing global footprint and experience in early drug and device development and clinical trials, combined with Velocity’s unique experience and contacts in both healthcare and life sciences, will enable InClinica to provide companies with significant value in all clinical phases,” said Ken Melani, managing partner of Velocity Fund Partners and chairman of InClinica.  

InClinica specializes in leading companies through clinical trials. It works across all phases of clinical development, with a particular strength in assisting small to mid-sized companies entering first in man and phase 2 studies.

“We’re thrilled to launch and officially begin work as InClinica,” said Jim Nolan, operating partner of Velocity Fund Partners and chief executive officer of InClinica. “With our management team’s unique and extensive experience in drug and device discovery and development, InClinica knows what is needed to produce successful clinical trials. We look forward to leading our clients toward regulatory approval and the right place in the market.”

Edward Brennan, founder and president of Indipharm, is now chief medical officer of InClinica. Michael Fare will serve as chief operating officer and chief technology officer.

In addition to its headquarters in the Valley Forge area, the CRO also has offices in the U.K., Israel, and Malaysia. Among other studies, InClinica is currently managing a global phase 3 clinical trial in lung cancer.

“Many drugs fail to advance during clinical research for reasons unrelated to efficacy or safety,” said Mr. Fare. “An experienced clinical CRO can anticipate challenges and plan ahead, ensuring a smoother progression through clinical development.”

The CRO has a special focus in oncology, dermatology, metabolic disease and inflammatory diseases. The team also has deep experience in diseases as diverse as cardiovascular disease, GI disorders and infectious disease.