Promedica International and Iris Pharma Announce Strategic Alliance for Expansion of Ophthalmology Clinical Research Services

Costa Mesa, California – April 10, 2007 – Promedica International (PMI), a USA-based CRO with extensive experience in ophthalmology clinical research announced today the establishment of a new strategic alliance with Iris Pharma, a France-based CRO.

Iris Pharma, which specializes in ophthalmology research, serves major European markets through its corporate office in Nice, France. The company’s CRO services include project management, study management and monitoring, clinical quality assurance, medical writing and European regulatory support. Additionally, the company’s non-clinical laboratory provides basic research, preclinical studies and analytical testing specifically for ophthalmology products.

PMI chose to formalize the alliance with Iris Pharma based on previous collaborative experience, which highlighted the firms’ cultural similarities in terms client orientation and service. “The PMI-Iris Pharma alliance expands both firms’ capabilities. Our combined experience and service provider relationships in this field facilitate comprehensive, efficient clinical project plans and implementation in both North America and Europe. Over the years we have reviewed various alliance opportunities – we find Iris Pharma’s capabilities and culture to be a good match with PMI’s focus on people, processes and performance”, said Ellen Palo, PMI founder.

“The PMI-Iris Pharma alliance creates an excellent value for our clients”, stated Pierre-Paul Elena, PhD, founder of Iris Pharma. “Now our clients will have the opportunity to perform study activities in Europe and North America using common project and data management resources and a single set of standard operating procedures.”

Shannon Stoddard, Director of Clinical Services at PMI, will oversee the integration of the firms’ standard operating procedures (SOP) and systems to streamline project implementation activities. Ms. Stoddard said, “It is very positive to have a European partner with this level of experience in ophthalmic clinical research. Iris Pharma’s specialized knowledge in this field enables us to confidently provide our clients with thoughtful study planning processes, suggestions for proven European study sites, and in-country monitoring and site management.”

Both companies will have exhibit booths at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), which is May 6 – 9, 2007 in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.