Premier Research acquires regulatory firm RPI for undisclosed price | Tech Science

Global CRO Premier Research acquired Regulatory Professionals and will merge the firm into a new division focused on the regulatory process for biotech, pharma and medical device companies.

Premier Research, which is backed by the investment firm Metalmark Capital, didn’t disclose financial terms of the deal, though it announced that RPI founder and chief executive Donna Kato will head the newly created division.

RPI, based in San Francisco, was founded in 1995 and offers regulatory experience across a number of product areas and life cycles from oncology to dermatology, the company said.

“Taking a new drug or medical device from concept to market requires a thoughtful regulatory strategy, expertly prepared documents for agency submission, and submission management in accordance with increasingly stringent requirements,” Ludo Reynders, Premier’s chief executive, said in a statement. “Joining with RPI will expand our ability to help these pioneers realize the potential of their novel therapies and life-changing innovations.”

William Blair & Company advised on the deal for Premier along with law firm Ropes & Gray. RPI was advised Edgemont Capital Partners, Lowenstein Sandler, and KPMG.

New York-based Metalmark Capital took a stake in Premier Research back in 2016, acquiring its position in the CRO from Indigo Capital, a London-based investment firm.