Medpace, a global full service Contract Research Organization (CRO) and International Health Management Associates, Inc. (IHMA), a full service central microbiology laboratory have announced a non-exclusive strategic alliance, designed to bring sponsors developing medical therapeutics in the infectious disease area services to support Phase I-IV global clinical studies.

Infectious disease studies have grown in complexity, with traditional microbiology methods increasingly supplemented with new molecular techniques, providing rapid and accurate data that facilitate improved understanding of disease mechanisms and enhance clinical outcomes. The development of successful infectious disease therapeutics also requires access to a truly global patient population, and sophisticated testing platforms backed by expert microbiologists, to deliver a consistent and quality driven solution to these complex studies. IHMA, a long standing laboratory leader and expert in supporting antimicrobial research will partner with Medpace for clinical studies requiring a microbiology laboratory component.

"Medpace has long recognized the benefits of specialized microbiology services as a key component of infectious disease clinical trials," said Dr. Brian Murphy, Senior Medical Director, Infectious Diseases at Medpace. "IHMA and Medpace are strongly committed to the improvement of bringing anti-infective treatments to patients. The natural evolution of our relationship is an indication of our shared philosophy of collaboration, responsiveness, flexibility, and scientific innovation."

"IHMA is very excited to combine our strong scientific microbiology expertise with the full suite of capabilities that Medpace has in place to ensure successful execution of clinical trials in the infectious disease arena," said Dan Sahm, Chief Scientific Officer and VP of Global Microbiology Services, IHMA, Inc.