MPI Research has acquired Jasper Clinical Research & Development, Inc., a CRO that provides early-stage human clinical testing. Jasper’s Clinic is a 50-bed clinical trial unit that provides a range of early-stage study services, including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics, drug interaction and methodology studies, as well as expertise in integrating pharmacogenetics and biomarkers into studies. The 25,000-sq.-ft. clinic is located in Kalamazoo, MI on the campus of Bronson Hospital. Jasper’s 80 plus staff members are expected to join MPI Research.

The original clinical facility was constructed in 1984 and operated as the internal Phase I testing unit of The Upjohn Company, which became Jasper Clinic in 2003 when Pfizer and Pharmacia merged. This facility and the expertise associated with it will permit drug radiolabeling and in-depth distribution studies across a wide variety of animal and human models.

“The addition of the Jasper Clinic is an important step toward making MPI Research the leading ‘one-stop’ resource for the early drug development community. From candidate selection in discovery, through preclinical safety assessment, proof-of-distribution imaging studies, and now, clinical trials, we can offer the full continuum of lead to proof-of-concept services for new drug candidates,” said MPI Research chairman and chief executive officer William U. Parfet.

“Jasper Clinic has been committed to providing clinical trial Sponsors with exceptional speed, flexibility, and value. I know MPI Research shares this commitment in every phase of their operations,” said Dean Knuth, founder of Jasper Clinic. “This is a unique and exciting opportunity for us to become part of a contract research organization that truly offers bench to bedside services. Moreover, the close proximity to the bioanalytical laboratories at MPI Research will greatly enhance our ability to provide quick turnaround services, particularly with first-to-file opportunities for those generic drug Sponsors performing bioequivalence studies.”

This is MPI’s second acquisition this past year. Also, in September 2013, the company, along with partners inviCRO and 3D Imaging, broke ground on the Translational Imaging Center, a world-class vivarium slated to begin operations this spring.