ICON plc has acquired PMG Research, Inc., an integrated network of 12 clinical research sites operating throughout the U.S., expanding ICON’s site and patient engagement capabilities.
 
PMG consists of 48 physician practices and large multi-specialty healthcare institutions throughout NC, SC, TN, and IL. PMG conducts clinical trials in all major therapeutic areas with particular experience in cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, men’s health, neurology, pulmonology, rheumatology, vaccine, and women’s health trials. PMG Research also has access to more than 2 million active patients via electronic health records through partnerships with healthcare systems and community physician practices.
 
ICON’s chief executive officer Ciaran Murray said, “Enrolling and engaging patients in clinical trials is a key challenge within drug development. Leveraging PMG Research’s network, we will help customers to enhance clinical trial feasibility and improve patient enrolment timelines whilst also giving patients access to a broader range of care options through clinical trials. This acquisition, together with our work with IBM Watson on clinical trial matching, reflects our commitment to enhancing engagement with sites, patients and healthcare providers to take significant time and cost from our customers’ development programs.”
 
Jennifer Byrne, chief executive officer of PMG Research, said, “ICON shares PMG’s progressive views and by combining together we can enhance our ability to scale our know-how, infrastructure, and health care relationships to bring more of the right trials to the right patients. Together we will enhance the execution of clinical trials and deliver greater value for both the industry and health care systems, forging better and closer connections.”